This week on Onward, Rosie has a fascinating conversation with Lyle Menendez. 

Many of a certain age will remember the sensational trials of Lyle and his brother Eric, found guilty of the murder of their parents. So sensational within the American zeigeist; this case has been made into movies and tv shows, it has also been studied in law school as well as a mainstay of cultural conversation.

Recently, new information and evidence has been revealed in a documentary that now gives room for the brothers' to file a Habeas; which could mean freedom, after serving 34 years in prison.  
Join us as Rosie and Lyle talk about the past, the possible future of what this new evidence could mean; and, how one has to find it within themself to remain hopeful, but truthful, even in the worst of circumstances.

After listening, please send voice memos of your thoughts, observations and questions on this episode to: 
OnwardRosie@gmail.com

Trigger Warning: Rape, Sexual and Emotional Child Abuse, and Incest is discussed in this episode.
Please Note: This discussion is not graphic in nature, but, this is a truthful account of events. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lyle Menendez

Legendary entertainer Rosie O'Donnell shares her take on fame, family and fun from her vantage point at 61. Onward Folks! We have no other choice. During her weekly show, Rosie will speak with friends, celebrities, newsmakers, artists, poets and TikTokers.

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Rosie and Onward producer, Lori E. Seid, share some conversation and news about the future.
Thanks to you, the listener, we appreciate all your support.
And a special shout out of thanks and love to Lyra Smith, Jenna Kagel and Chris Faller. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Onward with Onward

Rosie's guest this week is the one and only, Linda Richman. Linda is part of the cultural zeitgeist; the hilarious, Barbra-obsessed, Saturday Night Live "Coffee Talk" character, ('I'm fahrklempt, talk amongst yourselves'), Linda Richmond. 
And for Rosie, Linda has been a stand-in mother; a grandmother to her son Parker; and the hilarious sage Rosie turns to in just about every situation life brings her, for over 28 years!
Tune in to their tête-tête and hear how both Linda and Rosie turned their heartbreak and grief into a lifelong friendship of trust, wisdom, laughter, as well as antics with their beloved Barbra.Linda's Bestseller Book "I'd Rather Laugh: How To Be Happy Even When Life Has Other Plans For You" (with a foreword by Rosie O'Donnell) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Linda Richman

This week's episode is entirely about Rosie's experience with 'Guide Dogs of America' and what autism service dogs can do, not only for the child with autism but for the entire family.
Learning about these service dogs who worked with autistic children, it was quickly realized that the child themself is not the dog's handler, so, Rosie became the designated adult, the 'Primary Handler' for her kiddo. Her guest, Kaylie Schmidt, is the volunteer autism service dog coach, that along with the Guide Dog of America trainers, worked with Rosie and the other autism mom during the 10 day in-campus hands on training period. An experience Rosie calls life changing.Link:https://www.guidedogsofamerica.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kaylie Schmidt - Service Dog Coach

Rosie's guest this week is Derrick Downey Jr., also known as a "Squirrel's best friend."
With well over a million followers, Derrick caught Rosie's eye and heart with his creativity, compassion and love for squirrels. Derrick shares content about fighting depression, taking care of oneself, and making the time to be still with nature through his squirrel family, especially Maxine. A true influencer. And a "cutie patootie" to boot!
Listen in to Rosie and Derrick first actual conversation after years of private messaging through social media. An extraordinarily special meeting of the heart, mind, human spirit, and of course, squirrels!Also, check out:
Hand and Paw: Maxine's Tale of Compassion by Derrick Downey Jr. His book of adventure for kids (young and old)!
https://www.derrickdowneyjr.com/booksPlease send your voice memo questions or comments to Rosie: OnwardRosie@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Derrick Downey Jr.

After listening to Rosie interview Lyle Menendez in prison; many of our listeners reacted in such a visceral and intellectual way, we wanted to dedicate a full episode to some of your voice memos.Not an easy subject for anyone; no matter what you believe happened, Rosie felt it important to share your reactions and respond with her own.Please note:Abuse is discussed in this episode - nothing graphically, but it could be traumatic.Share your voice memos with any questions or comments for Rosie to: OnwardRosie@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lyle Menendez

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