In the latest episode of the “We’re Not Stumped” podcast, the spotlight is on Dave Gibson, an inspiring individual living in Arizona who shares his powerful story of resilience and humor in the face of life’s daunting challenges. Dave was born and raised in Southern California and moved to Arizona in the spring of 2004. He loves riding motorcycles, playing hockey, and being introduced to anything new. Dave’s journey is marked by a series of life-altering events, beginning with a severe motorcycle accident that led to the loss of his left leg. This traumatic incident could have easily defined his life, but Dave chose a different path.
Despite the physical and emotional hurdles of limb loss, Dave’s indomitable spirit shines through. He continues to ride his motorcycle, a testament to his determination and love for life on the road. Riding isn’t just a hobby for Dave; it’s a symbol of his refusal to be confined by his circumstances.
However, Dave’s journey doesn’t end there. He also candidly discusses surviving two strokes, which added another layer of complexity to his life. These strokes left him with a speech quality that he humorously likens to sounding “like I’ve had a bit to drink.” Yet, this change hasn’t dimmed his zest for life or his ability to bring joy to those around him. Instead, Dave embraces his unique voice and continues to engage with the world around him, often bringing laughter to his friends and family.
Throughout the podcast, Dave opens up about the challenges he has faced, offering an honest and heartfelt look at his journey. From the initial shock of his accident and strokes to the daily struggles and triumphs of living as an amputee, he provides valuable insights and encouragement for others facing similar obstacles.
Listeners of “We’re Not Stumped” will find Dave’s story both moving and uplifting. His experiences highlight not only the physical and mental battles that come with severe medical issues but also the incredible resilience of the human spirit. Dave Gibson’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of maintaining a sense of humor, even in the toughest times.
To hear Dave’s full story and learn more about his inspiring outlook on life, check out the latest episode of the “We’re Not Stumped” podcast.
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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.
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.
Civil rights advocate Marc Fishman joins host Mike Bolland to shed light on a critical but overlooked issue: the routine denial of disability accommodations in America’s family courts. After a devastating car accident left him with long-term disabilities and communication challenges, Marc entered a 49-month legal battle—not just for his parental rights, but for his basic ADA protections. He details how New York courts repeatedly refused accommodations like real-time transcription, the federal ADA victories he secured, and how Tennessee v. Lane shaped his fight for access. Marc also reveals the retaliation he faced from judges and public officials and discusses his successful advocacy during COVID helping disabled tenants obtain rent grants. With recent legislative wins offering hope, Marc emphasizes the urgent need for accountability and reform to protect disabled parents nationwide.
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