From Paralysis to Purpose: Dr. Kirsten Ludwig’s Journey as a Walking Quadriplegic

What happens when a life-changing accident forces you to redefine everything you thought was possible?

On this episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, I sit down with Dr. Kirsten Ludwig—a biomedical researcher, educator, former professional polo player, and advocate for disability inclusion in healthcare.

In 2021, Dr. Ludwig was paralyzed from the neck down during a horseback riding accident. Through determination, rehabilitation, and an incredible commitment to recovery, she became what she describes as a walking quadriplegic. Today, she combines her lived experience with her work as an Associate Professor of Biomedical Science at the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, helping educate future physicians about disability, accessibility, and patient-centered care.

In this episode, we discuss:

* 🐎 Her career as a professional polo player
* 🧬 Her work in biomedical research and medical education
* 💪 The horseback riding accident that changed her life
* 🎯 How setting one recovery goal at a time helped her regain independence
* ♿ Why disability inclusion belongs in every healthcare curriculum
* ❤️ Advice for anyone facing a life-changing injury

Dr. Ludwig’s story is one of resilience, hope, and purpose. Whether you’re living with a disability, working in healthcare, or simply looking for inspiration, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

🎙️ Subscribe to We’re Not Stumped for more conversations with people who are redefining what’s possible in the disability community.

#Disability #SpinalCordInjury #WalkingQuadriplegic #Healthcare #MedicalEducation #AdaptiveLiving #Accessibility #Resilience #DisabilityAdvocate #WereNotStumped

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Watch on YouTube

Listen on Spotify

  • Robert Rodriguez: Growing Up With Limb Difference

October 27th, 2026|

Adaptive athlete and motivational speaker Robert Rodriguez, also known as Robert Anthony, joins Mike Bolland on We’re Not Stumped for a conversation about growing up with limb difference, finding confidence through sports, and supporting others through limb loss. Born with fibular hemimelia, Robert shares the physical and social challenges he faced as a child, including bullying and barriers in sports. He reflects on his family’s support and his path into amputee soccer, paratriathlon, and beach volleyball. Mike and Robert also challenge the assumption that experiencing limb loss early in life means someone automatically has it easier—or has less to offer a person navigating a recent amputation.

  • Born With a Limb Difference Doesn’t Always Mean We Have It Easier

October 23rd, 2026|

Does being born with a limb difference—or experiencing amputation as a child—mean you have it easier? In this solo episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland challenges an assumption that can leave people feeling dismissed within their own community. Born without a right hand, Mike shares why physical adaptation tells only part of the story. Through his podcast and community work, he’s met people whose experiences include bullying, employment barriers, relationship challenges, and depression. While these experiences don’t all reflect his own journey, they deserve acknowledgment. Acquiring a disability later in life brings its own challenges, including grief and adjustment. Recognizing those experiences doesn’t require minimizing the challenges of congenital limb difference or childhood limb loss. This episode invites us to listen more closely, question what we assume about others, and support one another without ranking whose journey is harder.

  • Tony Jackson on Voiceover, Power Soccer & Disability Inclusion

October 20th, 2026|

How can voiceover and adaptive sports create opportunities for people with disabilities? Phoenix-based voiceover artist Tony Jackson joins Mike Bolland on We’re Not Stumped to share his experiences behind the microphone and on the power soccer court. Tony serves as the Grant Coordinator and Power Soccer Coordinator at Ability360. We explore his path into voice acting, accessibility in casting, and how adaptive sports build teamwork, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

By |July 7th, 2026|General Disability Related Resources and News|Comments Off on From Paralysis to Purpose: Dr. Kirsten Ludwig’s Journey as a Walking Quadriplegic

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Go to Top