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.
Episodes
Advocacy and Awareness: Transforming Mental Health Care with Rachel Streiff
In this episode of 'Why Not Me', host Tony Mantor welcomes Rachel Strife, co-founder of Arizona Mad Moms, to discuss her extensive advocacy work for individuals with serious mental illness.
She shares her personal journey, inspired by a family member's experience, and describes her efforts in rallying families, influencing legislation, and advocating for sy...
Join us for a stirring conversation with Justin Peck, a professional race car driver who has turned his personal challenges with class one bipolar disorder into a powerful advocacy for mental health.
Justin shares his early experiences of feeling different and the painful reality of bullying and lack of support, which many listeners may find relatable.
His candid reflections offer insights into the evolving understanding within his...
From the depths of silence to a voice that echoes across the globe, Temple Grandin's life is a testament to the uncharted brilliance of the autistic mind.
Our conversation peels back the curtain on Temple's journey, revealing the significance of nurturing communication in non-verbal children and the power of supportive educational systems.
Temple's raw recount of adolescence showcases her unyielding resilience amidst the sting of h...
Judge Milton Mack shares his mission to reform the mental health system by moving from crisis intervention to early treatment and prevention.
His groundbreaking work in Michigan demonstrates how changing laws and procedures can dramatically improve outcomes while reducing costs.
• Moving from an inpatient model to an outpatient world where over 90% of mental health care now occurs
• Changing intervention standards to help people be...
Overcoming Insurance Obstacles for Mental Health Care with 'Cover My Mental Health'
In this episode, the founder of the nonprofit 'Cover My Mental Health' discusses their mission to help patients, families, and clinicians navigate and overcome insurance obstacles to access mental health care.
The organization provides resources and encouragement, highlighting the importance of not taking no for an answer from insurance companies.
T...
In this episode of 'Why Not Me, Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide,' host Tony Mantor sits down with Caroline Levander, a scholar and educator from Rice University, to discuss her new book 'Invent Ed.'
They explore how historical insights can shape contemporary education, the importance of fostering creativity in students, and strategies for mitigating stress in academic environments.
Carolyn shares valuable advice for st...
Empowering Journeys: Embracing Life with Cerebral Palsy – Featuring Jason Moyle
Host Tony Mantor welcomes Jason Moyle, an inspiring individual living with cerebral palsy.
Jason shares his life story, from his premature birth and early diagnosis to his challenges growing up and facing bullying.
Despite these obstacles, Jason has turned his experiences into opportunities to uplift others. He discusses his various roles at Civil Furla...
In this episode of 'Why Not Me', hosted by Tony Mantor from Nashville, Tennessee, special guest Kati Morton—a licensed marriage and family therapist and renowned social media influence—shares her expertise on mental health.
Kati discusses her new book, 'Why Do I Keep Doing This?', exploring themes of control, people-pleasing, and perfectionism influenced by personal experiences and her extensive therapy background.
She reflects on ...
In this episode of 'Why Not Me, Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide,' host Tony Mantor welcomes Daniel Packard, a UC Berkeley-trained mechanical engineer and founder of Permanent Anxiety Solutions.
Packard shares his journey from battling severe anxiety to developing a groundbreaking six-week nervous system reset program with a 90% success rate.
They discuss the program's unique approach to targeting the root cause of anxi...
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 discriminatory practices and neglect.
She shares powerful stories of families desperately seeking help for loved ones in psychosis, highlighting how outdated laws and policies create barriers to treatment until tragedy strikes.
• Explaining the difference ...
Embracing Autism and Mental Health: Neena Wagh's Journey in Creating Assisted Living for Autistic Persons
In this episode of 'Why Not Me,' host Tony Mantor speaks with Nina Wahg, founder of ALAP, Assisted Living for Autistic Persons. Neena shares her personal journey of raising her autistic son Amou and discusses her transition from a career in facility management to becoming a full-time autism advocate. She opens up about the chal...
In this episode of 'Why Not Me, Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide,' host Tony Mantor is joined by Ian and Danielle Keller, the powerful duo behind Orphan Prodigy.
They discuss their music, mental health awareness, and their mission to foster empathy through their art.
Ian shares his personal battle with agoraphobia and panic disorder, while Danielle, a clinical psychologist, speaks on mental health advocacy.
Together, th...
In this episode of 'Why Not Me? Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide,' host Tony Mantor engages in a profound conversation with Darren Harper, course leader at the Reach for Health Center in Daventry.
Harper discusses his 20-year journey from martial arts enthusiast to rehabilitation specialist, emphasizing the importance of tailored physical therapy and exercise initiatives for individuals with chronic conditions.
The disc...
Revolutionizing Retail: Drew Ann Long's Caroline's Cart Journey
In this episode of 'Why Not Me', hosted by Tony Mantor from Nashville, Tennessee
Drew Ann Long shares her inspiring story of creating Caroline's Cart—a revolutionary shopping cart designed for individuals with special needs.
Drew Ann, motivated by her daughter Caroline's severe disabilities, overcame numerous challenges, financial hurdles, and industry skepticism to br...
Sharon Eubank's Mission: Embracing Autism and Mental Health Through Local Action
In this episode of Why Not Me, hosted by Tony Mantor, renowned humanitarian Sharon Eubank discusses her work as the Director of Humanitarian Services for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and her book, 'Doing Small Things with Great Love.'
Eubank emphasizes the importance of local volunteerism for mental health and community cohesion. She...
In this episode of Why Not Me, Tony Mantor hosts John Payne, founder of Pure Life Genetics, who discusses his groundbreaking work in genetic health and metabolic disorders.
Payne shares his journey from researching metabolic diseases to developing innovative health solutions for the autistic community.
He highlights the genesis of his work in autism, the science behind metabolic and gut health, and how his company’s camel milk-base...
Embracing Breast Cancer Awareness with Dr. Steven Quay
In this special October bonus episode we focus on Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Guest Dr. Steven Quay, founder of Aosa Therapeutics and an innovator with 91 U.S. patents, shares his mission to prevent breast cancer globally.
Dr. Quay offers insights on the importance of monthly self-breast exams, the benefits of early detection through mammography, and survival rates. He also ...
In this episode of 'Why Not Me?', host Tony Mantor interviews Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison, a distinguished trauma psychologist and founder of Soul Wise Solutions.
They discuss Dr. Harrison's career journey, personal motivations, and her work with individuals suffering from complex trauma, dissociative disorders, schizophrenia, and near-death experiences.
The conversation highlights Dr. Harrison's dedication to bridging psychology an...
Embracing Autism and Mental Health with Dana Hargus, LPC
In this episode of 'Why Not Me', host Tony Mantor speaks with Dana Hargus, LPC, founder of Restore of Ada, a biofeedback therapy center in Ada, Oklahoma.
Dana discusses her journey from being a special education teacher to establishing a dedicated biofeedback therapy practice aimed at helping children with emotional and learning challenges.
The discussion covers the benefits ...
In this episode of 'Why Not Me: Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide,' host Tony Mantor from Nashville, Tennessee, interviews Delise, the author of 'Loving Pieces,' a book series for children on the autism spectrum.
Dalisse shares the inspiration behind her books, which are based on real-life experiences and provide visual and practical guidance for various social situations.
The discussion focuses on her family's journey, ...
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