Tony Mantor: Why Not Me ?

Tony Mantor
  • 5.0 (3.9K)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 2D AGO

    Dr Tim Murphy: How A Psychologist In Congress Rewired Mental Health Policy

    Send us Fan Mail We sit down with former Congressman and psychologist Tim Murphy to show how mental health laws really get made and why “good ideas” often get changed or stripped before they ever help families.  We dig into Medicaid rules, treatment access, psychosis risks, and the hard truth that silence is how broken systems stay in place.  • the real path of a bill from idea to compromise to final vote  • why mental health policy creates intense conflict between groups  • assisted outpatient treatment as an alternative to repeated hospitalization  • how “gravely disabled” standards shape who can get care  • Medicaid payment rules that discourage psychiatric beds and longer stays  • why Congressional Budget Office scoring can derail reforms  • what happens when severe mental illness is handled in jails  • solitary confinement as a driver of worsening symptoms and suicide risk  • high potency marijuana and the rising risk of psychosis  • the estimated $340B to $380B annual cost of schizophrenia  • families left holding the system together without guidance  • HIPAA and confidentiality blocking parents from sharing critical history  • why large organizations lose focus and stall action  • how autism and schizophrenia advocacy can find common ground  • practical steps to educate legislators through emails letters and visits  If you know someone who has a story to you, tell them to contact us at why notme.world.  One last time, spread the word about why not me.  INTRO/OUTRO Music: T. Wild Mantor Music BMI https://tonymantor.com https://Facebook.com/tonymantor https://instagram.com/tonymantor https://twitter.com/tonymantor https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    30 min

  2. 4D AGO

    NSSC: Voices of Change Part 3: Serious Mental Illness, Missed Care, and the Criminal Justice Gap

    Send us Fan Mail We 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 exclusion 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. One last thing. Spread the word about why not me. Music INTRO?OUTRO: T. Wild Mantor Music BMI https://tonymantor.com https://Facebook.com/tonymantor https://instagram.com/tonymantor https://twitter.com/tonymantor https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    30 min

  3. 6D AGO

    NSSC: Voices of Change Part 2: Serious Mental Illness, Missed Care, and the Criminal Justice Gap

    Send us Fan Mail We 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. Wild Mantor Music BMI https://tonymantor.com https://Facebook.com/tonymantor https://instagram.com/tonymantor https://twitter.com/tonymantor https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    28 min

  4. MAY 1

    NSSC: Voices of Change Part 1: Serious Mental Illness, Missed Care, and the Criminal Justice Gap

    Send us Fan Mail We 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.com https://Facebook.com/tonymantor https://instagram.com/tonymantor https://twitter.com/tonymantor https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    29 min

  5. APR 29

    Dr Rachel Moseley: Autistic Voices, Challenges, Joys, and Research Empathy

    Send us Fan Mail Dr. 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.com https://Facebook.com/tonymantor https://instagram.com/tonymantor https://twitter.com/tonymantor https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    29 min

  6. APR 27

    John A. King: Trauma to Triumph by Giving a Voice to the Voiceless

    Send us Fan Mail Transforming 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.com https://Facebook.com/tonymantor https://instagram.com/tonymantor https://twitter.com/tonymantor https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    27 min

  7. APR 24

    Steph West: Starfish Social Club and the Neurodivergent Community

    Send us Fan Mail Steph 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.com https://Facebook.com/tonymantor https://instagram.com/tonymantor https://twitter.com/tonymantor https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    32 min

  8. APR 22

    Ann Grady: Resilience and Advocacy : From the Page to Real Life with Stories that Heal.

    Send us Fan Mail Embracing 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.com https://Facebook.com/tonymantor https://instagram.com/tonymantor https://twitter.com/tonymantor https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    30 min
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5
out of 5
3,940 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Tony Mantor
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    213
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Tony Mantor: Why Not Me ?
  • Show Website
    Tony Mantor: Why Not Me ?

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