Episodes
Friday Jul 28, 2017
Friday Jul 28, 2017
Kate Sprague’s big brother Jordan died by suicide nearly seven years ago and she’s made a brilliant award winning movie, Our Brother Jordan” on her and her family’s courageous journey through the pain, healing and ultimately where she’s able to say “It’s good to be home”. Kate’s mother Lisa, joins Mark in a conversation on how mental illness descended upon Jordan, how this close knit New Jersey family coped to how they channeled their positive energy to benefit vital mental health organizations making strides including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention https://afsp.org/ and The Samaritans http://samaritansnyc.org/
Founder of Soulsational Music & Wellness Festival, Michelle Leonard talks about this phenomenal FREE all day family fun experience, Saturday July 29. 2017 in Bayville NJ featuring live music, yoga, massage, healthy food and organic beer (yes it exists hence the reason why Mark is hosting). www.soulsational.info
Plus, Mark gives his perspective on # 45’s new absurd transgender ban in the military, how Peter Frampton comes alive and unglued and more.
Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase moral, productivity, confidence and more. Mark also has riveting talks for kids k-12 and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement and more. All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience. Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com
"Mark invigorated our conference! His genuine enthusiasm and professionalism, combined with an amazing topic, made for a marvelous presentation."
Catharine Leahy - Speakers Chair Pinceton University
Friday Jul 14, 2017
Friday Jul 14, 2017
Meet Sofiya Cheyenne, actor/dancer/singer/writer and disability advocate. And there’s more- much more. Sofiya is a chair member with Little People of America though don’t let her 4”1” size fool you – she’s a trail blazer and powerhouse of many sorts including her devotion to educating the public on Dwarfism, teaching empathy to teenagers through drama therapy and her determination and resiliency to joyfully dance and sing despite the countless surgeries she endured from a young child to a teenager. Sofiya possesses an effervescence and positivity that’s refreshing and contagious. Listen to her unfathomable story of this remarkable twenty-six year old wonder woman (and newlywed). Sofiya returns in October for Dwarfism Awareness month with her newlywed husband to share their experience with societal perceptions, opinions on the newly approved FDA medicine for Dwarfism and much more.
Ex Christie Allies Bill Baroni and Bridget Kelly get prison time while the Bridgegate mastermind, David Wildstein essentially skates free for merely implicating Baroni and Kelly. Unfair? Mark thinks so and muses about Chris Christies future that he speculates will not be Bridgegate free!
Mark shares his experience with putting powder up his nose for years and discusses how a new product called Coko Loco is cocaine with training wheels though touted as a snortable stimulant that promises focus and energy. Will Dairy Queen start cutting chocolate lines for it’s customers with a hankering for decadence? Mark is glad Tony Montana is spared hearing of this new food fad tragedy.
Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase moral, productivity, confidence and more. Mark also has riveting talks for kids k-12 and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement and more. All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience. Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com
“Mark truly energized the crowd and engaged the youth in a truly effective way, we were very happy to see the very important anti-bullying message delivered in such a kid-friendly, yet meaningful way. Way to go! Thank you for the experience Mark!”
Daakeia Clarke, Madison Square Garden Company,
Marketing Manager, NY Liberty
Friday Jul 07, 2017
Friday Jul 07, 2017
Crystal Woods life depicts just how incredibly resilient one can be to withstand the most horrific of circumstances. Crystal’s father kidnapped her at 6 when he then began to sexually abuse Crystal into her mid teens. A life filled with constant threats, fear and dread was commonplace for Crystal who describes herself as mostly happy when away from her father during school hours. Hear how Crystal coped including her notion to shoot her father with the gun he kept tucked under his pillow to being free of him, reuniting with her mother and how Crystal has become an incredible parent, and natural bodybuilder. Told publicly for only the second time, Crystal shares her journey from helpless to indomitable helper!
Move over man caves, women are creating their retreats with “she sheds” in backyard. Kids, husband, work, endless household duties taking its toll? Let this oasis be your own private place of Zen. Mark muses on the concept and realizes he should build his wife an escape from – well him.
Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase morale, productivity, confidence and more. Mark also has riveting talks for kids k-12 and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement and more. All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience. Reviews, videos, booking info and more at:www.markfarrellmotivation.com
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“Mark did a great job with both our group of Life Skills students and our large group of freshmen. Mark’s warm and exuberant personality helps them to feel comfortable with him. Mark’s compassion for the students and his passion for his message are evident throughout his presentation. Mark has a gift for connecting with students quickly and then keeping their attention.”
Kim Knabb, M.A.
School Counselor
Sparta High School
Thursday Jun 22, 2017
Thursday Jun 22, 2017
Model, speaker, reality tv star and Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Breanne Rice joins Mark and discusses her decision to reveal how Vitiligo an autoimmune disease impacted her personally and professionally. Wearing make-up to photo shoots and never ever leaving home without makeup that disguised her condition is just a slice of Breanne’s life prior to hitting the send button on an Instagram picture that revealed her real face to the world in July 2016. Relieved that she no longer has to hide, Breanne shares her years of secrecy and how she also dealt with a chronic illness that plagued her for years before the onset of Vitiligo. Breanne’s story of suffering and ultimately conquering is empowering. Only 17% of NYC schools are fully accessible for students with physical disabilities. Mark shares his views on this shockingly low number that has students with disabilities compromising academically and socially. Maybe you haven’t found the perfect person to marry because you haven’t considered yourself. What? Introducing sologamy – a new trend on people marrying themselves. Really – invites, white dress, ceremony and reception for those who want to live happily ever after with…(insert sigh sfx here) oneself. Think serial Facebook and other social media platform narcissists.
Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase moral, productivity and more. Mark also has riveting talks for kids k-12 and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement and more. All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience. Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com
"Mark invigorated our conference! His genuine enthusiasm and professionalism, combined with an amazing topic, made for a marvelous presentation."
Catharine Leahy - Speakers Chair Pinceton University
Thursday Jun 15, 2017
Thursday Jun 15, 2017
Meet Patti Channer, Executive Producer for the highly anticipated documentary film“Hearing Is Believing”, from award-winning Producer/Director Lorenzo DeStefano who introduces us to the astonishing young musician and composer, Rachel Flowers. This supremely talented musician lost her eyesight due to Retinopathy of Prematurity and at just two she began picking up melodies from her musician parents and was soon playing every song she heard by ear, including Bach fugues. Rachel is pitch perfect and many corroborate this in the film including: Stevie Wonder, Dweezil Zappa, two-time Grammy nominated jazz pianist, Taylor Eigsti, the late Progressive Rock icon Keith Emerson, Hawaii ukulele master Benny Chong. Rachel’s story is unique and she depicts the significance of determination, resiliency and how vital family and community are in shaping this remarkable musical genius. http://www.hearingisbelievingfilm.com/main/ NYC primere at Cinema Village with audio description and Q&A post screenings with film creators and more: https://www.cinemavillage.com/
Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase moral, productivity and more. Mark also has riveting talks for kids k-12 and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement and more. All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience. Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com
"Mark invigorated our conference! His genuine enthusiasm and professionalism, combined with an amazing topic, made for a marvelous presentation."
Catharine Leahy - Speakers Chair Pinceton University
Friday May 12, 2017
Friday May 12, 2017
Come and get your soul on!!! Soul camp is where campers leave their worries and iPhones behind for workshops, classes and seminars that nourish their bodies, minds and spirits – and some yummy food! Soul Camp Co-founders and childhood camp buddies, Ali Leipzig and Michelle Goldblum join Mark for an insightful and funny conversation on their concept that has adults (20-50’s) craving for more of the Soul Camp experience. Mark loves the idea of mala-bead making, workshops on social activism, relationships and the love wall – really. Go Soul Camp it up near you: In NY 6/10 and 8/23-8/27, IL 6/24, CA 10/24-10/28. www.soul.camp for everything Soulful. Then Mark, with his chi full on, muses on the The Greatful Dead’s long strange trip and how NJ Attorney General Chris Porrino plans on ending corruption – insert side-splitting laugh here. And oh – how number 45 becomes more unglued.
Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase moral, productivity, confidence and more. Mark also has riveting talks for kids k-12 and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement and more. All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience. Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com
"Mark invigorated our conference! His genuine enthusiasm and professionalism, combined with an amazing topic, made for a marvelous presentation."
Catharine Leahy - Speakers Chair Pinceton University
Friday May 05, 2017
Friday May 05, 2017
The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS) presents its first walk, A Walk for Wellness – A Stride Against Suicide. Phyllis Alongi, SPTSl Clinical Director joins Mark for a conversation on how the vast work SPTS has accomplished has created a national dialogue with teens on mental health as well as their inaugural 5k walk on Sunday May 7, 2017 in Freehold, New Jersey. SPTS walk, general info and for donations: www.sptsusa.org
A platform was created and is rapidly becoming the destination appealing to the full spectrum for persons with disabilities, their friends and families to visit their national expos for the latest in technology, education, products and services and much more. NY Metro Abilities Expo happens Friday May 5 - 7 and it’s FREE. For info on the NY Metro Expo: www.Abilities.com and a list of Abilities Expos near you plus you can register to receive their free newsletter filled with riveting stories and newsmakers.
Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase moral, productivity, confidence and more. Mark also has riveting talks for kids k-12 and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement and more. All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience. Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com
“Mark Farrell served our firm with a perfect mix of motivation, humor and uplifting personal experience during a corporate event to touch each employee personally while inspiring success and determination. Mark’s professionalism, contagious charisma and flexibility made working with him something we look forward to again in the future”
Robin Greene, Vice President
Prestigious Hedge Fund Greenwich, CT
Friday Apr 28, 2017
Friday Apr 28, 2017
Adam Kahn, Co-Director of “Sunset and the Mockingbird” joins Mark for a conversation on the feature documentary that tells the love story of legendary jazz pianist/composer Junior Mance and his manager and soul mate, Gloria Clayborne Mance. Junior has recorded over 100 albums and during his illustrious career he jammed with fellow icons including Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Dinah Washington, Charlie Parker and hundreds more. Junior unfortunately had a stroke in 2012 which led to the onset of Alzheimer’s. Though his musical abilities were untouched, his gradual mental and physical decline has forced Gloria's role as manager, wife to take on a whole new meaning. Hear how Co-Directors Adam Kahn and Jyllian Gunther tell the story of an incredible man and musician whose career spanned more then 70 years and contributed immensely to the jazz world. This love story of music, relationship and health is in the final stage of production though the Directors need to raise capital for the world to experience this remarkable film. Please view the “Sunset and the Mockingbird” trailer and consider contributing. Donor gifts are offered including tours of the PRN NYC studios for donations of $100 and greater: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sunsetmockingbird/sunset-and-the-mockingbird
Calvin Schwartz is a giant on many levels. As a writer, his effortless ability to inform entertain and muse is as natural as his whole-hearted smile that he shares with audiences as a tv and radio host. Calvin’s passion to mentor has afforded students education through his business acumen and desire to assist students reach their goals despite financial hurdles. A person with such enormous heart and soul requires a 6’5’ frame, and yes his Rutgers hat is permanently affixed.
Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase moral, productivity and more. Mark also has riveting talks for kids k-12 and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement and more. All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience. Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com
"Mark invigorated our conference! His genuine enthusiasm and professionalism, combined with an amazing topic, made for a marvelous presentation."
Catharine Leahy - Speakers Chair Pinceton University
Friday Apr 21, 2017
Friday Apr 21, 2017
Clive Davis gave us Janis Joplin, Earth Wind and Fire, Bruce Springsteen, Barry Manilow, Santana, Whitney Houston and a seemingly endless list of mega musicians and now Director Chris Perkel gives us “Clive Davis – the Soundtrack of Our Lives” an extraordinary look on the life and midas touch of the music industry’s most notorious record producer and friend – Clive Davis. Mark discusses the riveting film that kicked of the 16th annual Tribeca Film Festival at Radio City Music Hall Wednesday April 19 and shares the post film debut experience of seeing a few of Clive’s artists pay tribute to him in concert: Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin, Carly Simon, EWF, Jennifer Hudson, Dionne Warwick and Kenny G.
And does the information about your location, social network connections, queries and more accurately depict who you are and if so – what are the implications? Author John Cheney-Lippold, shares with Mark the findings of his new book:WE ARE DATA: Algorithms and the Making of Our Digital Selves. No you’re not paranoid – you are being followed though your digital persona may not reflect who you really are.
Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase moral, productivity, confidence and more. Mark also has riveting talks for kids k-12 and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement and more. All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience. Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com
“Mark Farrell presented at our school during The Week of Respect. The students were captivated by his motivating message on perseverance, diversity, and anti-bullying. Our students remained engaged throughout his presentation as he has perfected speaking to students at their developmental level. Mark was flexible to work with and was able to engage with students on a large array of topics. My students greatly benefited from hearing the message that with hard work, diligence, and never giving up on yourself, your dreams can become your reality. I would highly recommend Mark Farrell to any school looking for a highly motivating speaker”
Janice Dawer School Counselor/SAC
Westwood Regional Jr./Sr. High School
Friday Apr 07, 2017
Friday Apr 07, 2017
Dr. LOREN A. OLSON lived for decades the best way he knew how until he realized that yes, he was gay. Mark speaks with Dr. Olson about his new book FINALLY OUT: Letting Go of Living Straight and asks about his first marriage, how his children dealt learning that their father was gay to society’s ever slow developing acceptance of same sex marriage, being gay and more. And the simple, sensational, irreplaceable farm and country experience. Oh and naked yoga – really...feel sorry for the mats!
Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase moral, productivity, confidence and more. Mark also has riveting talks for kids k-12 and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement and more. All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience. Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com
“Mark Farrell served our firm with a perfect mix of motivation, humor and uplifting personal experience during a corporate event to touch each employee personally while inspiring success and determination. Mark’s professionalism, contagious charisma and flexibility made working with him something we look forward to again in the future”
Robin Greene, Vice President
Prestigious Hedge Fund Greenwich, CT
Thursday Mar 30, 2017
Thursday Mar 30, 2017
Talaura Cothran is not a typical high school senior. Her astuteness and compassion for others is boundless and that’s only a small part of who she is and why she created The Special Beauties Pageant http://www.specialbeautiespageant.com/ for children with special needs and disabilities in California. Hear how this extraordinary 17 year old became the caregiver of her mother, Jennifer MacMonagle at the young age of 3 after her mother was paralyzed. Jennifer, Talaura’s mother also speaks with Mark about her daughters successes including their ironclad relationship. Jennifer also talks about the night her life forever changed when riding with an intoxicated driver and how she turned a nightmare into a cathartic experience as well as twice earning the title of Miss. Wheelchair California. Mental illness is not on any level indicative of being weak rather it’s realizing that one needs professional help. Mark muses on the significance of professional help and how it saved him.
Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase moral, productivity, confidence and more. Mark also has riveting talks for kids k-12 and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement and more. All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience. Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com
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“Mark did a great job with both our group of Life Skills students and our large group of freshmen. Mark’s warm and exuberant personality helps them to feel comfortable with him. Mark’s compassion for the students and his passion for his message are evident throughout his presentation. Mark has a gift for connecting with students quickly and then keeping their attention.”
Kim Knabb, M.A.
School Counselor
Sparta High School
Thursday Mar 23, 2017
Thursday Mar 23, 2017
Gong Show creator, songwriter and novelist – Chuck Barris gave the nation unique shows that forever changed the landscape of television. Mark recalls a hilarious episode of Barris’s The Newlywed Game where a most embarrassing revelation occurred for a couple. Shannon Ryan will undoubtedly write and direct highly informative and entertaining films in the future though now as a shinning graduate student at Brooklyn College’s Barry R. Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema and recipient of Woman of Her Word Disabilities scholarship (awarded by Michele Spitz), Shannon explains how she is furthering her vast skill set that includes incorporating her keen perspective and resiliency as an indomitable woman with multiple disabilities including hearing and visual impairments. Plus, why it’s healthy to step out of ones comfort zone even if it risks embarrassment – or in Mark’s case, the inability to see bowling pins for the sake of a good time. And meet Julia – Sesame Street’s new muppet who is on the Autism spectrum.
Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase moral, productivity, confidence and more. Mark also has riveting talks for kids k-12 and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement and more. All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience. Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com
“Mark truly energized the crowd and engaged the youth in a truly effective way, we were very happy to see the very important anti-bullying message delivered in such a kid-friendly, yet meaningful way. Way to go! Thank you for the experience Mark!”
Daakeia Clarke, Madison Square Garden Company,
Marketing Manager, NY Liberty
Friday Mar 17, 2017
Friday Mar 17, 2017
Kyle Mendelson is taking the temperature of our nation by traveling to over a dozen US cities to meet with politicians, educators and more in an effort to better understand perspectives and motives in regions that voted number forty-five. From the cockpit to ticket handlers and everyone between – the significance of the women of Air India who circumnavigated the world.
Why do so many parents foot the bill so their college kid can fly off to warmer climates along with other spring breakers for a week of debauchery? And how the oh so modern Catholic church amended lent guidelines permitting corned beef consumption on St. Patrick’s “Friday”.
Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase moral, productivity, confidence and more. Mark also has riveting talks for kids k-12 and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement and more. All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience. Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com
“Mark Farrell served our firm with a perfect mix of motivation, humor and uplifting personal experience during a corporate event to touch each employee personally while inspiring success and determination. Mark’s professionalism, contagious charisma and flexibility made working with him something we look forward to again in the future”
Robin Greene, Vice President
Prestigious Hedge Fund Greenwich, CT
Friday Mar 03, 2017
Friday Mar 03, 2017
Mark recalls priceless time spent in–studio with greats Al Jarreau and Larry Coryell. Modern jazz aficionado Russ Davis, also pays tribute to these phenomenal musicians http://russdavismoja.com/
Heather Watkins blog, “Slow Walkers See More” https://slowwalkersseemore.wordpress.com/ has readers laughing, talking and musing as well as taking action! Heather depicts “My difference makes me stronger”, Mark’s mantra that so many persons with and without disabilities embody. Heather says “it’s about encompassing not about overcoming” - hear more sage advice from Heather and how she was seemingly unfazed while her fire alarm blared during our live interview (disaster averted). Isaac Zablocki, Co-Director of The 9thAnnual NYC Reelabilities Film Festival joins Mark to discuss how this exceptional fest promotes awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people with disabilities through extraordinary award winning local and international films – plus popcorn! Reelabilities, NOW – March 8th with movies for everyone: http://newyork.reelabilities.org/. Join William H Macy, Lauren Potter, Danny Woodburn, RJ Mitte and other brilliant actors in post screening discussions, panels and more.
Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase moral, productivity, confidence and more. Mark also has riveting talks for kids 2nd - 12 and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement and more. All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience. Reviews, videos, booking info and more at:www.markfarrellmotivation.com
“Mark Farrell presented at our school during The Week of Respect. The students were captivated by his motivating message on perseverance, diversity, and anti-bullying. Our students remained engaged throughout his presentation as he has perfected speaking to students at their developmental level. Mark was flexible to work with and was able to engage with students on a large array of topics. My students greatly benefited from hearing the message that with hard work, diligence, and never giving up on yourself, your dreams can become your reality. I would highly recommend Mark Farrell to any school looking for a highly motivating speaker”
Janice Dawer School Counselor/SAC
Westwood Regional Jr./Sr. High School
Thursday Mar 02, 2017
Thursday Mar 02, 2017
What helps you get over someone…endless Ben & Jerry’s, wine, yoga, wine, frolicking with puppies??? Renew, an upstate N.Y. retreat for those in need of an escape and help mending their shattered heart can help. Plus, there’s nothing like getting over someone with another someone! When I gave a talk on mental illness to N.J. State health professionals recently, I was approached by a man who was captivated by my candid experience and now is organizing a support group for men since he had wished one existed when he was experiencing depression. Dancin weekdays are here…Daybreaker’s (www.daybreaker.com) “beatz up” mornings with pre-work yoga and wildly fun dance parties (minus the booze) in coveted venues in U.S. cities and around the world. No need for pumps or the gym – dance, sweat, apply deodorant liberally and off to work you go with a smile.
Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase moral, productivity, confidence and more. Mark also has riveting talks for kids 2nd-12th grade and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement and more. All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience. Reviews, videos, booking info and more at:www.markfarrellmotivation.com
“Mark Farrell served our firm with a perfect mix of motivation, humor and uplifting personal experience during a corporate event to touch each employee personally while inspiring success and determination. Mark’s professionalism, contagious charisma and flexibility made working with him something we look forward to again in the future”
Robin Greene, Vice President
Prestigious Hedge Fund Greenwich, CT
“Mark’s motivation and passion comes from personal stories on overcoming adversity, abuse of drugs and alcohol and a target of bullying when he was in high school. Students were on the edge of their seats and parents commented on how important it was for them to hear Mark’s message before sending their kids off to high school. Powerful, personal, and funny motivational speaker with a unique and inspirational story for parents and students.”
Dario Sforza Principal Henry P. Becton Regional High School East Rutherford NJ