Steph West on Building Starfish Social Club: Social Skills, Neurodivergent Friendship, and Helpful Social Feedback
Host Tony Mantor in Nashville introduces “Why Not Me: Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide” and interviews Steph West, founder and director of Starfish Social Club in San Antonio, Texas, which runs small-group social skills programs for neurodivergent kids and teens (autism, ADHD, learning disabilities) in person and via Zoom.
West describes her path from special education teacher to autism/behavior specialist and “accidental entrepreneur,” the origin of the Starfish name, early challenges with marketing, pricing, and hiring, and how COVID shut down her in-person business but led her to create online classes, develop her own curriculum, and license others to teach it.
She explains how her ADHD helps her understand students and take risks, emphasizes that autistic people are often misunderstood (including around empathy), reframes friendship as “someone we choose to spend time with,” and outlines her interpreter approach between neurotypical and neurodivergent “social languages.”
She shares a story illustrating blunt but respectful feedback and her goals of building students’ social competence, confidence, and connection, and invites listeners to find her at starfishsocialclub.org and take one small step toward their ideas.
00:00 Show Welcome and Mission
01:21 Meet Steph West
02:31 Why Starfish Social Club
04:09 The Starfish Story Name
05:22 Local and Online Reach
06:20 Accidental Entrepreneur Challenges
08:59 COVID Pivot and Curriculum
10:25 ADHD as a Superpower
11:51 Autism Myths and Empathy
12:55 Redefining Friendship
14:21 Helping Parents Understand
16:46 Protecting Emotional Energy
18:56 Goals Competence Confidence Connection
21:10 Why Not Me Mindset
22:28 Helpful Social Feedback
25:26 Finding Steph Online
25:35 A Story That Stuck
28:50 Vision for Clubs Everywhere
30:21 Final Thanks and Sign Off

INTRO/OUTRO: T. Wild
Mantor Music BMI

The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Embracing Autism and Mental Health: A Conversation with Anne Grady
In this episode of 'Why Not Me,' hosted by Tony Mantor in Nashville, Tennessee, guest Anne Grady shares her profound journey navigating autism and mental health.
Anne, an author, speaker, and advocate, discusses her experiences raising her son Evan, who has multiple diagnoses including autism, severe mental illness, ADHD, and oppositional defiant disorder.
The conversation delves into challenges around diagnosis, the importance of resilience, and strategies for coping with neurodiversity and mental health issues. Anne also talks about her books, advocacy work, and the personal and systemic difficulties she has encountered.
The episode emphasizes acceptance, understanding, and the profound impact of sharing stories to inspire and connect people worldwide.
Introduction to Why Not Me
Meet Anne Grady: Advocate and Author
Anne's Personal Journey with Her Son Evan
Challenges and Resilience in Parenting
Understanding Autism and Mental Illness
The Importance of Acceptance and Support
Anne's Advocacy and Writing Journey
Practical Advice for Families and Caregivers
Anne's Current Life and Advocacy Efforts
Final Thoughts and Farewell

INTRO/OUTRO: T. Wild
Mantor Music BMI

The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Danny Combs on Buildable, TACT, and Expanding Trade-Based Careers for Autistic and Neurodivergent People
Host Tony Mantor welcomes Danny Combs to discuss progress since their last conversation on creating meaningful employment pathways for autistic and neurodivergent individuals.
Combs shares receiving a Congressional Mentor of Honor Society Citizen Honor Award and being appointed by Colorado’s governor to the new Colorado Disability Opportunity Office, funded through reissued historic license plates that generate sustainable revenue for disability-focused grants statewide with disabled-led oversight.
He introduces Buildable, a new Tennessee-based initiative launching workshops in Nashville in March with Belmont University, aiming to expand TACT’s trade-skills transition-to-employment model toward full-time programming in the fall, supported by corporate partners like Subaru.
They address challenges including staffing, costs, facilities, and job availability, discuss policy barriers and data gaps like autism prevalence needs assessments, emphasize nonprofit collaboration, employer education, ROI-focused messaging, and the urgent need for future supports as aging caregivers can no longer provide lifelong care.
00:00 Show Introduction
01:02 Meet Tony and Subscribe
01:21 Introducing Danny Combs
02:39 Colorado Disability Office
03:14 License Plate Funding
04:25 Grants and Inclusion
05:05 Buildable Comes to Nashville
06:00 Workshops and Timeline
07:09 Partners and Workforce Shift
08:04 Scaling Beyond Colorado
08:34 Consistency and Franchising
09:30 Startup Challenges Ahead
10:37 State Role and Policy
11:37 Legislation and Data Gaps
15:14 Nonprofits Need Unity
16:56 Nashville Hub Vision
18:52 Employer Perception and Language
21:39 Rethinking Education and Training
22:38 Five Year Future Vision
23:46 Parents and Long Term Care
26:32 Final Message and Wrap Up
27:22 Closing Credits

INTRO/OUTRO: T. Wild
Mantor Music BMI

The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Late Autism Diagnoses, Music, and Seeing Family Through a New Lens with Liam Edward Golder
Host Tony Mantor welcomes listeners to Why Not Me: Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide and interviews Liam Edward Golder, a London-born music PR professional and songwriter now living in New York.
Liam shares discovering his own autism later in life after his father was diagnosed around age 70, and describes how late clarity brought relief, acceptance, and a new understanding of his father’s withdrawal and difficulty reading emotions.
He discusses traits such as overwhelm with menus, sensitivity to crowds, loud noise and bright lights, hyperfocus on music, photographic memory, and co-occurring ADHD and anxiety, reframing autism as a creative strength that supported a 30-year music career working with many artists.
Liam also describes helping translate situations for his father, who also has paranoid personality disorder, and shares his goal of inspiring others that autism doesn’t have to limit achievement.

01:18 Meet Liam Golder
02:12 Creativity as Strength
03:36 Dad’s Late Diagnosis
04:15 Shared Traits and Triggers
05:37 Rethinking Autism
06:49 Getting Diagnosed and Relief
07:41 Telling Family and Support
08:49 Translating for Dad
13:13 Burnout and Anxiety
14:35 Acceptance and Purpose
17:34 Music Career and Structure
19:17 Legacy and Inspiration
20:28 Connection with Dad
23:07 Living Confidently Now
23:52 Closing and Call to Share

The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Embracing Neurodiversity: A Conversation with Autistic Educator and Author Rebecca Engle
In this episode of 'Why Not Me,' hosted by Tony Mantor from Nashville, Tennessee, Rebecca Engle, an autistic educator and author, shares her journey and insights into neurodiversity in education.
Rebecca discusses her experiences as a nonverbal child, the challenges she faced in academia, and the strategies she uses to support neurodivergent students.
She highlights the importance of creating inclusive educational environments and challenges outdated behavioral systems.
Rebecca also dives into her work as an author, particularly focusing on her children's books that address autism and stemming, and speaks about her efforts to foster understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity worldwide.
Introduction to Why Not Me
Meet Rebecca Engle: Autistic Educator and Advocate
Rebecca's Early Life and Challenges
Navigating Education and Professional Life
Teaching Strategies and Classroom Experiences
Rebecca's Writing Journey
Future Goals and Expanding Impact
Closing Remarks and Contact Information

INTRO/OUTRO: T.Wild
Mantor Music BMI

The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tyler Barnett on Late Autism Self-Diagnosis, Masking, and Creating “Gap Music” for Regulation
Host Tony Mantor welcomes Tyler Barnett, founder of Tyler Barnett PR and an artistic music creator focused on empowering the autism community through intentional sound design and storytelling.
Tyler shares that he is autistic and was diagnosed six months ago through self-diagnosis supported by years of personal data and extensive testing, after his 10-year-old daughter repeatedly told him he was autistic and he explored the topic through ChatGPT.
He describes lifelong differences including deep special interests, pattern recognition, challenges in educational environments, learned eye contact, and complex masking as a professional communicator, as well as past misdiagnoses such as bipolar disorder and being medicated incorrectly. T
yler discusses mixed reactions when disclosing autism, including denial from some family members and acceptance from others, and explains how masking involved mirroring facial expressions and behavior to make others comfortable. T
yler also talks about his daughter Lucy’s official autism diagnosis, her strengths (friends, eye contact, dance talent) alongside daily school distress, meltdowns, and limited understanding from her school team about autism in girls.
He explains how the diagnosis has improved family dynamics, increased empathy, and helped Lucy feel less isolated, while also describing how he can help regulate her during meltdowns. The conversation shifts to Tyler’s music: electronic, lyric-driven work combining traditional production with AI vocals and emergent elements.
He explains his “gap music” concept—music designed for emotional regulation using structures like 3-6-9 tension/expansion/release loops and pattern shifts across genres (classical, choir/mantra, dubstep, hip hop) to create soothing but unpredictable listening experiences.
Tyler says he has not formally released the project widely but has received strong feedback from neurodivergent listeners and notes that his daughter, wife, and dog fell asleep when hearing it. He shares where to find his work: YouTube channel “Gap Music for beautiful Brains” (@GapMusicforRegulation), Instagram @enzo, tylerbarnettpr.com, and TikTok @MillennialDad, and says he plans to release tracks over the next month from a catalog of about 80.

Welcome to ‘Why Not Me’ — Autism & Mental Health Worldwide
Meet Tyler Barnett: PR Strategist, Artist & Sound Designer
Realizing He’s Autistic: ‘I’ve Always Been Different’
ChatGPT, Self-Testing & the Emotional Breakthrough
Telling Others: Family Pushback vs. Community Support
Masking 101: Mirroring, Eye Contact & ‘Dog and Pony Show’
Lucy’s Diagnosis: School Struggles, Meltdowns & Support Gaps
A Stronger Bond: Co-Regulation and Parenting Shifts at Home
To Disclose or Not: Labels, Stigma, and Protecting Your Peace
Finding the Flow: How Autism Changed His PR Work & Creativity
Inside ‘Gap Music’: 3-6-9 Patterns, AI Emergence & Regulation
Where to Listen + Final Thanks and Sign-Off

INTRO/OUTRO: T.Wild
Mantor Music BMI

The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Making Air Travel More Accessible for Autistic Travelers: Cheryl Bischoff of Here I Go Travel
Host Tony Mantor introduces the podcast “Why Not Me: Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide” and interviews Cheryl Bischoff, owner of Here I Go Travel Company. Cheryl explains how she became a Certified Autism Travel Professional through training offered by Sandals/Beaches Resorts and how she applies that knowledge by organizing airport practice events that walk participants through the full airport process—terminal check-in, TSA screening, gate procedures, jet bridge, and boarding—so travelers can desensitize and build confidence.
She discusses autistic-inclusive travel needs beyond basic accessibility, including managing sound, lighting, smells, and access to reset spaces like sensory-friendly rooms, as well as tools like TSA Cares (pre-registration for guided assistance and alternative screening options) and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program for voluntary identification. C
heryl shares that the certification landscape has expanded to include certified airports, airlines, destinations, and entire cities, noting Dubai as the first certified airport.
She describes serving all ages, providing preparation materials, recommending nonstop flights for first-time flyers when possible, and offering door-to-door travel planning while balancing the need for extra time with avoiding long gate waits.
Cheryl highlights growth of the events to include other needs (blind/low vision, mobility issues, wheelchairs, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy) and shares an example of a child successfully riding an escalator for the first time during an event.
She promotes her new site and social channels (navigateevents.org; Navigate Events on Facebook and Instagram) for event registration updates, and says expanding to new communities requires sponsorship to keep events free and enough participants to demonstrate demand, citing interest in Kansas City ahead of FIFA 2026.
She closes by emphasizing travel as vital for family connection, jobs, medical care, and life experiences, and invites communities to contact her to bring events locally.

Welcome to ‘Why Not Me’ — Autism & Mental Health Worldwide
Meet Cheryl Bischoff & Here I Go Travel: Making Travel Accessible
Becoming a Certified Autism Travel Professional + The Airport Practice Event
Dubai, Certified Airports & the Rise of Autism-Friendly Travel Systems
What Truly Makes Travel Autism-Inclusive: Sensory Needs & Reset Spaces
Building Trust with Families: TSA Cares and Other Hidden Supports
Beyond Autism: Practice Events for Many Disabilities & Mobility Needs
Supporting Autistic Adults & Hidden Disabilities: The Sunflower Program
From Practice to Real Travel Days: Preparation, Timing, and Nonstop Tips
What the Industry Still Needs: Sensory Rooms, Training, and Keeping Families Together
Wins That Matter: Escalators, Confidence, and First-Time Flyers
How to Find Navigate Events + Expanding Nationwide (Sponsors & Participants Needed)
Final Takeaway & Closing: Travel as Connection, Opportunity, and Inclusion

https://NavigateEvents.org
https://youtu.be/Jcr2avKrep4
https://youtu.be/mfsP40HNNH4

INTRO/OUTRO: T.Wild
Mantor Music BMI

The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of 'Why Not Me, Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide,' host Tony Mantor from Nashville, Tennessee, interviews Dan Franklin, a passionate autism advocate with 31 years of lived experience.
Dan shares his insights on autistic wiring, trauma responses, masking, scripting, burnout, and sensory processing.
He discusses the challenges faced by autistic individuals navigating a world built for neurotypicals and emphasizes the need for mandatory autism education across society.
Dan also touches on the importance of approaching autistic individuals with understanding and compassion, and how proper autism training can facilitate a more inclusive world.

Meet Dan Franklin: Autism Advocate
Dan's Advocacy Journey
Challenges and Misunderstandings
Learning and Overcoming
Advocacy and Education Efforts
Addressing Misconceptions
Final Thoughts and Contact Information

INTRO/OUTRO: T.Wild
Mantor Music BMI

The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.