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 welcomes Nathan Kennedy of Upstream Fitness, Chris Kocurek, and Chris’s son, Cameron ‘Coach Cam’ Kocurek.
Cameron, who has Down syndrome, began gymnastics as a child and later competed in Special Olympics and unified gymnastics. Today, he is using the confidence, communication skills, and discipline 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 more accessible for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Chris shares Cameron’s journey from athlete to assistant PE coach—and his continued progress toward meaningful employment and greater independence.
In this conversation:
• Cameron’s growth through gymnastics and adaptive sports
• How Coach Cam connects with and leads fitness participants
• Nathan’s journey from boxing and powerlifting to inclusive coaching
• Making fitness accessible for people with autism and Down syndrome
• Creating meaningful employment opportunities for adults with disabilities
• Building confidence, strength, independence, and belonging
• Upstream Fitness’s plans for coaching certifications and expansion
This episode is a powerful reminder of what can happen when people with disabilities are given genuine opportunities to contribute, lead, and succeed.
Learn more about Upstream Fitness:
https://upstream-fitness.com/
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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.
What happens when you begin losing your vision as a child—and refuse to let it define your future? In this inspiring episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Kathy Nimmer, recipient of the prestigious Helen Keller Achievement Award, author, speaker, and retired high school English teacher who spent nearly three decades educating and inspiring students while living with blindness. Kathy shares her remarkable journey of progressive vision loss caused by a rare retinal degenerative disease, the challenges she faced along the way, and the resilience that helped her build a life filled with purpose, achievement, and impact.
Host Mike Bolland welcomes Whitney Lavender — Miss Wheelchair Tennessee 2026, author, advocate, and host of the Wits Grit podcast — for an inspiring conversation about resilience, purpose, and overcoming unimaginable challenges. After a devastating fall led to a diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Whitney faced years of severe pain, countless treatments, and ultimately bilateral leg amputations. Rather than allowing adversity to define her, she rebuilt her life and discovered a new purpose through advocacy, storytelling, and empowering others. Whitney’s story is a powerful reminder that our greatest challenges can sometimes reveal strengths we never knew we had.
