Tony Mantor: Why Not Me the World

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Have 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 about their personal experiences, delivering narratives that will make you laugh, shed a tear, and most importantly, remind you that you're not alone. 

Our latest installment marks the beginning of an exciting series dedicated to mental health awareness across the globe, fueled by the overwhelming feedback from our dedicated listeners. 
Tony invites you to be part of this transformative journey, either by listening in or by sharing your own story. 
The conversations we host aim to connect people everywhere, fostering a supportive community that thrives on shared experiences. So, spread the word and join us as we uplift and inspire one another with powerful tales of resilience and hope.

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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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What 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. 
East Forest’s evolution from piano and electronic elements to a rich tapestry of flutes, Tibetan bowls, and emotive vocal expressions is a testament to the power of music in fostering resilience and peace.

Explore the fascinating world of musical creation and its ripple effects across cultures and audiences. 
We uncover the magic behind East Forest's dual approach to music: blending meticulously planned studio work with spontaneous compositions from plant medicine ceremonies. 
His collaborations with artists like Keith Sweaty and Peter Broadbrook have birthed albums like "Karen" and "Burn," which resonate universally. 
Hear touching stories, such as how a paramedic used the "Music for Mushrooms" album to provide comfort during a psychedelic crisis, showcasing music's transformative power in the most critical situations.

Join us as we traverse the dynamic realms of live performances and groundbreaking film projects with East Forest. 
Learn about the artistic preparation for an upcoming concert in Nashville and the significance of unique venues in inspiring creativity. 
We delve into his new film "Music for Mushrooms," which intertwines themes of mental health and psychedelic therapy, offering a sense of community and collective healing. 
As the film tours the country, aligning with World Mental Health Day, we wrap up with East Forest's future aspirations and opportunities for audiences to engage with his ongoing journey through art and healing.

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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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What 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 about his ambitions to advocate for the autistic community and his goal to work at a nonprofit organization focused on autism.

Explore the impact of a strong family support system in Caden's life, from therapy sessions to overcoming anxieties about learning to drive. 
We delve into the significance of understanding and patience in helping people with autism grow and succeed. 
Discover Caden's expanding reach through social media, where he shares his journey, written work, and sports column. 
Don't miss this episode of "Why Not Me," filled with personal growth, resilience, and the importance of sharing inspirational stories. 
Tune in and be inspired by Caden’s extraordinary journey.

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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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Join 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 determination, as she integrates these tools into her kindergarten classroom, helping students with diverse learning needs. 
Her focus on celebrating strengths and fostering a kind and inclusive environment offers valuable insights for preventing bullying and supporting children like Luca as they transition to new school settings.

Our episode further explores the remarkable growth of Christina's brand, Creative Beginning, which has evolved from a personal project into a global force for autism advocacy. 
By expanding into international markets and collaborating with nonprofits, Creative Beginning not only provides innovative tools for children but also raises awareness about autism. 
We delve into how building connections and sharing powerful narratives can create a supportive network for kids with special needs worldwide. 
Tune in to hear how Christina's story exemplifies the impact of storytelling and inspires us all to spread the word about our podcast, "Why Not Me," and the incredible guests who grace our show.

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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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Unlock 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 become an expert in autism service dog training. 
Ivan shares the criteria for selecting the right service dogs and the importance of matching temperament with family needs, offering insights into the 12 to 24-month training process that transforms these dogs into life-changing companions.

Discover the intricacies of training dogs for individuals with autism, with a focus on personalizing approaches to fit unique needs. 
Ivan sheds light on the spectrum of autism, highlighting the different interaction and training requirements for verbal and nonverbal individuals. 
Learn about the therapeutic roles these dogs can play, from deep pressure therapy to interrupting meltdowns, and the vital role of collaboration with families and ABA therapists. 
We also discuss the challenges in finding specialized trainers and the inspiring organic growth of Ivan's service, fueled by word-of-mouth and a burgeoning online presence. 
Join us for a compelling conversation that celebrates the transformative power of service dogs in enhancing the lives of those with autism.

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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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How 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, particularly the stark contrast in responses before and after disclosing his autism.

Join us as we navigate Reid's challenging high school years filled with struggles in note-taking, social acceptance, and bullying. 
Transitioning to college, Reid found a sense of belonging and acceptance, culminating in earning both an online degree and a master's in advanced computer science. 
Despite these achievements, Reid faced significant challenges in finding relevant job opportunities. 
Now in his 50s, Reid discusses his current pursuits, including podcasting and writing about his life, and offers valuable advice on stepping outside of comfort zones, especially for those within the autistic community.

Explore the intricate balancing act Reid manages between ADHD and autism, sharing his personal strategies and experiences that resonate deeply. 
Learn how his podcasting journey has become a tool for improving social skills and making meaningful connections. 
Emphasizing the importance of a solid support system, Reid recounts personal anecdotes, including a rare meltdown experience at the airport, and the crucial role his family played in his life. 
The episode concludes with a powerful discussion on the need for unity within the autistic community, the disparities in support systems across countries, and a call to action for better treatment of disabled individuals, urging society to move beyond labels for a more inclusive future.

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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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Discover 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 unique financial needs such as medical and travel expenses. His insights emphasize the importance of personalized planning and utilizing specialized tools to create secure financial futures.

Ever wondered how to manage the financial complexities that come with an autism diagnosis? 
Andrew walks us through the essential first step of securing case management and introduces the ABLE plan—a game-changing financial tool for individuals with disabilities. Similar to a 529 college savings plan, the ABLE plan allows for savings beyond the typical asset limits without jeopardizing benefits. 
Andrew explains how understanding state-specific rules and investment options can provide a hopeful and clear path forward for families, easing the emotional and financial burdens that come with such diagnoses.

Protecting assets for children with autism is a crucial task for any parent, and Andrew lays out the importance of third-party special needs trusts in this episode. Learn how these trusts can ensure that assets are managed according to the parents' wishes without disqualifying the child from necessary aid. 
We also cover the role of professional trustees and the vital need for educating both clients and advisors to improve service quality. 
Through Andrew's expertise, we aim to inspire and reassure families, showing them that they are not alone on this challenging, yet hopeful, journey towards a secure financial future.

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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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What 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 Hopes in Franklin, Tennessee, and the adoption of sign language helped her son make remarkable strides in communication.

Navigating the complexities of raising an autistic child within an inclusive school system is no small feat. 
Michelle opens up about the crucial role a supportive educational environment has played in enhancing her son's social interactions and speech.
Listeners will gain insight into the daily challenges of sensory sensitivities, feeding therapy, and family dynamics. 
Michelle's account vividly illustrates the triggers of meltdowns, the importance of self-regulation, and her son's ability to hyper-focus on certain interests, providing a nuanced picture of their experiences and milestones.

Looking toward the future, Michelle reflects on the hopes and challenges that lie ahead over the next five years. 
She emphasizes the necessity of consistent therapy and the heartening progress her son has made, from developing a love for baseball to showing affection more freely. 
The episode concludes on a note of gratitude and inspiration, inviting listeners to share their own compelling stories. 
Tune in to celebrate resilience, progress, and the unwavering support that defines Michelle's journey with her son.

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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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Imagine 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 groundbreaking study funded by the UK organization Henpict. 
This episode unpacks the complex interplay between autism and menopause, revealing the unique struggles and resilience of those living through it.

Rachel and Eunhee shed light on how masking and self-image can become particularly challenging during menopause. 
Some women only learn about their autism at this stage, adding another layer to their experience. 
We discuss vital coping strategies, from seeking information to building supportive communities, while also addressing the more harmful paths some may take, such as self-injury. 
Social support from other autistic individuals or empathetic friends and family is highlighted as essential. 
Our conversation underscores the importance of tailoring research to meet the real needs of autistic individuals, guided by feedback from an autistic advisory panel.

Rachel's personal journey of discovering her autism later in life adds depth to our discussion, illustrating how this realization reshaped her self-perception and professional focus. 
Her story highlights the power of shared experiences and the importance of fostering trust and empathy in research. 
By bridging understanding between autistic and neurotypical experiences, especially during complex life stages like menopause, Rachel's work aims to provide crucial information and support. 
We wrap up by inviting listeners to engage with us and share their own stories, reinforcing the community spirit that drives our show, "Why Not Me?" 
Join us for an episode that promises to enlighten and connect us all through shared understanding and support.

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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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How 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 nurturing environment at Winston Preparatory School, Joe found his footing and began to thrive. 

The Prospector Theater isn't just a place of employment for Joe, it's a cornerstone of his personal growth. 
We hear about the heartwarming moments that make the theater a beacon of inclusivity, like the joy of a young employee with Down syndrome celebrating her new job. 
Joe's nearly decade-long journey at the theater saw him evolve from working in embroidery to running a small business and exploring his passion for graphic design and cosplay. 
The theater's mission of providing meaningful employment to people with disabilities has profoundly shaped Joe’s life, giving him the confidence to live independently and fostering a deep sense of acceptance and friendship.

Our conversation wraps up with a look at the vibrant community and strong sense of camaraderie that makes the Prospector Theater so unique. 
Joe shares the theater’s origin story and its mission-driven culture, emphasizing the importance of inclusive employment opportunities. 
As we conclude this heartfelt episode, we express our immense gratitude to Joe for sharing his extraordinary journey. 
We invite our listeners to connect with us for more inspiring stories and to consider how they, too, can make a difference in their communities.

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