We're Not Stumped - Centering on life stories of the Limb Loss / Amputee and Disabled Communities

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...

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 POP, an organization working to expand the pipeline of professionals in Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Pedorthics.

Together, Mike and Chris explore...

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 advo...

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...

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: ...

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—navigat...

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 ex...

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 navi...

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 u...

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 nonverb...

 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 ...

 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 ins...

 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 h...

 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 Bla...

 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 p...

 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 a...

 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, a...

 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 give...

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 ...