250 Episodes of We’re Not Stumped! Nicole Marti Returns to Celebrate

What can 250 conversations teach us about disability, connection, and belonging? Mike Bolland celebrates the 250th episode of We’re Not Stumped with the person who helped start it all—his first-ever guest, Nicole Marti.

Now Event Support Manager at the Amputee Coalition, Nicole turns the questions on Mike as they reflect on four years of sharing stories about limb loss, limb difference, and the broader disability community.

Mike discusses how the podcast has changed his perspective, why mental and emotional challenges deserve more attention, and what returning to competitive bowling after cancer taught him about taking the shot anyway.

Nicole also previews the 2027 Amputee Coalition National Conference in Las Vegas, including a Story Slam hosted by Mike and plans for live podcast recordings.

The episode opens with a tribute to former guests Dr. Eric Gabriel and Karlene Martinez, honoring their lives and the stories they shared.

In this episode:
• Remembering Dr. Eric Gabriel and Karlene Martinez
• Welcoming back our first guest, Nicole Marti
• Lessons from 250 episodes of honest conversations
• Limb loss, limb difference, peer support, and belonging
• Disability representation and “inspiration porn”
• Competitive bowling and facing the fear of failure
• Building connections through the Amputee Coalition

Hear the stories of our remembered guests:
Dr. Eric Gabriel: https://youtu.be/eOz9JGHyQYc
Karlene Martinez: https://youtu.be/i1ILaBBAIB4

Thank you to every guest and listener who has helped us reach 250 episodes. Follow We’re Not Stumped for more conversations about living with limb loss, limb differences, and disabilities.

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  • Mike Bolland Take the shot Anyway

July 16th, 2026|

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 been dealt.

  • How Denny Burke Turned Adversity into Advocacy

July 14th, 2026|

What happens when people underestimate your potential your entire life—and you refuse to let them define your future? In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, I sit down with Denny Burke, a licensed master social worker, disability advocate, and speaker who has spent his life proving that disability does not determine what someone can achieve. Growing up legally blind and facing additional disabilities, Denny endured bullying, low expectations, and barriers that could have shaped the rest of his life. Instead, with the encouragement of mentors and his own determination, he became the first person in his immediate family to graduate from college and is now dedicated to helping others find their voice through self-advocacy and social work.

  • From Paralysis to Purpose: Dr. Kirsten Ludwig's Journey

July 7th, 2026|

What happens when a life-changing accident forces you to redefine everything you thought was possible? On this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, I sit 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.

By |November 2nd, 2026|Congenital Amputee Stories, General Disability Related Resources and News, Limb Difference Stories|Comments Off on 250 Episodes of We’re Not Stumped! Nicole Marti Returns to Celebrate

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