Danielle Terrell: From Kenya to Dubai: One Advocate's Journey to Empower the Autistic Community
Danielle Terrell shares her journey as the US Healthcare Development Director at the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) and her passion for improving healthcare accessibility for autistic individuals around the world.
• IBCCES provides specialized training and certification for healthcare providers, helping hospitals, dental offices, and other facilities better support individuals with autism
• The organization has created global partnerships across healthcare, entertainment, and travel sectors, including certifying Emirates as the world's first autism-certified airline
• Training programs are built by autism experts and people with lived experience to address industry-specific needs rather than generic awareness
• Certification includes virtual training modules and on-site assessments to make environments more sensory-friendly without major structural changes
• Danielle has worked with individuals ages 2-87 across residential, educational, and healthcare settings throughout her career
• Healthcare gaps for autistic individuals include lack of understanding about sensory needs, communication differences, and proper accommodations
• Developers created an Accessibility App that helps people locate autism-certified businesses and services worldwide
• Danielle recently participated in Ride for Autism Africa, helping build a therapy center and special needs school in Kenya
Join us in transforming the world, one story at a time. If you know someone who has a story to share, contact us at whynotmeworld.
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28:23
When Systems Fail: Maria shares a Sister's Fight for Her Brother with Severe Mental Illness
Maria shares her journey advocating for mental healthcare, from working in a medical facility helping patients navigate services to struggling with the complex systems while trying to help her brother with severe mental illness. Her powerful story reveals critical gaps in our mental health and legal systems that prevent timely intervention for those most in need.
• Experience as a healthcare advocate navigating insurance barriers and provider shortages
• Personal history with anxiety and OCD providing firsthand understanding of mental health challenges
• Brother's delusional disorder progression from normal complaints to severe paranoia
• Attempts to get help through police and crisis responders repeatedly blocked by bureaucratic barriers
• Brother's eventual criminal behavior, jail time, and homelessness due to untreated mental illness
• Finding support through MOMI (Mothers of the Mentally Ill) while continuing to search for solutions
• Importance of maintaining hope and humanizing those with severe mental illness
• Awareness as the first step toward creating positive change in mental health systems
If you know someone who has a story to share, tell them to contact us at whynotmeworld. Spread the word about Why Not Me, our conversations, our inspiring guests that show you are not alone in this world.
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30:24
Melody Guy: Finding Connection Through Autism and Artistry
Melody Guy shares her extraordinary journey as an autistic singer-songwriter who has traveled over two million miles despite the challenges of sensory issues and PTSD. She reveals how music became both her shelter and her bridge to connecting with others when words failed.
• Diagnosed with autism as an adult around the same time as her son
• Survived childhood sexual abuse starting at age nine and a kidnapping at age 19
• Found her voice through music after escaping a controlling marriage that prevented her from singing for ten years
• Created "red threads" of connection through music demonstrations at Guitar Centers across America
• Developed coping strategies including a mental "switch" that helps her perform despite sensory challenges
• Working on her 11th music project which includes songs about autism like "Invisible" and "Life in the Spectrum"
• Discovered her "superpower" in co-writing songs with other trauma survivors through music therapy programs
• Advocates for fellow autistic individuals to embrace their differences and clearly communicate their boundaries
Tell everyone everywhere about Why Not Me? The World, the conversations we're having and the inspiration our guests give to everyone everywhere that you are not alone in this world.
https://tonymantor.com
https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
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intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
Why Not Me music published by Mantor Music (BMI)
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27:25
Leanna May Franklin: Love Without Structure:Navigating Serious Mental Illness as a Family
Leanna May Franklin shares her journey as a mental health advocate after her son experienced a psychotic break at age 19, revealing the challenges of navigating care even with resources and professional expertise.
• Experienced a life-changing moment when her son had a psychotic breakdown during a family gathering
• Recognized signs that she initially thought were typical teenage behaviors but were early symptoms of mental illness
• Her son is now diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder depressive type with polysubstance use
• Despite having resources and knowledge, faced enormous barriers in getting appropriate care for her adult son
• Co-founded a holistic mental health clinic offering integrated approaches including blood testing and IV therapy
• Advocates for successful community treatment models like one in Yakima, Washington that provides services with minimal budget
• Discusses "ambiguous grief" – the unique pain of losing someone who is still physically present
• Emphasizes the importance of documentation, understanding system language, and building support teams
• Believes in setting boundaries as an act of protection while continuing to advocate for better care
• Works with National Shattering Silence Coalition to influence mental health policy reform
If you'd like to learn more about Liana's work or need advocacy support, contact her at [email protected] or call/text 425-393-4762.
She is available to attend meetings anywhere in the US to support those navigating the mental health system.
https://tonymantor.com
https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
https://instagram.com/tonymantor
https://twitter.com/tonymantor
https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)
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29:13
Why Not Me ? The Power of Shared Experiences in Autism and Mental Health
Send us a text"Why Not Me?" podcast expands its mission to embrace both autism and mental health worldwide, creating a platform for raw, authentic storytelling that inspires and connects. Host Tony Mantor welcomes listeners to join a global movement fostering awareness, acceptance, and understanding through powerful personal narratives.• Broadcasting from Nashville, Tennessee with a mission to share powerful stories• Expanding focus to include both autism and mental health following 61 impactful episodes• Commitment to raw, authentic storytelling that educates and heals• Special events planned, including collaboration with Humanity Over Handcuffs• Building an inclusive community where no one feels aloneIf you have a story to share or know someone whose voice deserves to be heard, please connect with us at https://whynotme.worldSpread the word about Why Not Me, our conversations, our inspiring guests, the show - you are not alone in this world.https://tonymantor.comhttps://Facebook.com/tonymantorhttps://instagram.com/tonymantorhttps://twitter.com/tonymantorhttps://youtube.com/tonymantormusicintro/outro music bed written by T. WildWhy Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)
Embracing Autism/Mental Health WorldwideAutism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting millions worldwide, characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Despite increasing recognition, there remains a lack of understanding and awareness about the condition.Mental health encompasses a range of conditions impacting emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting millions globally. It includes disorders like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and psychosis. Schizophrenia is marked by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, while psychosis involves a loss of contact with reality, often presenting with similar symptoms. Despite growing awareness, stigma and misconceptions about mental health, particularly schizophrenia and psychosis, persist, underscoring the need for greater understanding and support.From celebrating neurodiversity to breaking down stigma, we create a safe space for listeners to learn, grow, and feel seen. Whether you're on the spectrum, a caregiver, or an advocate, join our global community for inspiring conversations and empowering resources that uplift and unite. Tune in to embrace understanding, healing, and hope worldwide!Together, we can create a more informed and compassionate society for individuals with Autism and Mental Illness.
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