Upper Limb Amputees – We’re Not Stumped Limb Loss Support

Belma Islamovic: Double Amputee & War Survivor

Mike Bolland — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:32:53 +0000

In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Belma Islamovic, a double above-elbow amputee, community advocate, and proud member of the Dallas Amputee Network. Mike and Belma first met at Empower Fest in Arizona, and today she shares her remarkable story of survival, resilience, and hope. Belma recounts: • Surviving a devastating explosion during the Bosnian War • Her long medical journey from Bosnia to Italy and ultimately to the United States • Adapting to life without prosthetics and mastering daily tasks using her feet • The emotional and mental health struggles she overcame through support and therapy • Her connection with the Dallas Amputee Network and the power of community Belma’s story is a powerful reminder of human strength, compassion, and the importance of support networks for amputees and trauma survivors.

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.

One Hand, Many Strengths: Stevia Walker on Advocacy and Dallas Amputee Network

Mike Bolland — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 14:48:45 +0000

Stevia Walker joins host Mike Bolland to share her powerful story of resilience after a life-altering car accident that left her with a fused cervical spine and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in her right hand. After extensive research and consultations, Stevia made the courageous decision to undergo amputation of her hand—with the support of Dr. Stephen Niedermeyer. In this inspiring episode, Stevia reflects on rebuilding her life, from her former career as a hair stylist to her meaningful role today as a Girl Scout leader. She speaks candidly about living with phantom limb pain, her challenges with prosthetics, and how she empowers others by sharing her experiences. As a board member of the Dallas Amputee Network (DAN - https://dallasamputeenetwork.org/), Stevia highlights the nonprofit’s impactful work supporting amputees, caregivers, and families throughout North Texas. Founded in 2002, DAN provides education, peer mentorship, fitness opportunities, and social events like the upcoming Legapalooza fundraiser—all aimed at improving the quality of life for those affected by limb loss.

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!

From Tragedy to Purpose: Amputee Billy Parker on Promoting Workplace Safety

Mike Bolland — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 15:53:07 +0000

In this powerful episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland talks with Billy Parker, a former welder who lost both arms in a life-changing accident. Billy shares his incredible journey of resilience as an amputee, finding a new purpose, and his mission to promote workplace safety to prevent similar tragedies. Billy discusses his advocacy work, personal growth, and how he empowers…

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Behind the Scenes of Daruma with John Lawson, Abigail Hawk & Tobias Forrest

Mike Bolland — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 16:56:33 +0000

In this exciting episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland engages in an inspiring and insightful conversation with Daruma cast members John Lawson, Abigail Hawk, and Tobias Forrest. Daruma is a landmark film, being the first in American cinematic history to cast both lead actors with disabilities. The film stars Tobias Forrest (a C-level quadriplegic), John W. Lawson (a double…

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The Resilient Band: Power Through Music | We’re Not Stumped Podcast

Mike Bolland — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 13:55:15 +0000

In this special episode of “We’re Not Stumped,” host Mike Bolland sits down with the members of The Resilient, a band composed of talented musicians who have turned their personal challenges into powerful music. 🌟 Join us as we explore the journey of these incredible artists who, despite facing adversities, have created a unique and impactful sound that resonates with audiences nationwide.

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Right Hand Amputee Podcast with Jonathan Cowley – We’re Not Stumped

Mike Bolland — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 18:42:38 +0000

Welcome back to the “We’re Not Stumped” podcast! Host Mike Bolland introduces an exceptionally inspiring guest, Jonathan Cowley. Jonathan’s story is a profound example of resilience and determination in the face of formidable challenges. Jonathan’s journey began in early 2013 when he discovered a small lump on his right hand. With a young child at home, bumps and scrapes were commonplace…

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