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Tony Mantor: Why Not Me ?

Tony Mantor: Why Not Me ?
Author: Tony Mantor
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© 2025 Tony Mantor: Why Not Me ?
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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.
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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 growth for her entire family.
• Former police officer whose life changed when her son was diagnosed with autism at age three
• Faced impossible demands balancing work while trying to help her son fit into traditional school
• Discovered during lockdown that her son thrived without school's constraints, rising from bottom to top of his class
• Changed diet completely, eliminating trigger foods and focusing on gut health with remarkable results in six weeks
• Traveled in a motorhome for three years providing experiential learning rather than traditional education
• Explored natural anxiety management using high-quality cacao as an alternative to medication
• Found that self-directed learning allowed her son to follow his interests while developing necessary skills
• Documented their journey in her book "The Magic of Not Fitting In" available on Amazon and IngramSpark
• Now coaches other families, sharing natural approaches to supporting neurodivergent children
If you're noticing issues with gut health or anxiety in your child, consider exploring natural approaches like dietary changes and cacao. Visit Victoria's website at geminidirections.co.uk for more information about her coaching and her book.
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Intro music: T. Wild
Music: Mantor Music BMI
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 Hurricane Katrina when untreated mental illness led to criminalization
• Witnessed a friend die in custody due to inadequate mental health and medical care
• Founded Healing Minds NOLA to create a "one-stop shop" for mental health care
• Successfully led implementation of Assistive Outpatient Treatment courts in Louisiana
• Working to reform the "15-day rule" limiting psychiatric hospitalization under Medicaid
• Advocates need to understand their specific state systems rather than applying generic solutions
• Louisiana has adequate psychiatric bed capacity but lacks long-term continuity of care
• Policy barriers, not just funding issues, prevent effective treatment for severe mental illness
• Ideological positions often prevent pragmatic solutions that could help vulnerable individuals
• Advocates are more effective when they understand local systems and speak from experience
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intro/outro music written by T. Wild
Why Not me music published by Mantor Music (BMI)
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 healthcare accessibility for autistic individuals around the world.
• IBCCES provides specialized training and certification for healthcare providers, helping hospitals, dental offices, and other facilities better support individuals with autism
• The organization has created global partnerships across healthcare, entertainment, and travel sectors, including certifying Emirates as the world's first autism-certified airline
• Training programs are built by autism experts and people with lived experience to address industry-specific needs rather than generic awareness
• Certification includes virtual training modules and on-site assessments to make environments more sensory-friendly without major structural changes
• Danielle has worked with individuals ages 2-87 across residential, educational, and healthcare settings throughout her career
• Healthcare gaps for autistic individuals include lack of understanding about sensory needs, communication differences, and proper accommodations
• Developers created an Accessibility App that helps people locate autism-certified businesses and services worldwide
• Danielle recently participated in Ride for Autism Africa, helping build a therapy center and special needs school in Kenya
Join us in transforming the world, one story at a time. If you know someone who has a story to share, contact us at whynotmeworld.
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 brother with severe mental illness. Her powerful story reveals critical gaps in our mental health and legal systems that prevent timely intervention for those most in need.
• Experience as a healthcare advocate navigating insurance barriers and provider shortages
• Personal history with anxiety and OCD providing firsthand understanding of mental health challenges
• Brother's delusional disorder progression from normal complaints to severe paranoia
• Attempts to get help through police and crisis responders repeatedly blocked by bureaucratic barriers
• Brother's eventual criminal behavior, jail time, and homelessness due to untreated mental illness
• Finding support through MOMI (Mothers of the Mentally Ill) while continuing to search for solutions
• Importance of maintaining hope and humanizing those with severe mental illness
• Awareness as the first step toward creating positive change in mental health systems
If you know someone who has a story to share, tell them to contact us at whynotmeworld. Spread the word about Why Not Me, our conversations, our inspiring guests that show you are not alone in this world.
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 both her shelter and her bridge to connecting with others when words failed.
• Diagnosed with autism as an adult around the same time as her son
• Survived childhood sexual abuse starting at age nine and a kidnapping at age 19
• Found her voice through music after escaping a controlling marriage that prevented her from singing for ten years
• Created "red threads" of connection through music demonstrations at Guitar Centers across America
• Developed coping strategies including a mental "switch" that helps her perform despite sensory challenges
• Working on her 11th music project which includes songs about autism like "Invisible" and "Life in the Spectrum"
• Discovered her "superpower" in co-writing songs with other trauma survivors through music therapy programs
• Advocates for fellow autistic individuals to embrace their differences and clearly communicate their boundaries
Tell everyone everywhere about Why Not Me? The World, the conversations we're having and the inspiration our guests give to everyone everywhere that you are not alone in this world.
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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 professional expertise.
• Experienced a life-changing moment when her son had a psychotic breakdown during a family gathering
• Recognized signs that she initially thought were typical teenage behaviors but were early symptoms of mental illness
• Her son is now diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder depressive type with polysubstance use
• Despite having resources and knowledge, faced enormous barriers in getting appropriate care for her adult son
• Co-founded a holistic mental health clinic offering integrated approaches including blood testing and IV therapy
• Advocates for successful community treatment models like one in Yakima, Washington that provides services with minimal budget
• Discusses "ambiguous grief" – the unique pain of losing someone who is still physically present
• Emphasizes the importance of documentation, understanding system language, and building support teams
• Believes in setting boundaries as an act of protection while continuing to advocate for better care
• Works with National Shattering Silence Coalition to influence mental health policy reform
If you'd like to learn more about Liana's work or need advocacy support, contact her at leanna@seattlenad.com or call/text 425-393-4762.
She is available to attend meetings anywhere in the US to support those navigating the mental health system.
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"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 Mantor welcomes listeners to join a global movement fostering awareness, acceptance, and understanding through powerful personal narratives.
• Broadcasting from Nashville, Tennessee with a mission to share powerful stories
• Expanding focus to include both autism and mental health following 61 impactful episodes
• Commitment to raw, authentic storytelling that educates and heals
• Special events planned, including collaboration with Humanity Over Handcuffs
• Building an inclusive community where no one feels alone
If you have a story to share or know someone whose voice deserves to be heard, please connect with us at https://whynotme.world
Spread the word about Why Not Me, our conversations, our inspiring guests, the show - you are not alone in this world.
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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 work detail.
Through her grief, Cindy has become a powerful advocate for mental health reform in the criminal justice system, working to pass the Tristan Murphy Act in Florida.
• Tristan developed schizophrenia in his 30s, unusually late compared to typical onset in teens or early 20s
• After his first psychotic episode, Tristan spent 8 months in jail before being declared incompetent to stand trial
• When properly medicated, Tristan functioned well and maintained a relationship with his children
• Florida ranks #1 in mental health needs but #49 in providing mental health services
• The Tristan Murphy Act aims to identify mental health issues within 24 hours of arrest and divert people to treatment
• Approximately 30% of prison inmates have mental health issues
• New treatments like long-acting injectable medications can help people with schizophrenia maintain stability
• The documentary "The Warehouse: The Life and Death of Tristan Murphy" is available on YouTube
If you know anyone that would like to tell their story, send them to tonymantor.com/contact with their information so one day they may be a guest on our show. Please tell everyone everywhere about Why Not Me ? Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide
The World, the conversations we're having, and the inspiration our guests give to everyone that you are not alone in this world.
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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 between stigma and the true barriers to treatment for serious mental illness
• Exploring anosognosia - the neurological inability to recognize one's own illness
• Advocating for Assisted Outpatient Treatment laws to provide early intervention before hospitalization
• Illuminating how prisons have become de facto mental health institutions with 70-90% of inmates having mental illness
• Sharing concrete strategies for families to navigate the mental health and criminal justice systems
• Demonstrating how legislative change requires education and family stories to overcome misinformation
• Explaining how untreated psychosis, not lack of housing, drives many mentally ill individuals to homelessness
• Highlighting the cost savings ($15+ million in one county) when proper treatment replaces incarceration
Connect with the National Shattering Silence Coalition at nsscoalition.org to learn how you can help change policies that discriminate against those with serious mental illness or to get assistance navigating these complex systems.
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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 highlights the urgent need for better policies to support individuals with psychosis and their families.
• Laura's son was misdiagnosed with ADHD before eventually being diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder at age 20
• Cannabis use potentially triggered or worsened his psychotic symptoms
• Despite 16 attempts to get help through ERs and police, the family faced constant rejection from healthcare facilities
• Anosognosia (lack of illness awareness) prevented her son from voluntarily seeking treatment
• After a violent episode, her son entered the justice system rather than receiving appropriate psychiatric care
• Their state's mental health department only offers services to those who volunteer, excluding those with anosognosia
• The legal system spent resources on 72 court hearings rather than on treatment
• Laura advocates for Assisted Outpatient Treatment laws to bridge the gap between legal and medical systems
• Better education is needed for judges, lawyers, and medical professionals about serious mental illness
We ask that you tell everyone everywhere about Why Not Me? The World, the conversations we're having, and the inspiration our guests give to everyone everywhere that you are not alone in this world.
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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.
Her work bridges the gap between law enforcement and mental healthcare, providing crucial interventions for individuals experiencing psychosis and other mental health emergencies.
• Conducts psychiatric evaluations in various settings including homes, police stations, nursing homes, and even public spaces
• Assesses whether individuals need hospitalization or can be referred to outpatient treatment
• Works with police to divert people from the criminal justice system when possible
• Explains the "revolving door" problem with brief hospital stays leading to recurring crises
• Advocates for Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) to reduce homelessness, hospitalization, and incarceration
• Discusses anosognosia (lack of awareness of illness) affecting up to 97% of untreated schizophrenia patients
• Clarifies that most people with mental illness are not violent and are more likely to be victims
• Highlights the difference between psychosis and borderline personality disorder interventions
• Emphasizes that mental illnesses are brain disorders that shouldn't be stigmatized
Contact us at TonyMantor.com if you would like to share your story on our show. T
ell everyone everywhere about Why Not Me, the conversations we're having, and the inspiration our guests give to everyone that you are not alone in this world.
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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 system that wouldn't help until it was too late. She reveals critical gaps in our mental health system and explains how legal barriers, misunderstood medical conditions, and insufficient family support create deadly consequences for those with severe psychiatric disorders.
• Son experienced his first psychotic break at 19 while attending college on a debate scholarship
• After a four-year struggle with severe mental illness, her son took his own life in 2019
• Anosognosia is a neurobiological symptom where the brain cannot perceive its own illness
• Current mental health system requires evidence of harm before providing involuntary treatment
• Treatment standards based on legal criteria rather than medical need lead to preventable tragedies
• Insurance companies create "ghost networks" of mental health providers who aren't actually available
• Families are often excluded from treatment decision-making despite being primary caregivers
• Prolonged exposure to untreated psychosis causes brain damage and reduces recovery chances
• Some states now include psychiatric deterioration in their criteria for involuntary treatment
• Treatment Advocacy Center works to develop grassroots advocates pursuing legislative change
• Mental health crises receive far less urgent response than medical emergencies like strokes
If you know anyone who would like to tell their story, send them to tonymantor.com and contact us so they can be a guest on our show. Tell everyone everywhere about Why Not Me? The World, the conversations we're having, and the inspiration our guests give to show that you are not alone in this world.
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Sheriff Donna Buckley shares her journey from attorney to becoming the first female sheriff in Barnstable County's 333-year history, along with her innovative approach to transforming incarceration through mental health support, comprehensive case management, and post-release services.
• Buckley's background as legal counsel representing public employees, including police officers and educators
• How the prevalence of mental health issues and addiction in jails inspired her to run for sheriff
• The role of Barnstable County Sheriff's Office in managing the jail, criminal investigations, and emergency services
• Jails functioning as "de facto mental health and addiction treatment" facilities due to lack of proper infrastructure
• Implementation of a case management model to ensure personalized support for every incarcerated individual
• Training corrections officers in mental health first aid and cognitive behavioral therapy
• The newly opened Bridge Center that provides comprehensive post-release support services
• Development of specialized programming for women that addresses their unique needs
• Success stories of individuals breaking the cycle of recidivism through proper support and resources
• Sheriff Buckley's philosophy: "The best way to keep the public safe is to make sure that when people leave our jails, they don't come back"
To learn more about Sheriff Buckley's approach or to share your story, visit TonyMantor.com and click on Contact.
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Jason McKenzie shares his heart-wrenching journey through grief after losing his wife to suicide and his daughter to trauma-induced mental health struggles. His story reveals how childhood trauma ripples through generations and how he found healing through sobriety, purposeful grief work, and helping others.
• Lost his police officer wife to suicide after years battling mental health issues stemming from childhood trauma
• Daughters were just six and five when their mother died, causing deep trauma despite their young age
• Developed a four-year drinking problem while trying to appear like he "had it together"
• Experienced breakthrough moment when his nine-year-old daughter said "I'm disappointed in you"
• Lost his 19-year-old daughter to a car accident related to mental health struggles
• Discovered that many mental health issues stem from unprocessed childhood trauma
• Creates TikTok videos about grief that have reached 40 million views and helped prevent suicides
• Uses somatic experiencing therapy to process grief through body awareness
• Writing a book called "Man Down" about grief specifically targeted to men
• Emphasizes the power of intentional language in shaping our experience of grief
• Practices positive reframing: "I can be grateful for 19 years with her because it's better than zero"
• Believes healing comes through facing what seems unfaceable and sitting with difficult emotions
Contact Jason through TonyMantor.com if you'd like to share your story on Why Not Me? The World podcast.
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Eric Diaz shares his journey of living with schizoaffective disorder and becoming an advocate for those with serious mental illness.
Through finding the right medication, supportive communities, and creative outlets, Eric transformed from someone who couldn't leave his house to a published author helping others navigate similar challenges.
• Diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder as a teenager but initially lacked insight into his condition
• Participated in a clinical trial at Emory University that was crucial for starting treatment
• Struggled with significant medication side effects before finding an effective treatment in 2011
• Went from making fries at Wendy's to getting his GED and attending college
• Became a Certified Peer Specialist to help others with mental health conditions
• Recently published his novel "I Got Sober For This" exploring themes of mental illness
• Now works as an employment specialist helping others with brain disorders find work
• Credits stable housing, family support, and faith community as vital to his recovery
• Emphasizes the importance of both medical treatment and social support systems
• Currently focusing on writing and will be taking a screenwriting workshop
Keep hope, keep going, and don't give up. Reach out to Eric at EricJDiaz1981@gmail.com if you'd like to learn more about his book or experiences.
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Crystal Fox shares her heartbreaking journey as the mother of a son with schizophrenia and co-founder of Arizona Mad Moms, an organization supporting families of loved ones with degenerative brain illnesses causing psychosis. Through her dual perspective as both a parent and a psychiatric nurse with 30 years of experience, Crystal illuminates the critical gaps in our mental healthcare system.
• Anosognosia is a symptom of serious mental illness where individuals cannot recognize they are ill, truly believing their hallucinations and delusions are real
• Despite clear signs of severe psychosis, Crystal's son Joshua was repeatedly denied proper psychiatric treatment because he wasn't actively suicidal
• Current mental healthcare prioritizes treating suicidal ideation while allowing untreated psychosis, despite psychosis leading to higher rates of suicide and homicide
• America has regressed in mental healthcare, removing people from hospitals and placing them in jails or communities without adequate support
• Arizona Mad Moms successfully advocated for legislation requiring screening centers to document family information and created training programs on anosognosia
Tell everyone, everyone everywhere, about Why Not Me, The World, the conversations we're having and the inspiration our guests give to everyone everywhere, that you are not alone in this world.
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Cohen Miles-Rath shares his powerful journey from psychosis and incarceration to becoming a mental health advocate and author.
His story reveals how proper support systems and personal determination transformed a life-altering crisis into a mission of education and advocacy that's changing how we approach mental health treatment.
• Surviving untreated schizoaffective disorder that led to a psychotic episode and incarceration
• Using the four dimensions of recovery—purpose, home, health, and community—to rebuild life
• Transitioning from jail to graduate school within a year through structured support
• Working with Mental Health Association in New York State and the Suicide Prevention Center
• Writing memoir "Mending Reality" to share experiences and reduce stigma around psychosis
• Speaking publicly to create understanding and empathy for serious mental illness
• Advocating for better interventions before people reach crisis points
• Emphasizing the distinction between general mental health challenges and mental illness
• Building communities where recovery becomes not just possible but probable
• Using personal vulnerability to help others develop empathy for those experiencing mental illness
If you know anyone who would like to tell their story, send them to TonyMantor.com and they may become a guest on Why Not Me? The World.
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Sherry Witwer, board president for CIT Utah, shares her insights on improving crisis response systems for people experiencing mental health emergencies and creating alternatives to incarceration through specialized training and community partnerships.
• CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) training provides law enforcement with tools to effectively respond to mental health crises and connect individuals with appropriate treatment
• Mobile crisis outreach teams staffed by behavioral health providers and peers can handle most crisis calls without police involvement
• Receiving centers offer alternatives to jails or emergency rooms, providing specialized assessment and stabilization for those in mental health crisis
• Proper training helps officers distinguish between substance use and mental health crises through scenario-based practice and building community partnerships
• Access to care remains a significant challenge, particularly coordinating services for people with serious mental illness across different systems
• Better case management and peer support services are needed to help individuals navigate complex systems when they're least able to do so independently
• Affordable and supportive housing is essential for recovery and breaking cycles of hospitalization and incarceration
• Including voices of people with lived experience and families is crucial for designing effective mental health services that people will actually use
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Darrell Herrmann, a retired US Army captain and former computer programmer, shares his remarkable journey of living with schizophrenia since 1984 and his mission to help others with severe mental illness live better lives.
• Former US Army captain specializing in field artillery and nuclear weapons before developing schizophrenia
• Earned a computer science degree and worked as a programmer for 18 years after his military discharge
• Spoke to over 30,000 people in hospital groups before COVID, helping patients understand psychosis
• Author of "Straight Talk About Living with Severe Mental Illness," available on Amazon
• Explains that diagnosis often changes and finding the right medication takes time and patience
• Defines psychosis as experiencing hallucinations and delusions while losing touch with reality
• Developed a personal three-bucket strategy to sort real experiences from hallucinations
• Advocates for comprehensive education programs for people diagnosed with psychotic disorders
• Believes the mental health profession itself is often the biggest source of stigma
• Argues most mental health professionals lack proper training in understanding and treating psychosis
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Pete Early shares his journey from Washington Post journalist to mental health advocate after his son developed bipolar disorder, revealing how a broken system forces families into crisis before providing help.
• Diagnosis came during his son Kevin's college years with warning signs like "food doesn't taste good" and confusion about reality
• Psychiatrist delivered a devastating prognosis: "incurable disease" with lifetime medication, weight gain, likely unemployment
• Kevin stopped taking medication after a few weeks, leading to psychosis and breaking into a stranger's house
• Early couldn't get help until his son became "dangerous" enough for intervention
• His son joined 365,000 Americans with serious mental illness who end up in jails and prisons annually
• Crisis intervention training for police makes crucial difference in mental health encounters
• Recovery came through proper medication, independent living with supportive roommates, and finding purpose as a peer counselor
• Early discovered the difference between being a parent versus a partner in someone's recovery
• Mental health system requires criminal behavior before providing adequate treatment
• Despite Early's connections and resources, getting proper help took years of struggle
If you know anyone who would like to share their story on Why Not Me? The World, visit TonyMantor.com/Contact. T
ell everyone everywhere about our show and the inspiration our guests provide, reminding you that you are not alone in this world.
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