In this episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland welcomes Allison Sweet Grant, author of I Am The Cage, a powerful novel inspired by her own medical experiences.
Allison shares her journey of undergoing the Lizarov limb-lengthening procedure as a teenager and how those experiences shaped her writing. Like her protagonist Elisabeth, Allison grappled with feelings of isolation, a lack of agency, and the struggle to be heard in a confusing healthcare system. She opens up about translating her personal trauma into fiction, creating a character who faces her own battles with bodily autonomy and self-forgiveness.
The conversation delves into the significance of Elisabeth’s friendship with Kacey, the importance of exploring identity formation, and how I Am The Cage encourages readers to confront their challenges and find their voices. Allison also discusses the toll secrecy can take on mental health, the complexity of familial relationships, and the lessons she hopes young readers will take away from Elisabeth’s story.
This episode is a moving exploration of resilience, healing, and empowerment through storytelling. Whether you’re an advocate for bodily autonomy or someone seeking inspiration, this discussion will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.
📘 Learn more about I Am The Cage by Allison Sweet Grant: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2198420/allison-sweet-grant/
🎧 Subscribe to We’re Not Stumped for more empowering stories: https://werenotstumped.com/were-not-stumped-amputee-podcast-mailing-list/
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Host Mike Bolland welcomes Brittany Dejean, founder of Inclusion Jumpstart and former Airbnb accessibility leader. Brittany opens up about how her father’s spinal cord injury at age 12 inspired her lifelong passion for disability inclusion. She shares insights from her 6.5 years at Airbnb working on accessibility and diversity initiatives, her nonprofit work with Able Thrive, and her current mission as an entrepreneur and advocate. Brittany’s training programs help people overcome awkwardness around disability and build more inclusive, empathetic spaces in both personal and professional settings.
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland gets real about the challenges of finding a job while living with a disability. Born without his right hand, Mike has firsthand experience navigating interviews, workplace bias, and the self-doubt that can creep in during the job search. He shares tips that helped him—and that can help you—stand out for the right reasons, from understanding your rights under the ADA to deciding when (or if) to disclose your disability. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or unsure where to start, this episode offers encouragement, strategies, and real-world advice from someone who’s walked the walk. 🛠️ Topics include: How to highlight your strengths, not your limitations Disability-friendly job boards and resources Why owning your story is your greatest strength Whether you were born with a disability or acquired one later in life, this episode is for anyone ready to pursue meaningful work and thrive.
In this uplifting episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Latonyia Billops, a bilateral above-knee amputee, who shares her remarkable story of surviving a traumatic car accident that changed her life forever. While helping a stranded motorist, Latonyia was struck by a truck that crossed the highway median—resulting in the loss of both her legs. Despite unimaginable trauma, Latonyia never lost her faith. She opens up about how her spiritual foundation guided her recovery, her refusal to fall into depression, and how she’s used her experience to advocate for others navigating prosthetic care and life with limb loss. Latonyia also shares insights into the adaptive equipment she uses to maintain independence—such as a sliding board, bath bench, and commode topper—and how these tools have helped her live with greater comfort and dignity. Plus, she reveals her dream of entering a wheelchair pageant, showcasing her confidence and self-love.
