In this empowering episode of We’re Not Stumped , host Mike Bolland sits down with Dr. Jackie Garcia, PT, DPT — a bilingual physical therapist, neurologic specialist-in-training, and founder of Nxt Stride Rehab — a virtual coaching program transforming how amputees recover, rebuild, and thrive. Jackie opens up about her journey into physical therapy, her passion for supporting individuals with limb loss and spinal cord injuries, and how a gap in care inspired her to launch a program that brings ...
Jul 15, 2025•22 min•Season 7Ep. 20
In this powerful conclusion to the Triple A’s of Limb Loss series, host Mike Bolland explores the third and perhaps most impactful "A"— Attitude . Born without a right hand, Mike shares how attitude isn't just a mindset—it's a survival tool. With honesty and humor, he dives into how your outlook shapes your journey after amputation, influences your recovery, and determines how you show up for yourself and others. Whether you’re newly navigating limb loss or years into your journey, this episode ...
Jul 10, 2025•6 min•Season 7Ep. 19
In this moving episode of We’re Not Stumped , Gini Thomas shares her incredible story of resilience after a tragic motorcycle accident took her husband’s life and left her facing devastating injuries. After three years of limb salvage attempts, Gini made the courageous decision to undergo an above-knee amputation in 2015. She opens up about her life-changing transition from traditional socket prosthetics to the Integrum OPRA Implant System, a bone-anchored prosthetic that has allowed her to walk...
Jul 08, 2025•29 min•Season 7Ep. 18
We’re Not Stumped is the podcast that amplifies voices in the limb loss and disability communities — one story at a time. Hosted by Mike Bolland, who was born without a right hand, each episode explores powerful journeys of resilience, recovery, and purpose. Centered around Mike’s Triple A’s of Limb Loss — Alone, Advocacy, and Attitude — the podcast tackles the emotional and practical challenges of amputation and disability while celebrating the strength it takes to move forward. Whether you're ...
Jul 03, 2025•8 min•Season 7Ep. 17
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped , host Mike Bolland sits down with Brooke Brown —a passionate advocate, spiritual wellness guide, and founder of Brooke’s Butterfly Touch . Brooke, who lives with cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, shares how her journey led her to discover Reiki, energy healing , and the power of self-connection . As an Ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona and host of the Rolling in Grace podcast, Brooke empowers others to live with purpose, embrace the...
Jul 01, 2025•34 min•Season 7Ep. 16
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped , host Mike Bolland introduces the first part of his personal “Triple A’s” philosophy: Alone, Advocacy, and Attitude. Today’s focus is on that first word— Alone —a stage that many people experience after limb loss but rarely talk about openly. Mike, a congenital amputee and cancer survivor, shares what it means to feel alone physically, emotionally, and socially after amputation—and why that feeling doesn’t have to last forever. He explores practical, real-wo...
Jun 26, 2025•8 min•Season 7Ep. 15
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped , host Mike Bolland welcomes Chris Baschuk , a trailblazer in upper limb prosthetics and the Director of Clinical Services at Point Designs . Chris also serves on the board of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists and is a proud ambassador for PO P, an organization working to expand the pipeline of professionals in Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Pedorthics . Together, Mike and Chris explore the cutting edge of prosthetic innovation —from the rise o...
Jun 24, 2025•28 min•Season 7Ep. 14
In this solo episode of We’re Not Stumped , host Mike Bolland shares his personal “Triple A” framework for navigating life after limb loss: Alone, Advocacy, and Attitude . Born without a right hand and a cancer survivor, Mike combines his own lived experience with insights from over 100 interviews featured on the podcast. He explores how the feeling of being alone is often the first emotional hurdle amputees face—and how building advocacy and maintaining a strong attitude can lead to powerful tr...
Jun 19, 2025•5 min•Season 7Ep. 12
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped , host Mike Bolland talks ith Ryan Wilson—founder of Team Trust Productions —for a conversation about how adaptive athletes are using the power of media to change the narrative around disability. Ryan shares his journey from discovering adaptive sports at the University of Illinois to launching a creative agency that centers disabled voices through authentic storytelling and inclusive marketing. He opens up about the challenges of building a business as a whe...
Jun 17, 2025•24 min•Season 7Ep. 12
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped , host Mike Bolland highlights two incredible stories of perseverance and progress in the world of limb loss and mobility: 🏃♂️ From Tragedy to Olympic Dreams After losing both legs in a devastating accident, one athlete is refusing to let adversity define him. He’s now chasing a spot in the Paralympic Games—training hard, staying focused, and inspiring others along the way. 🌍 Mission Gait: Changing How the World Walks Again We also spotlight Mission Gait ,...
Jun 12, 2025•14 min•Season 7Ep. 11
In this powerful episode of We're Not Stumped , host Mike Bolland speaks with Eric Ford, a resilient father and amputee whose life changed forever in 2009 after a drunk driver struck his car in Atlanta. Eric opens up about the aftermath of the crash, including enduring over a dozen surgeries, the emotional strain on his family, and the moment he chose amputation to reclaim his life. Eric shares how he embraced a new path—navigating life with a prosthetic leg, diving into rehabilitation, and draw...
Jun 10, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 7Ep. 10
Stevia Walker joins host Mike Bolland to share her remarkable story of survival and strength following a devastating car accident that left her with a fused cervical spine and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in her right hand. After exhaustive research and consultations, she chose to undergo amputation—supported by the compassionate care of Dr. Stephen Niedermeyer. Stevia talks about rebuilding her life and how she uses her experiences to empower others, including her former career as a ha...
Jun 03, 2025•33 min•Season 7Ep. 9
What happens when we stop trying to “fix” disability—and start listening instead? In this compelling episode of We’re Not Stumped , host Mike Bolland welcomes back Dr. Stephanie W. Cawthon , a deaf researcher, speaker, and author of Disability is Human . Joined by ASL interpreters Amanda Ford and Steven Nugent , Dr. Cawthon dives into the lived realities of the disabled and Deaf communities—and what true inclusion really means. From navigating hearing loss in a world with limited ASL access, to ...
May 27, 2025•28 min•Season 7Ep. 8
What’s it like to grow up with a limb difference compared to losing a limb later in life? Host Mike Bolland—who was born without his right hand—dives into these two distinct paths, highlighting how they shape identity, resilience, and daily life. Through personal insights and stories from guests like Stevia Walker, who became an amputee in 2023, Mike explores how both congenital and acquired limb loss present unique challenges—and unexpected common ground. Whether you’re living with a limb diffe...
May 22, 2025•7 min•Season 7Ep. 7
In this heartfelt episode of We’re Not Stumped , host Mike Bolland welcomes actress, model, and disability advocate Jessica Frew. Born with cerebral palsy and using an eye gaze machine to communicate, Jess opens up about the emotional journey of finding her voice—from early hesitations and a painful regret about her late father to becoming a powerful force for disability awareness. She and Mike discuss the challenges of being nonverbal in a world that often underestimates her, her experiences on...
May 20, 2025•12 min•Season 7Ep. 6
After a devastating motorcycle accident changed his life forever, Kijuan Amey could have stayed stuck in the question, “Why me?” Instead, he chose a path of healing, faith, and unshakable resilience. In this episode of We’re Not Stumped , Kijuan shares the raw truth of his journey—from the trauma of blindness to the triumph of reclaiming purpose. Whether you’re facing your own setback or simply need a dose of inspiration, Kijuan’s story is a reminder that miracles are possible when you keep movi...
May 13, 2025•36 min•Season 7Ep. 5
In this episode, host Mike Bolland delves into the extraordinary journey of Carter Henning, a freshman at Calamus-Wheatland High School in Iowa. Just two months after a devastating snowmobile accident led to the amputation of his left leg, Carter not only returned to the golf course but also ascended to the top spot on his varsity team. His unwavering determination and love for the game have made him a beacon of resilience and inspiration to his teammates and the broader community. Mike also she...
May 08, 2025•11 min•Season 7Ep. 4
In this episode, we sit down with Vanessa Abraham, a certified Speech-Language Pathologist whose life took an unexpected turn when she became the patient. After a sudden illness left her paralyzed and unable to speak, Vanessa faced the daunting task of reclaiming her voice and identity. Vanessa shares her harrowing experience of battling Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), the emotional toll of being unable to communicate, and her path to recovery. Her story is not just one of survival but of ...
May 06, 2025•26 min•Season 7Ep. 3
In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped , we spotlight adaptive athlete Tracy LaMarche as she takes on the Ride to End ALZ South Carolina—a three-day cycling journey across the state with deep personal meaning. After losing her leg, Tracy found freedom and strength through cycling. Now, she rides to honor her late mother-in-law, who battled dementia, and to support vital Alzheimer’s research. Riding alongside her husband Blair, Tracy embodies resilience and hope, pedaling toward a future ...
May 01, 2025•9 min•Season 7Ep. 2
In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Kelvin Crosby , a remarkable individual whose journey from hearing loss and blindness to becoming an inventor, artist, and advocate will leave you inspired. Diagnosed with hearing loss as a child, Kelvin later lost his vision due to Usher Syndrome Type 2. He opens up about the emotional toll this took on him, including thoughts of suicide, and the turning point when he chose to embrace his deafblindness instead of letting...
Apr 29, 2025•39 min•Season 7Ep. 1
Join us as we delve into the groundbreaking work of Dr. Eric Martin, Chief of Vascular Surgery at OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center, and recipient of the 2025 OSF Innovator of the Year award. Dr. Martin's regenerative reconstruction techniques are offering new hope to patients facing potential amputations due to severe infections, traumatic injuries, or chronic ulcers. Utilizing biological materials like fish skin and pig bladder, these innovative procedures aim to restore tissue and p...
Apr 24, 2025•9 min•Season 6Ep. 30
Tom Jalinski, a double amputee from Littleton, is taking on a monumental challenge—hiking all 1,200 miles of Wisconsin’s Ice Age National Scenic Trail. In this episode, Tom shares his inspiring journey, from his past as an avid climber to the rigorous training he’s undergone to prepare for this six-month trek. He discusses the physical and mental challenges amputees face, his goal of raising awareness about life after limb loss, and the message he hopes to send to both the amputee and able-bodie...
Apr 22, 2025•33 min•Season 6Ep. 29
In this impactful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland speaks out about a disturbing incident from the UK, where a woman without limb loss took to social media to mock individuals with visible limb differences—specifically targeting those with “nubs.” Mike calls out the cruelty and ignorance behind her actions, while emphasizing an important point: don’t give bullies the attention they crave. Sharing her posts only gives her more exposure and power. Instead, Mike encourages the limb l...
Apr 17, 2025•12 min•Season 6Ep. 28
In this episode, we welcome Adrienne Hill, a certified prosthetist orthotist (CPO) and Program Director of the Master’s of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics at Kennesaw State University. With a background in physics, mathematics, and health administration, Adrienne brings a unique perspective to the field. Her passion for prosthetics and orthotics is deeply personal—both her great-grandfather and father were amputees, inspiring her commitment to improving patient care. Adrienne has extensive ...
Apr 15, 2025•31 min•Season 6Ep. 27
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland shares his candid thoughts on Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month — and why he believes awareness shouldn't be limited to just one month a year. Born without a right hand, Mike reflects on his lived experiences and how, for decades, many didn’t pay attention to people like him until they themselves became part of the limb loss community. He challenges listeners to think beyond temporary awareness campaigns and to embrace year-roun...
Apr 10, 2025•13 min•Season 6Ep. 26
In this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Dr. Stephanie Cawthon, a disabled author, speaker, and researcher, to discuss her groundbreaking new book, Disability as Human. As a professor at the University of Texas at Austin and the founder of the National Disability Center for Student Success, Stephanie wears many professional "hats" in her mission to advance accessibility and disability inclusion. Beyond individual experiences, Stephanie and Mike explore the importance of s...
Apr 08, 2025•24 min•Season 6Ep. 25
Ana L. Reyes’ story is one of unwavering faith, resilience, and service. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Ana has dedicated her life to her family, community, and ministry. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she has also spent 20 years shaping young minds as a teacher. Alongside her husband, Rev. Marc Reyes, she has led Good Shepherd Ministries Church in West Haven, CT, for nearly two decades. In 2017, Ana was diagnosed with cancer, and three years later, she became an amputee. But her faith...
Apr 01, 2025•44 min•Season 6Ep. 24
In this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland highlights two powerful stories of perseverance, athleticism, and community support. First, we dive into the journey of a local teen who is redefining the game of softball. After undergoing a double amputation, she hasn’t just adapted—she’s excelling, competing at a high level, and proving that determination and passion can overcome any obstacle. Her story is an inspiration to athletes and amputees alike, showing that the love of the game k...
Mar 27, 2025•7 min•Season 6Ep. 23
In this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Michael Allison, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Purple Heart recipient, best-selling author, and globally recognized leadership expert. As the CEO of The Adversity Academy, Michael has dedicated his career to helping individuals and organizations embrace resilience, accountability, and leadership. He shares his journey from military service to entrepreneurship, the lessons learned in high-pressure combat zones, and his groundbr...
Mar 25, 2025•39 min•Season 6Ep. 22
In this episode of We're Not Stumped , we highlight two remarkable stories of resilience and determination. First, we dive into the journey of Parker Byrd, the East Carolina University baseball player who became the first NCAA baseball athlete to play with a prosthetic leg. After a life-altering boating accident, Parker refused to let his dream slip away, proving that perseverance can redefine what’s possible in sports. Next, we explore the incredible impact of the Kirstie Ennis Foundation. Foun...
Mar 20, 2025•9 min•Season 6Ep. 21
