[Humanity Over Handcuffs series art | Download JPG]
The special series seeks to revitalize the conversation around autism, mental illness & the legal system, as reported by NPR, Salon, The Marshall Project, & ABA Journal.
Featuring exclusive in-depth conversations with U.S. Law Makers, Police Officers, Psychologists, Judges, Attorneys & more
In his recent address to U.S. Congress, President Trump acknowledges growing prevalence of Autism [Watch YouTube]
Producer & Host Tony Mantor available for interviews and guest appearances [book online]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 10, 2025) – Beginning in April, commemorating the start of Autism Acceptance Month, veteran Nashville based music producer and podcast host Tony Mantor will launch Humanity Over Handcuffs: The Silent Crisis, a special series on his chart topping Why Not Me the World podcast on autism. During his recent address to the U.S. Congress President Trump cited the rising prevalence of autism diagnoses which have risen from one in 10,000 children, to one in 36.
More specifically, how Autistic people have been historically treated in the legal system will be Mantor’s specific focus on the special series launching in April. Autism and the legal system is undoubtedly a relative topic and societal challenge that has been recently reported on by NPR, Salon, The Marshall Report and ABA Journal. Mantor’s new series seeks to revitalize a conversation around the highly sensitive topic to bring about solutions.
“The series purpose is to refrain from assigning blame, and instead focus on developing solution driven strategies,” Mantor said about the new podcast series. “I just think we need to do more to acknowledge and be empathetic enough to find solutions on how the justice system deals with autism or other mental health issues, versus just arresting them and treating them as criminals. Not only here in the United States, but worldwide.”
The Humanity Over Handcuffs series will take a deep-dive into stories and cases of autistic people’s experience by both the law enforcement and legal system from thought leaders Patrick J. Kennedy, former U.S. House of Representatives, Rhode Island (1995-2011); Dr. Tim Murphy, former U.S. House of Representative, Pennsylvania (2003-2017), Psychologist & U.S. Navy Veteran; Milton L. Mack, Wayne County, Michigan, Probate Court Chief Judge; Steve Leifman, 11th judicial Circuit Court Judge, Miami, Florida (retired 2025); Bart Barta, Autism Safety 101 and Coral Gables, Florida Police Officer, Criminal Investigations Division (Retired); John Puls, LCSW, Licensed Psychotherapist, South Florida Psychotherapy; Elizabeth Kelley, Nationwide Criminal Defense Lawyer, representing people with mental disabilities; and Mark Mahoney, New York Attorney specializing in Autism/Asperger cases.
Since launching in 2023, Mantor’s Why Not Me The World podcast has been downloaded more than 900,000 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 TonyMantor.com.
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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[WNMTW Podcast Art | Download PNG]