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

Mike Bolland
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Self-Improvement
  • 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. 13h ago

    Life After Burns and Amputation: Adaptive Fitness with Kevon Martorell

    Burn survivor and amputee Kevon Martorell joins Mike Bolland to discuss life after amputation, adaptive fitness, and building community for people with disabilities. After surviving severe burns covering 80% of his body as a toddler and later undergoing a leg amputation, Kevon navigated bullying, medical complications, and barriers to playing sports. He shares how those experiences shaped his approach to self-advocacy and inspired Adapt and Triumph, his adaptive fitness and nutrition app. ( Webite: https://www.adaptntriumph.com/ ) In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike and Kevon explore the challenges of recovery, finding confidence through basketball, and creating resources that reflect different bodies and abilities. You’ll hear about: Growing up as a burn survivor with visible differencesNavigating limb loss and life after amputationBuilding confidence through basketball and adaptive sportsSpeaking up and advocating for your careDeveloping accessible fitness and nutrition resourcesFinding connection within the disability communityFollow We’re Not Stumped for honest conversations about limb loss, limb difference, disability, and the people creating change. 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/

    Life After Burns and Amputation: Adaptive Fitness with Kevon Martorell

  2. 1d ago

    250 Episodes: Nicole Marti Returns to Talk Limb Difference, Community & Taking Chances

    What can 250 conversations teach us about disability, connection, and belonging? Mike Bolland celebrates the 250th episode of We’re Not Stumped with the person who helped start it all—his first-ever guest, Nicole Marti. Now Event Support Manager at the Amputee Coalition, Nicole turns the questions on Mike as they reflect on four years of sharing stories about limb loss, limb difference, and the broader disability community. Mike discusses how the podcast has changed his perspective, why mental and emotional challenges deserve more attention, and what returning to competitive bowling after cancer taught him about taking the shot anyway. Nicole also previews the 2027 Amputee Coalition National Conference in Las Vegas, including a Story Slam hosted by Mike and plans for live podcast recordings. The episode opens with a tribute to former guests Dr. Eric Gabriel and Karlene Martinez, honoring their lives and the stories they shared. In this episode: • Remembering Dr. Eric Gabriel and Karlene Martinez • Welcoming back our first guest, Nicole Marti • Lessons from 250 episodes of honest conversations • Limb loss, limb difference, peer support, and belonging • Disability representation and “inspiration porn” • Competitive bowling and facing the fear of failure • Building connections through the Amputee Coalition Hear the stories of our remembered guests: Dr. Eric Gabriel: https://youtu.be/eOz9JGHyQYc Karlene Martinez: https://youtu.be/i1ILaBBAIB4 Thank you to every guest and listener who has helped us reach 250 episodes. Follow We’re Not Stumped for more conversations about living with limb loss, limb differences, and disabilities. Explore more episodes: https://werenotstumped.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/

    250 Episodes: Nicole Marti Returns to Talk Limb Difference, Community & Taking Chances

  3. Oct 27

    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

  4. Oct 23

    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

  5. Oct 20

    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

  6. Oct 15

    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

  7. Oct 13

    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

  8. Oct 9

    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
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

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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