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

Mike Bolland
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Semiweekly

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. 3d ago

    Service Dogs, Self-Advocacy & Life After Amputation with Stevia Walker

    What are you actually allowed to ask someone with a service dog? Do service dogs need paperwork? And what happens when businesses get the rules wrong? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland talks with upper-limb amputee Stevia Walker about service animals, disability, prosthetics, self-advocacy, and life after limb loss. Stevia shares an encounter at a hotel where employees demanded documentation for her service dog and incorrectly assumed the dog was an emotional support animal. She discusses what people and businesses should understand about service animals and why these interactions matter. Stevia also shares the remarkable journey that brought her into the limb loss community. After developing severe Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) following a 2021 car accident and subsequent surgeries, she ultimately chose to have her hand amputated in December 2023. She talks about fighting to be heard by doctors, adapting after amputation, trying different prosthetic technologies, and participating in a clinical trial at UT Southwestern. Stevia also explains why there is no single prosthetic solution that works for every amputee—and how learning to advocate for herself has shaped her journey. Organizations discussed: Hands of Gratitude Dallas Amputee Network 🎙️ We’re Not Stumped shares conversations about limb loss, limb difference, disability, advocacy, adaptive living, and the people who refuse to let circumstances define what’s possible. Subscribe to We’re Not Stumped for more conversations from the limb loss and disability communities. 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/

    Service Dogs, Self-Advocacy & Life After Amputation with Stevia Walker

  2. Aug 11

    What does it take to overcome a challenge you've faced since birth?

    What does it take to overcome a challenge you've faced since birth? In this episode of We're Not Stumped, Mike Bolland welcomes Nathan Winston, who was born with Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency (PFFD), a rare limb difference that led to the amputation of his left leg at the age of four. Nathan shares his incredible journey from adapting to life with a prosthetic to excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. His determination eventually carried him to the Little League World Series and into the ranks of professional baseball. Along the way, Nathan reflects on the challenges he faced, the resilience he developed, and the mindset that helped him keep moving forward—even when the path wasn't easy. In this episode, you'll hear about:  Growing up with PFFD and limb loss  Competing in multiple sports with a prosthetic  Overcoming obstacles on and off the field  The lessons that shaped his "Next Level Mindset"  Why confidence is built by doing uncomfortable things  His mission to inspire others through his story Nathan's journey is a powerful reminder that our limitations don't define us—our mindset does. Whether you're facing adversity, pursuing a dream, or looking for encouragement to take the next step, this conversation will inspire you to keep going. Join us for another episode of We're Not Stumped, where resilience, determination, and the human spirit take center stage. 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/

    What does it take to overcome a challenge you've faced since birth?

  3. Aug 6

    Behind the Scenes of We're Not Stumped: How I Built a Podcast from Scratch

    In this solo episode of We're Not Stumped, I take you behind the scenes of the podcast and share what it really takes to create a show from the ground up. After producing more than 200 episodes featuring inspiring guests from the limb loss, disability, healthcare, and advocacy communities, I've learned a lot—both about podcasting and about telling meaningful stories. In this episode, I discuss:  Why I started We're Not Stumped How I find guests  My recording equipment and production workflow  The editing process behind each episode  Mistakes I made and what I'd do differently if I were starting today  Practical advice for anyone thinking about launching their own podcast Whether you're an aspiring podcaster, a content creator, or simply curious about what happens behind the microphone, this episode offers an honest look at the work, challenges, and rewards of producing a podcast. If you've ever thought about starting your own show, this conversation may be the encouragement you need to take the first step. 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/

    Behind the Scenes of We're Not Stumped: How I Built a Podcast from Scratch

  4. Aug 4

    Janne Kouri: Turning Paralysis into Purpose Through NextStep Rehabilitation

    What happens when a life-changing injury becomes the catalyst for changing thousands of lives? In this episode of We're Not Stumped, Mike Bolland welcomes entrepreneur and NextStep founder Janne Kouri. After a spinal cord injury left him paralyzed in 2006, Janne discovered activity-based rehabilitation that transformed his recovery—and inspired him to create a nonprofit dedicated to helping others access the same life-changing therapy. Janne shares his journey from entrepreneur to advocate, the challenges of making advanced rehabilitation more accessible, his remarkable 3,100-mile power wheelchair journey from California to Washington, D.C., and how he balances leading NextStep while building Loncaro Finnish Long Drink, one of the fastest-growing ready-to-drink beverage brands in the U.S. Learn more about NextStep: https://www.nextstepfitness.org Learn more about Loncaro Finnish Long Drink: https://loncaro.com/ Whether you're living with paralysis, supporting someone on their recovery journey, or simply looking for an inspiring story of resilience, purpose, and innovation, this conversation is packed with hope and practical insights. 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/

    Janne Kouri: Turning Paralysis into Purpose Through NextStep Rehabilitation

  5. Jul 30

    Hope, Mobility, and Giving Back | Amputee Aid & A Leg Forever

    Access to the resources, support, and equipment needed after limb loss can change a person's life—but for many, those essentials remain out of reach. In this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland spotlights Amputee Aid and A Leg Forever, two organizations dedicated to helping people with limb loss reclaim independence, confidence, and hope. While each organization has its own unique mission, both are committed to removing barriers by providing financial assistance, equipment, peer support, and other critical resources that help individuals move forward after amputation. Mike discusses why a supportive community can make all the difference during recovery and beyond. As an added bonus, he thanks Amplitude for the story the posted about him: https://livingwithamplitude.com/take-the-shot-amputee-bowler-returns-to-pba/ Whether you're living with limb loss, supporting someone who is, or simply looking for stories of compassion, advocacy, and resilience, this episode highlights how generosity and community can create lasting change. Learn more about:  Amputee Aid (https://amputee-aid.com/) A Leg Forever (https://www.alegforever.com/) Financial assistance and support after limb loss Peer support and community connections Building independence and confidence after amputationJoin us for another inspiring episode of We're Not Stumped, where we celebrate resilience, amplify voices from the disability community, and remind listeners that no obstacle has the final word. 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/

    Hope, Mobility, and Giving Back | Amputee Aid & A Leg Forever

  6. Jul 28

    Why Confidence Matters More Than the Prosthetic | John Lottes, DPT

    What does it really take to learn to walk again after an amputation? In this episode of We're Not Stumped, Mike Bolland welcomes physical therapist John Lottes, DPT, Clinical Supervisor at First Step Physical Therapy and an adjunct professor who specializes in prosthetic rehabilitation. John shares how an unexpected career path led him to working with individuals with limb loss and explains why the biggest hurdle in recovery often isn't physical—it's confidence. Together, Mike and John discuss the importance of celebrating small victories, building trust with your rehabilitation team, and developing the mindset needed to regain independence. They also explore: Why confidence is the foundation of successful rehabilitationThe small wins that lead to life-changing progressCommon frustrations people experience after amputationHow physical therapists, prosthetists, physicians, and caregivers work togetherThe patient story that shaped John's careerWhy human connection will always matter, even as AI transforms healthcareWhether you're living with limb loss, supporting a loved one, or working in rehabilitation, this episode offers practical advice, encouragement, and a reminder that recovery is about far more than learning to use a prosthesis. About Our Guest John Lottes, DPT, is a Clinical Supervisor at First Step Physical Therapy on Long Island and an adjunct professor who helps educate the next generation of physical therapists. He specializes in lower-limb prosthetic rehabilitation and is passionate about helping people regain confidence, mobility, and independence after limb loss. 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/

    Why Confidence Matters More Than the Prosthetic | John Lottes, DPT

  7. Jul 27

    Thank You, LN-4 Hand Project, for Listening

    Sometimes, the biggest changes don't happen in a lab—they happen with a few carefully chosen words. In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, I want to personally thank the LN-4 Hand Project (https://ln4handproject.org/) for updating its mission statement to better reflect the entire upper limb limb loss community. For many years, organizations have understandably focused on a specific group of individuals. But recognizing and including everyone living with upper limb loss and limb difference sends a powerful message: you belong, your story matters, and you are seen. As someone born without a right hand, this change means a great deal to me personally, and I believe it represents an important step toward greater inclusion across our community. Thank you to the LN-4 Hand Project for listening, evolving, and continuing to make a positive impact. If this message resonates with you, please like, subscribe, and share this episode to help spread the word. #UpperLimb #LimbLoss #LimbDifference #DisabilityInclusion #WereNotStumped #Prosthetics #AdaptiveLiving #Accessibility #DisabilityCommunity #Inclusion 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/

    Thank You, LN-4 Hand Project, for Listening

  8. Jul 23

    My NCIL Conference Takeaways

    What happens when disability advocates from across the country come together to shape the future of independent living and accessibility? In this solo episode of We're Not Stumped, I share my personal reflections after attending the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., where I represented Ability360 as a member of its Board of Directors.  Learn More: https://ncil.org/  From celebrating ADA36: We Won't Go Back to hearing powerful stories from advocates, policymakers, and leaders in the disability community, the conference reinforced why protecting and advancing disability rights remains so important. In this episode, I discuss:  My biggest takeaways from the conference  Why the Independent Living movement continues to make a difference  The importance of advocacy at the local and national levels  Ideas and inspiration I'm bringing back to Arizona  How each of us can help build a more accessible and inclusive future Whether you're a person with a disability, a family member, an advocate, or simply interested in creating more inclusive communities, I hope these reflections encourage you to stay engaged and continue moving the conversation forward. Thanks for listening to We're Not Stumped. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who believes everyone deserves the opportunity to live independently. 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/

    My NCIL Conference Takeaways
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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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