We’re Not Stumped | Motivational Podcast Featuring Survival Stories, Recovery Journeys & Disability Stories

 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...

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 redefin...

 Linda Moore doesn’t just want to walk again—she wants to dance. In this inspiring episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Linda, a 69-year-old from Rantoul, Illinois, whose determination and humor carried her through a challenging above-knee amputation and intense rehabilitation. After losing her leg in November 2024, she underwent three weeks of rigorous therapy at OS...

 In this special episode of We’re Not Stumped, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Eric William Gabriel, PhD, a remarkable individual who recently passed away. Eric was a two-time guest on the We're Not Stumped podcast.  A bi-lateral, above-knee amputee, Eric’s journey was one of resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit. From his early days playing baseball and competitive softball to...

Golf should be accessible to everyone, and VertaCat is making that a reality with the VertaCat Golf Cart! In this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Steve Doudt to discuss how this revolutionary adaptive golf cart is changing the game for individuals with mobility challenges. Steve, a bilateral above-the-knee amputee due to a motorcycle accident in 1992, has an ins...

In this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Tim Balz, founder and CEO of Kalogon, ( https://www.kalogon.com ) to discuss how cutting-edge technology is improving mobility and independence for wheelchair users.  Tim’s journey started in high school when he began refurbishing wheelchairs to help people in need. That passion evolved into a career in assistive technolog...

 In this episode of We're Not Stumped, we share powerful stories of resilience, generosity, and community support for individuals with disabilities. First, we discuss the heartwarming story of Jeanette Ingram, Oklahoma woman amputee, who narrowly escaped a fire but lost her electric wheelchair in the process. Thanks to Stacy Reddig's incredible generosity, she received a brand-new wheelc...

 In this exciting episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Jessica Cox, a trailblazing pilot, martial artist, speaker, and advocate born without arms. Jessica shares her journey of overcoming obstacles, embracing her uniqueness, and using her story to inspire others around the world.  Jessica reflects on her early years, describing how her parents navigated the uncertainty of...

Post-amputation pain can be debilitating, but a new treatment called hydrodissection is showing promise in providing relief. In this episode of We're Not Stumped, we explore this groundbreaking therapy and its potential to improve the lives of amputees.  Hydrodissection is a relatively new and promising treatment for post-amputation pain, particularly for neuroma-related pain and phantom limb...

In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland welcomes Allison Sweet Grant, author of I Am The Cage , a powerful novel inspired by her own medical experiences. Allison shares her journey of undergoing the Lizarov limb-lengthening procedure as a teenager and how those experiences shaped her writing. Like her protagonist Elisabeth, Allison grappled with feelings of isolati...

 In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, we highlight two incredible stories of resilience and empowerment. First, we celebrate Forreston High School wrestler  Lucas Nelson, who recently reached his 100th career win—an impressive feat made even more inspiring by the fact that he competes with a limb difference. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, proving that hard work and deter...

In this powerful episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland delves into inspiring and impactful stories that highlight resilience and adaptability. Mike begins by discussing a life-changing camping trip that led to a double leg amputation after a severe burn and sepsis—an incredible journey of survival and recovery. He also shares surprising news about actor David Tennant rev...

 Join host Mike Bolland on the We're Not Stumped podcast as he interviews Jackie Silver, a registered dietitian and left leg above-knee amputee. Jackie shares her inspiring story of resilience, her journey to becoming a health advocate, and her mission to help people make informed nutrition choices. From overcoming personal challenges to thriving in the wellness space, Jackie’s story is one o...

 In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland shares inspiring stories of courage and resilience. Hear how a six-year-old wrestling champion overcame the loss of her limb in a lawnmower accident to dominate the mat, the journey of Birmingham Fire & Rescue's first amputee firefighter who embodies determination, and the transformative work of Ignite Adaptive Spor...

 In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland sits down with Zach Tidwell to discuss his journey of adapting to life with vision loss and finding strength through resilience.  What You'll Learn:  Zach's personal experience with vision loss and how it transformed his life. Insights on overcoming challenges, finding purpose, and adapting to a new reality.  Pract...

In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland explores incredible stories of resilience and community impact. 🌟 Featured Topics: The inspiring journey of an amputee adjusting to life after a traumatic assault and finding strength back home ( Read more ). The mission of Joe & Marie's Helping Hands Foundation, dedicated to providing assistance to those in need an...

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Kelly J. Mendenhall—an accomplished author, speaker, and advocate—to explore her transformative journey from a thriving career in nonprofit fundraising to becoming a disabled entrepreneur and patient advocate. Diagnosed with rare spinal cord conditions in 2017, Kelly faced a medical mystery that led her to redefine her life and purpose. Kelly shares her...

 In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland shares two stories of courage and perseverance. The episode highlights a shark attack survivor who turned to crowdfunding after being denied insurance coverage for a prosthetic hand. This journey showcases the challenges of insurance in the area of prosthetics.  The episode also explores the incredible work of Operation Endu...

 In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland welcomes Nicole Cuervo, the founder and CEO of Springrose, a groundbreaking company redefining adaptive intimates for women with disabilities, limited mobility, and chronic pain. Nicole’s passion for inclusivity and empowerment stems from her own personal experiences. Inspired by her grandmother Rose, who lived with arthriti...

 In this inspiring episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland explores three incredible stories of resilience, community, and inclusion:  🌟 A Marine veteran and double amputee shares how jiu-jitsu has transformed his life, bringing peace and purpose through the sport.  🎅 Discover how an amputee center's holiday program welcomed Santa to spread joy and foster community...

 In this powerful episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland talks with Billy Parker, a former welder who lost both arms in a life-changing accident. Billy shares his incredible journey of resilience, finding a new purpose, and his mission to promote workplace safety to prevent similar tragedies.  Billy discusses his advocacy work, personal growth, and how he empowers others...

 In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland sits down with Kelly Grey-Parker, a quadrilateral amputee who lost her limbs at just one year old. Kelly shares her incredible journey of resilience and how she's dedicated her life to supporting others through the organization MOVING FORWARD Limb Loss Networking Group.  Discover how Kelly's story inspires hope, an...

 Join us for the 100th episode of We're Not Stumped! Host Mike Bolland reflects on the incredible journey so far, and the lessons learned from celebrating resilience and overcoming challenges. In this special milestone episode, Mike also walks listeners through the process of becoming a guest on the podcast, offering insight into how stories of triumph and inclusivity are selected and shared....

 In this compelling episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes the incredible team behind the Hozhoni Foundation to share their inspiring mission and groundbreaking work. Joining Mike are CEO Antonia Klopstein, COO Lex Heerding, Employment Program Head Michele Eisenberg, and Art Manager Shay Vigil. Together, they discuss how the foundation empowers individuals with disabilities throu...

 In this compelling episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland explores three thought-provoking stories of amputation and resilience: 🌟 Heroic Good Samaritan: Discover the remarkable story of a man who selflessly saved a stranded driver, resulting in a life-changing amputation. 🌟 Reddit Debate: We dive into the online controversy surrounding a woman who faced backlash for l...