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.
🎧 Subscribe to We’re Not Stumped for more stories of resilience, innovation, and inclusive design.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
What happens when your life changes overnight—and you have to rebuild from the ground up? In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland talks with Melinda Preciado, a former ER professional turned disability advocate, about her life-changing journey after becoming an above-knee amputee in 2021 following a rare and devastating medical complication. Melinda shares the realities of life after amputation, challenges with prosthetics and accessibility, misconceptions about disability benefits, and why advocacy matters. She also opens up about social support, finding community through Miss Wheelchair, and using her story to inspire others. An honest conversation about resilience, identity, and discovering strength beyond limits.
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Kim Ousley to share her powerful amputee story—from a synovial sarcoma diagnosis to limb loss, recovery, and becoming a leader in amputee support and advocacy. As a certified peer support visitor and advocate, Kim is helping others navigate life after amputation with honesty, resilience, and real-world insight. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in amputee life, disability, recovery after limb loss, and stories of overcoming adversity.
What kind of support truly makes a difference during limb loss or limb preservation? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Laurie Gillman from the Limb Preservation Foundation to explore the programs helping individuals navigate some of life’s toughest moments. Laurie shares how LPF provides financial assistance, emotional support through peer groups, and educational resources designed to help people focus on healing and recovery. They also discuss the upcoming symposium, mental health initiatives, and the importance of community, caregiving, and celebrating small wins along the journey.
