Congenital Amputee Podcast
What the TV Stories Didn’t Show | The Real Reason Behind My PBA Comeback
Over the past few days, I was fortunate to be featured by ABC15 and Arizona's Family as I prepare for my return to PBA competition after more than 30 years away from the sport. The television stories were fantastic, but as anyone who has ever done an interview knows, there's always more that doesn't make the final cut. In this special solo episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, I share some of the stories, organizations, and experiences that didn't make it into the TV segments, including: • The mission behind the We're Not Stumped podcast • Joe & Marie Bolland's Helping Hands and supporting people with limb loss and limb differences • Enable Review and helping people make informed prosthetic care decisions • Why this comeback is about much more than bowling
Things I Didn’t Expect About Returning to Bowling After 30 Years
After more than 30 years away from competitive bowling, I’m discovering that some things have changed—and some things haven’t. In this solo episode of We’re Not Stumped, I share three things that surprised me as I prepare for my return to competition at the 2026 PBA60 World Championship. The body doesn’t work quite the same at 61. Some instincts and memories never really leave. And one unexpected encounter reminded me that people still remember my days on the PBA Tour. This episode isn’t about scores or equipment. It’s about rediscovering a part of my life I thought was behind me and finding out what’s still possible when you decide to take one more run. As the first person with limb loss to compete on the PBA Tour, I hope this conversation encourages you to revisit a dream, try something again, or simply remember that it’s never too late to surprise yourself.
The Top 3 Questions About Mike Bolland’s Bowling Comeback
Ever since announcing his return to competitive bowling, Mike Bolland has been getting one question after another from friends, bowlers, podcast listeners, and people discovering his story for the first time. In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike answers the top three questions he keeps hearing: 🎳 How did he start bowling? 🎳 Why did he walk away from the sport? 🎳 Why is he coming back now at 61 years old? Mike shares the story behind becoming the first person with limb loss to compete on the PBA Tour, the life experiences that pulled him away from bowling, and how volunteering with Arizona Disabled Sports unexpectedly helped inspire his comeback journey toward the PBA60 World Championship.
Marc Burkom on Sports, Coaching & Amputee Athletes
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
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
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.
About Congenital Amputees
A “congenital amputee” is an individual who is born with one or more limbs missing or underdeveloped. In congenital amputation, the absence of a limb occurs during the prenatal development of the fetus and is typically due to genetic factors or developmental issues in the womb.
Congenital amputations can affect any limb, including the arms and legs, and they can vary in severity. Common causes and factors contributing to congenital amputations include:
- Genetic Factors: Some congenital limb differences are linked to genetic mutations or conditions that affect limb development during early fetal development.
- Teratogens: Exposure to teratogenic substances or environmental factors during pregnancy can disrupt normal limb development, leading to congenital amputations.
- Vascular or Blood Flow Issues: Insufficient blood flow to the developing limbs during pregnancy can result in limb malformation or amputation.
- Amniotic Band Syndrome: In some cases, fibrous bands in the amniotic sac can entangle and constrict fetal limbs, causing limb differences.
- Congenital Disorders: Certain congenital disorders, such as ectrodactyly (also known as “lobster claw hand”), thalidomide syndrome, or Holt-Oram syndrome, can result in congenital limb differences.
Congenital amputees face unique challenges related to their limb differences, but they often learn to adapt and find ways to perform daily activities and pursue their goals. Depending on the severity and location of the limb difference, some individuals may benefit from assistive devices, prosthetic limbs, orthotic devices, or surgical interventions to improve their functionality and quality of life.
Supportive environments, education, and access to healthcare and rehabilitation services are essential for individuals with congenital amputations to thrive and fully participate in society. Advocacy groups and organizations dedicated to limb differences often provide valuable resources and support to individuals and their families.