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

    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

  2. 5d ago

    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

  3. 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

  4. Oct 6

    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

  5. Sep 29

    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

  6. Sep 24

    EmpowerFest: Amputee Community, Adaptive Activities and Upper-Limb Support

    Mike Bolland and Kim Ousley reflect on their experiences at EmpowerFest, an event that brings together people with limb loss and limb difference for adaptive activities, education, encouragement, and community. Kim shares her experiences trying yoga and diamond painting, while Mike discusses the confidence participants gain from attempting activities in a supportive environment. They also explore the importance of connecting with peers who understand the realities—and humor—of living with limb loss. The conversation also covers the need for more activities designed for people with upper-limb loss and limb difference, the role prosthetists play during adaptive events, and how breakout sessions can help newer amputees open up and connect with others. Mike and Kim also discuss creative tools developed by amputees, including Mike’s homemade PVC dumbbell holder, and ideas for highlighting people who create their own adaptive solutions for exercise, hobbies, and everyday life. This episode of We’re Not Stumped celebrates the courage to try something new, learn from others, and become more involved in the limb-loss community. 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/

    EmpowerFest: Amputee Community, Adaptive Activities and Upper-Limb Support

  7. Sep 22

    Coach Cam: From Special Olympics Athlete to Inclusive Fitness Coach

    What happens when we stop deciding what someone is capable of—and give them the opportunity to lead? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland welcomes Nathan Kennedy of Upstream Fitness, Chris Kocurek, and Chris’s son, Cameron 'Coach Cam' Kocurek. Cameron, who has Down syndrome, began gymnastics as a child and later competed in Special Olympics and unified gymnastics. Today, he is using the confidence, communication skills, and discipline he developed as an athlete to help coach others at Upstream Fitness. Nathan explains how Upstream Fitness uses movement, games, coaching cards, and step-by-step instruction to make exercise more accessible for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Chris shares Cameron’s journey from athlete to assistant PE coach—and his continued progress toward meaningful employment and greater independence. In this conversation: • Cameron’s growth through gymnastics and adaptive sports • How Coach Cam connects with and leads fitness participants • Nathan’s journey from boxing and powerlifting to inclusive coaching • Making fitness accessible for people with autism and Down syndrome • Creating meaningful employment opportunities for adults with disabilities • Building confidence, strength, independence, and belonging • Upstream Fitness’s plans for coaching certifications and expansion This episode is a powerful reminder of what can happen when people with disabilities are given genuine opportunities to contribute, lead, and succeed. Learn more about Upstream Fitness: https://upstream-fitness.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/

    Coach Cam: From Special Olympics Athlete to Inclusive Fitness Coach

  8. Sep 15

    From 13 Surgeries to Inventing the X-Leg with Reid Robinson

    After losing control on an icy road in Calgary, Reid Robinson crashed into a tree and suffered devastating injuries to his lower leg. What followed were two and a half years of recovery, 13 surgeries, broken surgical hardware, bone infections, and a difficult decision between amputation and trying once more to save his leg. While recovering, Reid realized that none of the available mobility devices gave him the freedom he needed. So, despite having no welding experience, he taught himself by watching online videos and built his first leg brace from aluminum, crutches, and an IKEA cutting board. That garage-built prototype eventually became the X-Leg, a hands-free knee crutch designed to help people with lower-leg injuries stay active and independent during recovery. Reid joins Mike Bolland to talk about surviving the accident, undergoing a 16-hour surgery, overcoming opioid addiction, returning to running, and turning a deeply personal challenge into a medical device now being studied in the United States, Canada, and Chile. Learn more about the X-Leg at https://www.xleg.ca 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/

    From 13 Surgeries to Inventing the X-Leg with Reid Robinson
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Ratings & Reviews

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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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