Insight With Mark Farrell

Jordan Lynn Day Haller, was a force in all that she did.  A most impressive college student that embarked on multiple endeavors including a staunch mental health advocate.  At the age of twenty – Jordan died by suicide and her mother Erica Haller, joins Mark to lend insight on how truly remarkable Jordan was including what lengths she went to help people.  Jordan’s Relay, was founded by Erica’s mother to continue Jordan’s mission of positively impacting lives and implementing a proven program that saves lives.  Jacqueline Finley, Jordan’s friend and Ali Kloskowski Managing Director for Jordan’s Relay also join Mark for this conversation on loss, mental health awareness and empowerment.  Please visit and share this vital link:  https://jordansrelay.org/home          Have Mark speak at your company, organization, conference and or retreat to increase morale, productivity, leadership skill and more with an in-person or virtual event.  Mark also has riveting talks for students and college on: overcoming adversity

United States Air Force Veteran and photographer, Gary Zelinski joins Mark for insight on the epiphany of his new book, the importance of commemorating veterans and so much more.   Spanning 639 acres, Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most popular destinations around our nation’s capital and the final resting place of more than 400,000 Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, Guardians, and Coastguardsmen. For Gary B. Zelinski, a United States Air Force veteran, a casual walk among the gravesites on a warm spring day became a decades-long journey searching for America’s better angels. Each story is unique, each hero a father, brother, sister, or mother.    In A WALK AMONG HEROES: Searching for America’s Better Angels (Blue Hexagon Press; May 1, 2025), Zelinski sheds light on how this hallowed ground and those buried there—privates beside colonels, surgeons and nurses beside the troops they tried to save, the descendants of slaves beside Confederate soldiers, and wives, sons, and daughters beside loved ones

Mark speaks with author, entrepreneur, painter, poet and more – Danny Miller on his new book that’s bound the reverberate with you.  In Danny’s new book, THE WAY OF THE WAVE, Miller shares insights and practices from his nearly forty-year journey—marked with both success and failure—of trying to “Go with the Wave” in all aspects of life. His version of “the flow,” the Wave represents the mysterious rhythm or energy force that surrounds and affects us all—and cannot be controlled or manipulated. It also draws inspiration from the countless hours Miller has spent on the beach in California, observing the ocean waves and engaging in a popular pastime: body-surfing.    “Body-surfing waves serves as a good analogy for the factors involved in navigating our life currents,” Miller states. “Notably, the practices and mindsets that enhance body-surfing also enhance navigating our life currents: acceptance, trust, intuition, humility, self-care, and surrender among them.  And the ones that obstruct it—control, judgment

Yup, Mark covers much ground in this episode that he promises will shed light on at least three things you didn’t know. 

Amy Friedman joins Mark to discuss “HOME AND AWAY” a new book offering important lessons on belonging and marginalization; it will simultaneously expand, touch, break, and mend your heart.  It features poetry, stories, drawings, paintings, collages, and photographs created by young people affected by incarceration or deportation that take us inside their sense of feeling at home—whether in their clubs, on playing fields, hanging out with friends, or just being alone. But that’s only the first section. In Part II, in addition to capturing dreams of adventure and the faraway, in their work the creators address longings about those who are away, too often a parent, and about broken homes, broken hearts, and broken dreams.      AMY FRIEDMAN, an author, Out of the Woods Press editor, and criminal justice activist, founded POPS the Club in 2013, with her second husband, Dennis Danziger, a writer and high school teacher, as an inclusive space for youth who have been stigmatized and silenced by their experiences with

Robbe Harte isn’t a typical singer songwriter because she has had to fight tooth and nail to sing every note and lyric when her body said no!  Join Mark for his riveting conversation with Robbe on music, desperation, and resiliency to family, creativity and the rush of performing live.      Robbie Harte is a New York based award-winning international country music recording artist from Montreal, Canada. With her warm, rich vocals and emotional delivery, Robbie captivates audiences, earning her acclaim as a compelling and inspirational performer.  Driven by her inner strength and femininity, Robbie creates music that connects deeply with listeners, often sharing autobiographical stories of overcoming adversity. Her songs serve as messages of hope, empowering others to find their own resilience.   See and hear Robbe’s music: www.robbeharte.com   Have Mark speak at your company, organization, conference and or retreat to increase morale, productivity, leadership skill and more with an in-person or virtual event.

Rich Christianson joins Mark to discuss his new book,  BLINDSIGHTED: A Journey of Identity, Faith, and Healing (Mountain Grabbers Press, October 8, 2024), Rich shares with the world his own struggles to unravel family secrets that raised serious, heart-wrenching questions.  The book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of truth and love.   Rich Christiansen is a globally-recognized thought leader, entrepreneur, and humanitarian.  For decades he has been helping people fearlessly face their dragons, make peace with them, and navigate the intricate mazes of their lives.   Have Mark speak at your company, organization, conference and or retreat to increase morale, productivity, leadership skill and more with an in-person or virtual event.  Mark also has riveting talks for students and college on: overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement, life preparedness, senior send-off and more.  All o

Mark is joined by Shawn Satterfield, Executive Director of Shine Music Festival - to discuss how Shine has changed the landscape on how persons with disabilities experience live music. For at: shinemusicfestival.com

Comedian, Ryan Niemiller joins Mark for a hilarious and poignant talk on becoming a comedian, disabilities, growing up in a one horse town and much more.  Ryan Niemiller, was the 3rd place finalist from America’s Got Talent Season 14.  Despite being born with a disability with both arms, Ryan, the self-proclaimed “Cripple Threat of Comedy”, shares his views of the world from the perspective of the handicapped (and very handsome). Ryan began his comedy career in Los Angeles, California, and hasn’t looked back since. He’s a favorite performer in clubs and colleges across the country. His comedy covers topics such as dating, trying to find employment, and attempting to find acceptance in a world not designed for him. With his quick wit, good looks, great timing, and a gimmick that only he can exploit, Ryan hopes to prove to the comedy world that he may be unarmed, but he is dangerous.  This is a riveting conversation about possessing the right perspective, family dynamics, fatherhood and cultivating solid comic

Mark talks with Val Quinn, a global mentor, life coach and juggernaut who is the creator of an Amazon digital best seller:  CREATE YOUR BEST LIFE through sharing authentic life stories (from 9 different countries) that aim to empower, reinvigorate and inspire through personal stories of defeat, burnout, boredom and simply seeking more from life.  Regardless of your age or circumstance, there is inspiration inside this book that’ll fuel you to pursue your professional and or personal life goal.  Mark also proudly contributes his story of reinvention and risk taking including the vast rewards he’s experienced through believing in himself.   All net proceeds will be donated to a guide dog training facility and mental health organization. Please consider purchasing your copy: https://www.amazon.com/Create-Your-Best-Life-Stories/dp/0994210558   Have Mark speak at your company, organization, conference and or retreat to increase morale, productivity, leadership skill and more with an in-person or virtual event.  Ma

Daniel Trush, Daniel’s Music Foundation (DMF) Co-Founder & President / singer, songwriter shares his perspective on inclusion and why DMF created an event for persons with all abilities to share the magnificent and magical experience of live music together at the legendary field where Woodstock 1969 changed the way people celebrated music – that is until now!  Ken Trush, Daniel’s father and Co-Founder and Managing Director of DMF also provides insight on Hello Inclusion – the DMF music festival on Friday July 12th in Bethel NY where musicians with amazing abilities will make history once again on hallowed ground.        For hello Inclusion festival info including  tickets:  www.danielsmusic.org/helloinclusion2024 #disabilitypridemonth   Daniel’s Music Foundation was founded in 2006 by the Trush Family to empower individuals with disabilities through music. DMF serve thousands of individuals – locally at our 8,700 square-foot music center in NYC, and nationally through the DMF Online Community. Their missi

California based Paulina Luke, is a mighty force on and off comedy stages, in and out of college lecture halls and in concert when she’s shredding heavy metal tunes!  Yep, Paulina is a force to be reckoned with and her low vision doesn’t hold her back at all, rather it catapults her into any stratosphere she wants to dominate.  What happens when two visually impaired funny people talk vision, life, dating hurdles and more?  Well, join Mark for his riveting talk with Paulina (plus off color humor) and experience the future of comedy and media.   Have Mark speak at your company, organization, conference and or retreat to increase morale, productivity, leadership skill and more with an in-person or virtual event.  Mark also has riveting talks for students and college on: overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement, life preparedness, senior send-off and more.  All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience.  Reviews, videos, boo

Adam Linn, author, actor and National Public Radio Contributor joins Mark to share insight on his new critically acclaimed production of ‘Sped kid’, an off Broadway production that’ll have you laughing so hard that you’ll pee a little.  Okay, maybe more then a little.  Sped kid recounts Adam’s experiences of going blind and leaving an all white Catholic school, becoming a special Ed kid at a mostly all black public school during the height of the racial tensions in Boston.  The play covers serious topics, but is fast paced and often comedic in tone with a lot of period music, Prince, Michael Jackson, Sugar Hill Gang, and others.   For Sped Kid show tickets: www.spedkidtheshow.com   More about Adam: www.adamlinn.com   Have Mark speak at your company, organization, conference and or retreat to increase morale, productivity, leadership skill and more with an in-person or virtual event.  Mark also has riveting talks for students and college on: overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drug

Most people have aspects of their lives that they want to change though fear, confidence and more can be daunting.  Hear Mark’s insight on breaking free of those perceived holds and more. Join Mark for a phenomenal 5 boro bike ride through NYC raising funds for degenerative retinal diseases.  Hear this and much more on this segment of Insight.   Have Mark speak at your company, organization, conference and or retreat to increase morale, productivity, leadership skill and more with an in-person or virtual event.  Mark also has riveting talks for students k-12 and college on: overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement, life preparedness, senior send-off and more.  All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience.  Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com Email: mark@markfarrellmotivation.com “Mark invigorated our conference! His genuine enthusiasm and professionalism, combined with an amazing topi

Mark is joined by POPS the Club co-founder Amy Friedman to discuss the new book: ADVICE TO 9TH GRADERS. Amy is the editor of eight annual collections from POPS the Club members, with support from Leticia Longoria-Navarro, Executive Director of The Pathfinder Network, and Victor Trillo, Jr., Program Coordinator of the PATHfinder Club, ADVICE TO 9TH GRADERS features personal essays, poems, drawings, and other creative expressions from teens on widely relatable topics, from peer pressure to homework to finding the courage to be yourself. All three are long-time social justice advocates and nonprofit leaders who have devoted years to working with the children of the incarcerated.   Have Mark speak at your company, organization, conference and or retreat to increase morale, productivity, leadership skill and more with an in-person or virtual event.  Mark also has riveting talks for students k-12 and college on: overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences,

Tyler Martin joins Mark to talk about his new book: The Friction Factor: The Busy Person's Guide to Sustainable Diet and Exercise. Over 75 percent of Americans want to be more physically fit, but only about 3 percent of them succeed. Why do so many people fail? The answer is friction, the inefficient use of time and energy. Your drive time to the gym, those 90-minute workout classes, and tedious daily calorie counting are all sources of friction, and none of them are sustainable long term. Hear Tyler’s vast insight on how you can succeed – no gym necessary! Have Mark speak at your company, organization, conference and or retreat to increase morale, productivity, leadership skill and more with an in-person or virtual event.  Mark also has riveting talks for students k-12 and college on: overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement, life preparedness, senior send-off and more.  All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience.  Re

Longtime NYC Radio Veteran (and all-around amazing guy), Zach Martin has created a digital radio platform for persons with disabilities where they share their voice (and love of rock n roll and more) with the world!  Hear DJ’s that shine doing what they love including interviewing greats including Don McLean and many more.  Listen anytime/anywhere: https://newhdmedia.com/ New HD media is particularly remarkable for its dedication to inclusivity and providing employment opportunities. It focuses on creating jobs for individuals with autism, disabilities, and veterans, particularly within the audio industry. This commitment extends beyond just business objectives; it’s about fostering meaningful community connections and using music as a catalyst for social engagement. NEWHD Media operates several dynamic radio stations, including “NEWHD, New York, Where Rock Lives” and “NEWHD, Los Angeles, LA’s Rock and Pop.” These platforms are not only popular for their entertainment value but also serve as tools for social

Author and professor, Aaron Sachs discusses his new book STAY COOL: Why Dark Comedy Matters in the Fight Against Climate Change. Is January Dry-uary or another form  of cutting  back or change of some sort?  Mark muses this and more including the deep winter freeze, attainable health goals and more.    Have Mark speak at your company, organization, conference and or retreat to increase morale, productivity, leadership skill and more with an in-person or virtual event.  Mark also has riveting talks for students k-12 and college on: overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement, life preparedness, senior send-off and more.  All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience.  Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com Email: mark@markfarrellmotivation.com “Mark invigorated our conference! His genuine enthusiasm and professionalism, combined with an amazing topic, made for a marvelous presentation” Cathar

Maylan Chavez wants what is right – for all concerts to be accessible for all.  Hear her story including what was her breaking point and what she’s doing to make venues accountable to serve persons with disabilities.  Are daily and lengthy company meetings a waste of time?  Join Mark as he muses this and more on this edition of Insight. Have Mark speak at your company, organization, conference and or retreat to increase morale, productivity, confidence and more with an in-person or virtual event.  Mark also has riveting talks for students k-12 and college on: overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement, life preparedness, senior send-off and more.  All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience.  Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com Email: mark@markfarrellmotivation.com

Like tens of thousands of persons with disabilities living in and around NYC, Annie cannot access numerous iconic destinations due to her condition, she was born with Dystonic Cerebral Palsy. However, Annie’s greatest conduit to NYC is her sister Lakshmee along with the entire family who traverse NYC and surrounding boroughs despite the arduous navigation. Lakshmee Lachhman-Persad is not only Annie’s indomitable sister she’s also the creator of Accessible Travel NYC - an innovative site that is changing the way persons with disabilities experience daily life to extraordinary landmarks the world embraces NYC for. Lakshmee is tirelessly leveling the field through removing barriers for her sister and the millions who cannot access buildings. Lakshmee's herculean work has been recognized and awarded by NYC Mayor Eric Adams. The barriers that prevent millions from living life fully are no match for Annie and Lakshmee - the duo that won't stop until all persons with disabilities can access and experience everything