Insight with Mark Farrell

The National Education Association President, Lily Eskelsen Garcia referred to special needs students as “chronically traded and the medically annoying” hear the unthinkable statement and the backlash that has ensued.  Fate saved Kevin Hines after the then 19 year old jumped from the Golden GateBridge and realized the millisecond he leapt over the railing that “it was an instant regret”.  Hear how Kevin has accepted that his battle with mental illness will be life long and that his work with national mental health organizations along with his book is helping countless people.  Mark also muses about how parents might address speaking with their children about school lock downs and why their needed. Have Mark speak at your school, college/university or workplace on “Overcoming Adversity” and more – info at www.markfarrellmotivation.com

Sonia Satra, former Guiding Light star, National Speakers Association / NYC President, Life Coach and founder of Moticise (www.moticise.com), joins Mark and reveals how her childhood eating disorder, passion for helping people and love for sport lead her to conceive what fitness and yoga experts are speculating what could be the next big fitness craze – Moticise.  Hear how the 10th anniversary of Laugh for Sight was a huge success and meet budding comic Zaine Birnie whose lack of life experience won’t short change you on laughs.

Concert Pianist, MIT Professor and Fit Model – The Indefinable Elaine Kwon and “Modern Families” author and Sociologist Joshua Gamson’s Insight on Unconventional Family Creation Tales PLUS the 26.2 Mile Life Changing Journey that Transforms NY.   Oprah loves her for all that she’s accomplished and it’s no wonder as this former child prodigy is a force to be reckoned with as Elaine holds a 2nd degree black belt that earned her 5 U.S. National Tae Kwon Do Championships.  And when Elaine isn’t flying through the air she’s storming the piano with a full orchestra accompanying her at Carnegie Hall or other legendary performance venues.  Listen to learn about her newest endeavor, “Savor Your Senses”, an innovative concert series where wine and food are paired with live music by Elaine and other greats: http://www.savoryoursenses.com/Shattering yesterday’s conventions about what makes a family is Sociologist and author Joshua Gamson and his stories of extraordinary journeys to kinship.  This very proud and loving gay father of two daughters shares personal stories that further depict how the landscape of the nuclear family has changed.  Modern Families – Stories of Extraordinary Journeys to Kinship – published by NYU Press and available everywhere.Have Mark speak at your school, university or workplace on “Overcoming Adversity” and more – info at www.markfarrellmotivation.com

The Indomitable Victoria Arlen was a typical vivacious 11 year old active fun loving girl - until she came down with a rare viral disease, Transverse Myelitis that had her battling for 5 years – 3 of which left her in a vegetative state.  After Victoria miraculously came out of a coma – her ability to speak, eat and more had to be relearned.  That was the easy part for this immensely determined young woman who after not attending school for years went into high school and not only caught up on the vast work she missed – she graduated in 3 years with her 2 brothers (triplets).  And yes - Victoria didn’t stop there – she learned to swim as a paraplegic and her fierce competitive times ultimately got her a gold medal in the 2012 London Paralympic Games.  Hear why she’s far from content and what’s next!

The unfortunate death of WarrenHills quarterback, Evan Murray raises the question about the safety of the sport of football overall.  Do you or will you allow your child to play the sport?  A new book by Mark’s guest, Dr. Danoff, “The Ultimate Guide to Male Sexual Health” has Mark asking the questions men think about but are embarrassed to ask. When Mark isn’t broadcasting on PRN he’s talking to corporate, college and high school audiences on: overcoming adversity, mental health, drugs/alcohol, anti-teasing/anti-bullying, celebrating differences, entitlement and more.  Info available at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com

Are you on the Pope bandwagon?  The arrival of Pope Francis in the Big Apple has most excited for his mere presence and the rest – simply peeved about gridlock and massive delays.  Is it worth it?  Firefighter Stephen Siller was among the incredibly brave first responders on 9/11 that made the supreme sacrifice and his family and friends are doing significant work that benefits disabled veterans, orphaned children and other programs through the establishment of the Stephen Siller Foundation.  Cousin to Stephen Siller and now COO of the foundation - John Hodge talks about Stephen’s courageous life and how his memory along with his devotion to public service will impact countless lives!  This Sunday September 27, run or walk the route Stephen Siller ran on 9/11 with 30,000 first responders, active and veteran servicemen/women along with casual runners who want to always remember and be a vital part of improving lives.  More at:www.tunnel2towers.org

Heavy hearts, remembrance and unfathomable images of terrorism persist nearly a decade and a half after the day the world forever changed.  Harry Blanding, was a kind hearted man, loving husband and a terrific father to three incredible children and his story is one among thousands that ended abruptly and tragically.Mark talk’s neurotransmitters, antidepressant black box warning labels, interactive screening processes and much more with Dr. Christine Moutier, Chief Medical Officer for The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the pivotal role AFSP has played for Mark and members of his family.Experience Mark’s vast and riveting personal stories on vital issues ideal for schools, colleges, corporations and more.  www.markfarrellmotivation.com for info.