From Alone to Advocate: The Power of Speaking Up

In this impactful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland dives into the second “A” of his Triple A’s of Limb LossAdvocacy. Drawing from his own experience as someone born without a right hand, Mike explores how individuals in the limb loss and disability communities are using their voices to influence change, break down stigma, and fight for equal access and opportunity.

Through heartfelt stories and eye-opening insights, this episode highlights:

  • What advocacy looks like — from everyday conversations to systemic reform

  • How sharing your personal journey can empower others and drive awareness

  • The importance of representation in healthcare, employment, media, and beyond

  • Ways listeners can get involved, speak up, and support the disability community

Whether you’re new to advocacy or already leading the charge, this episode will remind you that change starts with a single voice — and grows into a movement.

Because when we speak up, we rise together.

🦾 Real people. Real struggles. Real strength.
Because when you find your community, you’re never stumped.

🦾 Part 2 of Mike Bolland’s Triple A’s: Alone. Advocacy. Attitude.

More on One Handed Motivational Speaker Mike Bolland

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  • Def Leppard Concert: Jeanette Jones on Accessibility Fails

August 7th, 2025|

Jeanette Jones returns to the We’re Not Stumped podcast with host Mike Bolland for a powerful conversation that goes beyond music. She shares a shocking and emotional story about the accessibility barriers she and her partner Frank encountered at a Def Leppard concert at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. From steep hills to discriminatory treatment by staff, their experience sheds light on how accessibility still falls short—even in 2025. But that’s just the beginning. Jeanette also opens up about her own journey—surviving childhood cancer, transitioning from prosthetics to a wheelchair, and the incredible resilience of her partner Frank after his life-changing accident. This episode is about more than one bad night—it’s a call to action for accessibility, empathy, and real change.

  • Fixing Website Accessibility with Maigen Thomas

August 5th, 2025|

Is your website really accessible to everyone? In this powerful episode of *We’re Not Stumped*, host Mike Bolland welcomes web accessibility expert Maigen Thomas to perform a live audit of the podcast’s website—and the results are eye-opening!  Accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about empathy, inclusion, and making sure your digital experience works for everyone. Maigen shares her personal connection to accessibility, including how her grandfather’s vision loss shaped her perspective on designing with intention. Whether you're a business owner, content creator, or web designer, this episode is packed with practical tips and free tools to level up your site. 

  • challenge the assumption that a prosthesis defines your ability to succeed. 

July 31st, 2025|

 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. 

By |2025-07-03T08:37:28-07:00July 3rd, 2025|General Disability Related Resources and News|Comments Off on From Alone to Advocate: The Power of Speaking Up

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