What does it truly mean to be seen as fully human in a world that often overlooks disability?
In this thought-provoking episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes back Dr. Stephanie W. Cawthon—an acclaimed deaf author, speaker, and researcher—for an honest and insightful conversation about identity, accessibility, and belonging. With ASL interpreters Amanda Ford and Steven Nugent joining, Dr. Cawthon shares the personal and cultural impact of her book Disability is Human, a work that has deeply influenced Mike’s own journey.
They discuss the challenges of growing up with hearing loss in a time when ASL access was limited, and how this shaped language development and education. The conversation dives into important issues like the “disability tax,” identity formation, and the hidden barriers many disabled individuals encounter, especially in entry-level jobs. They also unpack the effects of societal attitudes, exploring concepts like “helper syndrome” and “stalker syndrome,” which create subtle but real burdens for people with disabilities.
Dr. Cawthon highlights that while the ADA was a critical step toward inclusion, achieving true accessibility demands ongoing shifts in mindset, mentorship, and opportunity. This episode invites listeners to rethink disability—not as a problem to be fixed, but as a vital part of the human experience.
Disability is Human Book: https://www.amazon.com/Disability-Human-Vital-Accessibility-Everyday/dp/1954233299
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What are you actually allowed to ask someone with a service dog? Do service dogs need paperwork? And what happens when businesses get the rules wrong? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland talks with upper-limb amputee Stevia Walker about service animals, disability, prosthetics, self-advocacy, and life after limb loss. Stevia shares an encounter at a hotel where employees demanded documentation for her service dog and incorrectly assumed the dog was an emotional support animal. She discusses what people and businesses should understand about service animals and why these interactions matter.
What does it take to overcome a challenge you've faced since birth? In this episode of We're Not Stumped, Mike Bolland welcomes Nathan Winston, who was born with Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency (PFFD), a rare limb difference that led to the amputation of his left leg at the age of four. Nathan shares his incredible journey from adapting to life with a prosthetic to excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. His determination eventually carried him to the Little League World Series and into the ranks of professional baseball. Along the way, Nathan reflects on the challenges he faced, the resilience he developed, and the mindset that helped him keep moving forward—even when the path wasn't easy.
What does it really take to produce a podcast? In this special solo episode of We're Not Stumped, I'm taking you behind the scenes to share how the podcast started, what happens before and after every interview, and the lessons I've learned from producing more than 200 episodes. I'll talk about: Why I decided to start the podcast My recording setup and workflow Editing What I'd do differently if I were starting today Advice for anyone thinking about launching their own podcast Whether you're interested in podcasting, storytelling, or simply curious about what goes into creating We're Not Stumped, I hope this episode gives you a new perspective—and maybe the confidence to start your own show.
