Shows
Tony Mantor: Why Not Me ?Why Not Me ? The Power of Shared Experiences in Autism and Mental HealthSend us a text
"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
•...2025-06-0202 minTony Mantor: Why Not Me ?Country Music Meets Compassion: How Artists Are Making a Difference for AutismSend us a text
Tony Mantor hosts a special remote podcast from Nashville Palace supporting "An Acoustic Evening for Autism." Country music artists Daryl Worley and Dillon Massengale share their personal connections to autism awareness and how music has become a platform for making a difference.
• Daryl Worley explains how friends with an autistic child inspired his commitment to the cause
• Worley discusses establishing his foundation and the challenges of fundraising for charitable causes
• Finding purpose through helping others becomes a central theme of Worley's career journey
• Dillon Massengale shares his story of being...2025-04-1416 minTony Mantor: Why Not Me ?Elizabeth Kelley:Autism in the Legal System: A Defense Attorney's PerspectiveSend us a text
Criminal defense attorney Elizabeth Kelley shares her expertise on representing individuals with autism spectrum disorder and mental health conditions in the justice system, revealing how these clients are often misunderstood and how proper legal representation can change outcomes.
• Started career representing a client with intellectual disability who was manipulated into criminal activity
• Defines mental disabilities broadly to include mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and neurological conditions like autism
• Approximately half of people on the autism spectrum also have intellectual disabilities
• Many autistic individuals develop depression or anxiety from years of bully...2025-04-0529 minTony Mantor: Why Not Me ?Jerry Turning: From Officer to Advocate: One Dad's Mission to Bridge the GapSend us a text
Jerry Turning shares his journey from veteran police officer to autism advocate after his son's diagnosis, creating Blue Bridge Autism Training to educate first responders about autism.
His unique perspective bridges the gap between law enforcement and the autism community, helping prevent dangerous misunderstandings during crisis situations.
• Turning spent 22 of his 25-year police career as a canine handler before his son's autism diagnosis changed everything
• Police often misinterpret autism behaviors as intoxication, evasiveness, or defiance due to lack of training
• Turning teaches officers to recognize autism indicators like s...2025-04-0429 minTony Mantor: Why Not Me ?Meet Dr. Theresa Haskins: The Mom Who Rewrote the Rulebook on AutismSend us a text
Dr. Theresa Haskins shares her journey from a mother seeking answers for her autistic son to becoming an educator and researcher dedicated to creating more inclusive systems for neurodivergent individuals.
Her experiences navigating medical dismissals, educational barriers, and workplace challenges illuminate how society needs to fundamentally shift its approach to neurodiversity.
• Mother of a "thrice exceptional" son (autistic, ADHD, and gifted) who could count to 100 at age two but wasn't speaking conversationally
• Left special education program after realizing conventional teaching approaches didn't align with her son's needs
• Pursue...2025-04-0330 min
Tony Mantor's : Almost Live..... NashvilleThe Jethro Tull Story: 56 Years of Progressive RockTony Mantor welcomes rock legend Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull to discuss the band's remarkable 56-year journey and their ongoing musical evolution since forming in 1967.• The real story behind the Jethro Tull band name: named after an 18th century agriculturist by a booking agent• How several band members from Anderson's high school days eventually reunited in Jethro Tull between 1969-1972• George Martin's influential advice to Anderson that he could produce his own records• Anderson's preference for intimate theater venues over massive arenas despite their commercial success• Reflections on iconic songs including Aqualung, Locomotive Breath, an...2025-04-0222 minTony Mantor: Why Not Me ?Judge Soonhee(Sunny) Bailey: Breaking the Cycle and Creating America's First Autism Court ProgramSend us a text
Judge Sonny Bailey shares how she created the nation's only court dedicated to helping autistic youth stay out of the criminal justice system.
What began in 2018 as a quieter courtroom for one overwhelmed teen has evolved into an innovative program with a 90% success rate, recently recognized through Nevada legislation as the country's first official neurodiversity specialty court.
• Autism court began accidentally when officers brought in an overwhelmed teen who needed a quieter environment
• Program uses applied behavioral analysis and positive reinforcement instead of punishment
• Success looks different for ea...2025-04-0228 min