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
Starfish Surgery & VR Breakthroughs: New Hope for Upper Limb Loss Patients with Dr. Glenn Gaston
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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 single patient encounter sparked his mission to improve outcomes for people with limb loss — leading to innovations like the Starfish Procedure, which restores individual finger control for partial hand amputees, and a newly FDA-cleared virtual reality therapy that significantly reduces phantom limb pain without opioids.
Together, they explore:
• How VR retrains the brain to ease phantom limb pain
• Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) and advanced prosthetic control
• Osseointegration and emerging sensory prosthetics
• Arms for All and expanding access to upper-limb prosthetic care
• Why collaborative amputee clinics are changing lives
• The upcoming Brecon International Conference in Charlotte
Dr. Gaston also opens up about his journey into amputee care, the future of upper-limb reconstruction, and why innovation matters just as much as compassion.
If you or someone you love is navigating limb loss, prosthetics, or chronic pain, this conversation offers powerful insight — and real hope.
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/
