Send us a Text Message. When John from Showboat TV swapped his mobile DJ decks for the director's chair, he didn't just change his job title; he transformed lives.  Tune in to an episode that's not only about beats and tunes but also about breaking barriers and creating a symphony of inclusivity, especially for those with autism and special needs.  My guest, John, recounts his personal journey and how it led him to adopt a hiring philosophy that values capability over credentials, opening...

Send us a Text Message. Have you ever wondered what it's like to view the world through a neurodiverse lens?  Dr. Ashley Ruba, a developmental psychologist, peels back the curtain on her life with autism and ADHD, offering a rare glimpse into the delicate tightrope walk of managing the need for structure against the quest for new experiences.  Through her eyes, we navigate the nuanced interplay of social dynamics, the pursuit of academic excellence, and the personal strategies that make...

As the vibrant hues of pageantry blend with the powerful message of inclusion, Katie Griswold stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration during Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month.  Diagnosed with autism at age eight, Katie's story is one of determination, resilience, and the transformative power of self-expression through dance and online education. Her journey echoes the struggles and achievements many face, while her relationship with her brother offers an intimate glimpse into the...

When your world turns upside down after your child's autism diagnosis, where do you turn?  Uzma's compelling journey as a certified autism specialist and parent unfolds in our latest podcast episode, where she candidly shares the heartaches and triumphs of raising a child on the spectrum.  Her story is a beacon for parents wading through the complexities of early signs, diagnosis, and the maze of professional support—or the lack thereof.  Uzma's insistence on clear, jargon-free communication...

Every family has its own unique tapestry of experiences, but for Rachel Winder, the threads of her life weaved a particularly intricate pattern.  As an autistic mother raising an autistic child, she faces the world with a perspective that's as enlightening as it is challenging.  Step into Rachel's shoes for a moment and you'll begin to understand the depth of neurodiversity's impact on identity, advocacy, and the unbreakable bond she shares with her son.  Together, we navigate the complex...

Discovering oneself can be a life-long journey, punctuated by profound moments of realization.  For Madison Sasser, author and unguarded voice of the blogging world, that moment came at 23 with an autism diagnosis.  Her story is one of navigating the murky waters of self-identity and professional life, a tale she recounts with raw honesty in our latest episode.  Madison's narrative is a beacon for anyone who's felt adrift in a sea of societal expectations, providing an intimate look into the...

Every parent's journey comes with its unique milestones and hurdles, but when you're raising a child on the autism spectrum, those experiences can redefine the very essence of resilience and discovery.  Join me as I sit down with Lynne, the Awesomism Mom, who opens up about the rollercoaster ride parenting her son Peyton has been.  From recognizing the early signs of autism to the evolution of "Awesomism," Lynne's story is one of unwavering love, adaptation, and the pursuit of a life where...

Imagine stepping into the world of a special education teacher who navigates the same trials and triumphs at home with her own autistic son as she does with her students. Meet Darcy Lippman, a remarkable mother and educator who joins me, Tony Mantor, to unravel the rich tapestry of her experiences with her son. Through Darcy's eyes, we traverse the early days of Jiren's life, confronting developmental delays with a cocktail of love, patience, and early interventions.  Our heartfelt...

When Jim Irion finally pieced together the puzzle of his life after an autism diagnosis at 37, it was akin to finding a missing key to a lock long-closed.  Our latest episode offers an intimate glimpse into Jim's powerful narrative, highlighting the profound influence a late diagnosis can have on understanding oneself and redefining one’s life path.  We journey alongside him as he traverses the realities of adult autism, from the daily nuances like tying shoes to the larger life decisions...

Imagine facing the challenges of parenting not one, but three young children with autism, each with their own unique set of needs and behaviors.  Selena Lanelle, a brave mother and author, joins me to share her deeply moving story that stretches from the heartache of early autism signs in her twins to the complexities of navigating a world that often misunderstands non-verbal communication.  With raw honesty, Selena recounts her family's journey through domestic violence, the reflection on...

Imagine discovering a core truth about yourself that reshapes the narrative of your life. That's exactly what happened to Chris Weakly, who uncovered his autism diagnosis well into adulthood.  Join me, Tony Mantor, on a profound journey with Chris as he opens up about the seismic shifts in self-awareness, personal relationships, and career paths that followed his revelation.  His raw account navigates the complexities of adult autism support, and highlights the sanctuary he found within the...

Navigate the complexities of nutrition with Leah Oladitan, a distinguished registered dietitian, as we uncover the dynamic realm of dietary guidance.  Leah's international expertise illuminates the intricate process of customizing nutrition plans, debunking the myth that dietitians are merely gatekeepers of calorie counting. We traverse the puzzling world of food labels together, equipping you with Leah's practical strategies to sidestep marketing traps and select wholesome options on your...

When Kristy Mickelsen, a romance author turned fierce advocate, first noticed the early signs of autism in her children, she embarked on a journey many parents can relate to—one filled with determination, love, and the pursuit of understanding.  Our heartfelt conversation with Kristi in today's episode is not just a story of parenting autistic children, but a deeper look into the fabric of family, advocacy, and the power of relentless support.  She captures the essence of her fight against a...

When Anna Kennedy OBE speaks, you can't help but be moved by the power of a mother's love and the strength it takes to move mountains for her children.  Join us as Anna Kennedy shares her deeply emotional and empowering journey of raising two autistic sons, Patrick and Angelo.  Her candid recollections—from confronting a world that lacked autism awareness to the life-affirming accomplishments of her children—offer a beacon of hope to any parent walking a similar path.  In a conversation that...

Have you ever felt like the 'black sheep' in your family, or perhaps, in the world?  We embarked on a journey with Sam Huber and his father, Bob, who vulnerably shared their personal experiences with autism, the monumental challenges they faced, and the triumphs they ultimately celebrated. Sam gives us a vivid glimpse of living in a neurotypical world while having autism, and Bob candidly reveals how these dynamics impacted their family, especially Sam's younger brother, Nick.  We went back...

As the calendar flips to a new chapter and we wrap ourselves in the possibilities of the New Year, I—Tony Mantor, your guide through the auditory waves of Why Not Me the World—am here to offer a sanctuary of stories and understanding from the heart of Nashville.  With a heart full of gratitude, I reflect on the laughter, tears, and solidarity that our guests have brought into our lives, celebrating the vibrant tapestry of human experience they've woven, particularly in the realm of autism...

Who would have thought that a podcast started by someone with no initial knowledge on autism would make it to 25 episodes?  Well, we've done just that, and it's all thanks to your unwavering support and our amazing guests who've courageously shared their experiences living with autism.  As we take a short break to celebrate the holiday season with our loved ones, we encourage you to revisit our past episodes.  For those who are new, there's a treasure trove of enlightening conversations about...

Ever pondered how complex the journey of raising an autistic child can be?  It's an untrodden path filled with unique challenges, unexpected joys, and profound learnings.  In our latest episode, we invite you to step into the shoes of Ionit Sabatello, a courageous mother, as she shares her personal voyage of navigating her son's autism diagnosis since the tender age of seven. Ionit's tale takes us from her homeland of Israel to her current residence in London, painting a vivid picture of the...

What if you had a unique way of seeing the world, but didn't know why you were different until you were 44?  That's what happened to our extraordinary guest today, Andee Joyce. Diagnosed with autism later in life, Andee shares her compelling journey of self-discovery and acceptance with us.  Struggling to maintain relationships and jobs became a part of life for her, as she grappled with her unique mind.  Instead of letting these challenges hold her back, Andee found strength in her...

What if you could unlock the potential of stem cell therapy to improve the lives of those with autism?  Join us in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Eric Weiss and his wife, Christine, as we journey through their personal encounter with autism, starting from their son's diagnosis in 1995.  We discuss the challenges, triumphs, and the critical role of finding the right resources and support for autistic individuals. The conversation takes a riveting turn as we explore the groundbreaking...

Embark on an insightful conversation with Susan Morantes, a mother to an autistic son and an integral part of the Dan Marino Foundation.  Susan's tale of navigating through the labyrinth of autism is both moving and informative. She takes us through the process of getting her son diagnosed, the challenges they faced in finding a school that could cater to his needs, and the steps she took in helping her son adapt to these changes.  Susan's experience offers a beacon of hope and knowledge to...

Welcome to a conversation that will move your spirit and inspire your heart.  We are honored to have Alize Adelle, who has been the guiding light for her severely autistic niece, Hannah. Alize enlightens us about Hannah's early diagnosis journey, which was fraught with uncertainties and societal misconceptions.  Hannah's remarkable adaptation to her non-verbal interaction, using Disney film catchphrases to express herself, is a testament to the extraordinary resilience embedded in her...

 Ever wondered about the world through the eyes of a parent with an autistic child?  Join us as we journey with Victor Antunez - a loving father navigating the unpredictable waters of raising his 6-year-old daughter on the autism spectrum, and 4-year-old neurotypical son.  Victor gives a raw and heartwarming account of his family's story, from the initial diagnosis to daily challenges and victories - a testament to the strength and resilience of parents in his shoes. We explore the importance...

Have you ever wondered how an understanding of autism can enrich the world of music?  Join us in a riveting conversation with Howard Priestley, the seasoned Music Director of Phoenix Radio, as he beautifully intertwines these two realms.  With a background in art and teaching, Howard brings a unique perspective to the table, sharing insights from his experiences working with young people with learning disabilities.  His story of resolving a disagreement between two autistic friends not only...

Imagine walking in the shoes of a father raising three unique children, all on the autism spectrum.  That's the enlightening journey George Bailey, a dedicated father of five, invites us into. George gives us an inside look into their family life, from the intricate process of obtaining an autism diagnosis to the day-to-day nuances of nurturing his children.  His tales are a testament to the exceptional ways his kids exhibit their autism and the conscious decision to homeschool them, leading...