In this powerful and reflective episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Terry Tucker, author of Four Truths and a Lie, for a deep conversation about mindset, mental toughness, and what it truly means to live a significant life.
Terry shares the philosophy behind his latest book, which challenges common definitions of success rooted in money, status, and material achievement. Instead, he invites listeners to rethink success through the lens of service, responsibility, and impact on others. At the heart of his message is one foundational truth: if you don’t control your mind, it will control you.
Building on lessons from his earlier work, Sustainable Excellence, Terry explains how the four truths in the book—shaped by real-life adversity including cancer and amputation—serve as a framework for resilience. He emphasizes the importance of deliberately stepping outside your comfort zone, embracing discomfort, and taking daily actions that strengthen mental toughness.
Mike and Terry also explore the difference between success and significance, the dangers of tying self-worth to achievement, and why true fulfillment comes from giving rather than acquiring. Through stories, philosophy, and lived experience, Terry offers practical wisdom for anyone navigating hardship or searching for deeper purpose.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
- The core philosophy behind Four Truths and a Lie
- Mental toughness and controlling your mindset
- Success versus significance
- Finding purpose through service to others
- Building resilience through daily discomfort
- Lessons learned through adversity and personal challenge
This episode is a must-listen for anyone questioning traditional ideas of success or looking to build a more meaningful, purpose-driven life.
Terry’s new book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Four-Truths-Lie-Ancient-Purpose/dp/B0FPGTK7TG
🎙️ Subscribe to We’re Not Stumped for inspiring conversations about resilience, disability, and turning life’s toughest challenges into growth and impact.
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Here’s the actual quote from a company called the LN4 Hand Project: "A prosthetic hand is an invaluable asset to an individual without an upper limb. An upper limb prosthesis can determine whether or not an individual is able to be employed, contribute to household duties, or provide an increased sense of independence." As a successful one-handed person—a podcaster, speaker, nonprofit founder, and former pro bowler—I have to say, that sentence overlooks the truth: people with limb differences are capable with or without a device. And it’s not just the language. Companies like Taska Prosthetics create videos that show one-handed people doing things like washing apples, as if that’s the pinnacle of independence. While I love and appreciate prosthetics, we can do better. In this podcast, I break down the problem with this kind of messaging, share my lived experience, and challenge the assumption that a prosthesis defines your ability to succeed.
Host Mike Bolland welcomes Brittany Dejean, founder of Inclusion Jumpstart and former Airbnb accessibility leader. Brittany opens up about how her father’s spinal cord injury at age 12 inspired her lifelong passion for disability inclusion. She shares insights from her 6.5 years at Airbnb working on accessibility and diversity initiatives, her nonprofit work with Able Thrive, and her current mission as an entrepreneur and advocate. Brittany’s training programs help people overcome awkwardness around disability and build more inclusive, empathetic spaces in both personal and professional settings.
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland gets real about the challenges of finding a job while living with a disability. Born without his right hand, Mike has firsthand experience navigating interviews, workplace bias, and the self-doubt that can creep in during the job search. He shares tips that helped him—and that can help you—stand out for the right reasons, from understanding your rights under the ADA to deciding when (or if) to disclose your disability. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or unsure where to start, this episode offers encouragement, strategies, and real-world advice from someone who’s walked the walk. 🛠️ Topics include: How to highlight your strengths, not your limitations Disability-friendly job boards and resources Why owning your story is your greatest strength Whether you were born with a disability or acquired one later in life, this episode is for anyone ready to pursue meaningful work and thrive.
