Vincent Van de Broeck was given just a 10% chance of survival after a devastating e-scooter accident left him with a severe traumatic brain injury. After spending three weeks in a coma, surviving was only the beginning.
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland talks with Vincent about his extraordinary recovery—relearning how to walk, talk, eat, and handle everyday tasks most of us take for granted.
Vincent shares what it was really like to gradually wake from a coma, the difficult prognosis his family faced, and the extensive damage to his skull that eventually required a custom 3D-printed implant.
He also discusses the people who refused to give up on him, particularly his wife and family, who lived through weeks of uncertainty while Vincent was unconscious.
Through his recovery, Vincent came to see resilience not simply as something you’re born with, but as something you can develop and strengthen. That experience also helped shape the ideas behind his book, Everything Feels Impossible Until It’s Done (https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Feels-Impossible-Until-Done/dp/1911774360) .
In this episode:
• Surviving a severe traumatic brain injury
• Being given a 10% chance of survival
• What waking from a three-week coma was really like
• Relearning how to walk, talk, eat, and live independently
• Reconstructing his skull with a 3D-printed implant
• The impact on Vincent’s wife and family
• Why hope mattered when the prognosis was bleak
• Developing resilience through adversity
• The role of mindset and consistent action
• The story behind Everything Feels Impossible Until It’s Done
Vincent’s story is a powerful reminder that something feeling impossible doesn’t mean it will stay that way.
Subscribe to We’re Not Stumped for conversations about disability, resilience, recovery, self-advocacy, and people facing extraordinary challenges.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
In this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Michael Allison, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Purple Heart recipient, best-selling author, and globally recognized leadership expert. As the CEO of The Adversity Academy, Michael has dedicated his career to helping individuals and organizations embrace resilience, accountability, and leadership. He shares his journey from military service to entrepreneurship, the lessons learned in high-pressure combat zones, and his groundbreaking UN-Leadership and Break The Bottle – 3D methodologies. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on overcoming adversity, breaking limitations, and unlocking your full leadership potential.
In this episode of We're Not Stumped, we celebrate two incredible individuals who embody perseverance and resilience. First, we highlight Parker Byrd, the East Carolina University baseball player who made history as the first NCAA baseball athlete to compete with a prosthetic leg. Parker's journey began with a devastating boating accident that could have ended his athletic career. Instead, he refused to let adversity define him. Through relentless determination and hard work, Parker returned to the field, proving that setbacks can be stepping stones to even greater achievements. His story is an inspiration to athletes everywhere, showing that passion and persistence can overcome even the toughest obstacles. Next, we turn to the impactful work of the Kirstie Ennis Foundation. Founded by Marine veteran and amputee Kirstie Ennis, the organization is dedicated to empowering individuals through outdoor adventures, education, and adaptive sports. Kirstie’s life changed forever when she lost her leg in a helicopter crash while serving in Afghanistan. Rather than letting the tragedy hold her back, she became a world-class mountaineer and advocate, using her platform to uplift others facing adversity. Through her foundation, she continues to inspire and support those navigating their own challenges, proving that resilience knows no limits.
Linda Moore doesn’t just want to walk again—she wants to dance. In this inspiring episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Linda, a 69-year-old from Rantoul, Illinois, whose determination and humor carried her through a challenging above-knee amputation and intense rehabilitation. After losing her leg in November 2024, she underwent three weeks of rigorous therapy at OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center, learning to balance, strengthen her residual limb, and regain mobility. Linda’s therapist, Deidre Murphy, recalls her positive attitude, resilience, and ability to turn even difficult moments into fun, making her an unforgettable patient. Now Linda is preparing to take the next step—adjusting to a prosthetic leg. She knows the journey isn’t easy, but with her unwavering optimism, she’s determined to dance her limitations away. Tune in for an uplifting conversation about perseverance, the power of a positive mindset, and why Linda believes attitude is everything.
