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

What happens when disability advocates from across the country come together to shape the future of independent living and accessibility?

In this solo episode of We're Not Stumped, I share my personal reflections after attending the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., where I represented Ability360 as a member of its Board of Directors.

 Learn More: https://ncil.org/ 

From celebrating ADA36: We Won't Go Back to hearing powerful stories from advocates, policymakers, and leaders in the disability community, the conference reinforced why protecting and advancing disability rights remains so important.

In this episode, I discuss:

•  My biggest takeaways from the conference 
•  Why the Independent Living movement continues to make a difference 
•  The importance of advocacy at the local and national levels 
•  Ideas and inspiration I'm bringing back to Arizona 
•  How each of us can help build a more accessible and inclusive future 

Whether you're a person with a disability, a family member, an advocate, or simply interested in creating more inclusive communities, I hope these reflections encourage you to stay engaged and continue moving the conversation forward.

Thanks for listening to We're Not Stumped. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who believes everyone deserves the opportunity to live independently.

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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 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.

After becoming a wheelchair user in 2020, Karen quickly discovered that planning an accessible trip often meant endless phone calls, unanswered questions, and uncertainty about whether hotels, transportation, and attractions would truly meet her needs. Rather than accepting those challenges, she helped create an initiative that's training hundreds of travel advisors to better serve travelers with disabilities and other accessibility needs.

Mike and Karen discuss:

• Why accessible travel is about confidence—not limitations.
• The biggest obstacles travelers with disabilities still face.
• How hotels and airlines can create better experiences.
• Why accessible travel benefits far more people than you might think.
• Practical advice for planning your first accessible trip.

Karen also shares how adaptive skiing and travel helped her reclaim a sense of freedom after becoming a wheelchair user, and why she believes everyone deserves the opportunity to explore the world.

Whether you're living with a disability, traveling with a loved one, or work in the travel industry, this conversation offers practical insights and an inspiring reminder that travel should be accessible to everyone.

 Karen IG -- https://www.instagram.com/gojoyward/ Karen LinkedIn -- https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-morales-157b412/ Fora IG -- https://www.instagram.com/foratravel/?hl=en Fora LinkedIn -- https://www.linkedin.com/company/foratravel/ Fora Website -- https://www.foratravel.com/ Karen Fora Page -- https://www.foratravel.com/advisor/karen-morales 

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

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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 in my favor. My body had changed. The equipment had changed. The competition had changed.

But this episode isn't really about bowling.

It's about the voice inside all of us that says we're too old, too late, or not good enough to chase something that matters.

In this solo episode of We're Not Stumped, I share the emotions behind my comeback, the challenges I faced on the lanes, and the unexpected lesson that came from finishing far below where I had hoped.

That lesson became a phrase I can't stop thinking about:

Take the Shot Anyway.

Because you don't need the perfect hand. You just need the courage to use the one you've got.

Whether you're considering a career change, recovering from an injury, pursuing a dream, or simply trying something that scares you, I hope this episode gives you the encouragement to take your shot.

If you enjoy this episode, please follow We're Not Stumped, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who needs the reminder that it's never too late to take a chance.

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/

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 licensed master social worker, disability advocate, and speaker whose life is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of self-advocacy.

Growing up legally blind while facing additional disabilities, Denny endured bullying, low expectations, and barriers that could have defined his future. Instead, with the support of mentors and his own determination, he became the first person in his immediate family to graduate from college and has dedicated his career to helping children, families, and people with disabilities find their voice.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Growing up legally blind and overcoming childhood adversity
• Becoming the first in his family to graduate from college
• Why self-advocacy is one of life's most valuable skills
• His work as a licensed master social worker
• Challenging misconceptions about disability
• Creating more inclusive workplaces and communities
• Accessible travel and disability advocacy
• The importance of mentors, family, and giving back

Denny's story is a powerful reminder that disability is only one part of who someone is—it does not define a person's potential. If you enjoy conversations about resilience, inclusion, disability advocacy, and overcoming adversity, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Follow We're Not Stumped for more inspiring conversations with people who are redefining what's possible.

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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/

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, educator, former professional polo player, and advocate for disability inclusion in healthcare.

In 2021, Dr. Ludwig was paralyzed from the neck down during a horseback riding accident. Through determination, rehabilitation, and an incredible commitment to recovery, she became what she describes as a walking quadriplegic. Today, she combines her lived experience with her work as an Associate Professor of Biomedical Science at the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, helping educate future physicians about disability, accessibility, and patient-centered care.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Dr. Ludwig's career as a professional polo player and biomedical researcher
• The horseback riding accident that changed her life
• How training for a 5K became a powerful rehabilitation goal
• What it means to live as a walking quadriplegic
• The importance of disability education in medical schools
• How patients can become stronger self-advocates
• Finding purpose after life-changing adversity

Dr. Ludwig's story is one of resilience, determination, and using lived experience to improve healthcare for future generations.

If you enjoy inspiring conversations about resilience, disability advocacy, and overcoming adversity, be sure to follow We're Not Stumped and share this episode with others.

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/

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 she's learned along the way. 

Janelle shares how she was born with a unique "cookie bite" hearing loss, received her first hearing aid before age four, and adapted to life in a world designed for hearing people. She also discusses the dramatic evolution of hearing aid technology, assistive devices, and accessibility tools that have transformed opportunities for people with hearing loss. 

During the conversation, Janelle explains: 

• What "cookie bite" hearing loss means 
• How hearing aid technology has changed over the years 
• Common misconceptions about hearing loss 
• Why clear communication matters more than simply speaking louder 
• The role of visual cues, patience, and advocacy 
• Resources and grants available for hearing assistive technology 
• How humor can help navigate daily challenges 
• The mission behind TAMCO Learning and its educational resources

Janelle also shares insights from her work helping others with hearing loss and discusses her upcoming book focused on relationships and hearing loss. 

Whether you're living with hearing loss, supporting a loved one, or simply interested in learning more about accessibility and communication, this episode offers practical advice, inspiration, and valuable perspective.

Learn more about Janelle's work at TAMCO Learning: https://tamcolearning.com/

Subscribe to the We're Not Stumped Podcast for more conversations featuring people with disabilities, advocates, athletes, authors, and community leaders who are redefining what's possible. 

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/

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, a heart attack, and the loss of her right leg above the knee, Rose found herself on a path she never expected. A former technology executive, she left corporate America behind and discovered a passion for writing and ministry.

In this episode, Rose discusses her memoir Dancing in the Valley and the inspiration behind her new children's book, Rosie and Her Robot Leg. Inspired by the children she serves through Vacation Bible School and the questions they asked during her recovery, Rose created a story designed to help children, parents, and teachers better understand limb loss and disability.

Rose also shares her hopes for the future of the Rosie series, her involvement with the Moving Forward support group in Louisville, Kentucky, and why she believes representation and understanding matter.

Join us for an uplifting conversation about perseverance, purpose, and finding joy after life's unexpected challenges.

Hosted by Mike Bolland, We're Not Stumped celebrates resilience, adaptive living, and the stories of people who prove that life doesn't end when adversity begins.

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/

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 a lot.

Do I wear a prosthesis? How do I bowl with one hand? Have I always had a positive attitude? Do people still stare? And what keeps me motivated?

I'll share some stories from growing up with a limb difference, becoming the first person with limb loss to compete on the PBA Tour, overcoming cancer, and why I've learned that attitude isn't something you're born with—it's something you choose every day.

Along the way, we'll talk about curiosity, humor, resilience, and making the most of the opportunities life gives us.

In this episode, I answer:

•  Do you wear a prosthesis? 
•  How do you bowl with one hand? 
•  Have you always had a good attitude? 
•  Do people still stare? 
•  What keeps you motivated? 

Thanks for listening to the We're Not Stumped Podcast. I hope this episode gives you a few laughs, a little perspective, and maybe answers a question you've always wondered about.

Have a stump and a smile! 🎙️

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/

 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 remarkable journey from sudden blindness to living an independent, adventurous life filled with travel, purpose, and humor. 

Lynn discusses the challenges she faced after losing her vision, from relearning everyday tasks to navigating the world with guide dogs. She shares practical travel tips for people with sight loss, explains common misconceptions about blindness, and discusses how independence looks different for everyone. 

Topics include: 

• Her book, Best Kept Secrets for Travelers With Sight Loss 
• Losing her sight after graduating from nursing school 
• The life-changing impact of guide dogs 
• Travel tips for airports, hotels, and tourist destinations 
• Hidden disability accommodations for travelers 
• Funny stories from life with vision loss 
• Why humor is an essential coping tool 
• Building virtual workshops for people with sight loss

Lynn's story is a powerful reminder that life doesn't end when circumstances change—it simply requires a new way of moving forward. 

Learn more about Lynn and her book: https://blindtraveltips.com

 #WereNotStumped #BlindTravel #SightLoss #DisabilityAwareness #GuideDogs #TravelTips #Accessibility #BlindnessAwareness #AdaptiveLiving #Inspiration 

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/

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 ever done an interview knows, there's always more that doesn't make the final cut.

In this special solo episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, I share some of the stories, organizations, and experiences that didn't make it into the TV segments, including:

• The mission behind the We're Not Stumped podcast
• Joe & Marie Bolland's Helping Hands and supporting people with limb loss and limb differences
• Enable Review and helping people make informed prosthetic care decisions
• Why this comeback is about much more than bowling

The bowling ball may have opened the door, but the real story is about service, community, resilience, and making the most of the opportunities life gives us.

Have a stump and a smile!

#WereNotStumped #PBA #Bowling #AdaptiveSports #DisabilityInclusion #LimbDifference #Ability360 #ArizonaDisabledSports #EnableReview #HelpingHands #Podcast #Resilience #OneMoreRun

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/