“You’re lucky—you were born that way.”
“At least you lost your limb when you were young.”
Within the limb loss community, these statements can overlook a significant part of someone’s life. Adapting physically is only one part of living with a limb difference or limb loss – and this applies to people of all ages. The emotional and social challenges deserve equal consideration.
In this solo episode of We’re Not Stumped, I share my perspective as someone born without a right hand and challenge the assumption that people born with limb differences—or who experienced amputation as children—automatically have it easier. and I share a recent experience that shapes this conversation.
Through my podcast and community work, I’ve met people whose experiences include bullying, barriers to employment, difficulties forming relationships, and years of depression. While those experiences don’t all describe my own journey, they deserve to be heard and acknowledged.
Acquiring a disability later in life brings its own challenges, including grieving what someone has lost. Recognizing those challenges doesn’t require us to minimize someone else’s.
Each journey carries challenges that may not be visible from the outside. We build a stronger community when we listen to those experiences without deciding who has it easier.
Before we tell someone they’re lucky, let’s ask what their experience has actually been.
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In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Meegan Winters, CEO and founder of AbleVu, the innovative accessibility search platform making the world easier to navigate for everyone. Meegan shares her inspiring journey—from special education teacher to tech entrepreneur—and how her friendship with Jessica, a power wheelchair user, sparked her mission to improve accessibility for all. Mike and Meegan explore AbleVu’s evolution from virtual tours to a “TripAdvisor for accessibility,” the business model that empowers contributors, and why accessible information benefits both consumers and businesses. Along the way, Meegan opens up about leaving a stable career, overcoming the challenges of building a startup, and the fulfillment that comes from creating real-world impact. Discover how technology and empathy intersect to make the world more inclusive.
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.
