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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What if surgery and virtual reality could dramatically reduce phantom limb pain? On this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Dr. Glenn Gaston, orthopedic hand and upper-extremity surgeon, to explore groundbreaking innovations in amputee care — including the Starfish Procedure and a virtual reality treatment for phantom limb pain. Dr. Gaston shares how a life-changing patient experience led him to build a dedicated amputee clinic and push beyond century-old methods of care He also shares his journey into amputee care, the inspiration behind his innovations, and why collaboration between surgeons, prosthetists, therapists, and mental health professionals is shaping the future of limb loss recovery.
Lera Doederlein joins Mike Bolland on We’re Not Stumped to share a powerful story of choosing possibility. Born with AMC (arthrogryposis multiplex congenita), Lera grew up in Phoenix using braces and forearm crutches while navigating school, friendships, and the quiet realization that sports might look different for her. As a teenager, she made the bold decision to pursue double above-knee amputations in order to gain independence and improve long-term mobility—and it transformed her life. Lera walks us through the realities of recovery and physical therapy, learning to use prosthetics, and the moment a clinician pushed her beyond her comfort zone—encouraging her to run just a week after she started walking. She also shares why community matters so much, from Camp No Limits to Hanger events and amputee boot camps that helped her build confidence and momentum.
In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike talks with John Cooper, a physical therapist assistant with 18 years of experience, about his journey into physical therapy and his passion for working with lower-limb amputees. John shares how his grandfather’s recovery from brain surgery sparked his career, and how close collaboration with prosthetists helps him address the real-world challenges amputees face every day. He explains why patience matters in rehab, why quality beats quantity in therapy sessions, and how setbacks can become powerful turning points.
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