In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Risa August — cancer survivor, author, patient advocate, and TEDx speaker — to talk about transforming adversity into impact.
Risa shares her journey after being diagnosed with acromegaly, the life-altering treatments she endured, and how she rebuilt her life with courage, mindset, and purpose. From losing her identity to riding 1,845 miles from Canada to Mexico, Risa proves that resilience can create extraordinary new beginnings.
They also discuss:
• The long-term effects of cancer treatment and radiation
• Risa’s award-winning memoir “The Road Unpaved”
• Her TEDx talk “How a Single Word Can Rebuild Your Life”
• Her work as a Gestalt coach and patient advocate
Plus, Risa reveals exciting news about her memoir being adapted into a feature film set for production in 2027.
This conversation is about more than survival — it’s about finding purpose, shifting your mindset, and helping others rise after life’s greatest challenges.
🎙️ Subscribe for more stories of strength, disability empowerment, adaptive living, and thriving beyond adversity.
Risa August: https://www.risaaugust.com/
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Post-amputation pain can be debilitating, but a new treatment called hydrodissection is showing promise in providing relief. In this episode of We're Not Stumped, we explore this groundbreaking therapy and its potential to improve the lives of amputees. Hydrodissection is a relatively new and promising treatment for post-amputation pain, particularly for neuroma-related pain and phantom limb pain. Here’s how it compares to other common pain treatments for amputees. Mike Bolland also shines a spotlight on Infinite Dance Flow, an inclusive dance company that is redefining what it means to move, featuring dancers of all abilities.
In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland welcomes Allison Sweet Grant, author of I Am The Cage, a powerful novel inspired by her own medical experiences. Allison shares her journey of undergoing the Lizarov limb-lengthening procedure as a teenager and how those experiences shaped her writing. Like her protagonist Elisabeth, Allison grappled with feelings of isolation, a lack of agency, and the struggle to be heard in a confusing healthcare system. She opens up about translating her personal trauma into fiction, creating a character who faces her own battles with bodily autonomy and self-forgiveness.
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, we highlight two incredible stories of resilience and empowerment. First, we celebrate Forreston High School wrestler Lucas Nelson, who recently reached his 100th career win—an impressive feat made even more inspiring by the fact that he competes with a limb difference. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, proving that hard work and determination can overcome any challenge. We also spotlight Penta Prosthetics, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making prosthetic devices more accessible to those in need. With millions of people worldwide unable to afford proper prosthetic care, Penta Prosthetics works to bridge the gap by recycling, refurbishing, and redistributing prosthetic limbs to individuals who need them most. Their mission is transforming lives, giving people the mobility and independence they deserve.
