Insight with Mark Farrell

Insight - Crazy Kanye, Suicide Prevention Month and the NFL Coming Apart at the Seams! - 09/18/14

It would be unfathomable to think any performer would not proceed with their show until every single person in the audience stood on their feet…well, unless you’re Kanye West.  But he did allow someone with a prosthetic leg and persons in wheelchairs to remain seated.  Ah, the compassionate and crazy Kanye! 

 

Suicide is one of the top three causes of death in youth and the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide is making great strides in educating teachers, administrators and more on a national level to reduce death by suicide.  Dawn Doherty, Executive Director for SPTS, articulates how their innovative and comprehensive on-line (and free) model is designed to inform educators of all significant aspects associated with youth at risk.  Plus, hear how SPTS founders Scott Fritz and Don Quigley were instrumental in passing legislation that New Jersey teachers receive formal training in suicide prevention.  Several states have passed similar law since NJ set the precedent.

Insight - 9/11 Good Deeds, NFL’s Giant Pigskin Fumble and World Suicide Prevention Day! - 09/11/14

NYC and the world forever changed 13 years ago and on this anniversary Mark speaks with the co-founder of “9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance”, David Paine on how he and co-founder Jay Winuk created a pivotal organization from the publics overwhelming desire to do good things, pay it forward, etc. on such a significant day for America and much of the world.

 

After nearly 35 years of service in the Army, Major General Mark Graham didn’t take up golf after retirement – rather, can catapulted himself into the world of mental health where he honors both of his sons memories – Kevin, a senior Army ROTC Cadet who died by suicide and Jeff, 2nd Lieutenant who died in the line of duty.  The Generals tireless efforts are put to invaluable use as the Senior Director of the RutgersNationalCallCenter and as Director of Military, Veterans and Family Support Services.  Look for General Grahams highly anticipated forthcoming book; “The Invisible Front: Love and Loss in an Era of Endless War” in early October 2014.

Insight - Elmo, Rocco and Kickin Cancers Butt! - 08/28/14

Rocco Fiorentino is a remarkable human being.  Hear how this indomitable 17 year old convinced legislators the importance of recognizing blindness that ultimately resulted in 44 states declaring October as “blindness awareness month”, including his home state of New Jersey.  He has appeared on Sesame Street where he comfortably described how it is being blind – which by the way, is true for Rocco.  Blind since birth but that hasn’t prevented him from becoming a composer, jazz singer, actor and more.  NBC’s Today Show invited Rocco on to demonstrate just how talented, intelligent and well spoken and to share some of his musical highlights of performing with Stevie Wonder and so much more.  Rocco’s bags are packed since he’s headed to Berklee College of Music where he’ll undoubtedly excel in his next chapter in life!

 

Cancer changes lives forever and for Kareemah Batts – it inspired her to accomplish something she and not many amputees consider – climbing mountains!  Her passion to begin anew makes one take pause and reflect on what we are all capable of in life.  Everyone has mountains of some sort to summit but not everyone has the courage in life to conquer what frightens them or secretly drives them.  Don’t het in Kareemahs way as this juggernaut is headed full steam ahead!  Watch her soar!

 

Insight - Robin Williams and Mental Illness - 08/14/14

In light of the tragic death of Robin Williams, Mark speaks with Dr. Jen Hartstein, NYC psychologist, author and professor - on many aspects of mental illness including depression and the physical and biological components and how the reverberations of losing Robin Williams have created massive dialogue that will hopefully spark a better understanding of what mental illness truly is – a disease.   

Mark shares his personal experience with panic attacks, anxiety and depression and how he managed to navigate and conquer intrusive thoughts that at first rocked his world – to, how the right therapist and understanding what your body is telling you can make all the difference.   Plus, hear how Mark had the privilege of meeting, cycling and interviewing Robin Williams at The Challenged Athletes Foundation triathlon, where they shared laughs and where Mark saw first handedly how devoted Robin was to people with disabilities.             

Insight - Good Grief and Coldplay - 08/07/14

Most adults have a difficult time addressing death and loss.  It’s no wonder why absurd explanations are concocted when explaining death to children and young adults.  Joe Primo, Executive Director of Good Grief (NJ based organization that serves families and children on the death of a mom, dad, brother or sister) and author of “What Do We Tell the Children”, explains what type of dialogue should occur when having the feared and dreaded “death” conversation.  It’ll help you prepare for the inevitable - the death of people we love, and most importantly – children will benefit from a more sensible explanation which they will be able to process logically.

 

Mark muses on the life of James Brady and his major influence as a gun control advocate and summer jobs for kids – are they history?  Mark shares his plethora of jobs he held as a boy to his stint with Club Med as a bartender (not yet rated) to seeing Coldplay’s front man Chris Martin at a secret NYC concert where concertgoers were kept in the dark regarding vital show details – including where and when until the last minute.      

Insight - Chinese Tour De France, Summer Camp and another NYC Poor Door - 07/24/14

For Ji Cheng, even if he comes in dead last - it’s an honor racing in the world’s most famous bike race.  Was summer camp an experience you treasure or was the thought of being away from home paralyzing?  Mark recounts his time at camp with fellow visually impaired and blind campers where he was instrumental in organizing midnight pillow fight raids on neighboring cabins.  New York developer Extell, was approved to have a separate entrance for the “poor” tenants in the 33 story luxury building under construction on the upper west side.  “Poor” door will be for families making less than $51.540 or less and you won’t see the poor door tenants utilizing the gym and pool as that’s not permitted!  This isn’t the first NYC property to segregate tenants by wallet size yet it doesn’t make it right.  Mark also discusses the Commonwealth Games in Scotland, the new transgender leader of Garden State Equality (LGBT rights group), Katy Perry teaming up with UNICEF and more.

Insight - You Don't Deserve That, Vanessa Williams and Apps that Keep you from Baking! - 07/18/14

A new car for their 17th birthday.  An ostentatious sweet sixteen party that
would even awe the Kardashians, the latest technological devices known to
man (of course outfitted with every possible accoutrement)?  These teens
(and adults) exist and they feel very strongly about their right to "have"
and "do" what they want.
"The entitled generation"...they're everywhere with their heads bent
feverishly tapping away on their smart phones or easily overheard bragging
publicly about their new outlandishly priced clothes or exotic vacation
plans.  Expert parent coach, Joan Keefe shares how this epidemic like
behavior is becoming more common, how it starts and how it can be managed.
Who is culpable; parents, the media, pop culture?  Mark and Joan discuss.

Mark also talks about the necessity (with a wink in his eye) of a new app
that tells you when to reapply sun tan lotion based on your skin type.
Should the creators of this app also include an indicator that would prompt
sunbathers when it's time to hit on the person you've been hawking near you?
Speaking of new apps - Kim Kardashian is attaching her name to a new smart
phone app that will make her an estimated cool 45 million.  And Mark talks
about Vanessa Williams appearance on Oprah's show where she recounts being
sexually abused by an 18 year old family friend when she was 10.     

Insight - Planet of Poverty, Swiffer and World Cup Babies - 07/10/14

Can you imagine being one of the over one billion people on the planet that live on a dollar a day? Thomas A. Nazario discusses his new book, “Living on a Dollar a Day - The lives and faces of the world’s poor” with Mark.  Hear what it takes to reduce worldwide poverty – it’s not rocket science rather, politics as usual.

 

Advocates for the deaf and blind are urging Apple to design operating systems and apps that are more user friendly for the disabled community.  In a stellar effort to include persons with disabilities in it’s commercials – Swiffer is moving dust and changing perceptions on who someone with a disability is.      

Insight - 06/26/14

Governor Chris Christie Opens Doors, rather then closing a bridge -  for NJ Students with Disabilities. Plus – how much damage can an Open Carry Guitar Rally cause – we hope a lot!

 

Tim Shriver, Special Olympics Chairman spoke with Mark about the historic bill signing by New jersey Governor Chris Christie requiring schools to allow students with disabilities to sign up for and take part in extracurricular sports programs.  This milestone event is the first in the country and will hopefully set a precedent for all states and nations worldwide.

 

Attention shredders, care to exercise your second amendment right to carry that axe – or guitar openly?  Hear how one Dallas man is sending a message to gun owners that tout their weapons openly in restaurants and coffee shops.  It’s his way of educating those who participate in open carry rallies as well as exercising his most valued right – to rock out!

Insight - Center Stage Kids and Getting Summer Slim - 06/19/14

The Moth has introduced their model of storytelling to NY schools and with great success kids are clamoring to be part of this unique program that has kids sharing life events through The Moth’s instruction on the art of storytelling.  Catherine McCarthy, shares why and how this endeavor by The Moth was conceived and the many positive effects it has had on countless students.      

 

Attention hard, soft and very soft bodies – we have good news for you.  You can feel better about your physique through diet and exercise and yes – in time for summer 2014.  NYC personal trainer, Cindy Lai shares how simple diet modifications and tweaks coupled with sensible exercise can have you looking and feeling better.  No gym required, just a little willpower can lead to an improved you.  

 

Insight - 06/12/14

The World Cup, “Dumb and Dumber To” and Housing for Returning Veterans.  And yes, it’s Healthy to Give!  

 

As a nation, are we less dumb now then 20 years ago?  Mark shares his exuberance about the new “Dumb and Dumber To” sequel, starring Jim Carey and Jeff Daniels and compares events and people from 1994 to 2014.  No, Mark doesn’t sing Mockingbird!    

 

61% of Brazilians didn’t want their country to host the World Cup but that’s a moot point now as football is underway in a nation that’s ill prepared to host the cup.  Regardless, at the conclusion of four weeks 1 team from 32 will be the victor!  Hear this and more as Mark muses goals and the games.    

 

Justin Bond received a free new house the hardest way possible – he gave his heart and soul for his country and lost his leg in doing so.  Bill Ivey, of Homes for Our Troops explains how Jason and other severely disabled veterans can receive new hosing at no cost.

 

Find out why you feel good when you give, as best selling author Dr. Stephen Post explains the science behind the many physical and psychological rewards of giving.    

Insight - Blind Gunslingers, Disabilities and Gainful Employment, Topped with a Teen Twist - 06/05/14

Barbara Otto from "Think Beyond the Label", shares why employers will find
no shortage of very capable applicants with disabilities to fill private
sector and government positions and why organizations have neglected to hire
more persons with disabilities.  Also, how job seekers with disabilities can
land their ideal position.

Her past is present in her books including her new novel "Always and
Forever". Susane Colasanti, depicts teen love coupled with stardom. Can they
go hand in hand?  Hear how this once Bronx NY school teacher became a top
teen novelist through her dream of connecting with as many teenagers as
possible.     

And so long yellow bus - kids are using sole power to get to school.  Hear
about this trend that could take a bite out of child obesity.

Insight - Summer, Bikes, Fracking and Justin Timberlake - 05/21/14

iCan Shine teaches children with disabilities across the country how to
accomplish one of the most significant rites of passage for kids - how to
ride a bike. Mark talks with Lisa Ruby from iCan Shine about this incredible
program and Mark shares how his idenity was and is closely linked to bikes
stemming from his visual impairment.

When you splash into the ocean or lake this summer know what condition it's
in before you dive in. Amy Goldsmith from Clean Ocean Action N.J., reveals
the current political under current facing our waterways and how water could
be the next scarce resource.

Plus, what would summer be without a smash hit? Mark predicts what tune may
loop in your head, like it it not - in summer 2014.

Insight - All things Mental Health - 05/15/14

In recognition of mental health awareness month, Dr. Mike Friedman clinical psychologist joins Mark for an hour discussion on the many critical components of mental health including: the stigma, types of therapy, medication, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, denial and more.  Also, Mark shares how he began speaking to national audiences on significant topics that impacted his life including: overcoming adversity, alcohol, mental health and more.  More at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com

Insight - Diplomas, trash and patriots - 05/08/14

Cue drum roll…the Rutgers 2014 commencement speaker is Condoleezza Rice.  Correction, make that Eric LeGrand.  Hmm, actually - it may be former NJ Governor Tom Kean.  Well, one thing is for sure, Rutgers has again proven they consistently mishandle situations.  This just in – both Kean and LeGrand will speak but that too can change, after all it’s Rutgers!              

 

Were TeaneckNew JerseyHigh School students being nefarious or just having good old senior fun when they were caught in the midst of leaving their mark that has lead to national attention.

 

Can a quadriplegic compete in a marathon?  Chris Holcomb returns to Insight to share his riveting experience completing his 30th marathon that left him and other Boston Marathoners with immense pride due to the enormity of this year’s running.