We're Not Stumped | Survival Stories, Disability Stories & Recovery Journeys Podcast

Mike Bolland
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  • Self-Improvement
  • Twice a week

We're Not Stumped is a motivational podcast featuring survival stories, recovery journeys, disability stories, amputee stories, and inspiring conversations about overcoming adversity. Not by limb loss. Not by fear. Not by anything life throws our way. Hosted by Mike Bolland—a one-handed cancer survivor and the first person with limb loss to compete on the PBA Tour—We're Not Stumped explores what it truly means to overcome adversity, adapt to life's challenges, and rebuild with purpose. Launched in 2022, the podcast was created to give a voice to people navigating amputation, limb loss, disability, and other life-changing challenges. Each episode features powerful conversations with amputees, caregivers, medical professionals, advocates, athletes, and inspiring individuals who share practical insights on adaptive living, prosthetics, disability advocacy, inclusive employment, mental resilience, and finding purpose after adversity. These are more than interviews—they are real survival stories and recovery journeys that offer hope, perspective, practical encouragement, and proof that life's greatest setbacks can become new beginnings. Beyond the podcast, Mike is also a keynote speaker and stand-up comedian, using humor, authenticity, and real-life experience to connect with audiences while challenging perceptions about disability and resilience. Whether you're looking for a motivational podcast, survival stories, disability stories, amputee stories, recovery journeys, or inspiring stories of resilience, We're Not Stumped delivers honest conversations that educate, encourage, and remind us that we're capable of more than we think. Join a growing community built on resilience, connection, and the belief that no one has to face life's challenges alone.

  1. 2 days ago

    Robert Rodriguez: Growing Up With Limb Difference, Adaptive Sports & Leading With Love

    Adaptive athlete and motivational speaker Robert Rodriguez, also known as Robert Anthony, joins Mike Bolland on We’re Not Stumped for a conversation about growing up with limb difference, finding confidence through sports, and supporting others through limb loss. Born with fibular hemimelia, Robert shares the physical and social challenges he faced as a child, including bullying and barriers in sports. He reflects on his family’s support and his path into amputee soccer, paratriathlon, and beach volleyball. Mike and Robert also challenge the assumption that experiencing limb loss early in life means someone automatically has it easier—or has less to offer a person navigating a recent amputation. The conversation explores: • Building confidence and connection through adaptive sports • Peer support and helping others adjust to limb loss • Robert’s work as a patient care manager at Hanger • Changes in prosthetic technology over his lifetime • His “Lead with Love” philosophy • Finding purpose through volunteering, speaking, and community service Robert shares why listening, showing up, and leading with compassion matter—and why someone’s age at amputation doesn’t tell their whole story. Robert's website: https://www.robertanthony.us/  Follow We’re Not Stumped with Mike Bolland for more conversations about limb loss, limb difference, disability, and life on your own terms. Send Mike a Message! Support the show Want to be considered as a guest?  Fill out the form here: https://werenotstumped.com/podcast-guest-information/ Learn more about our host Mike Bolland: https://mikebolland.com/

    Robert Rodriguez: Growing Up With Limb Difference, Adaptive Sports & Leading With Love

  2. 6 days ago

    Born With a Limb Difference Doesn’t Always Mean We Have It Easier

    Does being born with a limb difference—or experiencing amputation as a child—mean you have it easier? In this solo episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland challenges an assumption that can leave people feeling dismissed within their own community. Born without a right hand, Mike shares why physical adaptation tells only part of the story. Through his podcast and community work, he’s met people whose experiences include bullying, employment barriers, relationship challenges, and depression. While these experiences don’t all reflect his own journey, they deserve acknowledgment. Acquiring a disability later in life brings its own challenges, including grief and adjustment. Recognizing those experiences doesn’t require minimizing the challenges of congenital limb difference or childhood limb loss. This episode invites us to listen more closely, question what we assume about others, and support one another without ranking whose journey is harder. Before we tell someone they’re lucky, let’s ask what their experience has actually been. Send Mike a Message! Support the show Want to be considered as a guest?  Fill out the form here: https://werenotstumped.com/podcast-guest-information/ Learn more about our host Mike Bolland: https://mikebolland.com/

    Born With a Limb Difference Doesn’t Always Mean We Have It Easier

  3. 20 Oct

    Tony Jackson on Voiceover, Power Soccer & Disability Inclusion

    How can voiceover and adaptive sports create opportunities for people with disabilities? Phoenix-based voiceover artist Tony Jackson joins Mike Bolland on We’re Not Stumped to share his experiences behind the microphone and on the power soccer court. Tony serves as the Grant Coordinator and Power Soccer Coordinator at Ability360. We explore his path into voice acting, accessibility in casting, and how adaptive sports build teamwork, confidence, and a sense of belonging. In this episode: • Getting started in voiceover and working behind the microphone • Power soccer and the value of being part of a team • Community connections through Ability360 Plus, Tony shares his love of death metal, spicy food, and why mustard deserves the top spot over ketchup. Explore Tony’s voiceover work: https://www.tonyjacksonvo.com/ Follow We’re Not Stumped for more conversations about limb loss, limb difference, disability, and living life on your own terms. Send Mike a Message! Support the show Want to be considered as a guest?  Fill out the form here: https://werenotstumped.com/podcast-guest-information/ Learn more about our host Mike Bolland: https://mikebolland.com/

    Tony Jackson on Voiceover, Power Soccer & Disability Inclusion

  4. 15 Oct

    10 Years After Cancer: An Arizona Cardinals Crucial Catch Moment

    Ten years after cancer surgery, Mike Bolland found himself on the field at an Arizona Cardinals game, representing all cancers during the NFL’s Crucial Catch recognition. In this personal episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike reflects on the journey from surgery and radiation to pursuing two goals: performing stand-up comedy and bowling on tour one more time. Those decisions helped lead to motivational speaking, a return to competition on the PBA60 Tour, and his message, “Take the Shot Anyway.” Mike also honors the podcast guests who have shared their own cancer journeys, including those who experienced limb loss, and the people whose support helped him through treatment and recovery. A conversation about gratitude, life after cancer, and giving yourself a chance to pursue something that matters to you. We’re Not Stumped shares stories from the limb loss, limb difference, and broader disability communities. Follow the podcast for more honest conversations about adapting, finding connection, and living life on your own terms. #AZCardinals #BirdGang #RedSea #CrucialCatch #CancerSurvivor #WereNotStumped Send Mike a Message! Support the show Want to be considered as a guest?  Fill out the form here: https://werenotstumped.com/podcast-guest-information/ Learn more about our host Mike Bolland: https://mikebolland.com/

    10 Years After Cancer: An Arizona Cardinals Crucial Catch Moment

  5. 13 Oct

    Travel & EmpowerFest with Neomi Flores | We’re Not Stumped

    Neomi Flores joins Mike Bolland on We’re Not Stumped for a conversation about traveling and EmpowerFest.  Recorded in person, this episode brings you a conversation about experiences on the road and the connections made through events like EmpowerFest.  We’re Not Stumped shares stories and conversations from the limb loss, limb difference, and broader disability communities.  💬 Have you attended EmpowerFest? What’s your favorite travel experience? Share in the comments! Subscribe for more conversations about disability, community, and living life on your own terms. #WereNotStumped  #EmpowerFest #NeomiFlores #Travel #DisabilityCommunity  Send Mike a Message! Support the show Want to be considered as a guest?  Fill out the form here: https://werenotstumped.com/podcast-guest-information/ Learn more about our host Mike Bolland: https://mikebolland.com/

    Travel & EmpowerFest with Neomi Flores | We’re Not Stumped

  6. 9 Oct

    Every Story Has a Place: The ACNC27 Story Slam

    Everyone has a story worth sharing—and at the 2027 Amputee Coalition National Conference, those stories will take center stage. “Story Slam: Where Every Story Finds Its Light” brings the community together for an evening of laughter, connection, and five-minute stories. Twenty storytellers will be selected at random to share a moment from their lives. There’s no competition, no judging, and no expectation that a story must be inspirational or about limb loss or limb difference. In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland introduces the event and shares what attendees can look forward to. It’s an honor for Mike to serve as host and help create a welcoming space for the community’s voices. Join us Monday, March 15, 2027, from 7:30–10:00 p.m. on the ACNC27 Mainstage in Las Vegas. Whether you take the microphone or take a seat, you’re part of the evening. Conference details: https://web.cvent.com/event/43e093d5-4c8b-4f03-9f56-77bee9d6fe1c/websitePage:cf593ef0-d788-4686-9cf4-bde9435cf572 Story Slam: https://web.cvent.com/event/43e093d5-4c8b-4f03-9f56-77bee9d6fe1c/websitePage:339e2354-d981-4fe5-a5f7-69d1ab10eefc #AmputeeCoalition Send Mike a Message! Support the show Want to be considered as a guest?  Fill out the form here: https://werenotstumped.com/podcast-guest-information/ Learn more about our host Mike Bolland: https://mikebolland.com/

    Every Story Has a Place: The ACNC27 Story Slam

  7. 6 Oct

    Community, Connection & Advocacy with Amputee Coalition CEO Dr. Carmen Elliott

    Dr. Carmen Elliott, the new President and CEO of the Amputee Coalition, joins Mike Bolland for a conversation about community, advocacy, and helping people with limb loss and limb difference find the support they need. Carmen shares how her family’s experiences with healthcare access and limb loss shaped her commitment to this work. Together, they explore the value of peer support, access to prosthetics, and including families and caregivers in the conversation. They also discuss support groups, certified peer visitors, AC Connect, and the upcoming “Fireside Connections” conference—including Mike’s role hosting the Story Slam. Throughout the conversation, Carmen emphasizes getting to know the whole person: their interests, relationships, goals, and the stories that extend beyond limb loss. Learn more about the Amputee Coalition: https://amputee-coalition.org Connect with Mike Bolland: https://mikebolland.com Send Mike a Message! Support the show Want to be considered as a guest?  Fill out the form here: https://werenotstumped.com/podcast-guest-information/ Learn more about our host Mike Bolland: https://mikebolland.com/

    Community, Connection & Advocacy with Amputee Coalition CEO Dr. Carmen Elliott

  8. 29 Sept

    Losing Vision, Finding Purpose with Jennifer Frederick

    How do you move forward when vision loss changes your career, independence, and plans for the future? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland speaks with Jennifer Frederick about living with permanent vision loss and learning to advocate for herself along the way. Jennifer explains how changes in her vision eventually forced her to leave a career in crisis management. She also discusses the challenges she now faces while looking for work, including interview practices that have left her questioning whether she is being treated fairly as a person with a disability. The conversation explores Jenn’s decision not to undergo surgery for her detached retinas, the importance of seeking medical attention when your vision changes, and the need to take ownership of your healthcare. Jenn also shares how she connects others with vision-loss resources, why peer support matters, and her interest in possibly starting a podcast of her own. Most importantly, Jennifer offers an honest perspective on pride, independence, and recognizing when it is time to ask for help. Send Mike a Message! Support the show Want to be considered as a guest?  Fill out the form here: https://werenotstumped.com/podcast-guest-information/ Learn more about our host Mike Bolland: https://mikebolland.com/

    Losing Vision, Finding Purpose with Jennifer Frederick
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About

We're Not Stumped is a motivational podcast featuring survival stories, recovery journeys, disability stories, amputee stories, and inspiring conversations about overcoming adversity. Not by limb loss. Not by fear. Not by anything life throws our way. Hosted by Mike Bolland—a one-handed cancer survivor and the first person with limb loss to compete on the PBA Tour—We're Not Stumped explores what it truly means to overcome adversity, adapt to life's challenges, and rebuild with purpose. Launched in 2022, the podcast was created to give a voice to people navigating amputation, limb loss, disability, and other life-changing challenges. Each episode features powerful conversations with amputees, caregivers, medical professionals, advocates, athletes, and inspiring individuals who share practical insights on adaptive living, prosthetics, disability advocacy, inclusive employment, mental resilience, and finding purpose after adversity. These are more than interviews—they are real survival stories and recovery journeys that offer hope, perspective, practical encouragement, and proof that life's greatest setbacks can become new beginnings. Beyond the podcast, Mike is also a keynote speaker and stand-up comedian, using humor, authenticity, and real-life experience to connect with audiences while challenging perceptions about disability and resilience. Whether you're looking for a motivational podcast, survival stories, disability stories, amputee stories, recovery journeys, or inspiring stories of resilience, We're Not Stumped delivers honest conversations that educate, encourage, and remind us that we're capable of more than we think. Join a growing community built on resilience, connection, and the belief that no one has to face life's challenges alone.

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