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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Jeanette Jones returns to the We’re Not Stumped podcast with host Mike Bolland for a powerful conversation that goes beyond music. She shares a shocking and emotional story about the accessibility barriers she and her partner Frank encountered at a Def Leppard concert at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. From steep hills to discriminatory treatment by staff, their experience sheds light on how accessibility still falls short—even in 2025. But that’s just the beginning. Jeanette also opens up about her own journey—surviving childhood cancer, transitioning from prosthetics to a wheelchair, and the incredible resilience of her partner Frank after his life-changing accident. This episode is about more than one bad night—it’s a call to action for accessibility, empathy, and real change.
Is your website really accessible to everyone? In this powerful episode of *We’re Not Stumped*, host Mike Bolland welcomes web accessibility expert Maigen Thomas to perform a live audit of the podcast’s website—and the results are eye-opening! Accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about empathy, inclusion, and making sure your digital experience works for everyone. Maigen shares her personal connection to accessibility, including how her grandfather’s vision loss shaped her perspective on designing with intention. Whether you're a business owner, content creator, or web designer, this episode is packed with practical tips and free tools to level up your site.
Here’s the actual quote from a company called the LN4 Hand Project: "A prosthetic hand is an invaluable asset to an individual without an upper limb. An upper limb prosthesis can determine whether or not an individual is able to be employed, contribute to household duties, or provide an increased sense of independence." As a successful one-handed person—a podcaster, speaker, nonprofit founder, and former pro bowler—I have to say, that sentence overlooks the truth: people with limb differences are capable with or without a device. And it’s not just the language. Companies like Taska Prosthetics create videos that show one-handed people doing things like washing apples, as if that’s the pinnacle of independence. While I love and appreciate prosthetics, we can do better. In this podcast, I break down the problem with this kind of messaging, share my lived experience, and challenge the assumption that a prosthesis defines your ability to succeed.
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