Insight with Mark Farrell

James Raffone’s son was diagnosed with duchenne muscular dystrophy 4 years ago and his father hasn’t stopped moving since through his creation of the Jar of Hope Foundation which spreads awareness, raises vital funds and works with the medical community in developing a cure.  Join James and his family Saturday September 16, 2017 along with over 2,000 participants to set a new Guinness world record by the largest group of people doing push-ups for children who are not strong enough to do so themselves due to their terminal disease duchenne muscular dystrophy.  The remarkable courage, resiliency and love James has for his son will warm your heart and compel you to donate and get involved.  www.jarofhope.org

Mary Bryant McCourt, Vice-President / Founder of the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans has been positively impacting tens of thousands of lives through supplying Achilles hand crank cycles, customized gear, training, guides and so much more for people with disabilities who want to resume a sport or become the athlete they longed for.  Hear how this seemingly ubiquitous organizations programs help children to seniors through the many platforms developed to cultivate confidence, pride and more.   www.achillesinternational.org

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Have host 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

Jackie Atkins love for nunchucks, running and success paved the way for her to become Executive Director of Research & Development with Bell Labs, two time Ringside World Champion, National Golden Glove Champion and entrepreneur that gives immeasurably to youth so they too can have the vital tools in life needed to attain goals.  Jackie tells Mark how she would comb through the refuse to collect and learn the proprietary GUI software through her evening maintenance position with Bell Labs where she quickly earned a temporary role that got her noticed as the budding Executive Director of Research and Development.  Jackie broke the mold for women of color for her unwavering work in the corporate world, her work establishing award winning women’s boxing at West Point, the creation of the NJ chapter of Give A Kid A Dream (http://njgakad.com/), and most recently – Jackie was bestowed that title of President of Amateur Boxing New Jersey.  And yes, Jackie can do one arm push-ups.   

The 2017 MTV VMA’s had a few shinning moments and one that included Pink’s reception speech of the Vanguard award that described the importance of being different.  Mark also discusses the impact of Logic’s new song “1-800-273-8255” and how encouraging it was to see survivors of suicide share the MTV stage and promote vital the messaging of getting help.

Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase moral, productivity, confidence and more.  Mark also has riveting talks for kids 2nd – 12th 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

"Marks message is a compelling, must hear for all high school students.  Mark's life and struggles mirror what many in high school are already dealing with.  His dare to be different attitude is something that should be adopted by all who are privileged to hear Mark speak."

Officer Rick Duda

Denville Township Police Department

School Resource Officer

Morris County School of Technology

In January 2006, Albert Rizzi woke up in a hospital completely blind.  Fungal meningitis was the culprit that attacked his optic nerve leaving him blind though Albert tells Mark that “he’s never seen better” without his vision.  Before Albert lost his eyesight he was an Executive Director of a thriving preschool and afterschool program in the South Bronx.  A role he thrived in prior to being hospitalized but Albert soon realized that his blindness presented a new life’s calling where he planned to level the playing field for people with blindness, visual impairments and all disabilities. Through the creation of “My Blind Spot”, a non-profit organization – Albert is providing outreach, advocacy, education and services by promoting an inclusive culture and accessible digital infrastructure to ensure equal access to employment, education, recreation, and independent living opportunities for people with disabilities.  Albert’s industrious character and tireless efforts have positioned My Blind Sport to partner with major national and international companies who share Albert’s initiative in shifting perspectives and ensuring that people with disabilities can take their place alongside their nondisabled peers as valued, productive, contributing citizens.  Hear the hilarious story Mark shares of when he first met Albert and his guide dog Vaughn in a restaurant.  Listen to this insightful conversation and more.  Visit Albert’s website: www.myblindspot.org

 Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase moral, productivity, confidence and more.  Mark also has riveting talks for kids 2nd – 12th 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

Traig McMillan will make you smile, laugh and understand just how resilient and talented persons with disabilities are.  Not only does Helen Keller Services for the Blind help students like Traig succeed on many levels including education and rehabilitation – they also prepare students for jobs/careers and many facets of life.  Traig shares with Mark his life long passion and his incredible gratitude for Helen Keller and the persons pivotal for his success including Russell Martello, Director of Youth Services and Yokasta Urena – Program Manager, who also appear for a most fun and insightful conversation.  www.helenkeller.org

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

A new You Tube series, “Don’t Shoot The Messenger” has the internet buzzing over it’s witty writing, interesting characters and the real challenges deaf people experience ranging from limited professional opportunities (including lack of casting deaf actors in roles for the deaf), corporations and accommodations to the indescribably mindless questions persons with hearing impairments and deafness field like; “can you drive a car” or, “Are you able to have sex?”.  Really!  Mark is joined by the creators, Melani Chaitoo and Craig Fogel (and interpreter Veronica Staehle) who discuss the inception of the series that is a partial reflection of Melanie’s life without hearing and Craig’s early introduction to learning American Sign Language (ASL) to becoming an interpreter, actor and much more.  It’s an eye-opening funny conversation about disabilities and acting and the arts. “Don’t Shoot The Messenger” episodes are available to view for free: www.themessengerasl.com  Watch interview: https://www.facebook.com/PRNfm/?fref=ts (scroll down look for INSIGHT LIVE Thursday August 10).

Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase moral, productivity, confidence and more.  Mark also has riveting talks for kids 2nd – 12th 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

She’s witty, effervescent and supremely talented.  Meet Annie Liest, Artist and Accessible Advocate whose unique perspective has gained the attention of the art world including galleries that display her brilliant work depicting urban spaces, pedestrians and movement.  Annie’s subjects are captured solely through her one eye that she says helps her focus and create easier then when she had use of both eyes.  When not in her Queens studio bringing her art form to life, Annie can be found advocating for Art Beyond Sight and other vital initiatives advancing opportunities for persons with disabilities.  Hear Annie’s journey along with her maiden NYC dj gig that Mark springs on her knowing how much Annie loves music and radio.  Check out Annie’s art: www.annieleist.com

If you went to summer camp as a kid then you can relate to Mark’s somewhat unorthodox camp experience when he was the ring leader in raiding neighboring cabins at night and other harmless mischievous acts.

How’s your 401K because you’ll want to buy in at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville retirement homes.  Really – this brilliant concept was announced recently and Mark muses on how Jimmy will likely rename some of his classics to reflect the new boomer/Fin community.  

Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase moral, productivity, confidence and more.  Mark also has riveting talks for kids 2nd – 12th 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

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

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.

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

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

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