We're Not Stumped - Centering on life stories of the Limb Loss / Amputee and Disabled Communities
We’re not stumped. Not by limb loss. Not by fear. Not by anything life throws our way. We’re Not Stumped is more than just a podcast—it's a platform dedicated to celebrating resilience, inclusion, and the indomitable human spirit. Hosted by Mike Bolland, a one-handed cancer survivor and the first person with limb loss to compete on the PBA tour, the podcast delves into the real-life stories of individuals who have turned adversity into strength. Launched in 2022 after Mike retired from a successful career at Discount Tire, the podcast was born out of his desire to give back to the amputee community. Alongside starting the Joe & Marie Bolland’s Helping Hands nonprofit—which aims to help amputees obtain the prosthetics they need to live a full life—Mike created We’re Not Stumped to share the journeys of those who, like him, have faced challenges head-on. Each episode features candid conversations with amputees, family members, medical professionals, and advocates, shedding light on topics like adaptive living, inclusive employment practices, and the latest in prosthetic technology. With authenticity, compassion, and a touch of humor, Mike ensures that no question is off-limits, fostering an environment where guests can share their experiences openly. Beyond the podcast, Mike has embraced stand-up comedy, performing across Arizona and the Southwest, using humor as a tool to connect and inspire. His multifaceted approach to advocacy underscores a central message: challenges don't define us—our responses do. Join us as we amplify voices, break down stigmas, and build a community where no one feels like they're going it alone. Because here’s the truth:
Episodes
Here’s the actual quote from a company called the LN4 Hand Project:
"A prosthetic hand is an invaluable asset to an individual without an upper limb." "An upper limb prosthesis can determine whether or not an individual is able to be employed, contribute to household duties, or provide an increased sense of independence."
As a successful one-handed person—a podcaster, speaker, nonprofit founder, and former pro ...
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Brittany Dejean, founder of Inclusion Jumpstart and former Airbnb accessibility leader. Brittany opens up about how her father’s spinal cord injury at age 12 inspired her lifelong passion for disability inclusion.
She shares insights from her 6.5 years at Airbnb working on accessibility and diversity initiatives, her nonprofit work with Able Thrive, and her current mis...
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland gets real about the challenges of finding a job while living with a disability. Born without his right hand, Mike has firsthand experience navigating interviews, workplace bias, and the self-doubt that can creep in during the job search.
He shares tips that helped him—and that can help you—stand out for the right reasons, from understanding your rights under the ADA to deciding...
In this uplifting episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Latonyia Billops, a bilateral above-knee amputee, who shares her remarkable story of surviving a traumatic car accident that changed her life forever. While helping a stranded motorist, Latonyia was struck by a truck that crossed the highway median—resulting in the loss of both her legs.
Despite unimaginable trauma, Latonyia never lost her faith. She ope...
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 ...
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.
Wh...
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 ...
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 ce...
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 podcas...
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 ...
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