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Tony Mantor: Why Not Me the World

Tony Mantor

Episodes

150

Melody Guy: Finding Connection Through Autism and Artistry

Melody Guy shares her extraordinary journey as an autistic singer-songwriter who has traveled over two million miles despite the challenges of sensory issues and PTSD. She reveals how music became both her shelter and her bridge to connecting with others when words failed. • Diagnosed with autism as an adult around the same time as her son • Survived childhood sexual abuse starting at age nine and a kidnapping at age 19 • Found her voice through music after escaping a controlling marriage that prevented her from singing for ten years • Created "red threads" of connection through music demonstrations at Guitar Centers across America • Developed coping strategies including a mental "switch" that helps her perform despite sensory challenges • Working on her 11th music project which includes songs about autism like "Invisible" and "Life in the Spectrum" • Discovered her "superpower" in co-writing songs with other trauma survivors through music therapy programs • Advocates for fellow autistic individuals to embrace their differences and clearly communicate their boundaries 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 music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

6 days ago

27m

Leanna May Franklin: Love Without Structure:Navigating Serious Mental Illness as a Family

Leanna May Franklin shares her journey as a mental health advocate after her son experienced a psychotic break at age 19, revealing the challenges of navigating care even with resources and professional expertise. • Experienced a life-changing moment when her son had a psychotic breakdown during a family gathering • Recognized signs that she initially thought were typical teenage behaviors but were early symptoms of mental illness • Her son is now diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder depressive type with polysubstance use • Despite having resources and knowledge, faced enormous barriers in getting appropriate care for her adult son • Co-founded a holistic mental health clinic offering integrated approaches including blood testing and IV therapy • Advocates for successful community treatment models like one in Yakima, Washington that provides services with minimal budget • Discusses "ambiguous grief" – the unique pain of losing someone who is still physically present • Emphasizes the importance of documentation, understanding system language, and building support teams • Believes in setting boundaries as an act of protection while continuing to advocate for better care • Works with National Shattering Silence Coalition to influence mental health policy reform If you'd like to learn more about Liana's work or need advocacy support, contact her at [email protected] or call/text 425-393-4762. She is available to attend meetings anywhere in the US to support those navigating the mental health system. 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)

12 days ago

29m

Why Not Me ? The Power of Shared Experiences in Autism and Mental Health

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2117852/open_sms">Send us a text</a>"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 • Building an inclusive community where no one feels alone If you have a story to share or know someone whose voice deserves to be heard, please connect with us at https://whynotme.worldSpread the word about Why Not Me, our conversations, our inspiring guests, the show - 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)

16 days ago

Cindee Murphy: When the System Fails:Tristan Murphy's Story Changes Florida Law

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2117852/open_sms">Send us a text</a>Cindy Murphy shares the heartbreaking story of her son Tristan, who struggled with schizophrenia and died by suicide while incarcerated after being handed a chainsaw during a prison work detail. Through her grief, Cindy has become a powerful advocate for mental health reform in the criminal justice system, working to pass the Tristan Murphy Act in Florida. • Tristan developed schizophrenia in his 30s, unusually late compared to typical onset in teens or early 20s • After his first psychotic episode, Tristan spent 8 months in jail before being declared incompetent to stand trial • When properly medicated, Tristan functioned well and maintained a relationship with his children • Florida ranks #1 in mental health needs but #49 in providing mental health services • The Tristan Murphy Act aims to identify mental health issues within 24 hours of arrest and divert people to treatment • Approximately 30% of prison inmates have mental health issues • New treatments like long-acting injectable medications can help people with schizophrenia maintain stability • The documentary "The Warehouse: The Life and Death of Tristan Murphy" is available on YouTube If you know anyone that would like to tell their story, send them to tonymantor.com/contact with their information so one day they may be a guest on our show. Please tell everyone everywhere about Why Not Me ? Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide The World, the conversations we're having, and the inspiration our guests give to everyone 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)

17 days ago

40m

Anne Cochran: Psychosis Isn't a Choice

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2117852/open_sms">Send us a text</a>Anne Cochran, Executive Director of the National Shattering Silence Coalition, discusses the broken systems that fail those with serious mental illness and their families through discriminatory practices and neglect. She shares powerful stories of families desperately seeking help for loved ones in psychosis, highlighting how outdated laws and policies create barriers to treatment until tragedy strikes. • Explaining the difference between stigma and the true barriers to treatment for serious mental illness • Exploring anosognosia - the neurological inability to recognize one's own illness • Advocating for Assisted Outpatient Treatment laws to provide early intervention before hospitalization • Illuminating how prisons have become de facto mental health institutions with 70-90% of inmates having mental illness • Sharing concrete strategies for families to navigate the mental health and criminal justice systems • Demonstrating how legislative change requires education and family stories to overcome misinformation • Explaining how untreated psychosis, not lack of housing, drives many mentally ill individuals to homelessness • Highlighting the cost savings ($15+ million in one county) when proper treatment replaces incarceration Connect with the National Shattering Silence Coalition at nsscoalition.org to learn how you can help change policies that discriminate against those with serious mental illness or to get assistance navigating these complex systems. 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)

18 days ago

28m

Laura Craciun: A Son's Mental Illness and a System That Failed Him

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2117852/open_sms">Send us a text</a>Laura Krachun shares her son's harrowing journey with serious mental illness and the systemic failures that criminalize mental health conditions instead of treating them. Her story highlights the urgent need for better policies to support individuals with psychosis and their families. • Laura's son was misdiagnosed with ADHD before eventually being diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder at age 20 • Cannabis use potentially triggered or worsened his psychotic symptoms • Despite 16 attempts to get help through ERs and police, the family faced constant rejection from healthcare facilities • Anosognosia (lack of illness awareness) prevented her son from voluntarily seeking treatment • After a violent episode, her son entered the justice system rather than receiving appropriate psychiatric care • Their state's mental health department only offers services to those who volunteer, excluding those with anosognosia • The legal system spent resources on 72 court hearings rather than on treatment • Laura advocates for Assisted Outpatient Treatment laws to bridge the gap between legal and medical systems • Better education is needed for judges, lawyers, and medical professionals about serious mental illness We ask that you 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)

19 days ago

27m

Lynn Nanos: Navigating Psychosis: A Mobile Crisis Worker's Perspective

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2117852/open_sms">Send us a text</a>Lynn Nanos, a mobile psychiatric emergency social worker with 15+ years experience, shares insights on evaluating and helping people with serious mental illness in crisis situations. Her work bridges the gap between law enforcement and mental healthcare, providing crucial interventions for individuals experiencing psychosis and other mental health emergencies. • Conducts psychiatric evaluations in various settings including homes, police stations, nursing homes, and even public spaces • Assesses whether individuals need hospitalization or can be referred to outpatient treatment • Works with police to divert people from the criminal justice system when possible • Explains the "revolving door" problem with brief hospital stays leading to recurring crises • Advocates for Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) to reduce homelessness, hospitalization, and incarceration • Discusses anosognosia (lack of awareness of illness) affecting up to 97% of untreated schizophrenia patients • Clarifies that most people with mental illness are not violent and are more likely to be victims • Highlights the difference between psychosis and borderline personality disorder interventions • Emphasizes that mental illnesses are brain disorders that shouldn't be stigmatized Contact us at TonyMantor.com if you would like to share your story on our show. Tell everyone everywhere about Why Not Me, the conversations we're having, and the inspiration our guests give to everyone 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)

20 days ago

27m

Jerri Clark: A Mother's Journey Through Loss and Advocacy

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2117852/open_sms">Send us a text</a>Geri Clark, Resource and Advocacy Manager at Treatment Advocacy Center, shares her devastating journey of losing her son to severe mental illness while navigating a broken treatment system that wouldn't help until it was too late. She reveals critical gaps in our mental health system and explains how legal barriers, misunderstood medical conditions, and insufficient family support create deadly consequences for those with severe psychiatric disorders. • Son experienced his first psychotic break at 19 while attending college on a debate scholarship • After a four-year struggle with severe mental illness, her son took his own life in 2019 • Anosognosia is a neurobiological symptom where the brain cannot perceive its own illness • Current mental health system requires evidence of harm before providing involuntary treatment • Treatment standards based on legal criteria rather than medical need lead to preventable tragedies • Insurance companies create "ghost networks" of mental health providers who aren't actually available • Families are often excluded from treatment decision-making despite being primary caregivers • Prolonged exposure to untreated psychosis causes brain damage and reduces recovery chances • Some states now include psychiatric deterioration in their criteria for involuntary treatment • Treatment Advocacy Center works to develop grassroots advocates pursuing legislative change • Mental health crises receive far less urgent response than medical emergencies like strokes If you know anyone who would like to tell their story, send them to tonymantor.com and contact us so they can be a guest on our show. Tell everyone everywhere about Why Not Me? The World, the conversations we're having, and the inspiration our guests give to show 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)

21 days ago

30m

Sheriff Donna Buckley:How One Sheriff is Reducing Recidivism Through Compassion

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2117852/open_sms">Send us a text</a>Sheriff Donna Buckley shares her journey from attorney to becoming the first female sheriff in Barnstable County's 333-year history, along with her innovative approach to transforming incarceration through mental health support, comprehensive case management, and post-release services. • Buckley's background as legal counsel representing public employees, including police officers and educators • How the prevalence of mental health issues and addiction in jails inspired her to run for sheriff • The role of Barnstable County Sheriff's Office in managing the jail, criminal investigations, and emergency services • Jails functioning as "de facto mental health and addiction treatment" facilities due to lack of proper infrastructure • Implementation of a case management model to ensure personalized support for every incarcerated individual • Training corrections officers in mental health first aid and cognitive behavioral therapy • The newly opened Bridge Center that provides comprehensive post-release support services • Development of specialized programming for women that addresses their unique needs • Success stories of individuals breaking the cycle of recidivism through proper support and resources • Sheriff Buckley's philosophy: "The best way to keep the public safe is to make sure that when people leave our jails, they don't come back" To learn more about Sheriff Buckley's approach or to share your story, visit TonyMantor.com and click on 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)

22 days ago

28m

Jason MacKenzie:Healing After Unimaginable Loss

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2117852/open_sms">Send us a text</a>Jason McKenzie shares his heart-wrenching journey through grief after losing his wife to suicide and his daughter to trauma-induced mental health struggles. His story reveals how childhood trauma ripples through generations and how he found healing through sobriety, purposeful grief work, and helping others. • Lost his police officer wife to suicide after years battling mental health issues stemming from childhood trauma • Daughters were just six and five when their mother died, causing deep trauma despite their young age • Developed a four-year drinking problem while trying to appear like he "had it together" • Experienced breakthrough moment when his nine-year-old daughter said "I'm disappointed in you" • Lost his 19-year-old daughter to a car accident related to mental health struggles • Discovered that many mental health issues stem from unprocessed childhood trauma • Creates TikTok videos about grief that have reached 40 million views and helped prevent suicides • Uses somatic experiencing therapy to process grief through body awareness • Writing a book called "Man Down" about grief specifically targeted to men • Emphasizes the power of intentional language in shaping our experience of grief • Practices positive reframing: "I can be grateful for 19 years with her because it's better than zero" • Believes healing comes through facing what seems unfaceable and sitting with difficult emotions Contact Jason through TonyMantor.com if you'd like to share your story on Why Not Me? The World 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)

23 days ago

27m