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 sits down with Kelly Grey-Parker, a quadrilateral amputee who lost her limbs at just one year old. Kelly shares her incredible journey of resilience and how she's dedicated her life to supporting others through the organization MOVING FORWARD Limb Loss Networking Group. Discover how Kelly's story inspires hope, and learn about the impact of peer support in fostering confidence and independence for amputees. She also shares the story of her marriage to Billy Parker, a bilateral upper limb amputee. Together, they navigate life’s challenges with love, humor, and an unshakable bond built on mutual understanding.
Join us for the 100th episode of We're Not Stumped! Host Mike Bolland reflects on the incredible journey so far, and the lessons learned from celebrating resilience and overcoming challenges. In this special milestone episode, Mike also walks listeners through the process of becoming a guest on the podcast. Whether you’re a longtime listener or new to the podcast, this episode is filled with gratitude, inspiration, and exciting updates for the future. Thank you for being part of our journey—here’s to the next 100!
In this compelling episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes the incredible team behind the Hozhoni Foundation to share their inspiring mission and groundbreaking work. Joining Mike are CEO Antonia Klopstein, COO Lex Heerding, Employment Program Head Michele Eisenberg, and Art Manager Shay Vigil. Together, they discuss how the foundation empowers individuals with disabilities through innovative programs that promote independence, creativity, and community engagement.
