Tony Mantor: Why Not Me ? - Brei Carter on Using Music as a Bridge to Understanding Autism

Episode Date: August 23, 2023

Send us a text What if music could be the bridge to understanding and acceptance for individuals with autism? On a heartwarming episode of Why Not Me the World, I'm honored to sit down with Nashville-based singer-songwriter, Brei Carter. Brei is not only known for her melodies but is a passionate advocate for mental health, specifically for those living in the spectrum of autism. We delve into the transformative power of rhythm and lyrics, and how it can bring comfort, joy, and a unique form of communication to those whose world is often misunderstood. Brei takes us on her personal journey, pivoting from the medical field to use her voice to uplift and advocate for mental health. We delve into her inspiring blog, Music is Medicine, and the healing collective she founded, offering a beacon of hope and understanding. We explore how Brei's music and her unwavering dedication to her cause have brought about change, bridged communication gaps, and fostered a sense of belonging in the autism community. Our conversation explores an important statistic - one in seven people worldwide either know someone or have someone with autism in their family. Brei, with her lyrical advocacy, underlines the critical role of education, acceptance, and community involvement in supporting those affected by autism. We wrap up this episode looking forward, discussing Brei's future plans to continue her mission, and our shared hope to inspire everyone to lend their voices to this cause. Remember, it's not just about spreading the word about autism, it’s also about embracing the unique tunes everyone brings to this world symphony. 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) 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.

Welcome to Why Not Me The World Podcast, hosted by Tony Mantor. Broadcasting from Music City, USA, Nashville, Tennessee. Join us as our guests tell us their stories. Some will make your laugh, some will make you cry. Real life people who will inspire and show that you are not alone in this world. hopefully you gain more awareness, acceptance, and a better understanding for autism around the world. Hi, I'm Tony Mantor, and welcome to Why Not Me the World. Today's guest joined the Army as a soldier and then became an officer.

Before that, she got a doctorate in theology. Before that, got a master's degree in international relations. and before that, but a bachelor's degree in business. Now she's a singer-songwriter living right here in Nashville, Tennessee, recording music, releasing music,

and most important, she's using her music as a platform to help others as well. So welcome to the show, Brie Carter. Thank you so much, Tony, for having me. It's such a delight, and there's no other place that I'd honestly rather be right now

than talking to you discussing, you know, the issues that are going on. Well, I appreciate that. I always like that. like talking with people that have great stories to tell, but I also like talking with people such as yourself that do things for others with whatever they're doing. And in this case, you're using your music with a music is medicine, correct? Yes, sir, I am. So that came to me only because one, music really is medicine, and that's the name of it, in the fact that there's just

so many healing properties that music provides to all of us if we truly take the time to tap in. And literally May was Mental Health Awareness Month. And I just decided to launch the blog then and every day just give a story about mental health, you know, and music and how it can make a difference, whether it's someone learning to play an instrument. And then I even had an opportunity to write an article on autism. Oh, that's awesome. And I'm sure where you're from music, that it included music in it as well. Music really helps people with autism as well. Just due to the sensory, you know, issues and the things that they face.

it really makes a difference. You know, just the sound of music, it allows them to, a person with autism, to kind of get more in tune to their emotions and what have you and kind of have a better understanding and they're able to maybe feel a little bit more since there are sensory issues and what have you and touch and different things like that.

And whether it's someone with autism learning to play an instrument or listening and finding the right sounds to actually allow them to open up and communicate just a little bit more, and I think it just allows them just to focus just a little bit more. Absolutely. And I'm so glad to hear you use the word understanding.

When I first started this podcast, my goal was autism awareness and acceptance, but I never saw the word understanding. So I felt that if I could make autism awareness, acceptance, and understanding my slogan, that maybe those who are not in the autistic world could learn and gain more knowledge and a better understanding for those who are in the autistic world, and maybe we can just break down some of those barriers

and help people get along a little better. I completely agree. I think there are honestly more people that are involved in the world of autism than people honestly realize, whether it's someone in their immediate family or a friend, like I have friends that have children that are autistic. So initially early on they face challenges, people trying to understand, and then just the interaction with the kids,

and then obviously as they grew up in different things like that. And I know there are different tools, and it's just kind of having conversations with some of those friends. It just brought it to home. You know what? There are other things that can be done to actually help and to make a difference. And I think the more awareness that's out there and people getting involved, I think things are just a little bit different today,

where knowledge is just key and it can make a difference. And whether it's knowledge for yourself or it can be knowledge for a friend or a family member to make a difference in someone's life that has autism. Absolutely. And that just brings us back to understanding again. I think that's probably the most important thing is for people to understand others, understand themselves. And if they're going through something, then all they have to do is ask for help because there's plenty out there that will help. Self-awareness is the first thing in anything. And just as someone like myself, just becoming more aware as I get older and different things like that, as I look back, maybe there were some behaviors that that could have been, you know, someone could have assumed that were maybe autistic or different things like that from other people or even myself. You just don't know, just the lens that the world looks at people and how they view people on different things. And I think the biggest thing is like you just said, understanding.

Too many times people don't understand. So they place whatever label. And I think sometimes they're afraid. But I think just in the world and just us coming together, I think the pandemic taught us more so than anything, you know, about tomorrow not being promised and just that human touch and that human interaction. So during the pandemic, there wasn't a lot of human touch, a lot of interaction. And I can imagine a lot of people were pretty much, they were, I don't want to say going insane,

but there were just things that just wasn't right within them, them, not being able to have it. So I think it allowed people to maybe empathize a little bit more and to want to know and learn about other disorders and things that are out there. And I think autism was one that was on the forefront. Yeah, and I'm just so glad that it was. I'm seeing more autistic people that are on shows like I'm here. It's got talent. They're out there. They're not afraid to show that they're autistic. And I think that's a great thing. I mean, I'm talking with a 20-something-year-old music producer. and he's on going to be on my podcast. And he was telling me that music is a big part of his life.

And if it wasn't from music being in his life, he didn't know if he'd still be here today. You know what? I completely agree. I think music has saved a lot of lives out there if people are true with themselves because it's like it's just the different feeling that music that it'll cause someone to feel. You know, the happy times, the moments and different things like that. And it's also true that music can cause people to be a little sad, but it also allows you to be in touch with your feelings from one end of the spectrum,

as you said, to the other end of the spectrum, from happy to sad and all there in between. And knowing the triggers, as you mentioned earlier, like with the songs that cause a little bit of sadness, obviously when we talk about mental health, knowing that kind of maybe with those songs being triggers, kind of staying away from those things, if there are many feelings or emotions of sadness or discomfort or depression and what have you and leaning more into the happier tunes and what have you, just the feel good things.

And we have to do what we need to do, you know, to survive and just to become stronger. Because sometimes that music may be the only thing that, as your friend told you, that saved their lives. Well, music is a very powerful tool. We both know that because we've seen what it can do and how it brings. back memories and how it creates memories. There's just so much that music can do. For sure. And I think one of the big things with that is that there's just a lot more advocates out there.

I think sometimes celebrities, when they have children or athletes and what have you, when they come to the forefront or someone like yourself, it brings more awareness to it. And then you have more advocates out there to actually that are fighting, you know, for people that have autism. And, you know, just thinking when I was in the medical field calling on psychiatrists years ago, and I'm still in the medical field, in addition to the music, but it just made a huge difference talking to psychiatrists and counselors and therapists and what have you and just their interaction and their understanding with autism and what have you. And you talk about spectrums.

And then just how, unfortunately, sometimes children and people get identified or put into a certain bucket because they don't know necessarily what to do with them or they become so heavily medicated and that's not always the answer either. So just like I'm happy now that they're more advocates, you know, people, writing for their rights and just awareness and more education. That's making a huge difference for people that help autism. Yeah, and the good thing I like is the fact that you've got people from all over the world starting to understand more about autism. They're starting to bring it more to the forefront.

And it's giving more opportunities for people who do a lot more things. And that's just good for everybody involved. For sure. I'm just happy that there are more opportunities for people that have autism today. And with the research and the different things that have been done, there's just more options now, you know, for people that suffer from autism. Absolutely. And I think that most people will find that just because someone's autistic doesn't mean that they can't do something, everybody deserves an opportunity. I was talking with the lady here the other day.

she told me that she had mentioned to a friend of hers that her son had been diagnosed autistic and the response was, oh, I'm so sorry to hear that. She just looked at her and said, you know, he's born autistic. It's not a death sentence. And he's very intelligent. And he's going to be able to do just anything anybody else could do. I completely agree. And I would say that to anyone that would wonder, there's greatness in people that have autism.

So don't discount it just because someone, you know, has been labeled or has a diagnosis of autism, don't discount them because there could be definite, there could be greatness in that person. Exactly. So are you planning on doing more with your music as medicine and expanding to reach more people that way? Yes, I'm planning on doing lots more. I mean, I want to leave a legacy. I want to make a difference, you know, like yourself in the world. I want to make sure I'm a resource and I can do what I can to make a difference in other people's lives. And I do that through my music, but definitely also through my platform, music is medicine, where I'm highlighting where music helps people with mental illnesses. It helps people with autism. And honestly,

wherever God leads me in the conversation and the articles and the blogs, that's where I plan to go with just music. And it just honestly, overall, the healing powers of music. I just want to spread that and share that with the world. Oh, that's awesome. So your music is medicine. Are you planning on just using your material or is there an expansion in the future to where you might collaborate and build it with other people involved as well? That is a great question. Initially, it's just been me posting the blogs and the articles, but that sounds like something that would be really good to do, opening it up and maybe having a chat on the site or something like that for people to be able to share their stories and

what have you and how music just made a difference in their life. with healing and regenerating cells and what have you, people with cancer or other illnesses and migraines. And I know people with migraines sometimes, I mean, there is a huge light and noise sensitivity, but there are some music that could definitely still make a difference in people that suffer from migraines. So that is a great idea. I'm going to have to actually look more into that. Well, every now and then I will come up with a good idea. I just look at it from a standpoint of expanding. Sometimes you start something out, you have an idea. Then, someone else comes in and they might look at it a little bit differently, but it doesn't mean

it's wrong, it's just they see it differently. And then when you are open to doing different things, it can just expand into something that you never thought it could be. For sure. Well, bottom line, it's just about having an open mind and seeing where something can go. I like that. I'm definitely about inclusion. It's just so important. Everyone having a voice and having a spoken word in any situation. Absolutely. It's said that, one in seven people worldwide, either know someone or have someone that's autistic in their family. So getting that spoken word out there to expand all around the world can help so many people.

So it's very important that we keep pushing and doing this to expand this around the world because by doing this, we just might help that one person and make their life just a little bit easier to deal with on a daily basis. I completely agree. That's what life is about, difference in other people's lives. So if you don't know, educate yourself, learn more about it, specifically autism, because there are so many people that suffer from it. You know, like Tony just said, one in seven, you know, do your research, get involved with the community, get involved with the different

organizations out there, make a difference in the community for a lot of people and, you know, just kind of giving back to other people beside yourself. Absolutely. And I'm just so glad that you're using your music to help others, because music is really universal. It can bring back memories. It can create memories. It can change the way anyone feels at any moment in time. And that power can unite people in ways that spoken words just might not be able to do. So I'm really glad that you're doing what you're doing.

It's commendable. I mean, it's getting lost in the moment. You get the nail right on the head, honestly. I'm sitting here in disbelief, but I'm like, oh, my goodness, why did you take the words right out of my mouth? Music allows me to get totally lost in the moment. and in time and whatever worries or woes that I think I may have, music just has a way of making those issues kind of evaporate and just kind of go away. It sure does.

Music is a very powerful tool. So in your travels and everything that you're doing, the one thing that I find when I'm doing my podcast and doing my music is when I get people that respond to it in a very positive way and the feedback just really helps me create more. So have you had that situation pop up where people will reach out to you and tell you how what you're doing has impacted their lives

or changed their lives? And if it has, tell us a little story about that that you can share because I'm sure people would love to hear it. You know what? I did a show out at the listing room out in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and someone traveled. A few people traveled to the show. and after the show they came up and they just hear it with me that my song's stronger than that

kind of really helped them get through a lot and smelling through the pain. They're like, oh my goodness, that's my story. I just keep smiling. Sometimes I'm just hurting inside, but I just keep living life and keep going forward. And it's just that sometimes the reality is that you have to continue to smile through the pain. You have to keep moving forward. And just that reminder, like the person said, that's stronger than that helped them get through. it's actually helped me get through in the fact that no matter what we've dealt with or what we go through,

we're stronger than any of those situations that we can make it through. We have to honestly, we have to keep hope. You have to make sure that we see the hope that's there. Even if what we want isn't right in front of us or we can't see our way out or we can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, we have to make sure that we continue to have that hope within. And through that hope and through that faith, God will give us grace and we'll make it true. and we'll become victorious versus the victim or other things that we've dealt with, that we will overcome that situation.

Absolutely. And the one thing that I've taught with several different people on my podcast and just in life is when they're talking about dealing with autism and whether it's their son, daughter, or them, they have to have that sliver of hope. And I think that's a very important phrase. and I'm glad that you brought up that word, hope, because that's lots of times is the only thing that keeps us going so that we can know that there's a light at the end of the tunnel,

things will get better, and we can just keep carrying on and moving forward and just doing what we do. And just to know the difference and know that, hey, you know what, there are a lot of people out there that could actually benefit from this and just trying to make sure that I'm being obedient to what I think I'm supposed to do and kind of get the word out to make sure that there are resources out there for all people with mental health, with autism, you know, not just those with autism, but also the family

members, because mental health and autism, it doesn't just affect the person that's living it and dealing with it. It affects the family members, the caregivers, the friends and what have you. It affects so many other people. So just really touching across the board, making sure that there's that impact on all people. Absolutely. Make an impact, can, and really make you feel good that you've helped someone. So you've done so many things in life, and we've covered a lot of those things, and now you're doing your music.

But before music, did you work in the medical field, helping autistic people and guiding them to? What was your life like doing that? You know, Tony, that's a great question. So being in the medical field for so long, I actually worked with a lot of patients and people that suffered from mental health. And I actually used to sell a pacemaker for the brain. So I'd actually work with the surgeons and actually help people through neuromodulation and different medications and what have you.

And I was just led that, hey, it's not just those things. Obviously, some people need to take meds or they may need to have a device and what have you. But some people, through meditation and through music, it can transform and change your lives. and God just spoke to me one day and, hey, you know what? Music is medicine. What you're doing, you're touching the mass is you need to dig deep. And that's when the blog kind of evolved and came full circle. And it launched in May for mental health awareness.

And then my commitment was to make sure afterwards every month, I at least did two postings every other week just to kind of keep it going, just so someone would have an outlet, just to learn more. And hopefully it would help them. in their daily lives. So we are a collective of what we've done, what we are planning on doing. We start at a creative point

and a certain point, then we evolve. By talking to you, just in this brief short time, I have listened to your stories and see how you have evolved in life. I think it's a great thing that you were doing. You are using your music, using your medical knowledge, and all the information you have learned,

learned to help others. So it has to feel great to not only help yourself, but also know that you're helping others as well. I've always believed that I want to make sure that I've made a difference in this world to leave the world better off than how I came into it. In other words, if I've helped one or two, I've done what God has called me to do. And I just think through music, through the message that I portrayed through my song or through someone else's song, I think it touches so many lives. and ideally the goal is to heal others and to help them get through whatever they're going through in life. Absolutely. And just by listening to you and watching what you're doing on your website,

it's very evident that you're doing that. I think your music is medicine blog is a great platform for people to come to, to read, to learn. And then if you do eventually open it up to where people can communicate, you can have this great community where people can interact and help each other, and it just can grow into something that could be pretty darn outstanding. I did a post today. This is Opportunity 1 of 365, so every day we get new opportunities, and it's just making the most of all of that.

And it was time one of those days popped up where it was that opportunity to get to Nashville to do what God was leading and calling me to do, which was music. Absolutely. And music is your life. There's no doubt about it. You have shown everyone that. And the great thing about it is your music is not only growing, but it is helping. So is there any one thing that you'd like to leave us with, whether your music is medicine blog so that everybody can tune in and start reading it and seeing what it's all about? I just want people to tune in, to make a difference, you know, to read the articles and then reach one, teach one, help one, make a difference. It is about paying it forward. It's not just about us. And if there's any way that your listeners can think of that I could help be an advocate or help or be a voice for the voiceless, I'm all about it. Sign me up. Oh, I think there'll be a lot

of people wanting to sign you up. They've heard what you're about. They've heard what you're you're doing, they're hearing your music, your blogs. You're really making a pretty darn good imprint in Nashville, I would say. So do you have anything coming up in the future or the near future that would be focusing on the charities that you support in regards to performances? That is on the forecast. Trust me, that is something that I am hoping and wishing for to be able to go to one of the conferences and to sing and to touch even more. I've done, a couple of shows since then, but I really want to make sure I'm digging deep a little bit more. I've only kind of, as they say, scratch the surface. I want to do more. I want to go to some of the

meetings. I want to do even more in the community outreach programs to help those with autism, with mental health and what have you, to make sure that I am, as they say, or as I say, I'm in the trenches with them just to make sure that they're saying that I'm a doer of my word and that I really am passionate about it. Oh, I think that's just great because Your passion absolutely comes through. So I think you've just got to keep doing what you're doing. And, you know, you just never know what can happen. I mean, I tell people when I'm talking to them, do your best because you never know who's watching

and you never know who's around the next corner that can help you. So in this particular case, you never know who's around that next corner that it might book you or want you to be part of their show or want you to be part of their program. because it's helping people that need to be helped. So you just got to keep doing what you're doing. So I would love to partner and to be a voice for the voiceless like you, like yourself. And if you have any events coming up, let me know. I'd love to volunteer my time to be a part of any of those things.

And any one of your listeners, if you have things, don't hesitate to reach out. I would love to collaborate and partner with you to make a difference. Well, you just never know because I've gone from musicians, singer on the stage to producer recording people, getting about, and then back to recording my music and then doing this. You never know what's around the corner. So if there was ever any opportunity that came up, I would definitely pick up the phone and give you a call because I think that would be just awesome to do. I love it, but no. Count me in, Tony. You've been a godsend. I'm so excited to work with you. Oh, thanks. I appreciate that more than you know. So,

We've had a great conversation here. So I'm sure you must have a website. Yes, sir. I do. Okay. So let's give it to everybody because I'm going to tell you you need to check this website out because it's got a lot of information, a lot of great music, and I'm sure that you will enjoy everything that she's doing.

Yes, music is medicine. Bree Carter, that's B-R-E-I, C-A-R-T-E-R, go on, log on, follow, like, like, love, be a part of the community that I'm building, that I'm a part of, and that I want you all to be a part of as well. Well, I'm definitely a part because I just love what you're doing. And I've got to say this has been a great conversation. We've covered a lot of things. We've covered your music. Your music is medicine. Your background. Just really, really great conversation. And I've just got to say, I really appreciate you coming on. Oh, my goodness, Tony. It was such an honor to be here with you. talking to you. I am a fan. So I'm a fan girl now, Zownie. Well, I appreciate that. You've got a fan right back

at you. I've just truly enjoyed it. Awesome. But thank you so much once again and just continue to spreading the word about autism and just educating and sharing and just being a advocate for those without a voice and for those with a voice. Just keep doing what you're doing. Absolutely. And you too, because you are making an impact, not only here in Nashville, but around the world. You have voices being heard because you are showing that music and your music can make a difference in other people's lives. Thank you so much and you have a great rest of the day. You too. It's been a pleasure having you here and thanks again for coming on my show. Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to listen to our show today. We hope that you enjoyed it as much as we

enjoyed bringing it to you. If you know anyone that would like to tell us their story, Send them to tonymentor.com. Contact, then they can give us their information so one day they may be a guest on our show. One more thing we ask. 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.