The AMP'D UP211 Podcast

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...

We are proud to present Paralympic Athlete, Ironman, and Paratriathlon American Champion Mohamed Lahna. Born in Casablanca Morrocco, Mohamed was born with a birth defect called Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency that effectively left him without a right femur and fibula.  Mohamed embodies the saying, “It’s never too late.” He was fit with his first real prosthesis at the age of 20, rode a bike for the first time at 25, crossed the Atlas Mountains at 26, and ran his first marathon at 27.   Mohamed has officially qualified for the Paralympics in Paris 2024, making him the first male Para triathlete to make Team USA.  Th...

We are proud to present Hugh Boyle.  Hugh is a Right below amputee and the founding partner of The Consumers with Disabilities Research Foundation, North America’s first consumer research business, focused on generating data and insights from and for the vast and valuable consumers with disabilities population. They are committed to using research to improve consumer life for the disabled community.  As a top executive in the advertising industry, Hugh brings a very interesting and relevant perspective to the entire Amputee Community as he continues his mission of advocacy and awareness. The AMP'D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by R...

We are proud to present Professional Musician, Executive, and Motivational Speaker Todd Waites. After losing his complete arm and shoulder to cancer at 14 years of age followed by nearly two years of rigorous treatments, plus another surprising diagnosis of Thyroid cancer in late 2014, Todd has made the best of the cards dealt to him. People who know Todd Waites say he has already lived the life of 10 men. Ask Todd, and he says he’s just getting started! Todd inspires so many in the limb loss community and beyond, his public speaking engagements include schools, churches, and corporations.  The AMP...

We are proud to present U.S. Paralympic Athlete, Rancher, and Father Kevan Hueftle.  In 2005 Kevan also known as “Flea” was involved in a hunting accident that led to an amputation of his left leg below the knee.  Consequently, Flea struggled with alcoholism due to the tragic loss of his limb and the constant pain he suffered as an amputee. Through perseverance and grit, Flea decided to defy the odds and would eventually compete on the US Track and Field teams and medal as an elite Paralympic Athlete.  Kevan is a beacon of hope for anyone struggling with limb loss or...

We are proud to present adaptive athlete and trail runner Zachary Friedley.  Zach is a congenital amputee born missing his right leg above the knee.  Zach has spent his life in the pursuit of understanding how to reach the true meaning of movement.  This ultramarathoner not only pushes himself physically but also spiritually.  Zach continues to inspire the entire amputee community through his video blogs, social media content, and special brand of wisdom. The AMP'D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right-below-knee amputee.

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We are proud to present Chris Cavanaugh also known as THE MAD HIKER.  Chris is a trauma survivor who lost his left leg in a terrible auto accident that led to multiple surgeries which saved his life.  Chris has led a colorful life filled with tremendous challenges including drug addiction, and thoughts of suicide, and has risen above it all to inspire amputees and outdoor enthusiasts.  Chris challenges himself while extreme hiking in the wilderness of Kentucky.  Chris is a gifted photographer and continues to grow a loyal following through social media.  The AMP'D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Ri...

We are proud to present Alexis Mann.  Alexis is a Horse Reining Competitor and Right Hand Amputee, Alexis’ limb difference results from amniotic band syndrome.  Alexis recently competed in the 2023 National Reining Horse Association Derby.  Alexis has been riding horses since 2 years old and competes for the Division 1 equestrian team at the University of Tennessee.  Alexis inspires the entire Amputee Community through her passion for horses and collegiate pursuits.  The AMP'D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right-below-knee amputee.

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We are proud to present Jenny Rolf Pollreis.  Jenny is a left leg below knee amputee who describes herself as a Fitness Fanatic.  This fitness trainer continues to inspire the entire amputee community through her video blog and positive content on social media platforms.  Jenny has participated in competitive national bodybuilding and brings a fascinating perspective to our entire audience.  Jenny is a rising creator who continues to balance life, love, and her incredibly active lifestyle.  The AMP'D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right-below-knee amputee.

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We are proud to present Rose Booth.  Rose is an author, podcaster, and above-the-knee amputee.  In her very first book, Rose shares her unbelievable life story of facing death numerous times, doubting her faith, and rising from the depths of despair.  Rose became an amputee in December of 2021 and continues to inspire through public speaking, advocacy, and her work in the women's ministry of her church.  The AMP'D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right-below-knee amputee.

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Recorded at Audiohive Podcasting
Hosted on Transistor.fm

We are proud to present Mabio Costa.  Mabio is a Motivational speaker, Triathlete, and two-time ITU Paratriathlon World Champion.  This proud American citizen who was born in Goiânia, Brazil works as a practitioner at Prosthetic & Orthotic Associates (POA).  Mabio continues to compete and thrive against able-bodied athletes while providing inspiration for the entire Amputee Community.  The AMP'D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right-below-knee amputee.

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The AMPdUp211 Youtube Channel
Recorded at Audiohive Podcasting
Hosted on Transistor.fm

We are proud to present Jessica Noreika. Jessica became an Above-The-Knee amputee due to a tragic motorcycle accident in October 2021.  Jessica recently went through the surgeries to receive the Osseointegration Implant.  Jessica, once incredibly active is now facing the challenges of her new normals head-on.  Jessica continues to inspire her entire community through her quiet strength and determination to live life to the fullest. The AMP'D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right-below-knee amputee.

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The AMPdUp211 Youtube Channel
Recorded at Audiohive Podcasting
Hosted on Transistor.fm

We are proud to present Denny Chipollini. Denny is a two-time Olympic Torchbearer, Public Speaker, Personal Trainer, and Adaptive Athlete.  Denny truly has a zest for life and continues to inspire the amputee community through his video blog and lifestyle tips.  This extraordinary amputee proves that there truly is a fountain of youth.  The AMP'D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right below knee amputee.

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The AMPdUp211 Youtube Channel
Recorded at Audiohive Podcasting
Hosted on Transistor.fm

We are proud to present Sam Schaefer.  Sam is the founder of  Schaefer Adaptive Methods, created about a year after undergoing an elective amputation as the result of a 9-year fight with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).   Sam brings an incredibly unique and inspiring skill set for recovery and adaptive techniques to the entire amputee community.  Sam continues to lead the way for so many seeking hope and progress.  The AMP'D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right below knee amputee.

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Recorded at Audiohive Podca...

We are proud to present James Calcagni. James is the visionary behind The Navigator, an assistive device designed specifically for amputees.  Rick Bontkowski spends a full hour discussing James’s journey into amputee advocacy and his continued support and efforts to make the amputee’s lifestyle accessible and affordable. The AMP'D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right below knee amputee.

Subscribe to the podcast!
The AMPdUp211 Youtube Channel
Recorded at Audiohive Podcasting
Hosted on Transistor.fm

We are proud to present Cam Ayala.  Cam spends a full hour discussing the first year of his amputee journey.  Cam made headlines as a contestant on The Bachelorette where he revealed that he suffered from lymphedema.  Cam has quickly become a hero in the amputee community through his own podcast and continued advocacy.  Cam continues to inspire others through his spirituality and extraordinary amputee lifestyle.  The AMP'D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right below knee amputee.

We are proud to present Kayla Inman.  This TedX speaker lost her leg from a tragic fall on ice and has inspired others with her story, advocacy, and grace under pressure.  Kayla spends a full hour discussing her life, leadership, and unique perspective on the amputee community. The AMP'D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right below knee amputee.

We are proud to present Eric Eckenberger, Boxer, Extreme Sports Enthusiast, and the Founder of Crooked Halo, a lifestyle brand that includes clothing and whiskey.  Eric spends a full hour discussing his tragic train accident, his home grown dynasty, and his amputee lifestyle. The AMP'D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right below knee amputee.

We are proud to present Amira Radovic', CEO and visionary behind the THERA-V, a stimulation device designed specifically for amputees to manage Phantom Pain.  Amira spends a full hour discussing her work in the field of bio-medical engineering.  Amira is committed to the limb loss community and her product, the THERA-V is truly changing lives.  The AMP'D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right below knee amputee.

We are proud to present Liam Burbridge, amputee footballer and Tik Tok sensation.  Liam spends a full hour discussing his exciting journey to The World Cup, and his lifestyle as an amputee.  Liam is truly an inspiration and brings a unique perspective to the world of adaptive sports.  The AMP'D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right below knee amputee.

We are proud to present Rome Leykin,  After losing his legs in a New York Subway accident Rome has proven that hard work, determination, and positive thinking can create a truly inspiring life.  Rome spends a full hour discussing his amputee advocacy, adaptive sports, and his fascinating lifestyle as an amputee.  The AMP'D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right below knee amputee.

We are proud to present Earl Granville,  Earl is a combat wounded veteran, amputee advocate, motivational speaker, and adaptive extreme athlete.  Earl spends a full hour discussing his many endeavors, experiences while serving his country, and his fascinating lifestyle as a left leg amputee.  The AMP'D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right below knee amputee.