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
224 episodes
What if the biggest barrier to travel isn't your disability—but the uncertainty?
In this episode of We're Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Karen Morales, a wheelchair user and leader of Fora Travel's Accessibility Initiative, to discuss how the travel industry can become more inclusive for everyone.A...
Take the Shot Anyway: You Don't Need the Perfect Hand
What if success isn't measured by where you finish—but by having the courage to start?After more than 35 years away from professional bowling, I returned to compete in the PBA60 World Series of Bowling at age 61. I knew the odds weren't ...
How Denny Burke Turned Adversity into Advocacy
What happens when people underestimate your potential your entire life—and you refuse to let them define your future?On this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland sits down with Denny Burke, a...
From Paralysis to Purpose: Dr. Kirsten Ludwig's Journey as a Walking Quadriplegic
What happens when a life-changing accident forces you to redefine what's possible?On this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland sits down with Dr. Kirsten Ludwig—a biomedical researcher, educa...
Living With Hearing Loss: Janelle Parker on Advocacy, Technology, and Communication
What is it really like to live with hearing loss? .In this episode of the We're Not Stumped Podcast, Mike Bolland sits down with Janelle Parker, founder of TAMCO Learning, to discuss her lifelong journey with hearing loss and the lessons...
Rose Booth Returns: From 14 Surgeries to "Rosie and Her Robot Leg"
Three years after her first appearance on We're Not Stumped, Rose Booth returns to the podcast to share an extraordinary journey of resilience, faith, and new beginnings.After enduring 14 surgeries, multiple episodes of sepsis, ...
Answering My Most Frequently Asked Questions
Over the years, I've been asked a lot of questions—some serious, some funny, and some I've heard more times than I can count.In this solo episode of the We're Not Stumped Podcast, I'm answering five of the questions I get asked ...
Best Kept Secrets for Travelers With Sight Loss | Lynn Jensen
What happens when you lose your sight at just 27 years old? In this episode of the We're Not Stumped Podcast, Mike Bolland welcomes Lynn Jensen, author of Best Kept Secrets for Travelers With Sight Loss, to share her remarkabl...
What the TV Stories Didn't Show | The Real Reason Behind My PBA Comeback
Over the past few weeks, I was fortunate to be featured by ABC15 and Arizona's Family as I prepare for my return to PBA competition after more than 30 years away from the sport.The television stories were fantastic, but as anyone who has...
Rachel Kubicki: How the Hanger Foundation Empowers People to Live Without Limits
Rachel Kubicki, Executive Director of the Hanger Foundation, joins Mike Bolland to discuss the organization's mission of empowering people with physical challenges to live life as fully as possible.With more than 20 years of nonprofit le...
Things I Didn’t Expect About Returning to Bowling After 30 Years
After more than 30 years away from competitive bowling, I’m discovering that some things have changed—and some things haven’t.In this solo episode of We’re Not Stumped, I share three things that surprised me as I prepare for my ...
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From Vision Loss to Inspiration | Helen Keller Achievement Award Recipient Kathy Nimmer
From Vision Loss to Inspiration | Helen Keller Achievement Award Recipient Kathy NimmerWhat happens when you begin losing your vision as a child—and refuse to let it define your future?In this inspiring episode of We're...
Whitney Lavender: From CRPS to Miss Wheelchair Tennessee 2026
Host Mike Bolland welcomes Whitney Lavender — Miss Wheelchair Tennessee 2026, author, advocate, and host of the Wits Grit podcast — for an inspiring conversation about resilience, purpose, and overcoming unimaginable challenges....
The Top 3 Questions About My Bowling Comeback
Ever since announcing his return to competitive bowling, Mike Bolland has been getting one question after another from friends, bowlers, podcast listeners, and people discovering his story for the first time.In this episode of We’re ...
My Bowling Comeback! | The First Person With Limb Loss on the PBA Returns
What happens when you step back into something you once loved… years later?In this episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, Mike Bolland shares the story behind his bowling comeback — from being the first person with limb loss ...
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...
