In this exciting episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland engages in an inspiring and insightful conversation with Daruma cast members John Lawson, Abigail Hawk, and Tobias Forrest. Daruma is a landmark film, being the first in American cinematic history to cast both lead actors with disabilities.
The film stars Tobias Forrest (a C-level quadriplegic), John W. Lawson (a double hand amputee), Abigail Hawk of CBS’s Blue Bloods, and Barry Bostwick (The Rocky Horror Picture Show). It tells a story everyone can relate to—one of friendship, fatherhood, and found family.
In the interview, Mike Bolland, who himself has a limb difference, explores with the cast how Daruma tackles often-overlooked themes, such as the humor, resilience, and humanity within stories of disability. Together, they discuss how the film industry is evolving and the essential role that actors and storytellers with lived experiences play in this progress. John, Tobias, and Abigail share personal anecdotes from the set, reflecting on the power of genuine representation and the impact they hope the film will have on audiences. From humorous behind-the-scenes moments to heartfelt reflections, this conversation brings out the passion and dedication behind Daruma.
The cast also touches on the barriers people with disabilities have encountered in the film industry and how Daruma signals a step forward toward inclusivity in Hollywood. They discuss the importance of normalizing disability representation, their journey to find roles that allow them to tell authentic stories, and how Daruma exemplifies a broader trend toward genuine, multifaceted portrayals of people with disabilities.
Whether you’re interested in film, advocacy, or powerful stories that challenge perceptions, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at the making of Daruma and the collective mission of its cast and crew to bring a more inclusive vision to the silver screen.
Don’t miss this enriching interview with John Lawson, Abigail Hawk, and Tobias Forrest as they share their journeys, insights, and the message of Daruma—a movie that celebrates resilience, friendship, and the power of embracing one’s identity. Tune in and be part of a conversation that champions representation and redefines what it means to tell a story from the heart.
More Info: https://www.darumamovie.com
#DarumaMovie #InclusiveCinema #DisabilityRepresentation #WereNotStumped #BehindTheScenes
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In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Steven Vine for a raw and deeply honest conversation about survival and rebuilding life after everything changes. Steven shares how an undiagnosed genetic heart condition led to a sudden medical emergency in 2016, leaving him in a six-month coma. When he woke up, he was blind, a right above-knee amputee, living with an ostomy bag, and navigating chronic pain. Once a nationally ranked teenage track and field athlete who idolized Steve Prefontaine, Steven later owned and managed a fine dining Italian restaurant before his life was upended. In this episode, he reflects on depression, anger, opioid use and withdrawal, and the importance of caregiving support. Steven also explains how his journey inspired The Disability Diaries podcast and his upcoming memoir, Beyond These Green Eyes, offering hope through honest storytelling.
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.
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