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
Suzanne McCartney: A sisters advocacy to reform system failures for SMI
Suzanne McCartney, who shares the deeply personal story of her brother's battle with serious mental illness. Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and later autism, Suzanne's brother faced numerous c…
Ashante Taylorcox: A Journey of Resilience and Advocacy
In this episode of 'Why Not Me? Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide,' hosted by Tony Mantor, Ashante Taylorcox, founder and executive director of 'You Are More Than Incorporated,' shares her…
Sydney Curtin:From Diagnosis to empowerment
Sydney Curtin, an inspiring speaker, author, multi-business owner, consultant, and life coach. She shares her powerful journey of overcoming a traumatic past marked by her mother's addiction and ment…
Keshawn Williams Mission : Breaking Stereotypes in Mental Health
Keshawn Williams shares his inspiring journey and dedication to mental health and trauma-informed care.
Williams, a graduate student pursuing a master's degree in social work, aims to become a traum…
Cynthia Ray:: Autism, Incarceration, and a Sister's Fight for Compassionate Release"
Cynthia Ray shares the deeply moving story of her brother Philip's tumultuous journey.
Diagnosed with autism later in life, Philip's association with a con artist led to his incarceration and a subse…
Dianne Greeley: Redefining Advocacy for mental health reform
In this episode of 'Why Not Me,' Tony Mantor hosts Dianne Greeley, who shares her firsthand experiences and challenges in advocating for mental health reform.
Dianne recounts the struggles her loved …
Rachelle Vartanian: From Special Education Teacher to CommunityLeader
Empowering Adults with Special Needs: One Woman’s Journey
In this episode, we hear an inspiring story of a former special education teacher who founded a nonprofit organization dedicated to supportin…
Amira Martin:Believe in Yourself: A Social Worker's Journey to Breaking Barriers
We explore the mission and approach of MA Therapy with founder Amira Martin, whose practice focuses on providing bias-free psychotherapy to women of color while also mentoring therapist…
Victoria Lenormand: Cacao, Crystals, and Courage: Unconventional Autism Support
Victoria Lenormand shares her transformative journey from police officer to autism advocate after her son's diagnosis, revealing how unconventional choices led to unexpected healing and…
Janet Hays: Healing Minds NOLA journey to reform mental health systems
Janet Hayes shares her journey as a severe mental illness advocate reshaping New Orleans through innovative care systems for those with serious mental health challenges.
• Started advocacy after Hurr…
Danielle Terrell: From Kenya to Dubai: One Advocate's Journey to Empower the Autistic Community
Danielle Terrell shares her journey as the US Healthcare Development Director at the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) and her passion for improving hea…
When Systems Fail: Maria shares a Sister's Fight for Her Brother with Severe Mental Illness
Maria shares her journey advocating for mental healthcare, from working in a medical facility helping patients navigate services to struggling with the complex systems while trying to help her brothe…
Melody Guy: Finding Connection Through Autism and Artistry
Melody Guy shares her extraordinary journey as an autistic singer-songwriter who has traveled over two million miles despite the challenges of sensory issues and PTSD. She reveals how music became bo…
Leanna May Franklin: Love Without Structure:Navigating Serious Mental Illness as a Family
Leanna May Franklin shares her journey as a mental health advocate after her son experienced a psychotic break at age 19, revealing the challenges of navigating care even with resources and professio…
Why Not Me ? The Power of Shared Experiences in Autism and Mental Health
"Why Not Me?" podcast expands its mission to embrace both autism and mental health worldwide, creating a platform for raw, authentic storytelling that inspires and connects.
Host Tony …
Cindee Murphy: When the System Fails:Tristan Murphy's Story Changes Florida Law
Cindy Murphy shares the heartbreaking story of her son Tristan, who struggled with schizophrenia and died by suicide while incarcerated after being handed a chainsaw during a prison wo…
Ann Corcoran: Psychosis Isn't a Choice
Ann Corcoran, Executive Director of the National Shattering Silence Coalition, discusses the broken systems that fail those with serious mental illness and their families through discr…
Laura Craciun: A Son's Mental Illness and a System That Failed Him
Laura Craciun shares her son's harrowing journey with serious mental illness and the systemic failures that criminalize mental health conditions instead of treating them.
Her story hig…
Lynn Nanos: Navigating Psychosis: A Mobile Crisis Worker's Perspective
Lynn Nanos, a mobile psychiatric emergency social worker with 15+ years experience, shares insights on evaluating and helping people with serious mental illness in crisis situations.
H…
Jerri Clark: A Mother's Journey Through Loss and Advocacy
Geri Clark, Resource and Advocacy Manager at Treatment Advocacy Center, shares her devastating journey of losing her son to severe mental illness while navigating a broken treatment sy…