Insight With Mark Farrell

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

Former model and actress, Deborah Driggs talks with Mark about life in the fast lane that included gracing the cover of Playboy, over imbibing and her rock bottom experience that lead her to become a better version where she now helps people through emotional trauma and victim mentality.   Her new book: Son of a Basque tells the story of an immigrant and a survivor’s story and how it bonds family and growth.  www.deborahdriggs.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 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

Derrick Tabb won’t tell you about his Grammy from being the phenomenal drummer in The Rebirth Brass Band.  Derrick won’t share that CNN chose him as “Hero f the Year” though Derrick will tell you that nothing makes him happier then witnessing New Orleans inner city youth flourish from excelling in the program he co-founded: The Roots of Music. https://therootsofmusic.org/ Mark talks with Derrick on creating his program that brings students to his all incapsulating after school program where they receive tutoring, music education, life skills, hot meals and gigs!  Yes, Roots of Music students have performed for President Barack Obama and numerous celebrities and at high profile events that showcase the immense skill learned through the Roots of Music program. Please visit the above link to learn how this program is rewriting after school programming.      Have Mark speak at your company, organization, conference and or retreat to increase morale, productivity, leadership skill and more with an in-person or vir

Mark had the utmost privilege to once again host The 2nd Annual Shine Music Festival in Denver, CO., that the Guinness Book of World Records recognizes as the worlds largest accessible music festival. Hear how this epic 20 band, 2 stage and free music festival experience is revolutionizing live entertainment for persons with disabilities!   Farming is in Mark’s blood and he shares his perspective of the significance farmers play in our existence and how the government should do more to support their crucial work. 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.markfa

You’re going to love Cassidy Pucket and her new book REDEFINING GEEK: Bias and the Five Hidden Habits of Tech-Savvy.    Mark talks about the privilege of hosting the American Masters documentary, "Becoming Helen Keller"  (ASL interpreted, audio-described, and captioned with subtitles) for the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired.      And all things summer… 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

Singing-songwriting and disability advocacy are just a few of Kaleigh Brendle’s passions that have adoring fans (including U.S. Presidents) elated for her new EP, “Karma”.  In part two, Kaleigh sings an American classic and plays tracks from “Karma” and sheds light on her writing process and her inspiration for various tracks she wrote for her EP.  Plus, Kaleigh reveals on “Insight” the results from her fans votes on which song will become a music video.  Kaleigh also talks on the significance of braille, mentors and much more.        Pictured (L-R): Kaleigh Brendle, Trenton Thunder Mascot and Mark Farrell at Trenton Thunder Ballpark      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 s

Singing, songwriting and disability advocacy are just a few of Kaleigh Brendle’s passions that have adoring fans (including U.S. Presidents) elated for her new EP, “Karma”.  In part one, Kaleigh shares her love for life and song and how she so astutely sees the world for its beauty and faults and how her work on numerous platforms is changing perceptions of persons with disabilities including her own accessibility navigating college life at her pre-law track at Villanova. 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@markfarre

In part two of Mark’s conversation with Nigel Dick, award winning Film Director and Producer, they discuss the film making process, how a dance routine Nigel conceived for a lark became a thing, to how Nigel’s side rocker gig got in the way of his career and the filming of the Tour De France plus the making of the documentary “Journey to A Dream” – and so much more.     Nigel Dick, is an award winning, British born, film-maker and has directed over 380 music videos and more than 35 documentaries & feature films. Nigel has won 3 MTV awards, 2 Billboard Awards and 3 MVPA awards. His videos have been nominated for a further twenty- one MTV awards, twenty-six Much Music Awards, a Grammy and won one Brit Award. Nigel’s many personal nominations include a Cable Ace Award. He was awarded a second Lifetime Achievement Award by the MVPA (Music Video Producers Association) in May 2012.     You can also experience Nigel’s phenomenal work and learn more about his insatiable desire to create supremely entertaining