The AMP'D UP211 Podcast

Five Paralymic gold medals. Four world championships. World records. ESPY recognition.

Those are the things you'll find when you search Jeremy Campbell's name.

But that's not the conversation I wanted to have.

When I sat down with Jeremy for this episode of the AMP'D UP211 Podcast, I wasn't nearly as interested in the medals as I was in the man who earned them. What happens after the podium? After the national anthem? After the crowds go home and the cheering stops?

We live in a world that loves accomplishments. We celebrate...

Some stories change you while you’re listening to them. This is one of those episodes.

In Episode 80 of AMP’D UP211, I sit down with author, amputee, and sepsis survivor Katy Grainger for an incredibly honest conversation about trauma, survival, identity, and rebuilding a life after everything changes. Many people know Katy’s story from the medical event that led to the loss of both of her legs and fingers, but this conversation goes much deeper. We talk about the emotional aftermath, the process of writing her powerful new memoir Finding Solid Footing: Thriving Beyond the Unimag...

What happens after survival?

On this episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, I sit down once again with Josh Reed for a powerful in-studio conversation about what life really looks like after trauma. Last time, we talked about the accident, the amputation, and the fight to survive. This time, we go deeper into purpose, faith, growth, and the mindset it takes to rebuild your life mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Josh opens up about the struggles, the breakthroughs, and how his journey is now leading him into public speaking, where he hopes to encourage others fa...

Some people tell stories.

Others live them.

And then there are people like Stuart St Paul… who have done both.

From working in high-risk stunt environments… to directing award-winning films… to building a career around storytelling, Stuart has lived a life that most people only see on screen. But what makes this conversation different isn’t just where he’s been… it’s where his work has taken him now.

In his latest project, Strictly Human, Stuart steps into a space that hits close to home for this community. The story centers around...

Not all recovery looks the way you think it should.

Sometimes it is structured, disciplined, and built one step at a time. It is early mornings, hard conversations, and doing the work when no one is watching. And sometimes, it shows up in a completely unexpected way through laughter, connection, and yes… even a blue puppet named Bubbles.

I met John Cooper, a Physical Therapy Assistant, and Robert Jones out in Vegas at the Amputee Coalition Conference, and I will be honest, I did not see this one coming. These two come from very different wo...

In this episode, I sit down with Darren Richardson, a firefighter and paramedic, mindset and mental performance coach, and amputee whose story comes down to one thing, refusing to shrink when life hits hard.

Darren’s journey starts at 13 years old when a hiking accident crushed his right foot and changed everything. Years later, after a long career serving others in the fire service, the invisible weight of trauma caught up with him, and PTSD pulled him into a dark place he could not tough his way through. Then came another major turning point, a second amputation th...

Some guests bring a great story. Others bring a perspective that challenges the way we think about the world around us. Angelina Martinson brings both.

In this episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, I sit down with Angelina, the creator of Adaptive Amputees, a biomedical engineer, athlete, and one of the fastest-growing voices in the limb loss community online. Born in Russia with a limb difference and adopted into the United States at a young age, Angelina has spent much of her life redefining what it means to live fully after limb loss.

But th...

Twenty days. That’s how long Chef Zack Wannawong lay in a medically induced coma while surgeons fought a rare and aggressive infection that was tearing through his body. When he finally woke up, his right leg was gone. Just months earlier, Zack was a rising force in the culinary world, leading kitchens, creating award winning dishes, and building a future that felt certain. Overnight, that certainty disappeared. What followed was not just physical recovery. It was an identity reckoning.

In this episode, Zack and I talk honestly about what happens after survival. The depression. The financial st...

What if the future amputees have imagined for decades is no longer theoretical?

I'm sitting down with Dr. Chris Duncan, Chief Medical Officer at BIOS, Biologic Input Output Systems, a company working at the frontier of neural interface technology. What they are building sounds like science fiction, but it is very real, very deliberate, and moving forward.

For years, prosthetic innovation has focused on materials, fit, lighter components, better mechanics. But BIOS is asking a more radical question. What if the real breakthrough isn’t in the device, but in the connection?

In th...

What does it take to lose everything, and then earn it all back?

In this episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, Rick Bontkowski sits down with Deputy Sheriff Matt Swartz, a military veteran, law enforcement veteran, instructor, and amputee who returned to full-duty police work after a catastrophic crash and leg amputation.

Matt’s career spans decades of service, beginning with the New York Air National Guard in 1990 and continuing with the New York State Police, where he served as a Patrol Trooper, Field Training Officer, Firearms and Rifle Instructor, Tactical Unit member, and FBI...

In this episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, I sit down with Gini Thomas, a creator, advocate, and unapologetically real voice in the amputee community.

Gini is best known for her transparent, often humorous look into life as an amputee. Through social media, she educates, challenges assumptions, and brings much-needed visibility to topics many people shy away from, most notably osseointegration, body image, identity, and what it actually means to live with limb loss day to day. No filters. No inspiration clichés. Just honesty.

Our conversation goes beyond the content people see online. We...

On this episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, host Rick Bontkowski; amputee, advocate, drummer, and storyteller, sits down with one of the most unexpectedly extraordinary people you’ll ever meet: Mark Watson.

Mark isn’t a celebrity. He isn’t a decorated athlete. He isn’t a world-traveling motivational speaker.
 He’s an everyday guy who survived a life-changing moment, and then quietly rebuilt his life with grit, humility, and a sense of humor that’s impossible not to love.

This conversation peels back layers that most “inspiring stories” never touch. Mark opens up about the amputa...

She didn’t just rewrite the rules, she built an entirely new playbook.

 Viktoria Modesta, the world’s first amputee pop star and one of the most iconic creative forces in modern culture, sits down with Rick Bontkowski for a rare, revealing conversation. From medical trauma to global stages… From silence to self-invention… From prosthetic necessity to prosthetic art…

Viktoria shares the raw, unfiltered truth behind her rise, her reinvention, and her mission to push culture forward through creativity, technology, and unapologetic individuality. This episode explores identity, confidence, disruption, disability representation, and what it truly means to de...

What if a retired prosthetic could be more than a memory?
What if it could become a knife that honors a veteran’s story… or fund a child’s new leg… or even help an amputee climb a 14,000-foot mountain?

In this inspiring episode, Rick Bontkowski sits down with Jason Dickens, founder of ReDefined Prosthetics, a nonprofit redefining what it means to give back to the limb-loss community.

Jason’s mission is simple but powerful: take old prosthetics and transform them into tools, art, and opportunities that continue the story of resilience. Through partnerships with maker...

On this episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, host Rick Bontkowski welcomes Katy Grainger, a sepsis survivor whose life changed forever in the span of just a few days. What began as a small cut on her thumb quickly escalated into septic shock, organ failure, and a medically induced coma. When Katy awoke, she faced the unimaginable reality of losing both legs below the knee and the tips of nearly all her fingers.

Her journey, however, is not defined by loss, but by the strength and purpose she discovered in its wake. Today, Katy is one of...

What does it take to return to one of the most physically demanding jobs on earth, after losing your leg? In this unforgettable episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, host Rick Bontkowski sits down with Michael Laughlin, Canada’s first amputee firefighter, whose story is as courageous as the job he’s reclaimed.

After a devastating motorcycle accident resulted in the loss of his leg, Michael faced a question few could answer: Could he ever return to the firehouse? With grit, heart, and relentless determination, he not only returned, he made history. Rick and Michael dive into t...

In this powerful episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, host Rick Bontkowski sits down with Parker Byrd, a standout athlete, college baseball player, and the first NCAA Division I player to compete with a prosthetic leg. After a life-altering boating accident took his leg, Parker defied every odd and returned to the field with more grit and heart than ever before. His story isn’t just about sports, it’s about identity, resilience, and the unshakable belief that your purpose doesn’t disappear when your circumstances change.

Rick, an amputee himself and the voice behind AMP’D UP211, b...

What does it take to stare down adversity and keep climbing, literally?

In this episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, host and creator Rick Bontkowski sits down with Tom Jalinski, a bilateral below-the-knee amputee who refused to let limb loss define his limits. Tom takes us deep into the mental and physical grind of becoming an endurance hiker post-amputation, detailing the trails he's conquered, the pain he’s endured, and the mindset that keeps him moving forward.

From rocky paths to life’s roughest terrain, Tom's journey is a blueprint for perseverance. Whether you're an amp...

What happens when determination outweighs despair?

In this powerful episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, host Rick Bontkowski sits down with Mark Ksobiech, an amputee who lost over 250 pounds and reclaimed his life in the face of overwhelming challenges. Mark opens up about the emotional and physical transformation that reshaped his identity, his health, and his purpose.

This isn’t just a story about weight loss—it’s about rediscovering hope, confronting addiction, and choosing to fight for the life you deserve. Mark’s journey is raw, relatable, and deeply inspiring for anyone in the limb l...

Part 2 of this special live series brings you straight to the heart of the 2025 Limb Preservation Foundation Symposium, where leaders in medicine, technology, advocacy, and lived experience come together to reshape the future of limb care.

Hosted and created by Rick Bontkowski, The AMP’D UP211 Podcast continues its mission to amplify voices from the limb loss and limb difference community, this time from the main stage in Denver.

In this episode, four remarkable guests join us to share their powerful stories and groundbreaking work:

Recorded live at the 2025 Limb Preservation Foundation Symposium in Golden Colorado, this is Part 1 of a powerful two-part AMP’D UP211 series that captures the energy, advocacy, and innovation driving the future of limb loss and limb preservation.

Hosted by amputee and podcast creator Rick Bontkowski, this special episode puts you in the room with three trailblazers who are each reshaping the way we think about mobility, identity, and resilience:

Cam Ayala – After gaining national attention on The Bachelorette, Cam has emerged as a powerful voice for lymphedema awareness and life after limb loss. His stor...

What does it take to change a life with the gift of mobility?

In this inspiring episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, host Rick Bontkowski, a right below-knee amputee, and passionate advocate, sits down with Randy Titony, Executive Director of the Limbs for Life Foundation.

Randy shares the powerful story behind Limbs for Life’s mission to provide prosthetic limbs to individuals who otherwise couldn’t afford them. From heartfelt success stories to the behind-the-scenes realities of running a national nonprofit, Randy offers a rare and motivating look at how one organization is restoring hope...

Meet Jason Barnes, the drummer who defied the odds after losing his arm in an accident. He didn’t just return to drumming… he revolutionized it. With the help of cutting-edge robotics and pure grit, Jason now plays with a bionic arm and is pushing the boundaries of human potential.

In honor of Limb Loss Awareness Month, this episode isn’t just about music; it’s about resilience, reinvention, and the power of passion when the world says, "You can’t."

Hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right below-the-knee amputee, drummer, and creator of AMP'D UP211, this episo...

What happens when life throws you a challenge that changes everything? For Travis Sanders, losing his leg wasn’t the end but the beginning of a powerful new chapter. In this episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, Travis shares his resilience journey, from learning to navigate life as an amputee to thriving as a master barber, business owner, and mentor.

Travis opens up about the struggles of stepping back into a profession where skill and appearance mean everything, how he adapted to life behind the chair, and the mindset shift that kept him moving forward. He also...

On this episode of The AMP'D UP211 Podcast, host Rick Bontkowski, a right below-the-knee (RBK) amputee, sits down with the unstoppable Woody Roseland. From surviving cancer six times to turning pain into punchlines, Woody has redefined resilience with humor, hustle, and an unbreakable spirit.

How did he go from battling cancer to commanding stages as a motivational speaker and comedian? What lessons has he learned about grit, growth, and finding purpose in the unexpected? And how does he keep laughing through it all?

Get ready for an episode packed with raw honesty, hard-hitting truths, and...

What does it take to turn unimaginable adversity into an extraordinary life of purpose? In this compelling episode of The AMP'D UP211 Podcast, host and creator Rick Bontkowski, a passionate advocate and amputee himself, dives deep into the incredible journey of William Pike.

From surviving the catastrophic Mount Ruapehu eruption to losing his right leg, William's resilience and adventurous spirit have made him a global inspiration. He shares his story of creating the William Pike Challenge, a transformative youth development program, and founding Pro Armour, a company helping amputees confidently tackle the elements.

Join us...

In this gripping episode of The AMP'D UP211 Podcast, host and creator Rick Bontkowski sits down with Eric LeMarque, a former professional hockey player and snowboarder who endured the unimaginable. Trapped in the frozen Sierra Nevada Mountains for eight days, Eric fought against brutal conditions, isolation, and his own inner battles in a journey that would ultimately change his life forever.

Eric’s story is one of survival, redemption, and faith discovered in the face of overwhelming odds. Join us as we dive into the depths of Eric’s incredible journey, exploring how he transformed his life afte...

Get ready for an unforgettable episode of The AMP'D UP211 Podcast! Join host and creator Rick Bontkowski, a right-leg amputee and passionate advocate, as he sits down with Billy Brimblecom Jr., an unstoppable force in the limb loss community. After losing his left leg to Ewing’s Sarcoma, Billy turned his story into a mission – empowering uninsured amputees to reclaim their lives through the Steps of Faith Foundation. He's also the co-creator of Thundergong!, an annual music and comedy show with big-name stars that raises funds for this incredible cause.

In this episode, Rick and Billy dive into...

In this inspiring episode of The AMP'D UP211 Podcast, host Rick Bontkowski, a right below-the-knee (RBK) amputee, sits down with Cosi Belloso, a renowned physical therapist and breast cancer survivor, with over 23 years of experience helping amputees regain their mobility and rebuild their lives. Cosi, who runs her own outpatient clinic, Palanca, Inc., is also the host of the popular Cosi Talks, where she shares expert advice on overcoming the physical and emotional challenges of limb loss.

Join us as Cosi reveals her journey from trauma ICU to transforming the lives of those with limb differences. In...

In this powerful episode of The AMP'D UP211 Podcast, host and creator Rick Bontkowski, a right below-the-knee amputee, sits down with Marcy Rubic, a leader in the nonprofit world and a passionate advocate for limb preservation. With over 25 years of experience, Marcy shares the incredible work being done at the Limb Preservation Foundation, where lives are being changed and limbs are being saved. From innovative prevention programs to the personal stories of those facing limb loss, Marcy offers a behind-the-scenes look at how her team is providing hope and healing to the limb loss community.

Join us...

Join host and creator Rick Bontkowski, a right below-the-knee amputee, for an inspiring episode of The AMP'D UP211 Podcast—a show dedicated to empowering and uplifting the limb loss community through powerful stories of resilience and hope. Rick is passionate about breaking barriers and challenging preconceived notions about people with disabilities.

In this episode titled "Forged by Faith," Rick sits down with Josh Reed, who shares his remarkable journey from tragedy to triumph. After a life-altering motorcycle accident led to the amputation of his leg, Josh faced immense physical and emotional challenges. Battling depression and isolation, he ev...

Today we have an extraordinary guest who has faced unbelievable challenges and emerged stronger than ever. Penny Fisher, a former model and now an author and motivational speaker, joins us to share her harrowing yet inspiring journey of survival and resilience.  Imagine being on a family vacation, enjoying the sunshine, and within days finding yourself in a coma with just a 10% chance of survival. Penny was struck by Toxic Shock Syndrome, a rare and life-threatening condition that led to multiple amputations and a fight for her very existence. Against all odds, she not only survived but has thrived, turning h...

We are proud to present Caitlin Conner. Raised in a small town in central Texas, Caitlin’s life took a dramatic turn just before her 24th birthday. A motorcycle accident led to the amputation of her left leg while she was newly pregnant, but her resilience and determination have made her a beacon of hope and empowerment for many. Caitlin is not just a survivor; she’s a trailblazer. From participating in adaptive sports to founding the groundbreaking nonprofit Be More Adaptive, she’s on a mission to create a more inclusive world for individuals with disabilities. The AMP'D UP211...

We are proud to present Scott Odom, a true testament to the power of resilience and determination. At just 14 years old, Scott faced a life-altering challenge when he lost his leg to cancer. Despite this daunting obstacle, he refused to let it define his future. Instead, Scott channeled his passion for basketball into a remarkable career as a professional amputee athlete. In this episode, Scott shares his personal experiences from the moment he learned about his amputation, through his rigorous recovery, to his triumphant return to the basketball court. We’ll explore his transition into adaptive sports, and the pr...

We are proud to present the incredible journey of Samantha Katie Eddington! Their story is one of unimaginable challenges, unbreakable bonds, and relentless determination. Katie was just a child when a tragic lawnmower accident changed her life forever, resulting in the loss of her leg. But this setback didn’t define her. Instead, it fueled her passion and determination to rise above adversity. Now, Katie is not only thriving but is also aspiring to compete in the Paralympics!  By her side every step of the way is her mother, Samantha. Not only has she been Katie’s biggest supporter, but s...

We are proud to introduce you to Sidney Muniz, the founder of Amputee Sock Prints. When Sidney's mother lost her leg below the knee due to diabetes complications, she faced the challenge with an inspiring spirit and determination. But the standard beige amputee socks didn't match her sunny disposition. Sidney realized that many amputees felt the same way about the dull and uninspiring options available to them. Driven by a desire to honor his mother's strength and to fill a gap in the market, Sidney began a stump sock revolution!  Sidney continues to inspire the entire limb difference community w...

We are proud to introduce you to the remarkable Major Edward Pulido. A retired U.S. Army Major, Major Ed is a man whose courage and dedication have significantly impacted countless individuals' lives. With a military career spanning 19 years, Major Ed's journey is one of extraordinary resilience, having faced and overcome immense challenges, including a life-altering injury from an IED explosion in Iraq.  Major Ed is the Founder of the John-Daly Major Ed Heart of a Lion Foundation. He is also the former Sr. VP, Co-Founding member, Ambassador for Folds of Honor Foundation and Co-Founder of Warriors for Freedom F...

We are proud to present Motivational Speaker and Limb Difference Advocate David Powell. David's journey embodies the resilience of the human spirit. Born without hands and with malformed legs in New Orleans, he adapted early, using his feet and an electric wheelchair.  His life took a dark turn with his mother's overdose and his subsequent struggle with addiction during high school. However, David overcame these adversities and now, as a motivational speaker and married father of four, he inspires others with his story of hope, resilience, and the boundless potential within each person.  David's talks motivate others to pursue th...

We are proud to present Executive Director and Co-Founder of ROMP, (The Range of Motion Project), Mr David Krupa!  David has facilitated the provision of custom-made prosthetic devices to over 4,500 of the Western hemisphere’s most vulnerable individuals through a delivery model emphasizing high-quality clinical care, local investment; and advocacy. An amputee and prosthetist, he believes mobility and health are critical components in an individual’s pursuit of life’s many aspirations. When not busy working, Krupa spends his time outdoors. His passions include climbing; every year since 2015, he has been leading teams of adaptive climbers to the summits of glac...

We are proud to present a heart-pounding special episode of The Levitate Sport Freedom Tour, straight from the vibrant streets of Chicago!  Experience the pulse of the city as we bring you candid on-site interviews, capturing the raw energy and passion of athletes and enthusiasts alike. But that's not all! Dive deeper into the action with exclusive bonus video footage, offering a front-row seat to the thrills and triumphs of the Levitate Sports community, and hold onto your seats for a can't-miss segment featuring Sebastian Engwald Jensen, a true champion both on and off the field. As a professional p...