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Episode 15 of Season Two of the We’re Not Stumped podcast features Penta Medical Recycling. My guests from this great organization are founder Henry Iseman, Deputy Director Anna Szczepanek and Director of Operations Mijamin Strong.
The organization was founded in 2016, when a group of university students established Penta Medical Recycling with a dual mission: to make affordable prosthetic care accessible in low- and middle-income countries while repurposing medical waste in the United States.
This initiative stemmed from the recognition that a staggering 85-95% of the world's 100 million amputees lacked access to proper prosthetic care and equipment. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of still functional but slightly outdated prostheses were being replaced and discarded annually in the United States.
Penta discovered a solution to address both of these pressing issues simultaneously. By collecting and refurbishing used prosthetic and orthotic equipment in the United States, they could declutter private homes, ease the burden on clinics responsible for disposing of unusable devices, and, most importantly, restore the ability to walk, work, and thrive for amputees worldwide.
In 2018, Penta Medical Recycling was officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Since then, it has evolved into a global operation collaborating with government health agencies, both private and public healthcare institutions, and various nonprofit organizations, both within the United States and internationally. Penta's operations have expanded to encompass 16 different countries across six regions worldwide.
Links: Penta Medical Recycling Website: https://pentaprosthetics.org
Penta Medical Recycling Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/penta.medical.recycling/
Penta Medical Recycling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/penta.medical.recycling/ Penta Medical Recycling
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/penta-medical-recycling/
#amputee #amputeelife #amputeestrong #prosthetics #prostheticleg #amplife #amputation #limbloss #amputees #adaptiveathlete #disability #amputeefitness #prosthetic #prosthesis #disabled #adaptive #iamadaptive #amputeelifestyle #oneleg #amputados #bionic #inspiration
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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 of the We're Not Stumped podcast, I drink through a fire-hose when I learn about Joe Fairley and what he does with 3D printing. To say this gentleman is impressive with his knowledge and background is an understatement.
Joe is an ABC Certified Prosthetist & Board Eligible Orthotist, who has experience as a P&O technician before pursuing his Master’s in Prosthetics and Orthotics from Northwestern University (NUPOC). His BS in Physics and MS in Exercise and Sport Science equally compliment his clinical experience. Joe has been at the forefront of revolutionizing digital workflows in the P&O domain.
His expertise spans a multitude of areas, including additive manufacturing, CAD design, research and development (R&D), various 3D scanning methods, and instrumental contributions to the creation of two widely adopted modification software. He holds a patent for his work in continuous fiber fabrication for a modular lower limb prosthesis system. His achievements extend to publication in Prosthetics and Orthotics International and presentations at numerous P&O conferences.
Joe's passion lies within the realm of prosthetics, where his innovation isn't limited to digital workflows alone. He's particularly dedicated to collaborating with individuals who utilize running prostheses and the pediatric amputee community.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Joe is a devoted outdoors enthusiast, engaging in activities such as hiking (ADK 46er), camping, long-distance running (including marathons), skiing, and kayaking.
Links:
Ascent Fabrications: https://www.ascentfab.com
Ascent Fabrications Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascentfab/
Ascent Fabrications YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrpYE6G5PkYiQlynwfxOs0w
Fabrication Friday: https://www.youtube.com/@ascentfab/podcasts
More about your host:
Keynote Speaker Mike Bolland: https://www.mikebolland.com/
We're Not Stumped Official Website: https://werenotstumped.com/
#prosthetic #amputee #prosthetics #amputeelife #prostheticleg #prosthesis #amplife #amputeestrong #amputation #adaptiveathlete #limbloss #disability #disabled #oneleg #amputees #sfxmakeup #abovekneeamputee #prostheticmakeup #belowkneeamputee #sfx #protesis #adaptive #paralympics #specialeffectsmakeup #amputeewoman #prostheticcover #prothese #3dprinter #prusa #impresion3d #prusai3mk3 #3dprintingnerd #3dprinters #3dprint #3dprintable #3dprintedmodels #thingiverse
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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 of the We're not Stumped podcast, my guest is Dr. Levin Sliker. Dr. Sliker is Co-founder & CEO of Point Designs, an organization that specializes in finger / thumb prosthetics. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Point Designs was founded by researchers in the field of upper limb prosthetic design from the Biomechatronics Development Laboratory at the University of Colorado. Along with Dr. Sliker, Professors Richard Weir, Jacob Segil and Stephen Huddle, the Point Designs team continues to advance the field of partial hand prosthetic design with expertise in additive manufacturing, mechanical design, and clinical care. They are dedicated and passionate individuals working together to improve the lives of the people they serve.
This is a special episode, as I have had three users of Point Design devices on this podcast in prior episodes (links below). Having an opportunity to talk with Dr. Sliker after speaking to people who use Point Designs product was a treat. He has a passion to help others, and he and his company is doing just that by making a difference for those who have lost parts of their hand.
Links:
Point Design Website: https://www.pointdesignsllc.com
Point Design FAQs : https://www.pointdesignsllc.com/about/faq
End user get together: https://www.pointdesignsllc.com/end-user-get-together
We're not Stumped episode with Point Designs user Jeff Soelberg (Season 1, Episode 2): https://youtu.be/83eYQPvGO3M
We're not Stumped episode with Point Designs user Angie Coe (Season 1, Episode 6): https://youtu.be/s83rfCPMkNg
We're not Stumped episode with Point Designs user Rachel Grow (Season 2, Episode 1): https://youtu.be/rMZqYQtLrMk
One handed comedian and speaker Mike Bolland
#prosthetic #amputee #prosthetics #amputeelife #prostheticleg #prosthesis #amplife #amputeemodel #amputeestrong #amputation #adaptiveathlete #limblos #disability #disabled #amputees #abovekneeampute #prostheticmakeup #sfx #protesis #adaptive #paralympics #specialeffectsmakeup #amputeewoman #prostheticcover #prothese #amputeefinger #fingeramputee
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/
Tim Bump, an Oregon native, grew up with a passion for exploring the outdoors alongside his interests in computers, cars, and medical mission trips. These diverse experiences fueled his desire to create, learn, and assist others, leading him to pursue kinesiology at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA.During his college years, Tim played polo for his college team, volunteered for various events, and delved into the world of prosthetics through an enlightening research paper.
After graduation, Tim rediscovered his passion for prosthetics. He embarked on a journey across the United States, visiting multiple clinics and realizing that this profession encompassed all his passions. He pursued a master's degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics at the Georgia Institute of Technology and completed his residency with Fillauer Orthotics and Prosthetics in Tennessee. He also traveled with a group to Colombia and provided prostheses to patients with limited access to care.At Fillauer, Tim immersed himself in his calling, blending cutting-edge and traditional technology to help patients achieve their goals. He gained valuable experience in upper extremity prosthetics while tackling complex lower extremity prosthetic and orthotic cases. Additionally, he managed a pediatric clubfoot clinic at a local children's hospital, offering care to children with conditions such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida.
In the spring of 2020, Tim joined Prosthetic & Orthotic Associates and Handspring to further his growth as a well-rounded practitioner and explore new technologies for meeting his patients' needs.
Links:
Handspring: https://myhandspring.com/
Handspring "What to Expect": https://myhandspring.com/what-to-expect/
#amputee #amputeelife #amputeestrong #prosthetics #prostheticleg #amplife #amputation #limbloss #ottobock #amputees #adaptiveathlete #disability #amputeefitness #prosthetic #motivation #prosthesis #disabled #adaptive #iamadaptive #amputeelifestyle #oneleg #amputados #amputeeswholift #amputeewoman #bionic #wheelchair #inspiration #amputeegirl #amputeemodel #sfxmakeup #abovekneeamputee #prostheticmakeup #belowkneeamputee #sfx #protesis #paralympics #specialeffectsmakeup #prostheticcover #prothese
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/
In this episode of the We're not Stumped podcast, we go international with our guest Loz Booth from Sydney, New South Wales in Australia.
Loz is a comedic content creator, actor, and proud mother of two young boys. Despite being born with a hand and foot difference, Loz refuses to let it define her identity. Instead, she channels her passion into creating content for social media, focusing on her comedy rather than her "difference."
With over 20 million views, Loz has built a thriving community of mothers from around the world, including fellow moms with children who also have limb differences. Through her engaging content, she brings together these moms and fosters a sense of camaraderie.
Loz believes that Australia lags behind in embracing diversity in the media and arts. Therefore, her goal for 2023 is to actively contribute to the ongoing movement that aims to bring positive change to this industry. By challenging stereotypes and advocating for inclusivity, she aspires to make a lasting impact and help pave the way for a more diverse and accepting society.
Links
Loz on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officiallozbooth
Loz on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14660491
Loz on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lozbooth5111
Loz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loz_booth_/
Hiding in the Bathroom Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/hiding-in-the-bathroom/id1684707690
Loz on Zebedee Talent: https://www.zebedeetalent.com/aus/mainboard/she/1617-lauren-b/
#limbdifference #staypositive #werenotstumped #noexcuses
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 2017 Kayla Inman slid on ice while leaving her workplace, and this event changed the course of her life. That slide caused her to feel constant pain in her foot, a pain that doctors failed to diagnose until December 2020, when she discovered she was developing complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). After numerous consultations with medical experts and many conversations with her family, Kayla came to terms with the fact that the only solution to her pain and inability to walk was amputation.
On Sept. 30, 2021, orthopedic surgeon David Hahn successfully amputated Kayla’s leg below the knee. When she awoke from her anesthesia- induced nap, she quickly shot upright in her hospital bed to look at where her right leg once was. She would need to learn how to walk again with the prosthetic, but she was overcome with joy that, finally, the pain was gone.
Since then, Kayla has moved forward in amazing ways. She has given a TEXx Talk and also founded an amputee support group in Grand Junction, Colorado. We talk about all of this and more in this episode of the We're not Stumped podcast.
Links:
Kayla Inman TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhOQMW2sMlk
Grand Valley Amputee Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1107576273319053/
Kayla Inman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehappyamputee/
One handed keynote speaker Mike Bolland
#amputee #amputeelife #amputeestrong #amputees #amputeeswholift #amputeefitness #amputeeathlete #amputeelifestyle #amputeecoalition #amputeepride #amputeeman #amputeesofinstagram #amputeerunner #amputeewarrior #amputeewoman #belowkneeamputee #amputeestyle #legamputee #amputeemotivation #amputeeswag #amputeehumor #armamputee #amputeesrock #amputeeandproud #amputeesdoitbetter #bkamputee #amputeesport #amputeeleg #amputeeyoga
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/
Felecia Robinson became an above the knee amputee on March 16, 2021 after suffering complications stemming from a blood clot in her right leg. An Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Machine was placed on her left leg March 11th, causing circulation damage and remained in place through multiple surgeries until March 16th. Prior to this, Felecia lived a healthy life with her husband and three children.
After doing quite a bit of research, Felecia found there is not a central place to go for information, So she decided to take on the challenge and create a website that is a wealth of knowledge and information for people like her.
Links:
Felecia Robinson Website: https://www.cutabovetheknee.com/
Cosi Talks: https://cositalks.com/
Amp You Up: https://www.ampyouup.org/
Amplitude Resource Directory: https://livingwithamplitude.com/amputee-community-resource-directory/
#Amputee #AmputeeStrong #LimbLoss #Prosthetics
One handed comedian and speaker Mike Bolland
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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/
Abram Baker is many things, including a welder and massive car enthusiast. In 2019, he suffered a horrific industrial accident that took his left hand. That hasn’t stopped him from continuing with his welding or stopped him from working on the cars he loves. In fact, Abram has added a new responsibility since his accident – that of a nonprofit founder. He describes his foundation, the Wounded Wing Foundation, as “A foundation for upper limb amputees and helping them get to adjust to the devastating loss of a upper limb and how hard it is to adjust to something that affects everything you do. But there is hope and help and we are aimed at helping you and your journey.”
In this episode we talk about his injury, his foundation, the brand he created called Blue Collar Brand, how the movie “Charged” helped him and more.
Links to items discussed in this episode:
Wounded Wing / Blue Collar Brand Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abramjohnbaker/
Arm Dynamics: https://www.armdynamics.com/
Charged: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6105406/
#Amputee #AmputeeStrong #LimbLoss #Prosthetics
One handed keynote speaker Mike Bolland
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/
Hillary has been a physical therapist for over 24 years in the Philadelphia area, working primarily in the home care setting with the geriatric population. She was inspired to write a story to help young children overcome their fears and insecurities surrounding differences; and to live life with confidence. That story became a series of books, The Adventures of Roxy.
Her first book, Roxy and Maliboo, It’s Okay to Be Different, is a story about two lovable dogs with unique features who teach the important lessons of limb difference awareness, inclusion, kindness, and acceptance. In her newest book, Roxy and Tully, Words Matter, Roxy teaches new lessons and raises awareness about prosthetics, how to handle bullying, the importance of word choices, and how they impact others.
Hillary plans to continue writing additional books in the Adventures of Roxy series where Roxy learns something new in each book, meets new friends, and teaches life lessons as she faces new challenges. She also providing programs to schools and organizations to help spread Roxy's important messages.
Links:
Website: https://www.adventuresofroxy.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventuresofroxyroo/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adventuresofroxyroo
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillary-sussman-65056b101/
Palmetto Publishing: https://www.palmettopublishing.com/
#limbloss #limbdifference #amputee #antibully #antibullying
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/
In this episode of the We're not Stumped podcast, I get to speak to the inventor of the TheraV Elix and company founder Amira Radović. As a child, Amira was inspired to become a biomedical engineer by her father, a civil engineer, and sci-fi movies like Robocop.
Her fascination with using technology to give humans super abilities led her to work in a prosthetic clinic during her junior year as an undergraduate. There she was exposed to the mental and physical pain that comes with limb loss. The issue of phantom limb pain stood out for her in particular, because of the limited solutions available to address it.
To better understand the problem and help this community, she interviewed people in the amputee community, including amputees and their physicians. This led to the development of the TheraV ELIX pain management device.
Listen as she talks about user testing, the TheraV Ambassador Program and more.
Links:
TheraV Elix 2.0 website: https://www.therav.me/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearTheraV/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therav.me/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/weartherav/
#amputee #LimbPain #LimbLoss #PhantomLimbPain
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/
From the publisher's feed
We're Not Stumped is a motivational podcast featuring survival stories, recovery journeys, disability stories, amputee stories, and inspiring conversations about overcoming…
Not by limb loss. Not by fear. Not by anything life throws our way.
Hosted by Mike Bolland—a one-handed cancer survivor and the first person with limb loss to compete on the PBA Tour—We're Not Stumped explores what it truly means to overcome adversity, adapt to life's challenges, and rebuild with purpose.
Launched in 2022, the podcast was created to give a voice to people navigating amputation, limb loss, disability, and other life-changing challenges. Each episode features powerful conversations with amputees, caregivers, medical professionals, advocates, athletes, and inspiring individuals who share practical insights on adaptive living, prosthetics, disability advocacy, inclusive employment, mental resilience, and finding purpose after adversity.
These are more than interviews—they are real survival stories and recovery journeys that offer hope, perspective, practical encouragement, and proof that life's greatest setbacks can become new beginnings.
Beyond the podcast, Mike is also a keynote speaker and stand-up comedian, using humor, authenticity, and real-life experience to connect with audiences while challenging perceptions about disability and resilience.
Whether you're looking for a motivational podcast, survival stories, disability stories, amputee stories, recovery journeys, or inspiring stories of resilience, We're Not Stumped delivers honest conversations that educate, encourage, and remind us that we're capable of more than we think.
Join a growing community built on resilience, connection, and the belief that no one has to face life's challenges alone.

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