Tony Mantor: Why Not Me ?

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Clubhouse International is transforming lives through intentional communities where people with mental illness rebuild their lives after disruption and isolation.

Joel Corcoran joins us to tell the Clubhouse story.

• Clubhouse International operates 377 clubhouses across 32 countries using a specific 37-standard model
• Members voluntarily participate in work-ordered days that provide structure, purpose, and skill development
• Employment program achieves 40% employment rate compared to national average of 15% for people with mental illness
• Education support helps members return to school at all levels from basic adult education through advanced degrees
• Members receive assistance with housing, healthcare access, and rebuilding social connections
• Clubhouses reduce hospitalizations, criminal justice involvement, and early mortality while improving overall wellbeing
• Members determine their own level of participation based on their needs and recovery journey
• Future goal is to triple the number of clubhouses by 2030 to reach more isolated individuals

Visit clubhouse-intl.org to find a clubhouse in your community, take a tour, volunteer, or advocate for expanded mental health resources.

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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.

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intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

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Denise Paley shares the harrowing story of her son's sudden onset schizophrenia at age 18 and his subsequent five-year imprisonment without sentencing, revealing critical failures in how our justice system handles mental illness.

• Son Ellis was an honor roll student with a bright future before experiencing first-episode psychosis
• Police dismissed parents' concerns when Ellis disappeared, missing critical intervention opportunity
• Ellis has been incarcerated for nearly five years, remaining unsentenced with his case continued 48 times
• He spent 3.5 years without proper treatment for psychosis while in prison
• When finally transferred to a facility that properly treated his condition, his symptoms completely remitted
• Denise successfully advocated for mandatory crisis intervention training for Connecticut police officers
• People with serious mental illness are 10 times more likely to end up in prison than in hospital
• Contrary to popular belief, 50% of people with schizophrenia recover within 10 years with proper treatment
• First episode psychosis requires immediate treatment - early intervention dramatically improves outcomes
• Breaking stigma and sharing family mental health history can help others recognize symptoms earlier

Join us in spreading awareness about mental health in the justice system by sharing this episode and telling everyone everywhere about Why Not Me? The World.

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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
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intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

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Judge Milton Mack shares his mission to reform the mental health system by moving from crisis intervention to early treatment and prevention.

His groundbreaking work in Michigan demonstrates how changing laws and procedures can dramatically improve outcomes while reducing costs.

• Moving from an inpatient model to an outpatient world where over 90% of mental health care now occurs
• Changing intervention standards to help people before they reach crisis, not waiting for the "magic moment" of danger
• Implementing mediation for mental health cases to increase engagement and compliance
• Creating a system that reduces trauma by avoiding unnecessary hospitalization and incarceration
• Demonstrating success through Genesee County's 70% reduction in hospitalization and 90% treatment compliance
• Building coordinated stakeholder systems where law enforcement, hospitals, courts and treatment providers work together
• Focusing on upstream solutions to prevent people from entering the criminal justice system
• Recognizing that early intervention in mental health is as important as early intervention for cancer

We need to intervene early—we wouldn't wait to treat someone with cancer when they're stage four, and we do just as much damage by waiting to treat mental illness.

Assisted outpatient treatment is the most humane option, far better than hospitalization, jail, or homelessness. This approach benefits everyone.

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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
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intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

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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.

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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)

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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 [email protected].

https://tonymantor.com
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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.

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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.

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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
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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.

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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.

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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
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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.

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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.

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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
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.