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

In this solo episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland — born without his right hand — shares a powerful message about why he feels dressing well matters for the limb loss and disability community.

This isn’t about vanity — it’s about confidence, self-respect, and advocacy. Mike explains how personal style can change the way we feel about ourselves and the way others see us. From challenging stereotypes to promoting positive representation, dressing with pride is one way to say: “I belong here — just as I am.”

🎙️ In this episode, Mike discusses:

• Why appearance and self-expression are empowering after limb loss or disability
• How dressing well helps break stereotypes and reshape public perception
• The connection between confidence, mental health, and advocacy
• How showing up with pride inspires others in the community

👕 Dressing well isn’t about perfection — it’s about showing pride in who you are. Because when we show up confidently, we make it easier for others to do the same.

🔗 Connect with Mike Bolland & We’re Not Stumped
🌐 OneHandManProductions.com

🌐 https://mikebolland.com/

📺 Subscribe for more stories and conversations about life, limb loss, and resilience.
 💬 Share your story in the comments — how does your appearance affect your confidence?

#LimbLoss #DisabilityAwareness #AmputeeCommunity #WereNotStumped #DisabilityInclusion #AdaptiveLiving #Confidence #RepresentationMatters #OneHandManProductions

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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/

 Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) affects millions worldwide — yet most people don’t recognize the warning signs until it’s too late. In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Emmy Award-winning journalist and Global PAD Association co-founder Kym McNicholas to explain what PAD is, how it causes poor circulation, and why early detection is critical in preventing amputation. Kym shares her inspiring journey from covering a medical story to becoming one of the leading advocates for PAD awareness and patient empowerment. She sheds light on how education, proper diagnosis, and access to the right care can literally save limbs — and lives. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

✅ The symptoms and stages of PAD — and why it often goes undiagnosed 

✅ How 85% of diabetes-related amputations could be avoided with proper vascular testing 

✅ Why getting a second opinion before surgery can make all the difference 

✅ How the Global PAD Association (PADHelp.org) supports patients through education, walking programs, and the PAD Hotline (1-833-PAD-LEGS) 

✅ Real patient success stories showing how minimally invasive treatments can prevent amputation 

If you or someone you love is living with diabetes, circulation issues, or unexplained leg pain, this episode is a must-watch. Awareness is the first step to prevention — and every step counts. 

📞 PAD Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS 

🌐 Learn more: https://padhelp.org 🎙️

 Podcast Website: https://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 Part 1 of this special episode, host Mike Bolland sits down with Emmy Award–winning journalist and Global PAD Association founder Kym McNicholas for an impromptu, post-interview discussion that turned into an insightful recording. What started as a quick chat evolved into a powerful conversation about Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), early detection, and Kym’s mission to raise global awareness and prevent unnecessary amputations. 

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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/

 After a life-threatening illness led to multiple amputations, Karlene Martinez refused to give up. In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland talks with Karlene about her incredible path from septic shock and paralysis to recovery, faith, and advocacy. Karlene opens up about: 

💪 Her battle with sepsis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and months of rehabilitation 

🦿 Adjusting to life with prosthetics and finding the right fit 

❤️ Overcoming anxiety and depression through faith and gratitude 

🌟 Empower Fest, Ability360, and finding inspiration in the adaptive community

 👣 The importance of peer support through groups like Encompass Health and community ambassadors 

Karlene’s story is one of resilience, faith, and limitless determination—a reminder that even after life-changing loss, there’s always a way forward. 

🔗 Connect with Karlene: 

Facebook: Karlene Martinez Instagram: 

@LimitlessKarlene 

#Amputee #LimbLoss #Resilience #Faith #Motivation #Inspiration #AdaptiveLiving #WereNotStumped #AmputeeSupport #Prosthetics #NeverGiveUp #MentalHealth #Ability360 

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 We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland explores the power of the “I don’t give a crap” attitude — and how it can transform life after limb loss.

Mike shares how letting go of judgment and embracing unapologetic confidence helps amputees find freedom, purpose, and joy. From learning to laugh at setbacks to defying expectations, this mindset is about living boldly — not bitterly.

💬 Topics covered:
 ✅ Why confidence matters more than comparison
 ✅ Turning self-doubt into strength
 ✅ How humor and attitude fuel resilience
 ✅ Real stories from the limb loss community

🎧 Tune in, get inspired, and start saying “I don’t give a crap” — in the best way possible.

#LimbLoss #AmputeeLife #Resilience #Motivation #PositiveAttitude #AdaptiveLiving #DisabilityAwareness #We’reNotStumped #MikeBolland

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/

What happens when life takes you in an unexpected direction? For William Person, it meant going from college track and field to becoming an Olympic bobsledder—despite once thinking the sport was “stupid.”

In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Will to unpack his remarkable story of resilience, risk, and redemption:

✅ An Unexpected Start – How a Canadian team spotted him at ASU and tricked him into trying bobsledding—only for him to win a medal his first week.
✅ The Hidden Dangers – The brutal truth about bobsledding’s connection to CTE, repeated high G-forces, and the lack of medical oversight.
✅ Cognitive & Emotional Struggles – From memory lapses to not recognizing familiar faces, Will shares how years on the ice took a toll on his mind.
✅ Healing After Loss – The heartbreak of losing teammate Pablo and how it inspired Will to seek help and rebuild.
✅ Turning Pain Into Purpose – His mission to advocate for athlete mental health and his vision to open a treatment facility for athletes and veterans in St. Louis.

This episode isn’t just about sports—it’s about survival, advocacy, and finding hope after the unthinkable.

👉 Tune in to We’re Not Stumped for an honest, eye-opening conversation that challenges how we think about competition, health, and healing.

#Bobsledding #CTE #MentalHealthAwareness #Olympics #AthleteWellness #Resilience #WereNotStumpedPodcast

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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, host Mike Bolland speaks with Neomi Flores, who became an amputee at age 43 after a blood clot changed her life forever.

Neomi shares her powerful journey, including:

• The frightening symptoms that led to her amputation
• Facing fear and uncertainty before surgery
• A year in a wheelchair and the challenges of recovery
• Learning to walk again with prosthetics
• Drawing strength from her faith, her children, and small victories
• The meaning behind her tattoo: “Don’t just exist, live”

Her story is one of resilience, gratitude, and determination—a reminder that even in life’s toughest moments, it’s possible to find purpose and live fully.

🔔 Subscribe for more stories of resilience and hope.

#Amputee #WeAreNotStumped #Resilience #Inspiration #Prosthetics #DisabilityAwareness

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 We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland highlights two powerful topics of resilience, and community. 

Topic 1 – A Call for Coaches ArizonAbility is launching a basketball clinic for adults with disabilities, and they’re looking for a passionate coach to lead the way. This isn’t just about basketball—it’s about confidence, teamwork, and creating a space where every player can thrive. Mike explains what this opportunity means for the community and how one coach can make a life-changing impact. 

Topic 2 – Inspiration from Legapalooza Mike also shares the inspiring story of Legapalooza, founded by Tommy Donahue after a life-changing accident. What started as a small charity event has grown into a movement of resilience, connection, and giving back. Tommy’s journey reminds us that when we come together, we can turn challenges into opportunities for hope and empowerment. 

👉 Tune in for a mix of motivation, storytelling, and a call to action. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or advocate for inclusion, this episode will leave you inspired to step up and make a difference. 

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/

Host Mike Bolland sits down with Alexia Michitti—a public speaker, athlete, and entrepreneur born without a right hand. Together, they reflect on their shared experiences of limb difference and Alexia’s powerful journey of resilience, determination, and innovation.

Alexia shares how she’s breaking barriers in sports and beyond—from representing the U.S. in the first Women’s Amputee Soccer World Cup, to filing a patent for adaptive clothing through her brand Em13race (https://em13race.com/), to finding her voice as a motivational speaker. She opens up about life without a prosthetic, her role models, and her passion for inspiring children with limb differences to embrace their uniqueness.

💡 What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Alexia’s journey of resilience and self-identity
• Competing on the world stage at the Women’s Amputee Soccer World Cup
• Why she chooses life without a prosthetic
• The launch of her adaptive clothing brand, Embrace 13
• The importance of empowering kids and families with limb differences
• What’s next for Alexia in speaking and brand growth

✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to We’re Not Stumped for more stories of resilience, advocacy, and community!

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 We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland reviews EmpowerFest 2025, celebrating the limb loss and limb difference community with inspiring speakers, adaptive activities, and unforgettable moments. 

Mike also shares a story about a comedian who made a tasteless joke about the limb loss community — and how he got the comedian to remove the post.

Tune in for insights, laughs, and a look at what makes the limb loss community so resilient and inspiring! 

🔔 Subscribe for more stories of courage, inclusion, and advocacy from the We’re Not Stumped podcast. 

#EmpowerFest2025 #LimbLoss #DisabilityAdvocacy #WereNotStumped #AdaptiveLiving 

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/