What happens when lived experience meets entrepreneurship?
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Owen Kent, an entrepreneur living with muscular dystrophy who is reshaping the future of assistive technology.
After facing limited access to effective rehabilitation tools, Owen co-founded a company to develop a simple, home-based exoskeleton designed to make recovery more accessible. From customer discovery and design thinking to universal design principles, Owen shares how building technology for underserved communities requires more than innovation — it requires empathy.
We dive into:
• Developing a reflex knee brace for post-surgery recovery
• The RAMP (Robotic Assisted Mobility and Manipulation Platform)
• Robotic wheelchairs with advanced AI and robotic arms
• Partnering with the University of Pittsburgh to advance mobility technology
• Why qualitative feedback matters more than traditional KPIs
• The future of robotics in independent living
This conversation is a powerful look at how assistive tech, AI, and robotics are unlocking independence for people with disabilities and the aging population.
If you’re passionate about innovation, accessibility, entrepreneurship, or the future of mobility — this episode is for you.
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In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland welcomes Allison Sweet Grant, author of I Am The Cage, a powerful novel inspired by her own medical experiences. Allison shares her journey of undergoing the Lizarov limb-lengthening procedure as a teenager and how those experiences shaped her writing. Like her protagonist Elisabeth, Allison grappled with feelings of isolation, a lack of agency, and the struggle to be heard in a confusing healthcare system. She opens up about translating her personal trauma into fiction, creating a character who faces her own battles with bodily autonomy and self-forgiveness.
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, we highlight two incredible stories of resilience and empowerment. First, we celebrate Forreston High School wrestler Lucas Nelson, who recently reached his 100th career win—an impressive feat made even more inspiring by the fact that he competes with a limb difference. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, proving that hard work and determination can overcome any challenge. We also spotlight Penta Prosthetics, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making prosthetic devices more accessible to those in need. With millions of people worldwide unable to afford proper prosthetic care, Penta Prosthetics works to bridge the gap by recycling, refurbishing, and redistributing prosthetic limbs to individuals who need them most. Their mission is transforming lives, giving people the mobility and independence they deserve.
Listen as Mike Bolland delves into inspiring and impactful stories that highlight resilience and adaptability. Mike begins by discussing a life-changing camping trip that led to a double leg amputation after a severe burn and sepsis—an incredible journey of survival and recovery. He also shares surprising news about actor David Tennant revealing he was born with a rare medical condition, shedding light on hidden challenges faced by public figures. Additionally, Mike highlights the incredible work of Be More Adaptive™, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering innovation for the disability community through adaptive technology and resources.
