We’re Not Stumped | Motivational Podcast Featuring Survival Stories, Recovery Journeys & Disability Stories
We’re not stumped.
Not by limb loss. Not by fear. Not by anything life throws our way.
We’re Not Stumped is a motivational podcast sharing survival stories, recovery journeys, and real-life success stories from the limb loss and disability community. Hosted by Mike Bolland—a one-handed cancer survivor and the first person with limb loss to compete on the PBA Tour—this podcast highlights what it truly means to overcome adversity and rebuild with purpose.
Launched in 2022, the show was created to give a voice to individuals navigating limb loss, disability, and life-changing challenges. Each episode features powerful conversations with amputees, caregivers, medical professionals, and advocates—offering insight into adaptive living, prosthetic innovation, inclusive employment, and mental resilience.
These are more than just stories—they are recovery stories and survival stories that provide hope, perspective, and practical encouragement for anyone facing adversity.
Beyond the podcast, Mike is also a speaker and stand-up comedian, using humor and real-life experience to connect with audiences and challenge perceptions around disability.
If you’re searching for a motivational podcast, survival stories podcast, or recovery story podcast, We’re Not Stumped delivers honest, inspiring conversations from people who have faced life head-on—and refused to be defined by it.
Join a growing community built on resilience, connection, and the belief that no one has to go through this alone.
Episodes
209 episodes
Redefining Life After Limb Loss with Travis Sanders | Barber, Author & Amputee
What happens when life changes in an instant—and you have to decide whether it defines you… or whether you redefine it?In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Travis Sanders — master barber, entrep...
Writing Limb Loss with Respect | Author Jim Roberts on Representation & Storytelling
What does it mean to tell a story about limb loss… when you haven’t lived it yourself?In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland—born without a right hand—sits down with author Jim Roberts to explore the decision to...
Melinda Preciado: From ER Professional to Disability Advocate After Limb Loss
What happens when your life changes overnight—and you have to rebuild from the ground up?In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland talks with Melinda Preciado, a former ER professional turned disability ad...
Amputee Story After Cancer: Kim Ousley on Limb Loss, Recovery & Advocacy
What happens after an amputee faces cancer and must rebuild life from scratch?In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Kim Ousley to share her powerful amputee story—from a synovial sarcoma diagnosis to ...
Limb Preservation Foundation: Support, Recovery & the Power of Community with Laurie Gillman
What kind of support truly makes a difference during limb loss or limb preservation?In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Laurie Gillman from the Limb Preservation Foundation to explore the programs h...
Big Changes at the Amputee Coalition | New CEO & Board Members
What do these leadership changes at the Amputee Coalition mean for the limb loss community? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland breaks down the latest updates, including the appointment of Dr. Carmen Elliott as Preside...
Dating & Relationships After Limb Loss with Neomi Flores
What does dating look like after limb loss?In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Neomi Flores to talk about relationships, confidence, and navigating the dating world as an amputee....
2 Missions. 1 Purpose. + How You Can Make an Impact
What does real support look like in the limb loss community?In this solo episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland shares the missions behind Joe & Marie’s Helping Hands and Enable Review—a platform where amputees share rea...
Surviving COVID, Losing Her Legs, Finding Purpose | Brianna Heitzman’s Story
What happens when you survive COVID… but wake up to a completely different life?In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Brianna Heitzman, a certified employment specialist with Down Syndro...
When You’re the “Limb Loss Friend” Everyone Texts
What happens when a limb loss story hits the news—and suddenly everyone you know is texting you about it?If you’re part of the limb loss community, you know exactly what that feels like.In this solo episode of We’re Not Stumpe...
Support Arizona Heat Power Soccer | Stacy & Courtney Walker’s Nationals Journey
Stacy and Courtney Walker aren’t just teammates—they’re the only known mother-daughter duo in wheelchair power soccer… and they represent Arizona Heat Power Soccer. Now, they—and their team—are working toward competing at Power Soccer Nat...
From Limb Loss to Leadership: Marc Burkom on Sports, Coaching & Amputee Athletes
What does it take to turn a life challenge into a lifelong passion for sports and coaching?On this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland talks with Marc Burkom, a double below-knee amputee born with fibular hemimelia w...
Scott Martin Returns: Soccer Coach and Author of Play From Your Heart
Scott Martin returns to the We’re Not Stumped Podcast for a powerful follow-up conversation with host Mike Bolland.Scott shares the story of the life-threatening illness he survived in 1993 that resulted in the amputation of his...
From Muscular Dystrophy to Robotics Founder: Building the Future of Assistive Technology
What if the future of assistive technology is being built by the very people who need it most?In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Owen, an entrepreneur living with muscular dystrophy who turned his ...
Choosing Amputation at 22: Lindsay’s Journey of Resilience, Faith & Recovery
In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike sits down with Lindsay to share her courageous decision to choose amputation at age 22 — and the emotional and physical challenges that followed.Lindsay opens up about navigati...
Starfish Surgery & VR Breakthroughs: New Hope for Upper Limb Loss Patients with Dr. Glenn Gaston
On this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Dr. Glenn Gaston, an orthopedic hand and upper-extremity surgeon who’s helping redefine what’s possible in amputee care.Dr. Gaston shares how a singl...
From AMC to the Paralympics: Lera Doederlein’s Double AKA Journey, Prosthetics, and Sled Hockey
Lera Doederlein joins Mike Bolland on We’re Not Stumped to share a powerful story of choosing possibility.Born with AMC (arthrogryposis multiplex congenita), Lera grew up in Phoenix using braces and forearm crutches while naviga...
From Setbacks to Strength: Supporting Amputees Through Physical Therapy & Collaboration
In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike talks with John Cooper, a physical therapist assistant with 18 years of experience, about his journey into physical therapy and his passion for working with lower-limb amputees.<...
Enable Review Launch: A Community-Powered Platform for Prosthetic & Rehab Care
In this special episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland shares the story behind Enable Review — a new community-powered platform created to help people with limb loss, limb difference, and caregivers find prosthetic, orthotic...
Turning Cancer Into Purpose: Risa August’s Advocacy & Resilience Journey
In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Risa August — cancer survivor, author of The Road Unpaved, TEDx speaker, and patient advocate — for a deeply honest and upli...
Four Truths and a Lie: Terry Tucker on Mental Toughness, Purpose, and True Success
In this powerful and reflective episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Terry Tucker, author of Four Truths and a Lie, for a deep conversation about mindset, mental toughness, and what it truly means to l...
Preventable Amputations: How Early Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Care Can Save Limbs – with Dr. Kevin Lie
In this eye-opening episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland speaks with Dr. Kevin Lie, a vascular and interventional radiologist at Georgia Endovascular, about why so many amputations don’t have to happen.<...
Tom Lenoble — Facebook Leadership, Surviving Cancer, and Finding Strength in “Terrible Gifts”
Tom Lenoble’s story is one of remarkable leadership, resilience, and reinvention. In this episode, Tom shares his extraordinary career journey leading customer operations at companies like MCI, Walmart.com, and Palm — and how he helped build Fa...
Scott Martin: Life After Losing Both Hands, Soccer, Resilience, and Play From Your Heart
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 deva...
Merry Christmas from We’re Not Stumped: A Message of Hope, Resilience, and Community
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 acknowle...
