Tony Mantor: Why Not Me ?
Embracing Autism/Mental Health WorldwideAutism 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.
- Update frequency
- every 3 days
- Average duration
- 28 minutes
- Episodes
- 162
- Years Active
- 2023 - 2025
Bridget Hampstead's Journey: Autism, Community, and Radical Love
Bridget Hampstead shares her journey from discovering her own neurodivergence to founding Fish in a Tree, a virtual community center supporting neurodivergent adults.
Her work combines…
John Puls : Autism, Justice, and Understanding: Navigating the Criminal System
John Puls, a psychotherapist specializing in forensic work, shares critical insights on navigating the intersection of autism, mental health, and the criminal justice system.
He draws …
Trish Ieraci:Understanding Autism Saves Lives: One Trainer's Mission to Transform Police Interactions
Trish Ieraci, founder of Teaching Individuals About Autism (TIA), takes us deep into the critical gap between law enforcement training and successful interactions with the autism commu…
Country Music Meets Compassion: How Artists Are Making a Difference for Autism
Tony Mantor hosts a special remote podcast from Nashville Palace supporting "An Acoustic Evening for Autism." Country music artists Daryl Worley and Dillon Massengale share their perso…
Joan Lipinski : Battles for Her Autistic Daughter's Freedom
Joan Lipinski shares her deeply personal journey fighting for her daughter with Asperger's syndrome who received a 63-month federal prison sentence after being manipulated into bringin…
Doug Passon: Breaking Down Barriers, How Understanding Autism Changes Legal Outcomes
Doug Passon shares his journey as a criminal defense lawyer and filmmaker advocating for autistic individuals in the legal system, drawing from both his professional experience and per…
Brian Kelmar:Breaking Down Barriers: One Father's Fight to Reform Legal Treatment of Autism
Brian Kelmar shares his inspiring journey of creating Decriminalize Developmental Disabilities (D3), an organization helping families whose autistic loved ones become entangled in the …
Steven Waddell: Rocks, Rails, and Revelations: A Model's Autism Story
Stephen Waddell takes us on a powerful journey of self-discovery as he shares how he uncovered his autism in adulthood after building a successful modeling career.
Despite being natura…
Mark Mahoney: Fighting for Autism Justice
Mark Mahoney reveals his groundbreaking work as possibly the only attorney in North America exclusively dedicated to defending individuals with autism spectrum disorder who face crimin…
Bart Barta: Training First Responders for Autism Encounters
When autism intersects with law enforcement, the results can be harmful or even catastrophic without proper training and understanding.
Retired law enforcement commander Bart Barta sha…
Country Music Unites for Autism Awareness
Country music and autism awareness come together at Nashville Palace for "An Acoustic Evening for Autism," where artists use their platform to support families affected by autism throu…
Dennis Debbaudt : reveals how proper training can prevent tragic misunderstandings between autism and law enforcement.
Dennis Debbaudt shares his 30-year journey addressing autism-related police interactions and developing training programs for law enforcement nationwide.
His pioneering work bridges th…
Elizabeth Kelley:Autism in the Legal System: A Defense Attorney's Perspective
Criminal defense attorney Elizabeth Kelley shares her expertise on representing individuals with autism spectrum disorder and mental health conditions in the justice system, revealing …
Jerry Turning: From Officer to Advocate: One Dad's Mission to Bridge the Gap
Jerry Turning shares his journey from veteran police officer to autism advocate after his son's diagnosis, creating Blue Bridge Autism Training to educate first responders about autism…
Meet Dr. Theresa Haskins: The Mom Who Rewrote the Rulebook on Autism
Dr. Theresa Haskins shares her journey from a mother seeking answers for her autistic son to becoming an educator and researcher dedicated to creating more inclusive systems for neurod…
Judge Soonhee(Sunny) Bailey: Breaking the Cycle and Creating America's First Autism Court Program
Judge Sonny Bailey shares how she created the nation's only court dedicated to helping autistic youth stay out of the criminal justice system.
What began in 2018 as a quieter courtroom…
Gabriella Russo: Embracing Self-Discovery and Advocacy in Autism – Overcoming Challenges and Building a Supportive Community
What if discovering your true self could transform your entire life journey?
Join me, Tony Mantor, as I sit down with the insightful Gabriella Russo for a powerful discussion on self-d…
Why Not Me the World Humanity Over Handcuffs the Special Event for April
Hi, I'm Tony Mantor.
Imagine a world where the rules don't bend.
Where justice feels like a maze with no exit.
For autistic people navigating the legal system, this is not imagination.…
Jess Tuff: Empowering Autism Acceptance Through Advocacy and Empathy – A Mother's Journey in Special Education and Mental Health
Jess Tuff shares her emotional journey as a mother advocating for her autistic daughter while navigating the education system and societal stigma. Her story emphasizes the importance o…
Lady Miranda: Harmonizing Inclusivity and Autism in Music – Navigating Performance, Relationships, and Societal Norms with Resilience and Insight
Lady Miranda shares her journey as an autistic artist navigating the music industry while managing sensory overload and performance challenges. Through her experiences, she emphasizes …