We're Not Stumped - Centering on life stories of the Limb Loss / Amputee and Disabled Communities
We’re not stumped.
Not by limb loss. Not by fear. Not by anything life throws our way.
We’re Not Stumped is more than just a podcast—it's a platform dedicated to celebrating resilience, inclusion, and the indomitable human spirit. Hosted by Mike Bolland, a one-handed cancer survivor and the first person with limb loss to compete on the PBA tour, the podcast delves into the real-life stories of individuals who have turned adversity into strength.
Launched in 2022 after Mike retired from a successful career at Discount Tire, the podcast was born out of his desire to give back to the amputee community. Alongside starting the Joe & Marie Bolland’s Helping Hands nonprofit—which aims to help amputees obtain the prosthetics they need to live a full life—Mike created We’re Not Stumped to share the journeys of those who, like him, have faced challenges head-on.
Each episode features candid conversations with amputees, family members, medical professionals, and advocates, shedding light on topics like adaptive living, inclusive employment practices, and the latest in prosthetic technology. With authenticity, compassion, and a touch of humor, Mike ensures that no question is off-limits, fostering an environment where guests can share their experiences openly.
Beyond the podcast, Mike has embraced stand-up comedy, performing across Arizona and the Southwest, using humor as a tool to connect and inspire. His multifaceted approach to advocacy underscores a central message: challenges don't define us—our responses do.
Join us as we amplify voices, break down stigmas, and build a community where no one feels like they're going it alone. Because here’s the truth:
We're Not Stumped - Centering on life stories of the Limb Loss / Amputee and Disabled Communities
Turning Cancer Into Purpose: Risa August’s Advocacy & Resilience Journey
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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 uplifting conversation.
Risa shares how her diagnosis and cancer treatments reshaped her identity, challenged her physically and emotionally, and ultimately inspired her to create a life of meaning and service. From enduring radiation and its long-term effects to cycling nearly 1,900 miles from Canada to Mexico, Risa’s journey is one of courage, mindset, and transformation.
Together, Mike and Risa explore:
• How to rebuild confidence and purpose after life-changing health challenges
• The power of small victories and shifting your mindset toward possibility
• Risa’s work as a Gestalt coach and advocate for stronger doctor-patient relationships
• The impact of her book and TEDx talk, “How a Single Word Can Rebuild Your Life”
• Risa’s upcoming feature film adaptation of her memoir, set for production in 2027
This episode is about more than surviving cancer — it’s about thriving, empowering others, and discovering what you’re capable of when you refuse to give up.
Subscribe for more stories that uplift the disability and limb-loss community and celebrate the human spirit.
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/
