We're Not Stumped | Survival Stories, Disability Stories & Recovery Journeys Podcast

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/podcast-guest-information/

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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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/

 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 

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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/

 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 

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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/

 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!

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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/

 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!

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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/

 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/ 

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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/

 Tom Jalinski, a double amputee from Littleton, is taking on a monumental challenge—hiking all 1,200 miles of Wisconsin’s Ice Age National Scenic Trail. In this episode, Tom shares his inspiring journey, from his past as an avid climber to the rigorous training he’s undergone to prepare for this six-month trek. He discusses the physical and mental challenges amputees face, his goal of raising awareness about life after limb loss, and the message he hopes to send to both the amputee and able-bodied communities. With a crowdfunding campaign to support his journey and a determination to prove that physical limitations don’t define one’s potential, Tom’s story is one of resilience, advocacy, and unwavering spirit. Tune in to hear how he’s turning obstacles into opportunities—one step at a time. 

Tom's FreeFunder: https://www.freefunder.com/campaign/hiking-the-ice-age-trail

 #limbloss #amputee 

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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/

 In this impactful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland speaks out about a disturbing incident from the UK, where a woman without limb loss took to social media to mock individuals with visible limb differences—specifically targeting those with “nubs.” Mike calls out the cruelty and ignorance behind her actions, while emphasizing an important point: don’t give bullies the attention they crave. 

Sharing her posts only gives her more exposure and power. Instead, Mike encourages the limb loss community to rise above the hate—and to support one another with confidence and pride. “You are strong. You are resilient. And your difference is nothing to be ashamed of.” 

This episode is both a call for accountability and a reminder that dignity, not mockery, deserves the spotlight. 

 #LimbLossAwareness
 #DisabilityAdvocacy
 #StopBullying
 #AmputeeSupport
 #LimbDifference
 #OnlineKindness
 #CyberBullyingAwareness
 #InclusionMatters
 #NoMoreStigma
 #ProstheticPride
 #WereNotStumped
 #MikeBolland
 #DisabilityIsNotAJoke
 #AdaptiveLiving
 #ConfidenceAfterAmputation 

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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/

In this episode, we welcome Adrienne Hill, a certified prosthetist orthotist (CPO) and Program Director of the Master’s of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics at Kennesaw State University. With a background in physics, mathematics, and health administration, Adrienne brings a unique perspective to the field. Her passion for prosthetics and orthotics is deeply personal—both her great-grandfather and father were amputees, inspiring her commitment to improving patient care. 

Adrienne has extensive experience as a former area clinic manager, where she provided clinical care, advocated for patients, and mentored future professionals. Now, she is dedicated to shaping the next generation of POP (Prosthetist-Orthotist-Prosthetist) professionals, ensuring they blend traditional care with cutting-edge technology. 

As we celebrate POP Month 2025, Adrienne highlights the critical role of prosthetists and orthotists in enhancing mobility, improving lives, and pushing the boundaries of innovation. This annual event raises awareness about the impact of POP professionals and their dedication to helping individuals regain independence. 

Join us for an insightful conversation about education, mentorship, and the future of prosthetics and orthotics. Whether you're a professional in the field, a patient, or simply curious about the latest advancements in assistive technology, this episode is packed with inspiration and expertise. Don't miss it! 

What is POP: https://whatispop.org/ 

Send Mike a Message!

Support the show

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/