Send us a textHave you ever felt isolated in your mental health journey, yearning for a community that truly understands? Tune into "Why Not Me? The World Podcast" with your host, Tony Mantor, broadcasting from the vibrant heart of Nashville, Tennessee. This episode is not just a collection of stories; it's a heartfelt movement towards global acceptance and understanding of autism and other mental health challenges like bipolar disorder, ADHD, and PTSD. Our inspiring guests open up ...

Send us a textWhat if music could be your path to healing and inner peace? Dive into an inspiring conversation with East Forest, a pioneer in meditation and transformative music. Discover how his personal battle with anxiety and depression led him to create soul-soothing compositions that have become a beacon of hope for many. His journey from crafting music for personal solace to becoming a guiding light in meditative and shamanic practices worldwide is nothing short of remarkable.&nbsp...

Send us a textWhat happens when you refuse to let a diagnosis define your future? Join us for a powerful conversation with Caden McElwain as he shares his journey from being diagnosed with autism at two years old to thriving academically and pursuing a degree in public relations. Listen as Caden recounts the unwavering support from his parents, his transition from specialized to mainstream education, and the resilience he displayed despite facing bullying and academic stress. Hear a...

Send us a textJoin us for a fascinating conversation with Christina Collura, a passionate teacher, entrepreneur, and autism advocate. Discover how Christina's journey began with a simple yet powerful idea—creating a customized name puzzle for her son Luca, who was diagnosed with autism at age three. This innovative tool, featuring indented chalkboard spaces, transformed Luca's ability to recognize and write his name in just four weeks. Christina's story is one of creativity and...

Send us a textUnlock the secrets of autism service dog training with our special guest, Ivan Petersel, a certified professional dog trainer with a fascinating backstory. From his beginnings with a psychology degree and work in developmental disabilities to running a successful dog walking business in Manhattan, Ivan's journey is anything but ordinary. Tune in as we explore his experiences, including dealing with aggressive dogs and unraveling a scam that left him determined to becom...

Send us a textHow does a late autism diagnosis reshape one's life? Discover the profound journey of Reid Miles, an autistic author and podcaster, as he opens up about his late diagnosis in his 20s and its transformative impact. Reid shares his experiences with the social security system, the clinical trial that validated his autism, and the hurdles he encountered with communication and social interactions. We also delve into Reid's struggles with employment and the stigmas he faced,...

Send us a textDiscover the critical financial strategies that can transform the lives of families with autism in our latest episode of "Why Not Me." Join us as we sit down with Andrew Smith, an experienced financial planner who specializes in guiding families with special needs. With a personal connection to the cause, Andrew delves into the complex world of government benefits like SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid, shedding light on how families can navigate these programs while addressing ...

Send us a textWhat happens when your child's first words start to disappear? That's the heart-wrenching question Michelle Morton faced as her son's communication skills regressed and sensory challenges emerged. In this episode of "Why Not Me? The World," Michelle takes us through her powerful journey, highlighting a pivotal moment at Chuck E. Cheese that confirmed their suspicions of autism. Through her candid storytelling, Michelle shares how specialized therapies at High Hope...

Send us a textImagine discovering a new facet of your identity just as you are navigating the already tumultuous waters of menopause. That's the reality for many autistic individuals, and today we’re thrilled to have researchers Rachel Mosley and Eunhee Kim share their eye-opening findings on this deeply personal and under-researched topic. Uni's initial investigation into the high rates of suicidality among autistic people led her to Rachel, and together they embarked on a groundbr...

Send us a textHow does an autistic individual navigate life’s challenges to find joy and purpose in a supportive community? Join us on this episode of "Why Not Me? The World Podcast" as we welcome Joe Gilotti, a remarkable man who has turned his diagnosis of Asperger's into a journey of resilience and triumph. Joe takes us back to his childhood, sharing the hurdles he faced during his school years and the bullying that tested his resolve. With the support of his family and the ...

Send us a Text Message.Beth Pilchik opens up about her powerful journey as both a publicist dedicated to businesses serving neurodiverse individuals and as a mother navigating the often turbulent waters of raising an autistic child. From the poignant moment of her son Matthew's diagnosis to the daunting task of finding the right educational programs and early interventions, Beth's story is one of resilience, love, and perseverance. Tune in to hear how she confronted the emotional an...

Send us a Text Message.Unlock the secrets to navigating the neurotypical world as we sit down with Kate and Missy from Social Connections, a pioneering Nashville-based organization. Discover how their journey, which began in 1993 at Vanderbilt's psychiatric hospital, has evolved to support the unique social and dating needs of young autistic adults. Kate and Missy share invaluable insights on helping neurodiverse individuals thrive without altering their inherent traits, offering a fresh...

Send us a Text Message.Ever wondered how to navigate the challenges of raising a child with autism? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with John Brown, the First Responder Program Manager for the Autism Society of America, and an autistic dad to Wyatt, his non-speaking 8-year-old son. John shares his heartfelt journey, from recognizing the early signs of autism to Wyatt's use of an AAC device for communication. We touch on Wyatt's unique sensory preferences, the hurdles with te...

Send us a Text Message.What does it take to turn frustration into a thriving nonprofit that changes lives? Meet Danny Combs, a devoted father whose journey of supporting his autistic son, Dylan, led to the creation of TACT, an organization that empowers autistic individuals through trades and crafts. Discover the deeply personal story of Dylan's early autism diagnosis and the signs that led to it, as Danny shares the unique challenges Dylan faces as a teenager, from navigating social sit...

Send us a Text Message.Discover the profound journey of Barry Prizant, one of the leading voices in autism research, as he shares his rich experiences and insights on "Why Not Me." From his early days at residential summer camps for individuals with disabilities to becoming a pivotal figure in the field, Barry's story is one of passion and dedication. Learn how his academic training in speech and language pathology and psycholinguistics, coupled with hands-on experience, helped shape a m...

Send us a Text Message.Unlock the secrets to overcoming personal challenges and finding your voice with Tom Iland, an extraordinary autistic coach, author, and Toastmasters accredited speaker. In this episode of "Why Not Me, the World?", Tom takes us through his transformative journey from his autism diagnosis at age 13 to becoming a beacon of inspiration for many. Learn how he navigated early signs of autism, including lining up toys and sensory sensitivities, and how he cultivated...

Send us a Text Message.What if realizing you were autistic as an adult could change not only your self-perception but also your life's mission? Meet Iko Edward Fish of Enlightened Consentment, who received his autism diagnosis at 38. His path from struggling with social interactions to becoming a beacon of hope for others on the spectrum is nothing short of inspiring. Listen to his story of growth, spurred by a TEDx talk, which led him to a deeper understanding of himself and a...

Send us a Text Message.Marie Martin never imagined she'd become a fierce advocate for her autistic son, Zach, but life had other plans. Join us as Marie reveals her transformative journey from a telecommunications professional to a warrior mom, equipped with a wealth of knowledge about autism, ADHD, and co-occurring conditions. You'll gain invaluable insights from her experiences, including the hurdles she and her family face due to Zach's demand avoidant profile and severe anxiety.The e...

Send us a Text Message.Unlock the complexities of autism with Dr. Temple Grandin, one of the most respected voices in the field. Our in-depth conversation peels back the layers of the autistic experience, illuminating the importance of early intervention, hands-on learning, and the richness of talents within the spectrum. Discover how practical life skills and work experience can transform lives, and learn strategies to support both verbal and non-verbal individuals in expressing th...

Send us a Text Message.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 high school bullying, yet she ...

Send us a Text Message.Celebrating a year of heartfelt stories and shared experiences, "Why Not Me the World Podcast" reaches its first milestone with gratitude and excitement that knows no bounds. As your host Tony Mantor, I've had the honor of welcoming guests whose resilience and joy have touched us all, and now, from the vibrant city of Nashville, Tennessee, we're gearing up for another trip around the sun. This special anniversary episode is a heartfelt thank-you to each of y...

Send us a Text Message.Imagine discovering the key to unlocking new levels of connection and learning for those with autism—a key covered in fur and filled with unconditional love. That's exactly what AJ Cullen Langell brings to light in our heartwarming episode as she recounts the story of Autism Barks. AJ, a special education teacher, witnessed firsthand the incredible influence her dog, Ella, had on her students, catalyzing the creation of an initiative that intertwines her passion fo...

Send us a Text Message.When Ebony Allard stepped into the luminous yet puzzling world of her autism, she unearthed an unexpected sanctuary amidst the rhythmic hum of Spain's foreign tongue. Our latest conversation with this mystic artist and self-actualization facilitator is nothing short of a revelation, as she shares the untold nuances of living with autism diagnosed in adulthood. Ebony's narrative is not just her own - it echoes the silent symphonies of many who navigate life feeling ...

Send us a Text Message.Every family's journey is unique, yet some stories resonate with the universal rhythm of resilience and hope. Joining me today is Dawn Rix, whose melodious life as a singer-songwriter intertwines with her profound role as a mother to a son with autism. Dawn's tale, harking back to a time when autism was a whisper rather than a conversation, offers a deep-dive into the realities of an unexpected path; from her son's diagnosis to the dissolution of her marriage ...