What’s it like to grow up with a limb difference compared to losing a limb later in life? Host Mike Bolland—who was born without his right hand—dives into these two distinct paths, highlighting how they shape identity, resilience, and daily life.

Through personal insights and stories from guests like Stevia Walker, who became an amputee in 2023, Mike explores how both congenital and acquired limb loss present unique challenges—and unexpected common ground.

Whether you’re living with a limb difference, adjusting after an amputation, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers real talk, encouragement, and connection.

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Want to be considered as a guest? Fill out the form here: https://werenotstumped.com/contact-amputee-podcast/

Learn more about our host Mike Bolland: https://mikebolland.com/

In this heartfelt episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes actress, model, and disability advocate Jessica Frew. Born with cerebral palsy and using an eye gaze machine to communicate, Jess opens up about the emotional journey of finding her voice—from early hesitations and a painful regret about her late father to becoming a powerful force for disability awareness.

She and Mike discuss the challenges of being nonverbal in a world that often underestimates her, her experiences on the Runway of Dreams, and her mission to bring authentic disability representation to fashion and entertainment. Jess also introduces her book The Disabled, or the Nonverbal Princess and shares details about her upcoming love story and a TV pilot featuring an inter-abled couple.

Tune in for a moving conversation about identity, inclusion, and using your voice—however it sounds—to create change.

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Want to be considered as a guest? Fill out the form here: https://werenotstumped.com/contact-amputee-podcast/

Learn more about our host Mike Bolland: https://mikebolland.com/

After a devastating motorcycle accident changed his life forever, Kijuan Amey could have stayed stuck in the question, “Why me?” Instead, he chose a path of healing, faith, and unshakable resilience. In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Kijuan shares the raw truth of his journey—from the trauma of blindness to the triumph of reclaiming purpose. Whether you’re facing your own setback or simply need a dose of inspiration, Kijuan’s story is a reminder that miracles are possible when you keep moving forward.

https://ameymotivation.com/

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Support the show

Want to be considered as a guest? Fill out the form here: https://werenotstumped.com/contact-amputee-podcast/

Learn more about our host Mike Bolland: https://mikebolland.com/

In this episode, host Mike Bolland delves into the extraordinary journey of Carter Henning, a freshman at Calamus-Wheatland High School in Iowa. Just two months after a devastating snowmobile accident led to the amputation of his left leg, Carter not only returned to the golf course but also ascended to the top spot on his varsity team. His unwavering determination and love for the game have made him a beacon of resilience and inspiration to his teammates and the broader community.

Mike also sheds light on the invaluable work of the Dallas Amputee Network (DAN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting, mentoring, and guiding amputees, their families, and caregivers in North Texas. Founded in 2002 by Ellen Winchell, who transformed her personal tragedy into a mission of hope, DAN offers resources like the Certified Peer Visitor program and monthly support meetings to promote independence and well-being among amputees.

Tune in to discover how Carter's story and organizations like DAN exemplify the incredible strength of the human spirit and the profound impact of community support.

Support the Show: If you're moved by these stories and wish to support the We're Not Stumped podcast, visit our website at werenotstumped.com. Your contributions help us continue to share powerful narratives that inspire and uplift. https://werenotstumped.com/support-limb-loss-podcast/

#AmputeeAwareness #AdaptiveSports #InspiringStories #DisabilityInclusion #AmputeeStrong #GolfLife #YouthAthlete #Resilience #DallasAmputeeNetwork #WeAreNotStumped #MikeBolland #LegAmputation #ComebackStory #SupportMatters #OvercomingObstacles #DisabilitySupport #AmputeeGolf #MentalToughness #DisabledAndProud

Send Mike a Message!

Support the show

Want to be considered as a guest? Fill out the form here: https://werenotstumped.com/contact-amputee-podcast/

Learn more about our host Mike Bolland: https://mikebolland.com/

In this episode, we sit down with Vanessa Abraham, a certified Speech-Language Pathologist whose life took an unexpected turn when she became the patient. After a sudden illness left her paralyzed and unable to speak, Vanessa faced the daunting task of reclaiming her voice and identity.​

Vanessa shares her harrowing experience of battling Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), the emotional toll of being unable to communicate, and her path to recovery. Her story is not just one of survival but of transformation, leading her to become an advocate for ICU survivors and author of the memoir Speechless: How a Speech Therapist Lost Her Ability to Speak and Her Silent Struggle to Reclaim Her Voice and Life.​

• In this episode, we discuss:
• The sudden onset of her illness and ICU experience​
• The psychological impact of PICS​
• Her journey from patient back to practitioner​ Insights from her memoir, Speechless​
• Her mission to educate others about the unseen challenges ICU survivors face​

Vanessa’s resilience and dedication to helping others navigate similar challenges are truly inspiring. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a survivor, or someone interested in stories of human strength, this episode offers valuable insights.​

🔗 Learn more about Vanessa's work: Aneu Healing - https://aneuhealing.com/

📘 Check out her memoir: Speechless on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Speechless-Therapist-Ability-Struggle-Reclaim/dp/B0DS96R6XT

Send Mike a Message!

Support the show

Want to be considered as a guest? Fill out the form here: https://werenotstumped.com/contact-amputee-podcast/

Learn more about our host Mike Bolland: https://mikebolland.com/

In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, we spotlight adaptive athlete Tracy LaMarche as she takes on the Ride to End ALZ South Carolina—a three-day cycling journey across the state with deep personal meaning. After losing her leg, Tracy found freedom and strength through cycling. Now, she rides to honor her late mother-in-law, who battled dementia, and to support vital Alzheimer’s research. Riding alongside her husband Blair, Tracy embodies resilience and hope, pedaling toward a future where no family has to face this disease alone.

Donate:

https://act.alz.org/site/TR;jsessionid=00000000.app20117b?px=25302511&fr_id=18334&pg=personal

Send Mike a Message!

Support the show

Want to be considered as a guest? Fill out the form here: https://werenotstumped.com/contact-amputee-podcast/

Learn more about our host Mike Bolland: https://mikebolland.com/

In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Kelvin Crosby , a remarkable individual whose journey from hearing loss and blindness to becoming an inventor, artist, and advocate will leave you inspired. Diagnosed with hearing loss as a child, Kelvin later lost his vision due to Usher Syndrome Type 2. He opens up about the emotional toll this took on him, including thoughts of suicide, and the turning point when he chose to embrace his deafblindness instead of letting it define him.

Kelvin shares how this decision sparked a new purpose in life—one rooted in helping others. His invention, the See Me Cane, is a game-changer for people with visual impairments. Designed to enhance safety and awareness, the cane features a light that gives users control over their environment while maintaining their ability to hear. Kelvin explains how this tool has not only improved his own life but also empowered others with confidence and mobility.

The conversation also explores Kelvin’s unexpected journey into pottery. Losing his vision at 32, he found healing through clay, eventually becoming the Deaf Blind Potter. What began as a side project blossomed into a thriving business and popular TikTok channel. Kelvin also shares his goal of funding 1,000 See Me Canes and his collaboration with an engineer to bring his invention to market.

Mike and Kelvin discuss his three podcasts—Perseverance Podcast, See Me Cane Podcast, and Investing in Accessibility—each focused on uplifting stories, product development, and accessibility innovation. They even touch on goalball, a thrilling Paralympic sport played by blind athletes.

Kelvin’s story is one of grit, creativity, and choosing joy. Whether you're facing your own challenges or seeking inspiration, this episode reminds us that adversity can lead to purpose.

Links:

Personal Website: https://kelvincrosby.com/

DeafBlindPotter: https://www.deafblindpotter.com/

SeeMeCane: https://www.seemecane.com/

Send Mike a Message!

Support the show

Want to be considered as a guest? Fill out the form here: https://werenotstumped.com/contact-amputee-podcast/

Learn more about our host Mike Bolland: https://mikebolland.com/

Join us as we delve into the groundbreaking work of Dr. Eric Martin, Chief of Vascular Surgery at OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center, and recipient of the 2025 OSF Innovator of the Year award. Dr. Martin's regenerative reconstruction techniques are offering new hope to patients facing potential amputations due to severe infections, traumatic injuries, or chronic ulcers. Utilizing biological materials like fish skin and pig bladder, these innovative procedures aim to restore tissue and preserve limbs. Full Story: https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/osf-healthcare-innovator-of-the-year-gives-new-hope-to-people-facing-amputations/

Send Mike a Message!

Support the show

Want to be considered as a guest? Fill out the form here: https://werenotstumped.com/contact-amputee-podcast/

Learn more about our host Mike Bolland: https://mikebolland.com/