Nashville Music Producer & Why Not Me? Podcast Host Tony Mantor Brings Together Global Thought Leaders & Lawmakers For Special May Series Recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month

[Why Not Me? logo | Download PNG]

Featuring guest conversations with mental health thought leaders, current and former lawmakers, non-profit leaders, policymakers, researchers & more

Why Not Me? surpasses 19 million downloads and ranks among top podcasts in mental health on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & FeedSpot

ICYMI: Tony joins News Channel 5’s OpenLine, speaks on autism awareness & acceptance [Watch here]

BOOK NOW: Interviews, event appearances and media requests for Why Not Me? Host Tony Mantor [request online]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 23, 2026) – Veteran Nashville music producer Tony Mantor, host and producer of the popular mental health and autism podcast Why Not Me?, will launch a special recurring Monday-Wednesday-Friday series in May, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. Embracing mental health worldwide, the special podcast series will feature enlightened conversations with mental health thought leaders, current and former lawmakers, non-profit leaders, policymakers, researchers, and individuals with lived experiences. 

The first three episodes will kick off with leaders from the National Shattering Silence Coalition, including Executive Director Ann Corcoran RN, MSN (May 01); Dr. David Hager, Medical Advisor and Board Member (May 04); and Judge Milton Mack, Judicial Advisor and Board Member (May 06). Plus, notable current and former lawmakers include Dr. Tim Murphy, Former U.S. House of Representatives (May 8); Washington Senator Manka Dingra (May 11); Massachusetts State Senator Cindy Friedman (May 13); Connecticut Senator Christine Cohen (May 15); Iowa State Representative Ann Meyer (May 18); Former Maine Senator Jon Nutting (May 20); Virginia Senator Creigh Deeds (May 22); Colorado Senator Judy Arabel: (May 25); and Former U.S. House of Representatives, Patrick Kennedy (May 27 and  29. 

“May is Mental Health Awareness Month—but for many people, this isn’t just a month, it’s every day,” Mantor said. ”On Why Not Me?, we don’t just talk about mental health—we listen to the real stories behind it. The struggles, the breakthroughs, the moments people don’t always see. This month is about bringing those voices forward… and reminding people they’re not alone.”

Other guests on the first 3 episodes of May include NSSC’s Linda Mimms MPP, Director of Government Affairs/ Co-chair Policy Action Committee and Board Member; NSSC’s Laura Craciun, Director of State Policy and Affiliate Development, Co-Chair Policy Action Committee; Arizona Mad Moms’ Crystal Fox, Co-founder and NSSC Arizona Policy Director and Rachel Streiff, Co-founder.

Tony Mantor’s Why Not Me? has surpassed more than 19 million downloads in more than 100 countries and 2,500 cities worldwide since its launch in 2023, and has consistently ranked in the Top 5 of Apple podcast’s mental health charts. The podcast is available on all major platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart Media, or at WhyNotMe.world.

“The most powerful part of Why Not Me? has always been the people willing to share their stories,” Mantor added. “Their honesty helps others feel less alone and helps the world understand mental health in a much deeper way.”

[WATCH: Tony Mantor on News Ch. 5’s OpenLine]

About Why Not Me? Podcast:
In 2021, veteran Nashville music producer Tony Mantor recorded a song titled “Why Not Me,” as a tribute to individuals with Autism, a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Although autism is becoming more widely recognized, there is still a lack of understanding and awareness surrounding the disorder. As a result, many individuals and families affected by autism struggle to find the support and resources they need. Why Not Me? podcast aims to bridge that gap by providing valuable information and insights into autism, fostering empathy and understanding, and promoting acceptance and inclusion. Mantor explores the remarkable impact his guests make by empowering their voices in spreading awareness about autism and helping break down the barriers of understanding. Join Mantor and his guests as they delve into the world of autism and mental health, exploring topics such as diagnosis, treatment, research, the legal system, and personal stories from those in the autistic and mental health communities. Together, we can create a more informed and compassionate society for individuals with autism or mental health disorders. Why Not Me? is streaming now through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart Media, or at WhyNotMe.world.

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Publicity Photo:

[Tony Mantor | Photo: Nathan Mantor | Download PNG]

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