In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Jason A. Jones—motivational speaker, author, and founder of Positive Pieces—for a powerful conversation about resilience, mindset, and growing up with a congenital hand difference.
Mike and Jason share a unique connection: both were born with a difference in their right hand. Together, they explore the realities of childhood, school, friendships, sports, and the challenges of first impressions when living with a visible disability. Jason reflects on the role his parents played in building confidence and accountability, encouraging him to adapt without excuses and believe in his own abilities.
Jason also discusses his motivational memoir, Three the Hard Way, which chronicles his journey from adolescence through college—including major setbacks like a serious car accident, job loss, and navigating employment with a disability. The conversation dives into disability disclosure in the workplace, the importance of mindset, and how resilience is built through lived experience.
The episode also covers:
- Living with a congenital limb difference
- Adaptability, ambidexterity, and self-confidence
- Employment challenges and disability awareness
- Jason’s mission through Positive Pieces, LLC to spread positivity
- Turning adversity into purpose
This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating disability, personal growth, or seeking motivation to move forward with confidence and purpose.
3 The Hard Way: https://www.amazon.com/3-Hard-Way-Jason-Jones/dp/1967176140
Jason A. Jones Website: https://www.mrjasonajones.com/
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Podcast host Mike Bolland is looking to connect with individuals willing to share their experiences with prosthetists and prosthetic care. If you’ve ever faced challenges with a prosthetist, received a prosthetic that didn’t meet your needs, or discovered a provider who went above and beyond, your story can make a difference. On his show, We’re Not Stumped, Mike engages in open, honest conversations about life with limb loss, prosthetics, and advocacy. His mission is to give a voice to the limb loss community, spotlight real experiences — both the good and the bad — and work toward improving the system for everyone. Mike invites you to be part of this important dialogue, knowing that your insights could help others navigate their own prosthetic journeys with greater confidence and support. 📩 Interested in being a guest? Visit: https://werenotstumped.com/were-not-stumped-limb-loss-podcast-guest-guide/
In this heartfelt and uplifting episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Katie Thomas for a conversation filled with honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom. Born without her right arm below the elbow, Katie began receiving care at Shriners Hospital in Tampa at age 3 and experimented with various prosthetics throughout her childhood. Over time, she discovered that prosthetics were a helpful tool—but not essential for her to live a full, capable life. Now a devoted parent, Katie opens up about raising her son, who has Witteveen Colk syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. She shares her journey through early intervention services, advocating for genetic testing, and ensuring her child receives the support he needs. Her advice to parents? Trust your instincts, push for answers, and never hesitate to speak up for your child.
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.
