The AMP'D UP211 Podcast

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...