The Broadcast Pioneers newsletter was “On the Scene” on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at the Avalon Free Public Library to hear and experience Broadcast Pioneers member Vince Papale (former Eagle and special teams captain) and Janet Cantwell-Papale (former USA Olympic gymnast) co-deliver their presentation, “Be Invincible,” based upon their book, with the same title, a Playbook for Reaching Your Full Potential. The “playbook” written by Vince and Janet along with Tim Vandehey, describes invincible moments experienced by Vince, Janet and others; including athletes, journalist, veterans, family and friends.

The book’s foreword is written by Dick Vermeil, describing when he first met Vince, the challenges of training camp and Vince’s passion to become an NFL player. Dick also describes Vince’s story. He said, “it’s a good story, and it’s also true. It’s a story that many could duplicate if they could do things the same way Vince did, regardless of their endeavor…I’m sure there are many other Vince’s out there who just haven’t given themselves a chance.”

Dick Vermeil was this organization's "Person of the Year" in 1985. Dick is also an inductee into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia's "Hall of Fame."

During the forty minute presentation, which began with a brief video narrated by Harry Donahue (of KYW Newsradio), Vince and Janet captivated the audience with their stories about the Philadelphia Eagles and the US Olympic team, while focusing on the message of the book. We were tremendously impressed with the down to earth style of their presentation supported by a modest yet very adequate power point that enhanced their message, of “not being afraid and being unstoppable.”

Here’s a few sound bites of what we heard; “When the odds are against you, it’s your willingness that will overcome the odds.” “They made a movie about Vince, because he gave people hope.” “Re-create who you are, don’t be too predictable.” “Visualize and see yourself achieving your goals and reaching your dreams.” “Beware of the bucket of crabs…people with negativity…if you succeed you validate their failure.” “Dreams are not lived on the side-lines, you gotta get in the game.”

After their presentation and a Q&A, Vince and Janet autographed their book, had photo ops and took some time to speak with us.

Vince told the Broadcast Pioneers: “tonight was awesome…to have all these families here was wonderful, even a young girl celebrating her birthday. We took my speech that I’ve given many times, combined it with Janet’s story and put it into a book. For the future, we’re working on bigger and better things that will all be invincible.”

Janet said: “The book was a labor of love. It’s about our lives and about men and woman who actually think differently and we address that from our two perspectives.”

Vince and Janet are currently working on a new book which they expect to have available by next summer titled, “Invincible Kids.” We spoke with Janet about their new book and she said: “We’re trying to motivate kids…that it’s okay to try and fail. Kids need dreams…they don’t have dreams today…they have instant gratification through all the electronics they have at their disposal. We’re going to challenge them, as them for a commitment and help them achieve.”

“On the Scene” appreciates the time and insight Vince and Janet shared with us, on what was a very interesting, enlightening and motivational evening. On the last page of the book is a Two- Minute Drill containing a three step mental exercise, analyze, adapt and achieve that ends with the following: “There’s that greatness, potential, in you that’s just waiting to burst out. It’s never too late to get into the game. BE INVINCIBLE!” The book is available at Amazon.com.

From the official archives of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia
Written by Broadcast Pioneers newsletter editor Frank Stone
Photos originally donated by Barbara Farley-Stone
© 2012, Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia
All Rights Reserved

The e-mail address of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia is pioneers@broadcastpioneers.com