We're Not Stumped - Centering on life stories of the Limb Loss / Amputee and Disabled Communities
Mike Bolland
186 episodes
6 days ago
In this compelling episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Scott Martin, bilateral hand amputee, soccer coach, and author of Play From Your Heart. Scott shares his life-changing experience after a devastating infection in 1993 led to the loss of both hands and parts of his feet, and the emotional journey that followed—including denial, depression, and rebuilding his sense of purpose. Scott discusses continuing to coach soccer, adapting with determination and creativity, and ...
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In this compelling episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Scott Martin, bilateral hand amputee, soccer coach, and author of Play From Your Heart. Scott shares his life-changing experience after a devastating infection in 1993 led to the loss of both hands and parts of his feet, and the emotional journey that followed—including denial, depression, and rebuilding his sense of purpose. Scott discusses continuing to coach soccer, adapting with determination and creativity, and ...
In this compelling episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Scott Martin, bilateral hand amputee, soccer coach, and author of Play From Your Heart. Scott shares his life-changing experience after a devastating infection in 1993 led to the loss of both hands and parts of his feet, and the emotional journey that followed—including denial, depression, and rebuilding his sense of purpose. Scott discusses continuing to coach soccer, adapting with determination and creativity, and ...
This special Christmas episode of We’re Not Stumped is a heartfelt reflection from host Mike Bolland on resilience, community, and gratitude during the holiday season. Instead of an interview, Mike takes a few minutes to acknowledge the realities many people in the limb loss and disability community face during the holidays — from accessibility challenges and family dynamics to grief, growth, and adapting to change — all with warmth and a touch of humor. Mike also shares what this podcast has...
In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Jason A. Jones—motivational speaker, author, and founder of Positive Pieces—for a powerful conversation about resilience, mindset, and growing up with a congenital hand difference. Mike and Jason share a unique connection: both were born with a difference in their right hand. Together, they explore the realities of childhood, school, friendships, sports, and the challenges of first impressions when living with a ...
In this compelling episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Steven Vine to share an honest conversation about survival, disability, and rebuilding life after a catastrophic medical event. After a sudden aneurysm in 2016, Steven spent six months in a coma and woke up blind, a right above-knee amputee, living with an ostomy, and managing chronic pain. Once a nationally ranked teenage track athlete and later a fine dining restaurant owner, Steven’s life was completely trans...
⭐ Topic #1: Are you thinking about starting your own podcast but not sure where to begin? So many people reach out asking how to get started. And while podcasting isn’t terribly difficult, those first few episodes can feel time-consuming and a bit overwhelming. Here’s an easier way to try it out: 👉 Come guest-host a solo episode of We’re Not Stumped and share your personal story. These are single-person episodes — no guests allowed — giving you the space to speak openl...
In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Belma Islamovic, a double above-elbow amputee, community advocate, and proud member of the Dallas Amputee Network. Mike and Belma first met at Empower Fest in Arizona, and today she shares her remarkable story of survival, resilience, and hope. Belma recounts: • Surviving a devastating explosion during the Bosnian War • Her long medical journey from Bosnia to Italy and ultimately to the United S...
In this eye-opening episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with civil rights advocate Marc Fishman, a disabled father from New York who has spent years fighting for basic ADA accommodations in family court. After surviving a traumatic brain injury and other life-altering injuries from a severe car accident, Marc found himself navigating a court system that repeatedly denied him essential supports like real-time transcription—despite clear protections under the Americans wit...
Welcome back to We’re Not Stumped! Today, I’m honored to sit down once again with Brooke Brown — an “ink weaver of life, faith, and fiction,” an honors graduate of ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, Ms. Wheelchair Arizona 2022, and founder of Brooke’s Butterfly Touch, a ministry that helps individuals discover the power and purpose of their own stories. Brooke is also the author of Rolling in Grace: Volume 1 — A Foundation of Faith and Imagination, now available in audio format. Havi...
In this must-hear episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland chats with Caitlin Conner about turning challenges into impact. Caitlin, founder of Be More Adaptive, explores her mission to create a global hub for disability resources. Caitlin shares her remarkable journey — from surviving a life-changing motorcycle accident while pregnant to becoming a Paralympic-level athlete, model, and advocate. She opens up about adapting to life as an amputee, the power of self-advocacy, and how sports hel...
When Drew Ann Long, a stay-at-home mom from Birmingham, Alabama, realized there were no shopping carts designed for her daughter Caroline — who has Rett syndrome and cannot walk or talk — she took matters into her own hands. With no design or manufacturing experience, Drew set out to create Caroline’s Cart, a life-changing adaptive shopping cart for individuals with disabilities. In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland talks with Drew Ann about her incredible journ...
In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Josh Green, an above-knee amputee, patient advocate, and founder of the Northeast Ohio Amputee Support Group. Josh lost his leg at just 4 years old and has since turned his life experiences into a mission to uplift and educate others in the limb loss community. Josh opens up about growing up with a prosthetic, how his parents’ positive outlook helped him build confidence, and how sports played a major ...
In this solo episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland — born without his right hand — shares a powerful message about why he feels dressing well matters for the limb loss and disability community. This isn’t about vanity — it’s about confidence, self-respect, and advocacy. Mike explains how personal style can change the way we feel about ourselves and the way others see us. From challenging stereotypes to promoting positive representation, dressing with pride is one way to say: “I belo...
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) affects millions worldwide — yet most people don’t recognize the warning signs until it’s too late. In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Emmy Award-winning journalist and Global PAD Association co-founder Kym McNicholas to explain what PAD is, how it causes poor circulation, and why early detection is critical in preventing amputation. Kym shares her inspiring journey from covering a medical story to becoming one of th...
In Part 1 of this special episode, host Mike Bolland sits down with Emmy Award–winning journalist and Global PAD Association founder Kym McNicholas for an impromptu, post-interview discussion that turned into an insightful recording. What started as a quick chat evolved into a powerful conversation about Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), early detection, and Kym’s mission to raise global awareness and prevent unnecessary amputations. Send Mike a Message! Support the show Want to ...
After a life-threatening illness led to multiple amputations, Karlene Martinez refused to give up. In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland talks with Karlene about her incredible path from septic shock and paralysis to recovery, faith, and advocacy. Karlene opens up about: 💪 Her battle with sepsis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and months of rehabilitation 🦿 Adjusting to life with prosthetics and finding the right fit ❤️ Overcoming anxiety and depre...
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland explores the power of the “I don’t give a crap” attitude — and how it can transform life after limb loss. Mike shares how letting go of judgment and embracing unapologetic confidence helps amputees find freedom, purpose, and joy. From learning to laugh at setbacks to defying expectations, this mindset is about living boldly — not bitterly. 💬 Topics covered: ✅ Why confidence matters more than comparison ✅ Turning self-doubt in...
What happens when life takes you in an unexpected direction? For William Person, it meant going from college track and field to becoming an Olympic bobsledder—despite once thinking the sport was “stupid.” In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Will to unpack his remarkable story of resilience, risk, and redemption: ✅ An Unexpected Start – How a Canadian team spotted him at ASU and tricked him into trying bobsledding—only for him to win a medal his firs...
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland speaks with Neomi Flores, who became an amputee at age 43 after a blood clot changed her life forever. Neomi shares her powerful journey, including: The frightening symptoms that led to her amputationFacing fear and uncertainty before surgeryA year in a wheelchair and the challenges of recoveryLearning to walk again with prostheticsDrawing strength from her faith, her children, and small victoriesThe meaning behind her tattoo: “Don’t jus...
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland highlights two powerful topics of resilience, and community. Topic 1 – A Call for Coaches ArizonAbility is launching a basketball clinic for adults with disabilities, and they’re looking for a passionate coach to lead the way. This isn’t just about basketball—it’s about confidence, teamwork, and creating a space where every player can thrive. Mike explains what this opportunity means for the community and how one coach can ma...
Host Mike Bolland sits down with Alexia Michitti—a public speaker, athlete, and entrepreneur born without a right hand. Together, they reflect on their shared experiences of limb difference and Alexia’s powerful journey of resilience, determination, and innovation. Alexia shares how she’s breaking barriers in sports and beyond—from representing the U.S. in the first Women’s Amputee Soccer World Cup, to filing a patent for adaptive clothing through her brand Em13race (https://em13race.com/), t...
We're Not Stumped - Centering on life stories of the Limb Loss / Amputee and Disabled Communities
In this compelling episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Scott Martin, bilateral hand amputee, soccer coach, and author of Play From Your Heart. Scott shares his life-changing experience after a devastating infection in 1993 led to the loss of both hands and parts of his feet, and the emotional journey that followed—including denial, depression, and rebuilding his sense of purpose. Scott discusses continuing to coach soccer, adapting with determination and creativity, and ...
