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/
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
In this episode of the We're Not Stumped, we sit down with Kelly J. Mendenhall—an accomplished author, speaker, and advocate—to explore her transformative journey from a thriving career in nonprofit fundraising to becoming a disabled entrepreneur and patient advocate. Diagnosed with rare spinal cord conditions in 2017, Kelly faced a medical mystery that led her to redefine her life and purpose. Kelly's dedication to empowering others is evident in her efforts to raise awareness about chronic pain, mental health, and the importance of patient-centered care.
In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland shares two stories of courage and perseverance. The episode highlights a shark attack survivor who turned to crowdfunding after being denied insurance coverage for a prosthetic hand. This journey showcases the challenges of insurance in the area of prosthetics.
In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland welcomes Nicole Cuervo, the founder and CEO of Springrose, a groundbreaking company redefining adaptive intimates for women with disabilities, limited mobility, and chronic pain. Nicole’s passion for inclusivity and empowerment stems from her own personal experiences. Inspired by her grandmother Rose, who lived with arthritis and chronic pain, Nicole realized the lack of functional yet fashionable clothing options for women facing similar challenges. In 2020, she launched Springrose to fill that gap, blending innovation with empathy to create a line of intimates that prioritize comfort, style, and accessibility.
