Congenital Amputee Stories – We’re Not Stumped Limb Loss Support

Marc Burkom on Sports, Coaching & Amputee Athletes

Mike Bolland — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:25:31 +0000

What does it take to turn a life challenge into a lifelong passion for sports and coaching? On this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland talks with Marc Burkom, a double below-knee amputee born with fibular hemimelia who has built a life around athletics, coaching, and helping others reach their potential. Marc shares how his parents made the difficult decision to amputate his feet when he was just two months old — a choice that allowed him to grow up active in sports like soccer, baseball, and basketball. Today, Marc works in coaching education and advocates for expanding opportunities for adaptive and amputee athletes. In this conversation, Marc and Mike discuss growing up with prosthetics, the role sports played in building confidence, coaching amputee soccer, adaptive sports like amputee basketball, and how prosthetic technology has evolved over the years.

Born Different, Built Resilient: Jason A. Jones on Mindset, Disability & Purpose

Mike Bolland — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:47:37 +0000

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, 3 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 the importance of mindset, and how resilience is built through lived experience.

Kicking Barriers: Alexia Michitti on Soccer, Innovation & Empowering Kids with Limb Differences

Mike Bolland — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 19:09:59 +0000

Host Mike Bolland sits down with Alexia Michitti—a public speaker, athlete, and entrepreneur born without a right hand. Together, they reflect on their shared experiences of limb difference and Alexia’s powerful journey of resilience, determination, and innovation. Alexia shares how she’s breaking barriers in sports and beyond—from representing the U.S. in the first Women’s Amputee Soccer World Cup, to filing a patent for adaptive clothing through her brand Em13race (https://em13race.com/), to finding her voice as a motivational speaker. She opens up about life without a prosthetic, her role models, and her passion for inspiring children with limb differences to embrace their uniqueness.

Katie Thomas on Parenting, Advocacy, and Living One-Handed

Mike Bolland — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 16:59:15 +0000

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.

Apparently, I Need a Prosthetic to Wash Apples…

Mike Bolland — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 20:44:39 +0000

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.

Unstoppable: Jessica Cox’s Journey as the World’s First Armless Pilot

Mike Bolland — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 15:47:44 +0000

A must listen! In this dynamic episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland speaks with Jessica Cox, a pioneering pilot, martial artist, and motivational speaker born without arms. Jessica shares her journey of overcoming challenges, embracing independence, and inspiring others worldwide. She reflects on her childhood, the support of her parents, and her decision to forgo prosthetics in favor of using her feet. She recounts her fight to regain her driver’s license after unfair scrutiny, a moment that reinforced her resilience. Jessica also discusses earning her black belt in Taekwondo and becoming the world’s first armless pilot—turning fear into empowerment. Through her nonprofit, Right Footed Foundation International, Jessica mentors children without arms, encouraging them to chase their dreams. Looking ahead, she aims to build her own plane for greater independence. This episode is a testament to determination, self-belief, and living without limits. Don’t miss this powerful conversation!

We’re Not Stumped Season Three Finale With Host Mike Bolland

Mike Bolland — Tue, 14 May 2024 17:49:13 +0000

Season three is a wrap, and what a great season! In this season 3 finale, I give a brief overview of all this season’s episodes. I then talk about three upcoming season four episodes and my one-man show called “I’m not Stumped”. Want to be considered as a guest? Fill out the form here: Contact Amputee Podcast Want to learn more about our host Mike Bolland? See his website https://mikebolland.com/ #

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Special 40th We’re Not Stumped Congenital Upper Limb Loss Podcast with Billy Jack History

Mike Bolland — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 20:51:00 +0000

Are you a #prosthetist? Do you find vintage #prosthetics interesting? Then this special edition 40th episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast is a must see! I will show you some of my oldies – prosthetics from a different era that I just found after many years. My starter #prosthesis, which is a rubberized mitt and my very first hook I was able to use and control as an infant. Plus a 50-year-old…

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Congenital Limb Difference Podcast Angie Sandow

Mike Bolland — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 20:40:12 +0000

My guest in this episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast is the closest to me than any other guest I’ve had the pleasure to have on. Her name is Angie Sandow, and just like me, she was born without a right hand. What an honor to have her on! As she always does, in this episode she passionately shares her experiences of living with a limb difference and surviving breast cancer to encourage and…

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Were Not Stumped Amputee Podcast Season 2 Finale with Mike Bolland

Mike Bolland — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 16:08:36 +0000

Season 2 is in the books! In this season two finale episode, I have three main topics: My thoughts on prosthetics: I am sick of how amputees who choose not to wear prosthetics are treated within the amputee community. I also get disgusted by prosthetic manufactures who dismiss certain people in the community in their sole mission to make a profit off amputees. Amputee Workouts: I am looking for…

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