Nashville Music Producer & Why Not Me? Podcast Host Tony Mantor To Spotlight Global Thought Leaders & Lived Real-Life Experiences In Special Series For April’s Autism Acceptance Month

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

Featuring guest conversations with Autism Digest Magazine’s Lois Brady, The Autism Foundation’s Faria Arsh, Author, Advocate & Educator Belqui Ortez Millili, Bournemouth University’s Dr. Rachel Mosley & more

Why Not Me? surpasses 16 million downloads and ranks among top podcasts in mental health on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & FeedSpot

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

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 23, 2026) – Veteran Nashville music producer Tony Mantor, host and producer of the popular autism and mental health podcast Why Not Me?, will launch a special recurring Monday-Wednesday-Friday series in April, in recognition of Autism Acceptance Month. Embracing autism worldwide, the new podcast series will feature enlightened conversations with modern thought leaders from the neurodivergent community, including advocates, authors, researchers, artists and individuals with lived experiences of autism. 

The first episode kicks off with Publisher of Autism Digest Magazine, Lois Brady (April 01), whose decades of work have helped educate families, educators, and advocates of the autistic community. Brady’s conversation will set the tone for a month focused on awareness, acceptance, empathy, and real-life perspectives. Other notable April guests include The Autism Foundation’s CEO Faria Arsh (April 03), Author, Advocate & Educator Belqui Ortez Millili (April 06), Author & Franklin Educational Services  Dan Franklin, Phd, BCET (April 08), Author & Educator Rebecca Engle (April 15), Musician and Advocate Liam Edward Golder (April 17), TACT Founder & Colorado Governor Adviser Danny Combs (April 20). The series concludes with Bournemouth University’s Dr. Rachel Mosley (April 29), a respected U.K. based autism researcher whose work focuses on the psychological and social experiences of autistic individuals.

“My hope is the April series will help encourage more open conversations about autism, while providing listeners with perspectives that blend lived experience with research and advocacy,” Mantor said. “What I’ve learned is that some of the most powerful understanding comes from people willing to share their real-life experiences and journeys.”

Tony Mantor’s Why Not Me? has surpassed more than 16 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 Bleav, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart Media, or at WhyNotMe.world.

“The most powerful part of this podcast has always been the people willing to share their stories,” Mantor added. “Their honesty helps others feel less alone and helps the world understand autism in a much deeper way.”

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 the Bleav, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart Media, or at WhyNotMe.world.

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