TopPodcast.com
Menu
  • Home
  • Top Charts
  • Top Networks
  • Top Apps
  • Top Independents
  • Top Podfluencers
  • Top Picks
    • Top Business Podcasts
    • Top True Crime Podcasts
    • Top Finance Podcasts
    • Top Comedy Podcasts
    • Top Music Podcasts
    • Top Womens Podcasts
    • Top Kids Podcasts
    • Top Sports Podcasts
    • Top News Podcasts
    • Top Tech Podcasts
    • Top Crypto Podcasts
    • Top Entrepreneurial Podcasts
    • Top Fantasy Sports Podcasts
    • Top Political Podcasts
    • Top Science Podcasts
    • Top Self Help Podcasts
    • Top Sports Betting Podcasts
    • Top Stocks Podcasts
  • Podcast News
  • About Us
  • Podcast Advertising
  • Contact
Not in our directory?
Add Show Here
Podcast Equipment
Center

toppodcastlogoOur TOPPODCAST Picks

  • Comedy
  • Crypto
  • Sports
  • News
  • Politics
  • True Crime
  • Business
  • Finance

Follow Us

toppodcastlogoStay Connected

    View Top 200 Chart
    Back to Rankings Page
    Health & Fitness

    Tony Mantor: Why Not Me ?

    Autism, Mental Health, Advocacy & Human Stories.

    Embracing Autism/Mental Health Worldwide.

    Autism 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.

    Advertise

    Copyright: 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia

    • Apple Podcasts
    • Google Play
    • Spotify

    Latest Episodes:
    From Diagnosis to Detention: How Schizophrenia Changed Two Lives Forever May 04, 2025
    Show notes

    Send us Fan Mail

    Send us a text

    Carly, a licensed clinical social worker and mother, shares her 30-year journey navigating her son's schizophrenia diagnosis and the healthcare system's failures that led to his year-long incarceration.

    • Son diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 17, now 47 years old
    • Early signs included not wanting to get out of bed, not going to school, and "odd" behavior
    • Initially had periods of stability while on medication but struggled with consistent treatment
    • COVID isolation marked a turning point with medication non-compliance and rapid deterioration
    • Multiple hospitalizations where he was repeatedly released before being stabilized
    • Baker Act attempts failed, requiring court intervention for involuntary commitment
    • Currently in jail after physically attacking neighbors, with limited treatment options
    • Courts cannot order medication or appropriate treatment due to misdemeanor charges
    • Carly's advice: "We didn't cause it, we can't cure it, we can't control it"
    • Self-care is crucial for family members – "The best thing we can do for our loved ones is to take care of ourselves"

    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.

    https://tonymantor.com
    https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
    https://instagram.com/tonymantor
    https://twitter.com/tonymantor
    https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
    intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
    Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

    The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

    Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

    Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

    Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

    Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

    https://tonymantor.com
    https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
    https://instagram.com/tonymantor
    https://twitter.com/tonymantor
    https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
    intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
    Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Ashley Smith: from crisis to advocacy May 03, 2025
    Show notes

    Send us Fan Mail

    Send us a text

    Ashley Smith, an advocate, author, and speaker, shares her powerful journey of recovery from schizophrenia and how she transformed a legal crisis into a platform for mental health advocacy.

    Through her blog "Overcoming Schizophrenia," seven self-published books, and work with organizations like NAMI and the Curious Foundation, Ashley demonstrates that recovery is possible and helps others find their path forward.

    • Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia at age 20 after a legal intervention involving a police chase with a military truck
    • Successfully manages schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression through medication and strong support systems
    • Works as a Certified Peer Specialist helping others navigate their own mental health journeys
    • Educates law enforcement through Crisis Intervention Team training on handling mental health emergencies
    • Founded the "Overcoming Schizophrenia" blog in 2008, recognized among the top 20 schizophrenia blogs worldwide
    • Has self-published seven books and provides coaching to aspiring authors
    • Emphasizes that recovery takes many different forms and is possible with proper support

    Contact Ashley through her blog Overcoming Schizophrenia, find her books at amazon.com/author/Smith.Ashley, or email her directly at ashleysmith6082@gmail.com.

    https://tonymantor.com
    https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
    https://instagram.com/tonymantor
    https://twitter.com/tonymantor
    https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
    intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
    Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

    The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

    Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

    Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

    Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

    Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

    https://tonymantor.com
    https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
    https://instagram.com/tonymantor
    https://twitter.com/tonymantor
    https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
    intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
    Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Katie R. Dale's Mental Health Story: Living Beyond Crazy May 02, 2025
    Show notes

    Send us Fan Mail

    Send us a text

    Katie R. Dale shares her journey from hospital patient to mental health author and advocate, offering insights into living with bipolar disorder type 1 with psychotic features and how writing became her path to healing and helping others.

    • Started blogging in 2014 after hospitalization as self-therapy before expanding into professional advocacy
    • Wrote memoir "But Deliver Me From Crazy" chronicling her experiences from teen years through mid-twenties
    • Found writing helped process intense memories of psychosis and mania with "crystal clear" recall
    • Recommends OARS approach for supporting loved ones: Open questions, Affirm feelings, Reflect understanding, Summarize conversations
    • Shares practical coping strategies including 15-minute time management blocks and tactile comfort objects
    • Emphasizes importance of medication (calls hers "magic pill") while noting finding the right one often requires patience
    • Currently working on faith-based books exploring the distinction between psychotic voices and spiritual experiences
    • Maintains hope is possible despite invisible illness through proper treatment, support systems and faith

    Resources available at katierdalecom/resources including downloadable support guides and connections to organizations like National Shattering Silence Coalition, Treatment Advocacy Center, and Fresh Hope for Mental Health.

    https://tonymantor.com
    https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
    https://instagram.com/tonymantor
    https://twitter.com/tonymantor
    https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
    intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
    Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

    The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

    Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

    Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

    Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

    Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

    https://tonymantor.com
    https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
    https://instagram.com/tonymantor
    https://twitter.com/tonymantor
    https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
    intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
    Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Tim Murphy's Fight for Mental Health Reform May 01, 2025
    Show notes

    Send us Fan Mail

    Send us a text

    Tim Murphy, former congressman and psychologist, shares his journey advocating for mental health reform through the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act and highlights the systemic failures in America's approach to serious mental illness.

    • Serious mental illness requires different treatment approaches than general mental health concerns
    • Current Medicaid restrictions only allow 15-day hospital stays with a 190-day lifetime limit
    • HIPAA laws often prevent necessary communication between doctors and families of mentally ill patients
    • Approximately 40% of prison inmates have serious mental illness, with jails becoming de facto psychiatric facilities
    • SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) lacks accountability for billions in spending
    • Schizophrenia alone costs America approximately $380 billion annually across healthcare, criminal justice, and social services
    • Assisted Outpatient Treatment provides court-ordered care for those with severe mental illness who lack insight into their condition
    • Mental health advocacy requires specific, actionable requests to legislators rather than general appeals
    • Reform needs include lifting hospital bed restrictions, modifying HIPAA laws, and implementing stronger program accountability

    Visit drtimmurphy.com to read articles with plans for advocacy and reform in mental health policy.

    https://tonymantor.com
    https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
    https://instagram.com/tonymantor
    https://twitter.com/tonymantor
    https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
    intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
    Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

    The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

    Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

    Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

    Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

    Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

    https://tonymantor.com
    https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
    https://instagram.com/tonymantor
    https://twitter.com/tonymantor
    https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
    intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
    Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Haley Graham : A Conversation on Mental Health, Autism, and Finding Your Way Apr 30, 2025
    Show notes

    Send us Fan Mail

    Send us a text

    Psychotherapist Haley Graham shares her journey from pharmacist to mental health advocate after her son's struggle with school led her to found the Bounce Brighter Futures Foundation.

    Her personal experience with neurodivergence drives her passion for supporting children, parents, and teachers through therapeutic storytelling and compassionate understanding.

    • Founded Bounce Brighter Futures Foundation in 2019, now supporting 90 families weekly with 12 therapists
    • Approximately 50% of children seeking support are neurodivergent (autistic or ADHD)
    • School attendance difficulties often stem from not belonging in the system rather than just peer bullying
    • Cautions against therapists inadvertently teaching autistic children to mask better
    • Uses storytelling with woodland animals to help children explore mental health challenges
    • Created "Shadow Monster" story as metaphor for facing anxiety and OCD
    • Developing new book based on interviews with late-identified autistic adults
    • Believes autism itself isn't the problem—fitting into society creates mental health challenges
    • Emphasizes curiosity about children's experiences rather than trying to fix them
    • Advocates for thoughtfulness and empathy when supporting neurodivergent individuals

    Find Haley Graham on LinkedIn, Instagram (hayleygrahauthor), and at Bounce Brighter Futures website.

    https://tonymantor.com
    https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
    https://instagram.com/tonymantor
    https://twitter.com/tonymantor
    https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
    intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
    Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

    The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

    Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

    Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

    Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

    Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

    https://tonymantor.com
    https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
    https://instagram.com/tonymantor
    https://twitter.com/tonymantor
    https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
    intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
    Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Patrick Kennedy on Autism,Mental Health, Addiction, and Political Change Apr 29, 2025
    Show notes

    Send us Fan Mail

    Send us a text

    Patrick Kennedy shares his journey from Congressman to mental health advocate, revealing how his family history and personal struggles with addiction shaped his mission to transform America's approach to mental health care.

    • Passed the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act by attaching it to the 2008 bank bailout bill
    • Advocates for unifying mental health, addiction, and intellectual disability communities around shared needs
    • Explains how our healthcare system focuses on "sick care" rather than prevention and community support
    • Identifies how isolation and siloed treatment approaches fail those with co-occurring conditions
    • Describes meeting colleagues in Congress who privately struggled with mental health but couldn't publicly acknowledge it
    • Working with faith communities to create support networks for families affected by mental health challenges
    • Emphasizes that housing stability and employment opportunities are essential components of recovery
    • Founded the Kennedy Forum to build political power for mental health advocacy
    • Promotes his book "Profiles in Mental Health Courage" featuring stories of individuals and families

    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.

    https://tonymantor.com
    https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
    https://instagram.com/tonymantor
    https://twitter.com/tonymantor
    https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
    intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
    Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

    The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

    Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

    Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

    Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

    Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

    https://tonymantor.com
    https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
    https://instagram.com/tonymantor
    https://twitter.com/tonymantor
    https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
    intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
    Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Judge Liefman: Breaking the Cycle of Autism and Mental Illness in Criminal Justice Apr 28, 2025
    Show notes

    Send us Fan Mail

    Send us a text

    Judge Steven Leifman shares his remarkable journey from witnessing horrific conditions in a state psychiatric hospital as a teenager to becoming a leading judicial advocate for mental health reform.

    His work in Miami-Dade County has transformed how the criminal justice system handles people with mental illness, saving millions of dollars while giving thousands a path to recovery.

    • Began his advocacy at 17 when investigating abuse at a state psychiatric hospital where he found an autistic young man being improperly treated as psychotic
    • Discovered as a judge that our system has transferred responsibility for the mentally ill from inadequate state hospitals to equally inadequate jails
    • Found that just 97 people with severe mental illness were arrested 2,200 times over five years, costing Miami taxpayers tens of millions
    • Created a comprehensive diversion program that reduced Miami arrests from 118,000 to 53,000 annually and closed one jail, saving $168 million
    • Building a first-of-its-kind mental health facility with crisis stabilization, housing, employment support, primary healthcare, and court services
    • Working with Chief Justices nationwide to replicate Miami's successful model in communities across America
    • Emphasizes that people with mental illness are more likely to be victims than perpetrators of crime
    • Advocates for early trauma intervention since 92% of incarcerated women and 75% of men with mental illness have histories of severe trauma

    If you know anyone who would like to share their story on our show, please send them to TonyMantor.com/Contact.

    https://tonymantor.com
    https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
    https://instagram.com/tonymantor
    https://twitter.com/tonymantor
    https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
    intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
    Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

    The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

    Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

    Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

    Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

    Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

    https://tonymantor.com
    https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
    https://instagram.com/tonymantor
    https://twitter.com/tonymantor
    https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
    intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
    Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Christine Vester: Humanity Over Handcuffs: Protecting Autistic Lives in Legal Battles Apr 27, 2025
    Show notes

    Send us Fan Mail

    Send us a text

    Christine Vester shares her mission with Humanity Over Handcuffs, a national advocacy movement protecting autistic individuals from being criminalized by the justice system.

    Her organization supports families, educates legal professionals, and works toward reforming a system that often treats neurological differences as criminal behavior.

    • Autistic behaviors like lack of eye contact, shutdowns, and sensory overload often misinterpreted by police as aggression or defiance
    • Families seeking help unexpectedly find themselves battling a legal system unprepared to understand autism
    • Courts routinely fail to consider autism as a mitigating factor, treating autistic individuals like typical defendants
    • Prison environments create traumatic sensory overload for autistic individuals, who may face targeting by other inmates
    • Incarceration carries long-lasting consequences, creating barriers to housing, employment, and community reintegration
    • Humanity Over Handcuffs is developing resources connecting families with attorneys, mental health professionals, and support systems
    • Change requires judges, attorneys, legislators, and CIT trainers working together to create more compassionate approaches

    You're not alone and not powerless.

    Our children are not broken, autism is not a crime, and together we can show what justice should really look like—humanity first.

    https://tonymantor.com
    https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
    https://instagram.com/tonymantor
    https://twitter.com/tonymantor
    https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
    intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
    Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

    The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

    Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

    Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

    Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

    Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

    https://tonymantor.com
    https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
    https://instagram.com/tonymantor
    https://twitter.com/tonymantor
    https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
    intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
    Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Carol Nesteikis: Autism and the Justice System Apr 26, 2025
    Show notes

    Send us Fan Mail

    Send us a text

    Carol Nistakis shares her family's painful journey through the justice system after her autistic son was manipulated into illegal activity by a neighbor.

    Her decade-long fight for justice led her to cofound D3, an organization helping families navigate the unique challenges autistic individuals face in legal proceedings.

    • Began advocating when son was diagnosed at age 2, ensuring proper education and support
    • Son functioned at age 10 level but was active in Special Olympics and held a part-time job
    • 2012 incident led to 19 felony charges that were eventually reduced to one misdemeanor
    • Court showed little interest in son's diagnosis despite extensive documentation
    • Plea deal resulted in 2 years probation and 10 years on registry
    • Son lost access to Special Olympics, recreation activities, and eventually his job
    • Family was separated as son could no longer live at home due to restrictions
    • Financial burden depleted savings meant for son's long-term care
    • After 10 years, Carol secured a pardon and expungement without legal help
    • Advocates for special courts with judges trained to understand autism
    • Stresses that behaviors are manifestations of disability, not criminal intent
    • Current autism rate is 1 in 31 children, making justice system reform urgent

    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.

    https://tonymantor.com
    https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
    https://instagram.com/tonymantor
    https://twitter.com/tonymantor
    https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
    intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
    Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

    The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

    Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

    Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

    Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

    Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

    https://tonymantor.com
    https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
    https://instagram.com/tonymantor
    https://twitter.com/tonymantor
    https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
    intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
    Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Areva Martin: How One Mother Became an Everyday Autism Advocate Apr 25, 2025
    Show notes

    Send us Fan Mail

    Send us a text

    CNN contributor and civil rights attorney Areva Martin shares her personal journey of raising an autistic son while becoming a powerful advocate for disability rights and creating systemic change.

    • Son Marty's autism diagnosis at age two prompted an intensive learning journey
    • Navigated overwhelming and often inaccurate information by applying legal training to seek evidence-based resources
    • Witnessed evolution from stigma and "cure" focus to greater acceptance and integration of neurodivergent individuals
    • Founded Special Needs Network, California's largest social justice organization for special needs children
    • Advocates for reform in criminal justice system to better serve autistic individuals
    • Uses multiple platforms including social media, television appearances, and legislative testimony to raise awareness
    • Emphasizes grassroots advocacy to influence elected officials and policy decisions
    • Trains parents and organizations in effective advocacy strategies
    • Hosting annual Tools for Transformation Conference on April 26th in Torrance, California
    • Pink Pump Fundraising Gala on May 18th to support summer camp and wildfire victims

    Visit tonymantor.com/contact if you'd like to share your story on the podcast.

    https://tonymantor.com
    https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
    https://instagram.com/tonymantor
    https://twitter.com/tonymantor
    https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
    intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
    Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

    The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

    Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

    Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

    Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

    Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

    https://tonymantor.com
    https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
    https://instagram.com/tonymantor
    https://twitter.com/tonymantor
    https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
    intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
    Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Previous 1 11 12 13 14 15 24 Next

    Related Podcasts

    Fresh Air

    1

    Fresh Air Arts
    Twenty Thousand Hertz

    2

    Twenty Thousand Hertz Arts
    The Black Tapes

    3

    The Black Tapes Arts
    Snap Judgment

    4

    Snap Judgment Arts
    Here’s The Thing with Alec Baldwin

    5

    Here’s The Thing with Alec Baldwin Arts
    The NoSleep Podcast – Creative Reason Media Inc.

    6

    The NoSleep Podcast – Creative Reason Media Inc. Arts
    footer-logo

    Contact Us

    Toll Free: 844-670-7747

    Links

    • Home
    • Top Charts
    • Networks
    • Apps
    • Independents Podcasts
    • Podcast Advertising
    • Podcast News
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Analytics & Insights

    Stay Connected

      Privacy, Terms of Use & Our Code of Ethics Protecting Content Creators Copyrights