Welcome to “We’re Not Stumped,” the podcast where Mike Bolland explores the stories of resilience, innovation, and community within the limb difference world. In each episode, Mike introduces you to individuals and organizations making a profound impact on the lives of those with limb loss and limb differences.
In this episode:
- Lively Limbs Amputee Support Group in Mesa Celebrates 22 Years
- Join us as we celebrate the 22-year milestone of the Lively Limbs Amputee Support Group in Mesa, Arizona. Discover how this tight-knit community has been providing unwavering support, encouragement, and resources to amputees and their families for over two decades.
- Against All Odds: Baker County’s Jay Wilson Thrives as Double Amputee Firefighter and Business Owner
- Meet Jay Wilson, a double amputee who defies the odds every day as a firefighter and successful business owner in Baker County. Mike shares Jay’s incredible journey of resilience, determination, and his unwavering commitment to serving his community.
- Dream Home in 10 Days: Ground Broken on a Home for Quadruple Amputee
- Learn about the inspiring story of a community coming together to build a dream home for a quadruple amputee in just 10 days. This heartwarming tale of generosity and teamwork highlights the power of community in transforming lives.
Tune in to “We’re Not Stumped” for inspiring stories of triumph, support, and innovation in the limb difference community. Don’t miss an episode—subscribe now!
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How do you move forward when vision loss changes your career, independence, and plans for the future? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland speaks with Jennifer Frederick about living with permanent vision loss and learning to advocate for herself along the way. Jennifer explains how changes in her vision eventually forced her to leave a career in crisis management. She also discusses the challenges she now faces while looking for work, including interview practices that have left her questioning whether she is being treated fairly as a person with a disability. The conversation explores Jenn’s decision not to undergo surgery for her detached retinas, the importance of seeking medical attention when your vision changes, and the need to take ownership of your healthcare.
What happens when we stop deciding what someone is capable of—and give them the opportunity to lead? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland speaks with Nathan Kennedy of Upstream Fitness, Chris Kocurek, and Chris’s son, Coach Cameron “Coach Cam” Kocurek. Cameron, who has Down syndrome, began gymnastics as a child and went on to compete through Special Olympics and unified gymnastics. Today, he is using the confidence and skills he developed as an athlete to help coach others at Upstream Fitness. Nathan explains how Upstream Fitness uses movement, games, coaching cards, and step-by-step instruction to make exercise accessible for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Chris shares Cameron’s journey from athlete to assistant PE coach—and now toward meaningful employment and greater independence.
After losing control on an icy road in Calgary, Reid Robinson crashed into a tree and suffered devastating injuries to his lower leg. What followed were two and a half years of recovery, 13 surgeries, broken surgical hardware, bone infections, and a difficult decision between amputation and trying once more to save his leg. While recovering, Reid realized that none of the available mobility devices gave him the freedom he needed. So, despite having no welding experience, he taught himself by watching online videos and built his first leg brace from aluminum, crutches, and an IKEA cutting board. That garage-built prototype eventually became the X-Leg, a hands-free knee crutch designed to help people with lower-leg injuries stay active and independent during recovery.
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