We’re Not Stumped | Motivational Podcast Featuring Survival Stories, Recovery Journeys & Disability Stories
We’re not stumped.Not by limb loss. Not by fear. Not by anything life throws our way.We’re Not Stumped is a motivational podcast sharing survival stories, recovery journeys, and real-life success stories from the limb loss and disability community. Hosted by Mike Bolland—a one-handed cancer survivor and the first person with limb loss to compete on the PBA Tour—this podcast highlights what it truly means to overcome adversity and rebuild with purpose.Launched in 2022, the show was created to give a voice to individuals navigating limb loss, disability, and life-changing challenges. Each episode features powerful conversa...
Things I Didn’t Expect About Returning to Bowling After 30 Years
After more than 30 years away from competitive bowling, I’m discovering that some things have changed—and some things haven’t.
In this solo episode of We’re Not Stumped, I share three things that surprised me as I prepare for my return to competition at the 2026 PBA60 World Championship.
The body doesn’t work quite the same at 61. Some instincts and memories never really leave. And one unexpected encounter reminded me that people still remember my days on the PBA Tour.This episode isn’t about scores or equipment. It’s about rediscovering a part of my life I th...
From Vision Loss to Inspiration | Helen Keller Achievement Award Recipient Kathy Nimmer
From Vision Loss to Inspiration | Helen Keller Achievement Award Recipient Kathy Nimmer
What happens when you begin losing your vision as a child—and refuse to let it define your future?
In this inspiring episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Kathy Nimmer, recipient of the prestigious Helen Keller Achievement Award, author, speaker, and retired high school English teacher who spent nearly three decades educating and inspiring students while living with blindness.
Kathy shares her remarkable journey of progressive vision loss caused by a rare retinal degenerative disease, the ch...
Whitney Lavender: From CRPS to Miss Wheelchair Tennessee 2026
Host Mike Bolland welcomes Whitney Lavender — Miss Wheelchair Tennessee 2026, author, advocate, and host of the Wits Grit podcast — for an inspiring conversation about resilience, purpose, and overcoming unimaginable challenges.
After a devastating fall led to a diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Whitney faced years of severe pain, countless treatments, and ultimately bilateral leg amputations. Rather than allowing adversity to define her, she rebuilt her life and discovered a new purpose through advocacy, storytelling, and empowering others.
In this episode, Mike and Whitney discuss:
• Living with CRPS and chronic pain
• Whitney’s amputati...
The Top 3 Questions About My Bowling Comeback
Ever since announcing his return to competitive bowling, Mike Bolland has been getting one question after another from friends, bowlers, podcast listeners, and people discovering his story for the first time.
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike answers the top three questions he keeps hearing:
🎳 How did he start bowling?
🎳 Why did he walk away from the sport?
🎳 Why is he coming back now at 61 years old?
Mike shares the story behind becoming the first person with limb loss to compete on the PBA Tour, the life experiences that pulled...
My Bowling Comeback! | The First Person With Limb Loss on the PBA Returns
What happens when you step back into something you once loved… years later?
In this episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, Mike Bolland shares the story behind his bowling comeback — from being the first person with limb loss to compete on the PBA Tour to stepping back onto the lanes with a new purpose.
But this isn’t just about bowling.
It’s about rediscovering confidence, overcoming fear, finding purpose again, and proving that it’s never too late to chase something meaningful.
Whether you’re an athlete, someone facing adversi...
Redefining Life After Limb Loss with Travis Sanders | Barber, Author & Amputee
What happens when life changes in an instant—and you have to decide whether it defines you… or whether you redefine it?
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Travis Sanders — master barber, entrepreneur, author, peer mentor, and above-knee amputee whose story is rooted in resilience, mindset, and purpose.
After blood clots led to multiple surgeries and ultimately limb loss, Travis was forced to confront a completely different future. But instead of allowing that moment to define him, he made a powerful decision:
He would redefine it.
<...Writing Limb Loss with Respect | Author Jim Roberts on Representation & Storytelling
What does it mean to tell a story about limb loss… when you haven’t lived it yourself?
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland—born without a right hand—sits down with author Jim Roberts to explore the decision to create a one-arm protagonist in his novel And Your Bird Can Sing.
This conversation goes beyond writing. It’s about representation, authenticity, and what it truly means to feel seen.
Jim shares how limb loss in his story became a powerful metaphor for grief, guilt, and forgiveness, set within a Sou...
Melinda Preciado: From ER Professional to Disability Advocate After Limb Loss
What happens when your life changes overnight—and you have to rebuild from the ground up?
In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland talks with Melinda Preciado, a former ER professional turned disability advocate, about her life-changing journey after becoming an above-knee amputee in 2021 following a rare and devastating medical complication.
Melinda shares the realities of life after amputation, challenges with prosthetics and accessibility, misconceptions about disability benefits, and why advocacy matters. She also opens up about social support, finding community through Miss Wheelchair, and using her story to inspire othe...
Amputee Story After Cancer: Kim Ousley on Limb Loss, Recovery & Advocacy
What happens after an amputee faces cancer and must rebuild life from scratch?
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Kim Ousley to share her powerful amputee story—from a synovial sarcoma diagnosis to limb loss, recovery, and becoming a leader in amputee support and advocacy.
Kim opens up about:
Her cancer journey and decision to amputate The emotional and physical realities of limb loss The importance of peer support in the amputee community Her work with the Amputee Coalition and global amputee resources Aging as an amputee, including pro...Limb Preservation Foundation: Support, Recovery & the Power of Community with Laurie Gillman
What kind of support truly makes a difference during limb loss or limb preservation?
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Laurie Gillman from the Limb Preservation Foundation to explore the programs helping individuals navigate some of life’s toughest moments.
Laurie shares how LPF provides financial assistance, emotional support through peer groups, and educational resources designed to help people focus on healing and recovery.
They also discuss the upcoming symposium, mental health initiatives, and the importance of community, caregiving, and celebrating small wins along the journey.
Big Changes at the Amputee Coalition | New CEO & Board Members
What do these leadership changes at the Amputee Coalition mean for the limb loss community? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland breaks down the latest updates, including the appointment of Dr. Carmen Elliott as President & CEO and the addition of new Board Members:
Teri Kuffel
Nicole Grehn, MSN, NP
Dr. Cassandra Quave
With backgrounds in healthcare, policy, research, and lived experience, this new leadership team brings a wide range of perspectives that could shape the future of care, advocacy, and support for people living with limb loss an...
Dating & Relationships After Limb Loss with Neomi Flores
What does dating look like after limb loss?
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Neomi Flores to talk about relationships, confidence, and navigating the dating world as an amputee.
Neomi shares her journey after losing her leg in 2022, including the emotional challenges, when to disclose limb loss to potential partners, and the impact of past relationships on moving forward.
This honest conversation explores self-perception, resilience, and the importance of choosing to truly live—not just exist.
Send Mike a Message!
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2 Missions. 1 Purpose. + How You Can Make an Impact
What does real support look like in the limb loss community?
In this solo episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland shares the missions behind Joe & Marie’s Helping Hands and Enable Review—a platform where amputees share real experiences about prosthetists and clinics to help others make more informed decisions.
Plus, Joe & Marie’s Helping Hands is currently seeking board members (Treasurer, Secretary, and Social Media Manager).
If you’ve been looking for a way to give back, this could be your opportunity.
Learn more about Joe & Marie’s Helping Hand...
Surviving COVID, Losing Her Legs, Finding Purpose | Brianna Heitzman’s Story
What happens when you survive COVID… but wake up to a completely different life?
In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Brianna Heitzman, a certified employment specialist with Down Syndrome of Louisville, whose life was forever changed after a severe battle with COVID-19.
After being placed on a ventilator and ECMO, Brianna faced an unimaginable outcome—the loss of her legs. But her story doesn’t end there.
This is a conversation about resilience, identity, and rebuilding a life with purpose.
Mike and Brianna...
When You’re the “Limb Loss Friend” Everyone Texts
What happens when a limb loss story hits the news—and suddenly everyone you know is texting you about it?
If you’re part of the limb loss community, you know exactly what that feels like.
In this solo episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland dives into the experience of being “the limb loss friend”—the person people turn to when they don’t fully understand what they’re seeing, but want to connect.
This episode goes beyond the texts to explore what those moments reveal: the gap between public perception and t...
Support Arizona Heat Power Soccer | Stacy & Courtney Walker’s Nationals Journey
Stacy and Courtney Walker aren’t just teammates—they’re the only known mother-daughter duo in wheelchair power soccer… and they represent Arizona Heat Power Soccer. Now, they—and their team—are working toward competing at Power Soccer Nationals, and they need your help to get there.
On this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Stacy and Courtney to talk about their journey into adaptive sports, what it’s like competing side by side, and what being part of Arizona Heat Power Soccer means to them.
💥 Support their journey to Nationals:
👉...
From Limb Loss to Leadership: Marc Burkom on Sports, Coaching & Amputee Athletes
What does it take to turn a life challenge into a lifelong passion for sports and coaching?
On this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland talks with Marc Burkom, a double below-knee amputee born with fibular hemimelia who has built a life around athletics, coaching, and helping others reach their potential.
Marc shares how his parents made the difficult decision to amputate his feet when he was just two months old — a choice that allowed him to grow up active in sports like soccer, baseball, and basketball.
Today, Marc works in co...
Scott Martin Returns: Soccer Coach and Author of Play From Your Heart
Scott Martin returns to the We’re Not Stumped Podcast for a powerful follow-up conversation with host Mike Bolland.
Scott shares the story of the life-threatening illness he survived in 1993 that resulted in the amputation of his hands and feet, and the long journey of rebuilding his life afterward. From facing discrimination and depression to rediscovering confidence and purpose, Scott reflects on the emotional and physical challenges of life after limb loss.
Mike and Scott also discuss Scott’s journey with prosthetics — from initially resisting prosthetic hooks to eventually using myoelectric hands — along with the challeng...
From Muscular Dystrophy to Robotics Founder: Building the Future of Assistive Technology
What if the future of assistive technology is being built by the very people who need it most?
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Owen, an entrepreneur living with muscular dystrophy who turned his lived experience into innovation. After struggling with limited rehabilitation tools, Owen co-founded a company developing a simple, home-based exoskeleton to make therapy more accessible.
They discuss universal design, customer discovery, and the challenges of building technology for underserved markets. Owen also shares insights into robotic wheelchairs, AI-powered mobility solutions, and a new partnership to ad...
Choosing Amputation at 22: Lindsay’s Journey of Resilience, Faith & Recovery
In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike sits down with Lindsay to share her courageous decision to choose amputation at age 22 — and the emotional and physical challenges that followed.
Lindsay opens up about navigating identity after limb loss, the support of her parents, and the mindset that helped her move forward. She shares how setting a goal to walk unassisted by Christmas gave her focus during recovery and how resilience continues to shape her life today.
🧡 If Lindsay’s story resonates with you…
One way to support others navigating limb loss is...
Starfish Surgery & VR Breakthroughs: New Hope for Upper Limb Loss Patients with Dr. Glenn Gaston
On this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Dr. Glenn Gaston, an orthopedic hand and upper-extremity surgeon who’s helping redefine what’s possible in amputee care.
Dr. Gaston shares how a single patient encounter sparked his mission to improve outcomes for people with limb loss — leading to innovations like the Starfish Procedure, which restores individual finger control for partial hand amputees, and a newly FDA-cleared virtual reality therapy that significantly reduces phantom limb pain without opioids.
Together, they explore:
• How VR retrain...
From AMC to the Paralympics: Lera Doederlein’s Double AKA Journey, Prosthetics, and Sled Hockey
Lera Doederlein joins Mike Bolland on We’re Not Stumped to share a powerful story of choosing possibility.
Born with AMC (arthrogryposis multiplex congenita), Lera grew up in Phoenix using braces and forearm crutches while navigating school, friendships, and the quiet realization that sports might look different for her. As a teenager, she made the bold decision to pursue double above-knee amputations in order to gain independence and improve long-term mobility—and it transformed her life.
Lera walks us through the realities of recovery and physical therapy, learning to use prosthetics, and the moment a clin...
From Setbacks to Strength: Supporting Amputees Through Physical Therapy & Collaboration
In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike talks with John Cooper, a physical therapist assistant with 18 years of experience, about his journey into physical therapy and his passion for working with lower-limb amputees.
John shares how his grandfather’s recovery from brain surgery sparked his career, and how close collaboration with prosthetists helps him address the real-world challenges amputees face every day. He explains why patience matters in rehab, why quality beats quantity in therapy sessions, and how setbacks can become powerful turning points.
The conversation also explores:
• The importance of hon...
Enable Review Launch: A Community-Powered Platform for Prosthetic & Rehab Care
In this special episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland shares the story behind Enable Review — a new community-powered platform created to help people with limb loss, limb difference, and caregivers find prosthetic, orthotic, and rehabilitation care they can trust.
After a lifetime navigating prosthetics and hearing powerful stories from guests and listeners, Mike explains why real patient experiences matter — and how Enable Review puts those voices front and center.
Enable Review isn’t about ads or marketing. It’s about lived experience.
We’re opening the platform with our Founding 1...
Turning Cancer Into Purpose: Risa August’s Advocacy & Resilience Journey
In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Risa August — cancer survivor, author of The Road Unpaved, TEDx speaker, and patient advocate — for a deeply honest and uplifting conversation.
Risa shares how her diagnosis and cancer treatments reshaped her identity, challenged her physically and emotionally, and ultimately inspired her to create a life of meaning and service. From enduring radiation and its long-term effects to cycling nearly 1,900 miles from Canada to Mexico, Risa’s journey is one of courage, mindset, and transformation.
Tog...
Four Truths and a Lie: Terry Tucker on Mental Toughness, Purpose, and True Success
In this powerful and reflective episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Terry Tucker, author of Four Truths and a Lie, for a deep conversation about mindset, mental toughness, and what it truly means to live a significant life.
Terry shares the philosophy behind his latest book, which challenges common definitions of success rooted in money, status, and material achievement. Instead, he invites listeners to rethink success through the lens of service, responsibility, and impact on others. At the heart of his message is one foundational truth: if...
Preventable Amputations: How Early Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Care Can Save Limbs – with Dr. Kevin Lie
In this eye-opening episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland speaks with Dr. Kevin Lie, a vascular and interventional radiologist at Georgia Endovascular, about why so many amputations don’t have to happen.
Dr. Lie explains how misdiagnosed or untreated peripheral artery disease (PAD) is one of the leading causes of limb loss—especially among veterans, older adults, and people living with diabetes. He shares how minimally invasive endovascular procedures can restore blood flow, reduce pain, and help patients avoid amputation when disease is cau...
Tom Lenoble — Facebook Leadership, Surviving Cancer, and Finding Strength in “Terrible Gifts”
Tom Lenoble’s story is one of remarkable leadership, resilience, and reinvention. In this episode, Tom shares his extraordinary career journey leading customer operations at companies like MCI, Walmart.com, and Palm — and how he helped build Facebook’s first global customer operations team during its explosive early years. He reflects on interviewing with Mark Zuckerberg when Facebook was still a college platform, navigating rapid growth, and leading through constant change.
But Tom’s greatest leadership lessons didn’t come from the boardroom — they came from surviving life-threatening illness. Tom opens up about living with HIV since 1989, battling met...
Scott Martin: Life After Losing Both Hands, Soccer, Resilience, and Play From Your Heart
In this compelling episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Scott Martin, bilateral hand amputee, soccer coach, and author of Play From Your Heart. Scott shares his life-changing experience after a devastating infection in 1993 led to the loss of both hands and parts of his feet, and the emotional journey that followed—including denial, depression, and rebuilding his sense of purpose.
Scott discusses continuing to coach soccer, adapting with determination and creativity, and eventually leading young players to success. He opens up about his prosthetic journey, including working with Johns Hopkins on a...
Merry Christmas from We’re Not Stumped: A Message of Hope, Resilience, and Community
This special Christmas episode of We’re Not Stumped is a heartfelt reflection from host Mike Bolland on resilience, community, and gratitude during the holiday season.
Instead of an interview, Mike takes a few minutes to acknowledge the realities many people in the limb loss and disability community face during the holidays — from accessibility challenges and family dynamics to grief, growth, and adapting to change — all with warmth and a touch of humor.
Mike also shares what this podcast has taught him over the past year and gives a heartfelt shout-out to some incredible guests who tr...
Born Different, Built Resilient: Jason A. Jones on Mindset, Disability & Purpose
In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Jason A. Jones—motivational speaker, author, and founder of Positive Pieces—for a powerful conversation about resilience, mindset, and growing up with a congenital hand difference.
Mike and Jason share a unique connection: both were born with a difference in their right hand. Together, they explore the realities of childhood, school, friendships, sports, and the challenges of first impressions when living with a visible disability. Jason reflects on the role his parents played in building confidence and accountability, encour...
A Compelling Disability Journey with Steven Vine | From Coma to Podcast Host
In this compelling episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Steven Vine to share an honest conversation about survival, disability, and rebuilding life after a catastrophic medical event.
After a sudden aneurysm in 2016, Steven spent six months in a coma and woke up blind, a right above-knee amputee, living with an ostomy, and managing chronic pain. Once a nationally ranked teenage track athlete and later a fine dining restaurant owner, Steven’s life was completely transformed.
Steven opens up about ignoring health warning signs, waking up blind, relearning dail...
Share Your Story: Guest-Host a 10–15 Minute Episode of We’re Not Stumped
⭐ Topic #1: Are you thinking about starting your own podcast but not sure where to begin?
So many people reach out asking how to get started. And while podcasting isn’t terribly difficult, those first few episodes can feel time-consuming and a bit overwhelming.
Here’s an easier way to try it out: 👉 Come guest-host a solo episode of We’re Not Stumped and share your personal story.
These are single-person episodes — no guests allowed — giving you the space to speak openly and authentically. Episodes are 10–15 minutes long, making this a simple, low-pressure introduction to podcasting. All yo...
War Survivor to beautiful life: Belma Islamovic’s Incredible Bilateral Upper Limb Amputee Journey
In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Belma Islamovic, a double above-elbow amputee, community advocate, and proud member of the Dallas Amputee Network. Mike and Belma first met at Empower Fest in Arizona, and today she shares her remarkable story of survival, resilience, and hope.
Belma recounts:
• Surviving a devastating explosion during the Bosnian War
• Her long medical journey from Bosnia to Italy and ultimately to the United States
• Adapting to life without prosthetics and mastering daily tasks using her feet
• The emotional and mental heal...
Denied but Determined: Marc Fishman’s Battle for Disability Rights in Family Court
In this eye-opening episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with civil rights advocate Marc Fishman, a disabled father from New York who has spent years fighting for basic ADA accommodations in family court.
After surviving a traumatic brain injury and other life-altering injuries from a severe car accident, Marc found himself navigating a court system that repeatedly denied him essential supports like real-time transcription—despite clear protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Marc shares:
• How state family courts dismissed his disability and denied required accommo...
Rolling in Grace: Brooke Brown on Faith, Writing, and Resilience
Welcome back to We’re Not Stumped! Today, I’m honored to sit down once again with Brooke Brown — an “ink weaver of life, faith, and fiction,” an honors graduate of ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, Ms. Wheelchair Arizona 2022, and founder of Brooke’s Butterfly Touch, a ministry that helps individuals discover the power and purpose of their own stories.
Brooke is also the author of Rolling in Grace: Volume 1 — A Foundation of Faith and Imagination, now available in audio format. Having read it myself, I can promise you: it’s full of relatable...
From Survival to Empowerment: Caitlin Conner on Building a Global Hub for Disability Resources
In this must-hear episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland chats with Caitlin Conner about turning challenges into impact. Caitlin, founder of Be More Adaptive, explores her mission to create a global hub for disability resources. Caitlin shares her remarkable journey — from surviving a life-changing motorcycle accident while pregnant to becoming a Paralympic-level athlete, model, and advocate.
She opens up about adapting to life as an amputee, the power of self-advocacy, and how sports helped her regain confidence and purpose.
Mike and Caitlin discuss:
✅ The vision behind Be More Adaptive and its upc...
How a Mom’s Love Created Caroline’s Cart - A Shopping Cart Changing Retail Accessibility
When Drew Ann Long, a stay-at-home mom from Birmingham, Alabama, realized there were no shopping carts designed for her daughter Caroline — who has Rett syndrome and cannot walk or talk — she took matters into her own hands. With no design or manufacturing experience, Drew set out to create Caroline’s Cart, a life-changing adaptive shopping cart for individuals with disabilities.
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland talks with Drew Ann about her incredible journey — from facing rejection from every U.S. shopping cart manufacturer to seeing her invention now featured in over 15,000 stores acros...
Josh Green’s Above-Knee Amputee Journey: Advocacy, Confidence & Community Support
In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Josh Green, an above-knee amputee, patient advocate, and founder of the Northeast Ohio Amputee Support Group. Josh lost his leg at just 4 years old and has since turned his life experiences into a mission to uplift and educate others in the limb loss community.
Josh opens up about growing up with a prosthetic, how his parents’ positive outlook helped him build confidence, and how sports played a major role in his development. Later in life, he faced new challenges but found strength by con...
Why Dressing Well Matters in the Limb Loss and Disability Community | We’re Not Stumped Podcast
In this solo episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland — born without his right hand — shares a powerful message about why he feels dressing well matters for the limb loss and disability community.
This isn’t about vanity — it’s about confidence, self-respect, and advocacy. Mike explains how personal style can change the way we feel about ourselves and the way others see us. From challenging stereotypes to promoting positive representation, dressing with pride is one way to say: “I belong here — just as I am.”
🎙️ In this episode, Mike discusses...
