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

This special Christmas episode of We’re Not Stumped is a heartfelt reflection from host Mike Bolland on resilience, community, and gratitude during the holiday season.

Instead of an interview, Mike takes a few minutes to acknowledge the realities many people in the limb loss and disability community face during the holidays — from accessibility challenges and family dynamics to grief, growth, and adapting to change — all with warmth and a touch of humor.

Mike also shares what this podcast has taught him over the past year and gives a heartfelt shout-out to some incredible guests who trusted him with their stories, including Jessica Cox, Brooke Brown, Steven Vine, Kelly Grey-Parker, and Neomi Flores.

If you’re navigating a difficult season, missing someone, or simply need a reminder that you’re not alone — this episode is for you.

🎄 Merry Christmas from the We’re Not Stumped community.

👉 Subscribe, share this episode, and help amplify stories of resilience
 👉 Know someone with a powerful story? Nominate a guest at WereNotStumped.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 inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Jason A. Jones—motivational speaker, author, and founder of Positive Pieces—for a powerful conversation about resilience, mindset, and growing up with a congenital hand difference.

Mike and Jason share a unique connection: both were born with a difference in their right hand. Together, they explore the realities of childhood, school, friendships, sports, and the challenges of first impressions when living with a visible disability. Jason reflects on the role his parents played in building confidence and accountability, encouraging him to adapt without excuses and believe in his own abilities.

Jason also discusses his motivational memoir, Three the Hard Way, which chronicles his journey from adolescence through college—including major setbacks like a serious car accident, job loss, and navigating employment with a disability. The conversation dives into disability disclosure in the workplace, the importance of mindset, and how resilience is built through lived experience.

The episode also covers:

• Living with a congenital limb difference
• Adaptability, ambidexterity, and self-confidence
• Employment challenges and disability awareness
• Jason’s mission through Positive Pieces, LLC to spread positivity
• Turning adversity into purpose

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating disability, personal growth, or seeking motivation to move forward with confidence and purpose.

 3 The Hard Way: https://www.amazon.com/3-Hard-Way-Jason-Jones/dp/1967176140 

Jason A. Jones Website: https://www.mrjasonajones.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 compelling episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Steven Vine to share an honest conversation about survival, disability, and rebuilding life after a catastrophic medical event.

After a sudden aneurysm in 2016, Steven spent six months in a coma and woke up blind, a right above-knee amputee, living with an ostomy, and managing chronic pain. Once a nationally ranked teenage track athlete and later a fine dining restaurant owner, Steven’s life was completely transformed.

Steven opens up about ignoring health warning signs, waking up blind, relearning daily tasks, losing relationships, and navigating depression and anger during recovery. He also shares his experience with opioid use and withdrawal, the importance of personal agency, and how caregiving support helped him regain independence.

His journey inspired him to create The Disability Diaries, where he focuses on meaningful conversations and disability-related topics that help others feel seen and understood.

Steven also discusses his upcoming memoir, Beyond These Green Eyes, expected in early 2026, and his mission to turn lived experience into connection and purpose.

This episode is a powerful reminder that resilience, honesty, and support can lead to a new beginning—even after life changes forever.

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/

 ⭐ Topic #1: Are you thinking about starting your own podcast but not sure where to begin? 

So many people reach out asking how to get started. And while podcasting isn’t terribly difficult, those first few episodes can feel time-consuming and a bit overwhelming. 

Here’s an easier way to try it out: 👉 Come guest-host a solo episode of We’re Not Stumped and share your personal story. 

These are single-person episodes — no guests allowed — giving you the space to speak openly and authentically. Episodes are 10–15 minutes long, making this a simple, low-pressure introduction to podcasting. All you need to do is record on your own device (yes, your phone works great) and tell your story or share insights from your experience. I’ll handle the intro and outro, along with all final edits, to ensure the episode matches the tone and quality of the show. 

⭐ Important Note Final go-live decisions are solely at the discretion of Mike Bolland and the We’re Not Stumped podcast. 

Topics must stay within the limb loss or disabled communities, including: 

Personal stories from individuals with limb loss or limb differences 

Experiences or insights from living with a disability • Stories from disability advocates or support communities 

Perspectives from prosthetists, clinicians, and innovators serving these communities 

If you want to test-drive podcasting — while inspiring and uplifting others — this is the perfect opportunity. 

⭐ Topic Update #2: Am I Attending the Amputee Coalition Event? 

Short answer: No, I’m not. In this video, I share a quick update about why I won’t be attending the Amputee Coalition event this year.

📩 Interested in hosting a solo episode and sharing your story? Comment below or reach out! 

https://werenotstumped.com/ 

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 inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Belma Islamovic, a double above-elbow amputee, community advocate, and proud member of the Dallas Amputee Network. Mike and Belma first met at Empower Fest in Arizona, and today she shares her remarkable story of survival, resilience, and hope. 

Belma recounts: 

• Surviving a devastating explosion during the Bosnian War 

• Her long medical journey from Bosnia to Italy and ultimately to the United States 

• Adapting to life without prosthetics and mastering daily tasks using her feet

• The emotional and mental health struggles she overcame through support and therapy 

• Her connection with the Dallas Amputee Network and the power of community Belma’s story is a powerful reminder of human strength, compassion, and the importance of support networks for amputees and trauma survivors. 

👉 Connect with Belma for support or speaking opportunities 

👉 Subscribe for more empowering stories from the amputee and disability communities 

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 eye-opening episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with civil rights advocate Marc Fishman, a disabled father from New York who has spent years fighting for basic ADA accommodations in family court.

After surviving a traumatic brain injury and other life-altering injuries from a severe car accident, Marc found himself navigating a court system that repeatedly denied him essential supports like real-time transcription—despite clear protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Marc shares:
 • How state family courts dismissed his disability and denied required accommodations
 • The 49-month legal battle that led to a federal ADA victory
• Retaliation and discrimination by judges and public officials
• His successful advocacy during the pandemic for disabled tenants
• Why family courts nationwide urgently need reform
• His message to disabled parents fighting similar battles

Marc’s resilience and relentless advocacy shine a light on a civil rights issue affecting millions but rarely discussed. His story is a powerful reminder that the fight for disability justice extends far beyond ramps and parking spaces.

For updates on Marc’s ongoing legal journey, visit NewRochellePoliceAbuse.com.

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/

Welcome back to We’re Not Stumped! Today, I’m honored to sit down once again with Brooke Brown — an “ink weaver of life, faith, and fiction,” an honors graduate of ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, Ms. Wheelchair Arizona 2022, and founder of Brooke’s Butterfly Touch, a ministry that helps individuals discover the power and purpose of their own stories.

Brooke is also the author of Rolling in Grace: Volume 1 — A Foundation of Faith and Imagination, now available in audio format. Having read it myself, I can promise you: it’s full of relatable, uplifting, and beautifully practical stories.

Living with cerebral palsy and using an augmentative communication app, Brooke demonstrates that every voice — every single one — can inspire hope, healing, and opportunity. This is her second appearance on the show, so after watching, don’t forget to visit WereNotStumped.com to catch her first episode.

🎙️ In This Episode, We Dive Into:

✨ Parental leadership & early expectations
How her parents’ unwavering belief shaped her life after doctors warned otherwise.

✨ Imagining life without limitations
What she believes would be different if her cerebral palsy were removed from her story.

✨ The spark of creative writing
How a fourth-grade assignment from Mrs. Jones transformed her future.

✨ Fiction as a safe space
Why teenage Brooke explored disability through characters instead of personal narrative.

✨ A surprising reunion at ASU
The moment her former third-grade teacher saw her again — now as a university student.

✨ Guidance for parents of children with disabilities
Including an impactful story from her fifth-grade year.

✨ A Sweet 16 with purpose
A purple van, independence, and the trust that helped her grow.

✨ Faith, foundation, and Scottsdale Christian Academy
How her school shaped who she is today.

✨ A memorable ASL class experience
And the lesson that came with it.

✨ Meeting “Dr. Fun” at the Cronkite School
The professor who encouraged, challenged, and empowered her.

✨ Winning the Walter Cronkite Outstanding Undergraduate Award
And giving a speech she’ll never forget.

✨ Inclusive theater at Ability360
Her meaningful involvement and the impact of accessible creative spaces.

✨ What’s next?
With her audiobook released and Volume 2 on the way, Brooke shares what else she’s excited for in the future.

If you’re looking for a conversation filled with faith, creativity, resilience, and purpose — this episode is for you.

👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and visit WereNotStumped.com for more inspiring stories.

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 must-hear episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland chats with Caitlin Conner about turning challenges into impact. Caitlin, founder of Be More Adaptive, explores her mission to create a global hub for disability resources. Caitlin shares her remarkable journey — from surviving a life-changing motorcycle accident while pregnant to becoming a Paralympic-level athlete, model, and advocate.

She opens up about adapting to life as an amputee, the power of self-advocacy, and how sports helped her regain confidence and purpose.

Mike and Caitlin discuss:
 ✅ The vision behind Be More Adaptive and its upcoming global platform
 ✅ The importance of inclusive online communities and safe spaces
 ✅ Collaboration and resource sharing in the disability community
 ✅ Caitlin’s ongoing advocacy and empowerment work

This episode is a powerful reminder that resilience, purpose, and community can transform adaptation into empowerment.

👉 Subscribe, like, and share to help spread awareness and support inclusive innovation!

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/

 When Drew Ann Long, a stay-at-home mom from Birmingham, Alabama, realized there were no shopping carts designed for her daughter Caroline — who has Rett syndrome and cannot walk or talk — she took matters into her own hands. With no design or manufacturing experience, Drew set out to create Caroline’s Cart, a life-changing adaptive shopping cart for individuals with disabilities. 

In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland talks with Drew Ann about her incredible journey — from facing rejection from every U.S. shopping cart manufacturer to seeing her invention now featured in over 15,000 stores across eight countries, including Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Lowe’s. 

Drew Ann shares how she overcame countless obstacles, financial hardships, and even a hacked social media page — all while pushing forward for families like hers. Caroline’s Cart is now empowering caregivers, seniors, and individuals with disabilities to shop with dignity and independence. 

👉 Visit CarolinesCart.com to learn more or see if your local store carries these accessible carts. 

💬 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to We’re Not Stumped for more inspiring stories of innovation, advocacy, and resilience in the limb loss and disability communities.

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 powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Josh Green, an above-knee amputee, patient advocate, and founder of the Northeast Ohio Amputee Support Group. Josh lost his leg at just 4 years old and has since turned his life experiences into a mission to uplift and educate others in the limb loss community. 

Josh opens up about growing up with a prosthetic, how his parents’ positive outlook helped him build confidence, and how sports played a major role in his development. Later in life, he faced new challenges but found strength by connecting with other amputees and realizing the power of community. 

From overcoming early challenges to empowering others through advocacy and education, Josh Green’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and unwavering positivity. 

#AmputeeAwareness #AboveKneeAmputee #LimbLoss #JoshGreen #WeAreNotStumped #Inspiration #AdaptiveLiving #Prosthetics #AmputeeSupport #PatientAdvocacy #LimeCooler #Blatchford #AmputeeCoalition #ConfidenceAfterAmputation #DisabilityInclusion #OneHandManProductions 

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/