Best Tony Mantor Podcasts (2025)

1
Tim Murphy's Fight for Mental Health Reform 30:22

14h ago30:22

30:22

Send us a text Tim Murphy, former congressman and psychologist, shares his journey advocating for mental health reform through the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act and highlights the systemic failures in America's approach to serious mental illness. • Serious mental illness requires different treatment approaches than general mental hea…

1
Russell Watson & Helen Jane Long:A Collaborative Journey of Two Musical Powerhouses 25:29

3d ago25:29

25:29

Russell Watson and Helen Jane Long share the story behind their new collaborative album "Shine," blending Watson's powerful tenor with Long's evocative compositions to create music that uplifts and inspires audiences. • Multi-platinum tenor Russell Watson and billion-stream pianist Helen Jane Long met after Helen had admired Russell's voice for ove…

1
Haley Graham : A Conversation on Mental Health, Autism, and Finding Your Way 26:04

1d ago26:04

26:04

Send us a text Psychotherapist Haley Graham shares her journey from pharmacist to mental health advocate after her son's struggle with school led her to found the Bounce Brighter Futures Foundation. Her personal experience with neurodivergence drives her passion for supporting children, parents, and teachers through therapeutic storytelling and com…

1
Patrick Kennedy on Autism,Mental Health, Addiction, and Political Change 33:14

3d ago33:14

33:14

Send us a text Patrick Kennedy shares his journey from Congressman to mental health advocate, revealing how his family history and personal struggles with addiction shaped his mission to transform America's approach to mental health care. • Passed the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act by attaching it to the 2008 bank bailout bill • Advo…

1
Judge Liefman: Breaking the Cycle of Autism and Mental Illness in Criminal Justice 31:40

4d ago31:40

31:40

Send us a text Judge Steven Leifman shares his remarkable journey from witnessing horrific conditions in a state psychiatric hospital as a teenager to becoming a leading judicial advocate for mental health reform. His work in Miami-Dade County has transformed how the criminal justice system handles people with mental illness, saving millions of dol…

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Christine Vester: Humanity Over Handcuffs: Protecting Autistic Lives in Legal Battles 16:59

5d ago16:59

16:59

Send us a text Christine Vester shares her mission with Humanity Over Handcuffs, a national advocacy movement protecting autistic individuals from being criminalized by the justice system. Her organization supports families, educates legal professionals, and works toward reforming a system that often treats neurological differences as criminal beha…

1
Carol Nesteikis: Autism and the Justice System 25:06

6d ago25:06

25:06

Send us a text Carol Nistakis shares her family's painful journey through the justice system after her autistic son was manipulated into illegal activity by a neighbor. Her decade-long fight for justice led her to cofound D3, an organization helping families navigate the unique challenges autistic individuals face in legal proceedings. • Began advo…

1
Areva Martin: How One Mother Became an Everyday Autism Advocate 27:19

7d ago27:19

27:19

Send us a text CNN contributor and civil rights attorney Areva Martin shares her personal journey of raising an autistic son while becoming a powerful advocate for disability rights and creating systemic change. • Son Marty's autism diagnosis at age two prompted an intensive learning journey • Navigated overwhelming and often inaccurate information…

1
Ruth Johnston: Autism and Schizophrenia: A Mother's Fight for Change 30:54

8d ago30:54

30:54

Send us a text Ruth Johnston shares her harrowing journey as the mother of an autistic son who developed schizophrenia, and how this experience drove her to advocate for Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania following a family tragedy. • Ruth's son was diagnosed with autism as a teenager, after she had already been h…

1
Angela Calzone's Vision:Integrating disabilities into the workforce 24:53

9d ago24:53

24:53

Send us a text Angela Calzone shares how Inroads to Opportunities supports individuals with disabilities through comprehensive programs designed to facilitate meaningful employment. The organization's business-oriented approach focuses on integration, skills development, and changing employer perceptions about hiring people with both visible and in…

1
Brian Shrader: How Autism is Misunderstood in the Legal System 28:24

10d ago28:24

28:24

Send us a text Brian Shrader, a criminal defense attorney with experience as both prosecutor and defender, exposes how the justice system profoundly fails people with autism and mental health conditions. • Autism often leads to escalation during police encounters rather than directly causing criminal behavior • Mental health training is virtually n…

1
Judge Kim Taylor:A Judge's Journey with Autism 26:30

11d ago26:30

26:30

Send us a text Judge Kim Taylor shares her journey as a pioneering female judge and mother of a son with autism, revealing how personal experience fueled her advocacy for autism awareness in the criminal justice system. Her work began after learning about Sidney Templeton, a young man with autism who died in police custody due to officers' lack of …

1
Understanding Autism Through Music: An Acoustic Evening for a Cause 15:47

12d ago15:47

15:47

Send us a text We broadcast live from the Nashville Palace for a special remote podcast supporting "An Acoustic Evening for Autism," bringing together musicians who share their personal connections to autism awareness. • Jamie O'Neill describes how having a cousin with autism inspired her participation in the benefit concert • Jamie emphasizes the …

1
Rita Williams: How One Woman Transformed Personal Trauma into Criminal Justice Reform 27:28

13d ago27:28

27:28

Send us a text Rita Williams turned personal tragedy into powerful advocacy when her spouse was unexpectedly sentenced to 10-20 years in prison, revealing deep flaws in the criminal justice system and sparking her mission to expose judicial misconduct and support others facing similar challenges. • Former federal employee who pursued a master's in …

1
Leigh Anne McKingsley: Creating Pathways to Justice for the Developmentally Disabled 28:49

14d ago28:49

28:49

Send us a text Leigh Anne McKingsley shares her journey as Senior Director of Disability and Justice Initiatives for the ARC, where she oversees the National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability to address the invisibility and injustices faced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the justice system. • The ARC began as …

1
Judge David Fleisher: When Judges Choose Compassion Over Punishment? 28:20

15d ago28:20

28:20

Send us a text Judge David Fleischer, who presides over Harris County Criminal Court in Houston, Texas, shares his groundbreaking approaches to criminal justice reform with a focus on mental health and autism awareness. • Reforming the bail system to prevent wealth-based discrimination in courts • Dropping conviction rates from 60% to 25% through b…

1
Bridget Hampstead's Journey: Autism, Community, and Radical Love 25:20

16d ago25:20

25:20

Send us a text Bridget Hampstead shares her journey from discovering her own neurodivergence to founding Fish in a Tree, a virtual community center supporting neurodivergent adults. Her work combines community building, political advocacy, and neuroaffirming practices to create spaces where late-diagnosed autistic individuals can find acceptance an…

1
John Puls : Autism, Justice, and Understanding: Navigating the Criminal System 24:26

17d ago24:26

24:26

Send us a text John Puls, a psychotherapist specializing in forensic work, shares critical insights on navigating the intersection of autism, mental health, and the criminal justice system. He draws on his extensive experience working with individuals in crisis to offer practical guidance for families and caregivers. • Working as a psychotherapist …

1
Jeff Dayton:The man who led Glen Campbell's band shares his remarkable career path. 27:07

17d ago27:07

27:07

Jeff Dayton shares his journey from early musical beginnings to becoming Glen Campbell's band leader for 15 years and his current projects honoring Campbell's legacy. His remarkable career trajectory includes opening for major acts across the country, traveling internationally, and developing a deep connection with the Campbell family. • Discovered…

1
Trish Ieraci:Understanding Autism Saves Lives: One Trainer's Mission to Transform Police Interactions 26:00

18d ago26:00

26:00

Send us a text Trish Ieraci, founder of Teaching Individuals About Autism (TIA), takes us deep into the critical gap between law enforcement training and successful interactions with the autism community. With powerful clarity, she dismantles the narrow stereotype that autism only affects severely impaired children, explaining how this misconceptio…

1
Country Music Meets Compassion: How Artists Are Making a Difference for Autism 16:07

19d ago16:07

16:07

Send us a text Tony Mantor hosts a special remote podcast from Nashville Palace supporting "An Acoustic Evening for Autism." Country music artists Daryl Worley and Dillon Massengale share their personal connections to autism awareness and how music has become a platform for making a difference. • Daryl Worley explains how friends with an autistic c…

1
Joan Lipinski : Battles for Her Autistic Daughter's Freedom 27:26

20d ago27:26

27:26

Send us a text Joan Lipinski shares her deeply personal journey fighting for her daughter with Asperger's syndrome who received a 63-month federal prison sentence after being manipulated into bringing contraband into a facility where she worked. Through multiple prison transfers, denied medical care following back surgery, and judicial misunderstan…

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Doug Passon: Breaking Down Barriers, How Understanding Autism Changes Legal Outcomes 29:28

21d ago29:28

29:28

Send us a text Doug Passon shares his journey as a criminal defense lawyer and filmmaker advocating for autistic individuals in the legal system, drawing from both his professional experience and personal connection as a parent of an autistic son. • Criminal defense lawyer who uses documentary filmmaking to humanize clients at sentencing • Pioneere…

1
Brian Kelmar:Breaking Down Barriers: One Father's Fight to Reform Legal Treatment of Autism 27:15

22d ago27:15

27:15

Send us a text Brian Kelmar shares his inspiring journey of creating Decriminalize Developmental Disabilities (D3), an organization helping families whose autistic loved ones become entangled in the criminal justice system. His personal experience with his teenage son's case revealed a shocking truth: many states fail to recognize developmental dis…

1
Steven Waddell: Rocks, Rails, and Revelations: A Model's Autism Story 27:30

23d ago27:30

27:30

Send us a text Stephen Waddell takes us on a powerful journey of self-discovery as he shares how he uncovered his autism in adulthood after building a successful modeling career. Despite being naturally introverted and struggling with social interactions, Stephen found himself thrust into a profession that demanded social fluency – forcing him to s…

1
Mark Mahoney: Fighting for Autism Justice 30:59

24d ago30:59

30:59

Send us a text Mark Mahoney reveals his groundbreaking work as possibly the only attorney in North America exclusively dedicated to defending individuals with autism spectrum disorder who face criminal charges. Through years of specialized practice, he shares crucial insights about how the criminal justice system fundamentally misunderstands autism…

1
Bart Barta: Training First Responders for Autism Encounters 30:59

25d ago30:59

30:59

Send us a text When autism intersects with law enforcement, the results can be harmful or even catastrophic without proper training and understanding. Retired law enforcement commander Bart Barta shares his journey of creating specialized training for first responders after his son's autism diagnosis. • Started Autism Safety 101 after 31 years in l…

1
Country Music Unites for Autism Awareness 16:49

26d ago16:49

16:49

Send us a text Country music and autism awareness come together at Nashville Palace for "An Acoustic Evening for Autism," where artists use their platform to support families affected by autism through the newly formed Country Music Autism Awareness Foundation. • Doug Mathis explains how his song about an autistic boy named Jack led to creating an …

1
Dennis Debbaudt : reveals how proper training can prevent tragic misunderstandings between autism and law enforcement. 24:26

27d ago24:26

24:26

Send us a text Dennis Debbaudt shares his 30-year journey addressing autism-related police interactions and developing training programs for law enforcement nationwide. His pioneering work bridges the gap between public safety professionals and the autistic community through educational materials, videos, and hands-on training that helps prevent tr…

1
Elizabeth Kelley:Autism in the Legal System: A Defense Attorney's Perspective 29:35

28d ago29:35

29:35

Send us a text Criminal defense attorney Elizabeth Kelley shares her expertise on representing individuals with autism spectrum disorder and mental health conditions in the justice system, revealing how these clients are often misunderstood and how proper legal representation can change outcomes. • Started career representing a client with intellec…

1
Jerry Turning: From Officer to Advocate: One Dad's Mission to Bridge the Gap 29:46

29d ago29:46

29:46

Send us a text Jerry Turning shares his journey from veteran police officer to autism advocate after his son's diagnosis, creating Blue Bridge Autism Training to educate first responders about autism. His unique perspective bridges the gap between law enforcement and the autism community, helping prevent dangerous misunderstandings during crisis si…

1
Meet Dr. Theresa Haskins: The Mom Who Rewrote the Rulebook on Autism 30:21

30d ago30:21

30:21

Send us a text Dr. Theresa Haskins shares her journey from a mother seeking answers for her autistic son to becoming an educator and researcher dedicated to creating more inclusive systems for neurodivergent individuals. Her experiences navigating medical dismissals, educational barriers, and workplace challenges illuminate how society needs to fun…

1
The Jethro Tull Story: 56 Years of Progressive Rock 22:27

1M ago22:27

22:27

Tony Mantor welcomes rock legend Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull to discuss the band's remarkable 56-year journey and their ongoing musical evolution since forming in 1967. • The real story behind the Jethro Tull band name: named after an 18th century agriculturist by a booking agent • How several band members from Anderson's high school days eventuall…

1
Judge Soonhee(Sunny) Bailey: Breaking the Cycle and Creating America's First Autism Court Program 28:03

1M ago28:03

28:03

Send us a text Judge Sonny Bailey shares how she created the nation's only court dedicated to helping autistic youth stay out of the criminal justice system. What began in 2018 as a quieter courtroom for one overwhelmed teen has evolved into an innovative program with a 90% success rate, recently recognized through Nevada legislation as the country…

1
Gabriella Russo: Embracing Self-Discovery and Advocacy in Autism – Overcoming Challenges and Building a Supportive Community 27:43

1M ago27:43

27:43

Send us a text What if discovering your true self could transform your entire life journey? Join me, Tony Mantor, as I sit down with the insightful Gabriella Russo for a powerful discussion on self-discovery and acceptance within the autistic community. Gabriella shares her personal narrative, revealing how her godchild's involvement with an autism…

1
Why Not Me the World Humanity Over Handcuffs the Special Event for April 0:56

1M ago0:56

0:56

Send us a text Hi, I'm Tony Mantor. Imagine a world where the rules don't bend. Where justice feels like a maze with no exit. For autistic people navigating the legal system, this is not imagination. It's reality. Picture your autistic son or daughter tangled in the legal system or an officer at your door because a meltdown was misunderstood. Imagi…

1
Jess Tuff: Empowering Autism Acceptance Through Advocacy and Empathy – A Mother's Journey in Special Education and Mental Health 27:08

1M ago27:08

27:08

Send us a text Jess Tuff shares her emotional journey as a mother advocating for her autistic daughter while navigating the education system and societal stigma. Her story emphasizes the importance of understanding, acceptance, and the changes needed in how we approach autism, advocating for empathy and resources for families still facing challenge…

1
Anson Williams: Music, Directing, and Entrepreneurship: How He Built a Multi-Faceted Career 26:57

1M ago26:57

26:57

Tony Mantor sits down with Anson Williams, the unforgettable star from Happy Days, for a fascinating journey through his multifaceted career in entertainment and the stories that shaped his path to success. • Started as a passionate singer with no formal acting training before landing his role on Happy Days • Entrepreneurially introduced music into…

1
Lady Miranda: Harmonizing Inclusivity and Autism in Music – Navigating Performance, Relationships, and Societal Norms with Resilience and Insight 25:49

2M ago25:49

25:49

Send us a text Lady Miranda shares her journey as an autistic artist navigating the music industry while managing sensory overload and performance challenges. Through her experiences, she emphasizes the importance of understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity in society. • Being an autistic artist comes with unique challenges • Travel can induc…

1
Emma Textra: Transforming Health Challenges into Holistic Advocacy – Supporting Neurodiverse Adolescence Through Nutrition and Natural Interventions 25:26

2M ago25:26

25:26

Send us a text What happens when a corporate professional turns a personal health crisis into a transformative journey of healing and understanding? Join us as we explore Emma Textra's remarkable story, where her corporate acumen meets her passion for holistic health to better support her autistic son. Emma's shift from conventional medicine to emb…

1
Cousins Gibb: Melodies of Discovery and family ties in harmony 28:30

2M ago28:30

28:30

In a world where music often serves as a bridge between generations, Cousins Gibb share their poignant story of family, heritage, and creativity. Join Nick Endicott Gibb and Deborah McLean as they take us on an emotional journey, revealing how their familial ties have influenced their musical path. This episode dives deep into Nick's incredible dis…

1
Dr. Tina J. Ramsey: Transforming Challenges into Advocacy – Navigating Autism with Resilience and Community Support 28:18

2M ago28:18

28:18

Send us a text Dr. Tina J Ramsey shares her profound journey of navigating autism with her son, emphasizing the essential role of empathy, advocacy, and communication. Her insights encourage parents to support their children with understanding, while providing valuable resources for navigating adulthood. • Discusses personal experiences and emotion…

1
Lisa Kuntz: Transforming Autism Support – From University Role to Global Advocacy and Awareness Efforts 28:00

2M ago28:00

28:00

Send us a text What if your curiosity led you to an unexpected career path that changes lives every day? Lisa Kuntz, the inspiring director of the Pierce Autism Center at Touro University, shares her remarkable journey into autism support and education with us. Starting with a chance role at the university, Lisa's commitment to understanding the un…

1
Felix Cavalieri: From Classical Keys to rock stages with the Rascals 25:13

2M ago25:13

25:13

Ever wondered how a classically trained pianist ends up playing alongside rock legends? We had the pleasure of sitting down with the inimitable Felix Cavalieri, a cornerstone of the 1960s music scene and the soulful force behind the Rascals. In our latest episode, Felix takes us through an extraordinary journey that began in Pelham, New York, under…

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BONUS EPISODE: Mike Ghesser: A Father's Mission to Transform the World for Neurodiverse Individuals 27:12

3M ago27:12

27:12

Send us a text Imagine meeting a neurologist who changes not only your perspective but the entire trajectory of your family's journey. That's precisely what happened to Mike Ghesser, co-founder of CleanLogic, when his daughter Rosie was diagnosed with a neurodiverse condition at just three months old. In this heartfelt episode, we explore how that …

1
Dr. Blythe Corbett: Pioneering Autism Communication through Theater and Fostering Inclusive Expression 28:05

3M ago28:05

28:05

Send us a text What if theater could unlock new dimensions of communication for individuals with autism? Join us as we sit down with the remarkable Dr. Blythe Corbett, a trailblazer from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, who has seamlessly intertwined her love for performance with her cutting-edge research in autism. Through the pioneering work…

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Gabriela Salcido:Creating Lifelong Pathways for Autism Services Across America 27:06

3M ago27:06

27:06

Send us a text Join us for a compelling conversation with Gabriela Salcido, a trailblazer in autism services and the founder of the Roman Empire Agency. Discover the challenges and triumphs of expanding vital support networks across state lines, as Gabriela shares her journey from a dedicated social worker in California to leading a multi-state age…

1
Dave Pomeroy on Music, Leadership, and Passion 32:56

3M ago32:56

32:56

Discover the extraordinary journey of Dave Pomeroy, a quintessential figure in the music industry, as he reveals how a British military upbringing and an expired visa ultimately led him to the heart of Nashville's vibrant music scene. With anecdotes that include spontaneously jamming with legends like Sleepy LaBeef and witnessing Neil Young in casu…

1
Rose Griffin:The Path to Inclusive Support and Autism Awarenes 25:55

3M ago25:55

25:55

Send us a text Explore the transformative journey of Rose Griffin, a dedicated speech-language pathologist and board-certified behavior analyst, as she sheds light on the evolving landscape of autism awareness and support. From a serendipitous high school career assessment that led her to speech therapy, Rose reflects on her 20-year commitment to e…

1
Kory Andreas Shares Insights on Neurodiversity and Self-Realization 28:34

3M ago28:34

28:34

Send us a text What happens when a dedicated school social worker and loving mother discovers her own autism diagnosis later in life? Meet Kory Andreas, a therapist whose personal and professional journeys provide profound insights into neurodiversity and autism. Kory's transition from the public education system to private practice was deeply infl…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Tony Mantor Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen