This weeks guest, Marci Marie Simmons, is building a new life after surviving 10 years in a Texas Prison. With over 250K followers on Tiktok, Marci answers questions about what life was really like behind bars. She's become an activist and advocate for those still inside. She's also become a friend of Rosie's, having captured her interest and respect - first online with her prison cooking antics and then in person as a fierce woman who refuses to give up on herself and others. 
Still on parole, Marci, who was never a violent offender in or out of custody, shares her experience with openness and honesty. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marci Marie Simmons

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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Comedy Interviews

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.

Marci Marie Simmons

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