Podcast
Tony Mantor: Why Not Me ?
Hosted by iHeartPodcasts · EN
Autism, Mental Health, Advocacy & Human Stories.
Embracing Autism/Mental Health Worldwide.
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting millions worldwide, characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Despite increasing recognition, there remains a lack of understanding and awareness about the condition.
Mental health encompasses a range of conditions impacting emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting millions globally. It includes disorders like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and psychosis. Schizophrenia is marked by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, while psychosis involves a loss of contact with reality, often presenting with similar symptoms.
Despite growing awareness, stigma and misconceptions about mental health, particularly schizophrenia and psychosis, persist, underscoring the need for greater understanding and support.
From celebrating neurodiversity to breaking down stigma, we create a safe space for listeners to learn, grow, and feel seen.
Whether you're on the spectrum, a caregiver, or an advocate, join our global community for inspiring conversations and empowering resources that uplift and unite.
Tune in to embrace understanding, healing, and hope worldwide!
Together, we can create a more informed and compassionate society for individuals with Autism and Mental Illness.
66episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
NSSC: Voices of Change Part 3: Serious Mental Illness, Missed Care, and the Criminal Justice Gap
May 600:29:40Summary readySend us Fan MailWe bring together seven voices to face the hardest question families live with: when severe mental illness and psychosis take over, what does “choice” really mean. We share what it looks like when schools, hospitals, and law enforcement treat brain illness like behavior, and we lay out concrete steps that can shorten the gap to real care.• capacity and consent when someone refuses help during psychosis• power of attorney and psychiatric advance directives plus where they fall short• anosognosia explained through dementia comparisons and street homelessness• the “10-year gap” to diagnosis and why mandatory care and AOT come up• early warning signs of psychosis and why peers and schools need training• privacy barriers and why HIPAA is often misread or over-restricted• CIT training realities and the need for the right officers• frustration with professional leadership and the call for more beds and workforce training• legislative paths including HR 4022 and ending the IMD exclusionBefore we jump in, if you haven't already, I invite you to tap follow.If you know someone who has a story to share, tell them to contact us at why notme.world.One last thing. Spread the word about why not me.Music INTRO?OUTRO: T. WildMantor Music BMIhttps://tonymantor.comhttps://Facebook.com/tonymantorhttps://instagram.com/tonymantorhttps://twitter.com/tonymantorhttps://youtube.com/tonymantormusicintro/outro music bed written by T. WildWhy Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)
SummaryNSSC: Voices of Change Part 2: Serious Mental Illness, Missed Care, and the Criminal Justice Gap
May 400:28:00Summary readySend us Fan MailWe sit with seven voices to name what happens when psychosis and serious mental illness are misunderstood, under-treated, and pushed into jails, courts, and the streets. We challenge the quiet standard of neglect and outline what it takes to turn awareness into policy, funding, and care that actually saves lives. • failures in jail-based competency restoration and medication continuity • why anosognosia is under-taught and widely misunderstood • the life expectancy gap for schizophrenia and why it should alarm all of us • first-episode psychosis dismissed at intake unless suicide is stated • families carrying trauma in silence and why tragedies stay out of public view • reframing “crime” as illness when actions happen during psychosis • culture change through education and responsible media storytelling • courts naming behavioral health as a top driver of caseloads and cost • coalition-building across chambers and parties to move stalled bills • cost comparisons of hospitalization and incarceration versus treatment up front • homelessness as a revolving door and the role of AOT • the Medicaid IMD exclusion as a barrier to beds, housing, and long-term care Before we jump in, if you haven't already, I invite you to tap follow. If you know someone who has a story to share, tell them to contact us at why notme.world. Spread the word about why not me. INTRO/OUTRO: T. WildMantor Music BMIhttps://tonymantor.comhttps://Facebook.com/tonymantorhttps://instagram.com/tonymantorhttps://twitter.com/tonymantorhttps://youtube.com/tonymantormusicintro/outro music bed written by T. WildWhy Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)
SummaryNSSC: Voices of Change Part 1: Serious Mental Illness, Missed Care, and the Criminal Justice Gap
May 100:28:47Summary readySend us Fan MailWe bring together seven voices to talk honestly about serious mental illness and why families are pushed to wait for crisis before help is allowed. We challenge outdated laws, uneven state systems, and stigma while naming practical fixes that can make outpatient care real and measurable. • mental health codes built for inpatient care in an outpatient world • step-up assisted outpatient treatment and why earlier petitions matter • accountability gaps when AOT lacks judge involvement • voluntary programs colliding with anosognosia in schizophrenia • stigma and discrimination treating brain disease differently than other medical emergencies • early intervention standards shifting from “dangerousness” to “risk of harm” • discharge planning and why follow-up community treatment changes outcomes • Arizona and California as opposites on laws, funding, and hospital beds • criminal justice and forensic systems filling the void left by civil care • medication non-adherence, substance use, and the revolving door to rehospitalization • recruiting and training psychiatrists and clinicians to handle the hardest cases • families as full-time caregivers with little support and no consistent standard of care • building statewide councils to align stakeholders and move legislation I invite you to tap follow. If you know someone who has a story to share, tell them to contact us at why notme.world. One last thing, spread the word about why not me.https://tonymantor.comhttps://Facebook.com/tonymantorhttps://instagram.com/tonymantorhttps://twitter.com/tonymantorhttps://youtube.com/tonymantormusicintro/outro music bed written by T. WildWhy Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)
SummaryDr Rachel Moseley: Autistic Voices, Challenges, Joys, and Research Empathy
Apr 2900:29:02Summary readySend us Fan MailDr. Rachel Moseley on Autistic Suicide Prevention, Masking, Misdiagnosis, and Autistic Menopause Host Tony Mantor in Nashville welcomes returning guest Dr. Rachel Mosley to discuss her UK-based research on autistic suicidality, self-injury, masking/burnout, misdiagnosis, and menopause. Mosley explains that changes in autistic suicide rates are hard to track due to delayed and incomplete reporting, and cites data indicating suicide as the leading cause of death in autistic children in the National Child Mortality Database, likely undercounted due to missed diagnoses. Autistic participants in her research emphasize suicide prevention requires systemic societal change addressing stigma, discrimination, bullying, education accessibility, employment, financial security, and healthcare. They discuss clinicians mistaking autism for mental illness, common misdiagnosis as borderline personality disorder, the safety-driven nature of masking, and the complex emotions and relief of late diagnosis. Moseley challenges the “lack of empathy” narrative and highlights autistic joy through passions, sensory joy, and stimming. She also presents her book, "Autistic Menopause," featuring interviews with 16 autistic people. Show Welcome Meet Dr Rachel Mosley Suicide Research Update revention Needs System Change Misdiagnosis And Cure Myths Mental Health And Masking Autistic Girls And Early Diagnosis Late Diagnosis Emotions Empathy Myth Debunked Autistic Joy And Flourishing Changing Systems And Policy Autistic Menopause Book Final Thanks And Outro INTRO/OUTRO: T.Wild Mantor Music BMI The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk. Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.https://tonymantor.comhttps://Facebook.com/tonymantorhttps://instagram.com/tonymantorhttps://twitter.com/tonymantorhttps://youtube.com/tonymantormusicintro/outro music bed written by T. WildWhy Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)
SummaryJohn A. King: Trauma to Triumph by Giving a Voice to the Voiceless
Apr 2700:27:06Summary readySend us Fan MailTransforming Trauma into Purpose: John King's Journey on Why Not Me In this episode of Why Not Me, embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide, host Tony Mantor interviews John King, a trauma recovery advocate, author, speaker, and survivor. John shares his compelling journey from being trafficked and abused as a child to becoming a prominent advocate for trauma recovery, neurodiversity, and anti-human trafficking. He discusses his recent autism diagnosis, the challenges of masking, and his methods for healing and resilience. John emphasizes the significance of authenticity, self-discipline, and relentless resilience in transforming trauma into a purpose-driven life. He also talks about his foundation, Give Them a Voice, and his future aspirations as a writer. This episode offers profound insights and practical advice for anyone facing similar struggles and endeavors to inspire and empower listeners worldwide. 01:08 Meet Today's Guest: John, a Trauma Recovery Advocate 02:00 John's Journey and Diagnosis 03:22 Steps to Healing and Managing Trauma 04:30 Understanding Trauma in the Body 05:52 Navigating Social Interactions and Self-Discipline 06:54 John's Recent Autism Diagnosis 08:43 The Venn Diagram and Living Authentically 10:37 Handling Bad Days and Emotional Challenges 14:10 John's Mission to Help Others Heal 16:24 Changing the Stigma Around Male Trauma 18:43 Reframing the Inner Narrative 20:44 Four Key Steps to Getting Back on Track 22:43 Give Them a Voice Foundation and Future Work 25:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts INTRO/OUTRO : T. Wild Mantor Music BMI The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk. Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.https://tonymantor.comhttps://Facebook.com/tonymantorhttps://instagram.com/tonymantorhttps://twitter.com/tonymantorhttps://youtube.com/tonymantormusicintro/outro music bed written by T. WildWhy Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)
SummarySteph West: Starfish Social Club and the Neurodivergent Community
Apr 2400:31:31Summary readySend us Fan MailSteph West on Building Starfish Social Club: Social Skills, Neurodivergent Friendship, and Helpful Social Feedback Host Tony Mantor in Nashville introduces “Why Not Me: Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide” and interviews Steph West, founder and director of Starfish Social Club in San Antonio, Texas, which runs small-group social skills programs for neurodivergent kids and teens (autism, ADHD, learning disabilities) in person and via Zoom. West describes her path from special education teacher to autism/behavior specialist and “accidental entrepreneur,” the origin of the Starfish name, early challenges with marketing, pricing, and hiring, and how COVID shut down her in-person business but led her to create online classes, develop her own curriculum, and license others to teach it. She explains how her ADHD helps her understand students and take risks, emphasizes that autistic people are often misunderstood (including around empathy), reframes friendship as “someone we choose to spend time with,” and outlines her interpreter approach between neurotypical and neurodivergent “social languages.” She shares a story illustrating blunt but respectful feedback and her goals of building students’ social competence, confidence, and connection, and invites listeners to find her at starfishsocialclub.org and take one small step toward their ideas. 00:00 Show Welcome and Mission 01:21 Meet Steph West 02:31 Why Starfish Social Club 04:09 The Starfish Story Name 05:22 Local and Online Reach 06:20 Accidental Entrepreneur Challenges 08:59 COVID Pivot and Curriculum 10:25 ADHD as a Superpower 11:51 Autism Myths and Empathy 12:55 Redefining Friendship 14:21 Helping Parents Understand 16:46 Protecting Emotional Energy 18:56 Goals Competence Confidence Connection 21:10 Why Not Me Mindset 22:28 Helpful Social Feedback 25:26 Finding Steph Online 25:35 A Story That Stuck 28:50 Vision for Clubs Everywhere 30:21 Final Thanks and Sign Off INTRO/OUTRO: T. Wild Mantor Music BMI The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk. Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.https://tonymantor.comhttps://Facebook.com/tonymantorhttps://instagram.com/tonymantorhttps://twitter.com/tonymantorhttps://youtube.com/tonymantormusicintro/outro music bed written by T. WildWhy Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)
SummaryAnn Grady: Resilience and Advocacy : From the Page to Real Life with Stories that Heal.
Apr 2200:29:59Summary readySend us Fan MailEmbracing Autism and Mental Health: A Conversation with Anne Grady In this episode of 'Why Not Me,' hosted by Tony Mantor in Nashville, Tennessee, guest Anne Grady shares her profound journey navigating autism and mental health. Anne, an author, speaker, and advocate, discusses her experiences raising her son Evan, who has multiple diagnoses including autism, severe mental illness, ADHD, and oppositional defiant disorder. The conversation delves into challenges around diagnosis, the importance of resilience, and strategies for coping with neurodiversity and mental health issues. Anne also talks about her books, advocacy work, and the personal and systemic difficulties she has encountered. The episode emphasizes acceptance, understanding, and the profound impact of sharing stories to inspire and connect people worldwide. Introduction to Why Not Me Meet Anne Grady: Advocate and Author Anne's Personal Journey with Her Son Evan Challenges and Resilience in Parenting Understanding Autism and Mental Illness The Importance of Acceptance and Support Anne's Advocacy and Writing Journey Practical Advice for Families and Caregivers Anne's Current Life and Advocacy Efforts Final Thoughts and Farewell INTRO/OUTRO: T. Wild Mantor Music BMI The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk. Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.https://tonymantor.comhttps://Facebook.com/tonymantorhttps://instagram.com/tonymantorhttps://twitter.com/tonymantorhttps://youtube.com/tonymantormusicintro/outro music bed written by T. WildWhy Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)
SummaryDanny Combs: Building Opportunities In Autism Employment
Apr 2000:28:02Summary readySend us Fan MailDanny Combs on Buildable, TACT, and Expanding Trade-Based Careers for Autistic and Neurodivergent People Host Tony Mantor welcomes Danny Combs to discuss progress since their last conversation on creating meaningful employment pathways for autistic and neurodivergent individuals. Combs shares receiving a Congressional Mentor of Honor Society Citizen Honor Award and being appointed by Colorado’s governor to the new Colorado Disability Opportunity Office, funded through reissued historic license plates that generate sustainable revenue for disability-focused grants statewide with disabled-led oversight. He introduces Buildable, a new Tennessee-based initiative launching workshops in Nashville in March with Belmont University, aiming to expand TACT’s trade-skills transition-to-employment model toward full-time programming in the fall, supported by corporate partners like Subaru. They address challenges including staffing, costs, facilities, and job availability, discuss policy barriers and data gaps like autism prevalence needs assessments, emphasize nonprofit collaboration, employer education, ROI-focused messaging, and the urgent need for future supports as aging caregivers can no longer provide lifelong care. 00:00 Show Introduction 01:02 Meet Tony and Subscribe 01:21 Introducing Danny Combs 02:39 Colorado Disability Office 03:14 License Plate Funding 04:25 Grants and Inclusion 05:05 Buildable Comes to Nashville 06:00 Workshops and Timeline 07:09 Partners and Workforce Shift 08:04 Scaling Beyond Colorado 08:34 Consistency and Franchising 09:30 Startup Challenges Ahead 10:37 State Role and Policy 11:37 Legislation and Data Gaps 15:14 Nonprofits Need Unity 16:56 Nashville Hub Vision 18:52 Employer Perception and Language 21:39 Rethinking Education and Training 22:38 Five Year Future Vision 23:46 Parents and Long Term Care 26:32 Final Message and Wrap Up 27:22 Closing Credits INTRO/OUTRO: T. Wild Mantor Music BMI The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk. Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.https://tonymantor.comhttps://Facebook.com/tonymantorhttps://instagram.com/tonymantorhttps://twitter.com/tonymantorhttps://youtube.com/tonymantormusicintro/outro music bed written by T. WildWhy Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)
SummaryLiam Edward Golder: late Diagnoses and New Perspectives
Apr 1700:24:54Summary readySend us Fan MailLate Autism Diagnoses, Music, and Seeing Family Through a New Lens with Liam Edward Golder Host Tony Mantor welcomes listeners to Why Not Me: Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide and interviews Liam Edward Golder, a London-born music PR professional and songwriter now living in New York. Liam shares discovering his own autism later in life after his father was diagnosed around age 70, and describes how late clarity brought relief, acceptance, and a new understanding of his father’s withdrawal and difficulty reading emotions. He discusses traits such as overwhelm with menus, sensitivity to crowds, loud noise and bright lights, hyperfocus on music, photographic memory, and co-occurring ADHD and anxiety, reframing autism as a creative strength that supported a 30-year music career working with many artists. Liam also describes helping translate situations for his father, who also has paranoid personality disorder, and shares his goal of inspiring others that autism doesn’t have to limit achievement. 01:18 Meet Liam Golder 02:12 Creativity as Strength 03:36 Dad’s Late Diagnosis 04:15 Shared Traits and Triggers 05:37 Rethinking Autism 06:49 Getting Diagnosed and Relief 07:41 Telling Family and Support 08:49 Translating for Dad 13:13 Burnout and Anxiety 14:35 Acceptance and Purpose 17:34 Music Career and Structure 19:17 Legacy and Inspiration 20:28 Connection with Dad 23:07 Living Confidently Now 23:52 Closing and Call to Share The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk. Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.https://tonymantor.comhttps://Facebook.com/tonymantorhttps://instagram.com/tonymantorhttps://twitter.com/tonymantorhttps://youtube.com/tonymantormusicintro/outro music bed written by T. WildWhy Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)
SummaryRebecca Engle: neurodiversity in the classroom and stories of advocacy
Apr 1500:28:42Summary readySend us Fan MailEmbracing Neurodiversity: A Conversation with Autistic Educator and Author Rebecca Engle In this episode of 'Why Not Me,' hosted by Tony Mantor from Nashville, Tennessee, Rebecca Engle, an autistic educator and author, shares her journey and insights into neurodiversity in education. Rebecca discusses her experiences as a nonverbal child, the challenges she faced in academia, and the strategies she uses to support neurodivergent students. She highlights the importance of creating inclusive educational environments and challenges outdated behavioral systems. Rebecca also dives into her work as an author, particularly focusing on her children's books that address autism and stemming, and speaks about her efforts to foster understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity worldwide. Introduction to Why Not Me Meet Rebecca Engle: Autistic Educator and Advocate Rebecca's Early Life and Challenges Navigating Education and Professional Life Teaching Strategies and Classroom Experiences Rebecca's Writing Journey Future Goals and Expanding Impact Closing Remarks and Contact Information INTRO/OUTRO: T.Wild Mantor Music BMI The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk. Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.https://tonymantor.comhttps://Facebook.com/tonymantorhttps://instagram.com/tonymantorhttps://twitter.com/tonymantorhttps://youtube.com/tonymantormusicintro/outro music bed written by T. WildWhy Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)
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