Onward with Rosie O'Donnell Outspoken

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.
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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)
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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/
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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/books

Please send your voice memo questions or comments to Rosie: OnwardRosie@gmail.com
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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
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In 2000, when Rosie asked audience member, Jimmy Smagula, to stand up and play a singing game with her on live TV, who was to know it would be the beginning of a beautiful profound kinship? But as viewers, we saw their connection was electric. 
And now, Onward to 2024; Smagula's hopes and dreams mentioned during that short intro to his favorite comedian and talk show host, have been realized.

He's currently starring in Spamalot on Broadway, his too numerous to mention appearances on so many hit TV shows including one of the most famous scenes from the ultimate in prestige television, The Sopranos, and now Jimmy's own podcast Baby Mouth.


Listen in on this NY/NJ fast-paced, funny, and unfeigned conversation, when two friends who love and respect each other share special moments with us.

Please share your questions or comments by voice memo to: OnwardRosie@gmail.com
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