In this deeply moving episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with amputee Eric Ford to talk about the life-altering car accident that changed everything. In 2009, Eric and his children were hit by a drunk driver in Atlanta. While his kids miraculously walked away with minor injuries, Eric suffered catastrophic damage to his leg, leading to over a dozen surgeries in an attempt to save it.
Ultimately, Eric made the brave decision to undergo amputation—a choice that ended his physical pain and opened the door to a new way of living. He opens up about the emotional toll of limb loss, learning to walk with a prosthetic, and finding strength through his children, therapy, and connecting with fellow amputees.
Mike and Eric also reflect on their shared roots in Montclair, New Jersey, and discuss the importance of community support for new amputees. Eric now uses his experience to help others facing similar challenges.
This episode is a powerful reminder that even in the face of trauma, there is always a path forward.
Topics Covered:
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Surviving a drunk driving accident
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Making the decision to amputate
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Life after limb loss
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Recovery and prosthetic use
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Mental health and adaptation
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Support networks for amputees
#EricFord #WereNotStumped #AmputeePodcast #MikeBolland #DrunkDrivingSurvivor #AmputeeSupport #MentalStrength #AdaptiveLife #RecoveryJourney #AmputeeAdvocate
Host Mike Bolland is also an entertaining public speaker. Contact him for your next event.
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In this powerful episode, We’re Not Stumped host Mike Bolland introduces his personal “Triple A” philosophy—Alone, Advocacy, and Attitude—designed to support fellow amputees on their physical and emotional journey. Mike, who was born without a right hand and is a cancer survivor, explains how feeling alone is often the first stage after limb loss—but it doesn't have to be the final one. Through advocacy, both for yourself and others, and a resilient attitude, amputees can reclaim purpose, confidence, and joy. Whether you're newly navigating life after limb loss or supporting someone who is, Mike’s Triple A approach offers insight, comfort, and strength.
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland chats with Ryan Wilson—founder of Team Trust Productions—for a conversation about how adaptive athletes are using the power of media to change the narrative around disability. Ryan shares his journey from discovering adaptive sports at the University of Illinois to launching a creative agency that centers disabled voices through authentic storytelling and inclusive marketing. He opens up about the challenges of building a business as a wheelchair user, the impact of his Disability Marketing Guide, and why empathy and representation are key to reshaping public perception. You’ll hear how Team Trust Productions is growing, how Ryan balances entrepreneurship with health, and why he believes adaptive athletes should be recognized not for their struggles, but for their strength, skill, and spirit.
In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland shares two powerful stories of resilience, recovery, and the human spirit: 🏅 A Double Amputee’s Olympic Journey After surviving a devastating accident, this athlete didn’t give up—he set his sights on the Paralympic Games. Learn how he turned trauma into purpose, using adaptive training and relentless determination to pursue a spot on Team USA. 🦿 Mission Gait: Advancing Gait Rehabilitation Worldwide Meet the people behind Mission Gait, a nonprofit transforming the way physical therapists treat patients with complex walking challenges. From educational programs to international outreach, Mission Gait is creating a global movement for mobility. 🎧 Whether you're part of the limb loss community or just need a boost of hope, this episode shows what's possible when we move forward with purpose.
