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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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.
Civil rights advocate Marc Fishman joins host Mike Bolland to shed light on a critical but overlooked issue: the routine denial of disability accommodations in America’s family courts. After a devastating car accident left him with long-term disabilities and communication challenges, Marc entered a 49-month legal battle—not just for his parental rights, but for his basic ADA protections. He details how New York courts repeatedly refused accommodations like real-time transcription, the federal ADA victories he secured, and how Tennessee v. Lane shaped his fight for access. Marc also reveals the retaliation he faced from judges and public officials and discusses his successful advocacy during COVID helping disabled tenants obtain rent grants. With recent legislative wins offering hope, Marc emphasizes the urgent need for accountability and reform to protect disabled parents nationwide.
Today, I’m honored to sit down once again with Brooke Brown — an “ink weaver of life, faith, and fiction,” an honors graduate of ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, Ms. Wheelchair Arizona 2022, and founder of Brooke’s Butterfly Touch, a ministry that helps individuals discover the power and purpose of their own stories. Brooke is also the author of Rolling in Grace: Volume 1 — A Foundation of Faith and Imagination, now available in audio format. Having read it myself, I can promise you: it’s full of relatable, uplifting, and beautifully practical stories. Living with cerebral palsy and using an augmentative communication app, Brooke demonstrates that every voice — every single one — can inspire hope, healing, and opportunity. This is her second appearance on the show, so after watching, don’t forget to visit WereNotStumped.com to catch her first episode.
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