Out Now: Humanity Over Handcuffs: The Silent Crisis Special Podcast Series Puts The Justice System On The Docket By Exploring The Intersection Of Autism, Neurodiversity & The U.S. Legal System On Chart-Topping Podcast ‘Why Not Me The World’

Featuring exclusive in-depth conversations with U.S. Law Makers, Police Officers, Psychologists, Judges, Attorneys & more

As reported on by NPR, Salon, The Marshall Project, & ABA Journal.

Why Not Me The World achieves more than 1 million downloads

ICYMI: Podcast host Tony Mantor talks Autism Awareness on WKRN’s Local On 2 [click to watch]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 02, 2025) – Commemorating the start of Autism Acceptance Month, veteran Nashville based music producer and podcast host Tony Mantor has launched Humanity Over Handcuffs: The Silent Crisis, a special series on his chart topping Why Not Me the World podcast on autism, which recently surpassed more than 1 million downloads since its launch in 2023. The first episode in the special series features an enlightening conversation with Judge Sunny Bailey of the 8th Judicial District for Clark Country in Las Vegas. Mantor leads a discussion with Judge Bailey about detention alternatives for autistic youth (DAAY) court; the only court in the country that does this. Mantor’s new series seeks to revitalize a conversation around the highly sensitive topic to bring about solutions by exploring the intersection of autism, neurodiversity and the U.S. legal system . 

“My podcast’s special series will raise awareness about autism and the legal system’s misunderstandings,” Mantor said. “Judge Sunny Bailey’s DAAY court exemplifies this by offering detention alternatives for autistic youth, by keeping them from getting trapped inside the criminal justice system.”

Autism and the legal system is undoubtedly a relative topic and societal challenge in the United States which has been recently reported on by NPR, Salon, The Marshall Report and ABA Journal. 

Tony Mantor & Doug Mathis guest on WKRN’s Local On 2:

 

Six New Episodes Set To Premiere Weekly Throughout April:
Further episodes of the Humanity Over Handcuffs series will premiere everyday Monday through Saturday throughout April and into May with notable guests including Patrick J. Kennedy, former U.S. House of Representatives, Rhode Island (1995-2011) on April 29; Dr. Tim Murphy, former U.S. House of Representative, Pennsylvania (2003-2017) on May 01, Psychologist & U.S. Navy Veteran; Milton L. Mack, Wayne County, Michigan, Probate Court Chief Judge in May; Steve Leifman, 11th judicial Circuit Court Judge, Miami, Florida (retired 2025) on April 28,  Bart Barta, Autism Safety 101 and Coral Gables, Florida Police Officer, Criminal Investigations Division (Retired) on April 7; John Puls, LCSW, Licensed Psychotherapist, South Florida Psychotherapy on April 15; Elizabeth Kelley, Nationwide Criminal Defense Lawyer, representing people with mental disabilities on April 4; and Mark Mahoney, New York Attorney specializing in Autism/Asperger cases on April 8. 

Since launching in 2023, Mantor’s Why Not Me The World podcast has been downloaded more than 1 million times across 85 countries and more than 1,500 cities worldwide. It has topped various mental health podcast charts worldwide including Spotify’s Top 200 chart and Apple Podcast’s Mental Health charts in the U.S., Great Britain and Canada. Leading podcast search engine Listen Notes consistently rates the podcast among the top 0.5% of podcasts worldwide. 

Why Not Me The World has featured a worldly group of autism thought leaders, medical professionals, celebrity guests from the world of music and entertainment, parents and others from the Autistic community. Listen now on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart Media, or at WhyNotMeTheWorld.org.

About Why Not Me The World Podcast:
Veteran Nashville music producer Tony Mantor wrote and recorded a song in 2021 titled “Why Not Me,” as a tribute to individuals with Autism. Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder 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 The World podcast aims to bridge that gap by providing valuable information and insights into autism, fostering empathy and understanding, and promoting acceptance and inclusion. Nashville based Music Producer Tony 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 explore topics such as diagnosis, treatment, research, and personal stories from those in the autistic community. Together, we can create a more informed and compassionate society for individuals with autism. Why Not Me The World is streaming now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart Media, or at TonyMantor.com. 

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The post Out Now: Humanity Over Handcuffs: The Silent Crisis Special Podcast Series Puts The Justice System On The Docket By Exploring The Intersection Of Autism, Neurodiversity & The U.S. Legal System On Chart-Topping Podcast ‘Why Not Me The World’ appeared first on JWA Media.