Insight with Mark Farrell

The Eric Garner Grand Jury Verdict, Adolescent Anxiety and Reunions or Reruns? - 12.04.14

Capturing a most dangerous police maneuver on video (complete with audio) apparently wasn’t enough to convince a NY grand jury that excessive force was used by a Staten Island police officer that ultimately killed Eric Garner.  Kids are freaking out from increased pressures of test performance that could impact their future and it’s manifesting in the form of anxiety.  And how more and more kindergarten curriculums don’t advocate for coloring outside the lines.  

 

Insight - WHEELCHAIRS AFLOAT, NAKED KAR-TRASH-IAN, VALOR CONCERT DEBACLE - 11/13/14

Persons in wheelchairs are now experiencing utter fredom on the sea atop of modified paddle boards. Mark speaks with Kawika Watt, founder of On It Ability Boards and discovers how this affable native Hawaiian surfer conceived a method that's empowering countess disabled wanna be paddle boarders to leave their wheelchairs and achieve all new levels of freedom and confidence through the tireless commitment of one passionate man.

 

Bruce Springsteen's lyrics have made him the iconic musician he's been for decades so when he performed at The Concert of Valor in Washington on Veteran's Day, did people really think he would gloss over America's past and present wars?  Hear Mark's perspective and so much more on what was a terrific concept by HBO turned out to be an underwhelming experience.            

 

Kim Kardashian in the buff...why?  Oh that's right - that's how she launched her career, correction - her life of narcissism and because we haven't already seen (and heard) enough of her - why does America have such an insatiable KK appetite?  

 

Insight - Booty Galore, Film, and Legalize Pot - 11/06/14

Now that the midterm elections are finally over Mark concentrates on the more important things in life - like the new risqué video featuring J-Lo alongside Iggy Azalia and their finer attributes. Hear how Reelabilities is the nation's newest and hottest film festival devoted to persons with disabilities. And enjoy this podcast while you pack to move to the newest locations that have legalized pot - Oregon, Alaska, DC. On second thought, DC will probably remain pot free since congress will override the popular vote. 

Insight - CURBING STREET HARASSING CAT CALLS, MARATHON OF MARATHONS AND THE APPLE’S OUT OF THE CLOSET - 10/30/14

Street harassment can be sexist, racist, transphobic, homophobic, ableist, sizeist, and or classist -   and it’s happening on streets worldwide.  Perhaps you were on the receiving end of unwanted vulgar comments that left you feeling scared, irate and uncertain how and what to do.  Holla back is a movement to end street harassment by a network of local activists around the world by using smart phones and much more.  Holla Back’s Deputy Director, Debjani Roy reveals the ugly truth of what millions of people experience every day and what you can do about it and how Holla Back’s experiment of filming a young woman walking the streets of NYC to see what verbal assault she would receive depicts just how rampant unwanted verbal abuse is.  www.ihollaback.org

 

Apple’s turning out way more than just new product!  Tim Cook, Apple CEO revealed he identifies as gay…translation – he’s gay.  You’re welcome.  This is terrific news for anyone struggling with the notion of coming out.  Way to go Tim…now what can you do for the tens of thousands of under paid and over worked overseas children and adults building Apple products???     

 

Chris Christie cancels Halloween in NJ due to Ebola breakout???  He probably pondered the notion but the viral rumor is just that but in true Christie form, he did tell a heckler to “shut up”.  Hear why Mark considers him to be far from a viable president.  

 

And Mark muses on why he thinks NYC is the marathon of marathons and talks with first time NYC marathoner Mary Wodell and why she runs and who benefits from her endless pounding the pavement.   

Insight - VISION LOSS IS SOMETHING TO LAUGH ABOUT - 10/23/14

Brian Fischler, Founder of Laugh for Sight, comedian, writer and master to one really cool guide dog named Nash (he’s actually funnier then Brian too) talks about the 9th annual sidesplitting LFS event Monday October 27 at the Gotham Comedy Club starring Gilbert Gottfried, Robert Klein, Jim Norton, Colin Quinn and more comic greats.  Okay – full disclosure, I’m the jack-ass host for the silent auction where I’ll share hilarious stories of being visually impaired – and NO I’m not excited to see you, that’s my pocket magnifier!  We even get serious for a moment to discuss how people with vision loss are invaluable employees…okay, back to ridiculousness – hear how Mark’s gargantuan large print dictionary serves as a great prop but was once the bane of his existence when he was young.   

 

Plus, Mark shares how he answered a perfectly logical question during one of his recent live school talks by a special education teacher on behalf of her students about being different.  Also - how the Blade Runner, Oscar Pistorious got away with murder by being sentenced to a mere 5 years and how finally - 5 Sayreville War memorial high school football coaches were just suspended – NOT fired.

 

Learn more about Mark including his talks at schools and corporations nationally:

www.markfarrelmotivation,com

Insight - SMART PHONES GET TOUGH, HEINOUS FOOTBALL TEAM BULLYING?, DEATH WITH DIGNITY - 10/09/14

Sayreville WarMemorialHigh School cancelled the remainder of its football season due to grotesque acts forced on freshmen players by senior teammates.  The senior offenders consider this hazing and school officials are calling it bullying.  Mark muses the so called “bullies” will soon be called “sex offenders” for the unthinkable and abysmal behavior!  Also, callers’ voice their disgust over what occurred in this gridiron crazed town.

 

Parents everywhere – download the FREE “Know Bullying” app developed by SAMHSA and Stop Bullying.Gov (no it’s not a taser gun) to learn ways to speak with your child about bullying.  Ingrid Donato from SAMHSA, joins Mark and provides tips, warning signs and more on protecting your child. 

 

If you were told you have a short amount of time left on earth, how would you spend it?  Hear how one woman has chosen her destiny!  Death with dignity?              

Insight - Binge Drinking America, Binge Eating welcomed at “The Olive Garden” and Apple’s Latest Gaff - 09/25/14

With the recent death of Rutgers student Caitlyn P. Kovacs from what appears to be alcohol related due to binge drinking - Mark and guest, clinical psychologist Michael Friedman (Dr. Mike) discuss this widespread practice that not only dominates campuses across America but shockingly, 1 in 6 adults also binge drink about four times a month.  Dr. Mike provides great insight to why both students and adults find this drinking method provocative and offers solutions for people with a drink in one hand and seemingly, a stopwatch in the other.

 

Possible suicide solution coming to the rescue on the GeorgeWashingtonBridge and on the most popular suicide site in the country, the Golden GateBridge.  A 9 foot barrier to be erected on the GWB will hopefully prevent would-be jumpers and a net will be installed under theGolden GateBridge to prevent falls.  Listen to Mark’s perspective on the potential effectiveness of these preventative measures.

 

The only thing more disappointing then eating at The Olive Garden is eating at the O.G. while using Apple’s IOS 8…not only will you loose control of your bodily functions after your meal but you’ll simultaneously loose control of your iphone.  Who to curse more – the 50 garlic sticks or Steve Jobs?

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.