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
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In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Belma Islamovic, a double above-elbow amputee, community advocate, and proud member of the Dallas Amputee Network. Mike and Belma first met at Empower Fest in Arizona, and today she shares her remarkable story of survival, resilience, and hope. Belma recounts: • Surviving a devastating explosion during the Bosnian War • Her long medical journey from Bosnia to Italy and ultimately to the United States • Adapting to life without prosthetics and mastering daily tasks using her feet • The emotional and mental health struggles she overcame through support and therapy • Her connection with the Dallas Amputee Network and the power of community Belma’s story is a powerful reminder of human strength, compassion, and the importance of support networks for amputees and trauma survivors.
Civil rights advocate Marc Fishman joins host Mike Bolland to shed light on a critical but overlooked issue: the routine denial of disability accommodations in America’s family courts. After a devastating car accident left him with long-term disabilities and communication challenges, Marc entered a 49-month legal battle—not just for his parental rights, but for his basic ADA protections. He details how New York courts repeatedly refused accommodations like real-time transcription, the federal ADA victories he secured, and how Tennessee v. Lane shaped his fight for access. Marc also reveals the retaliation he faced from judges and public officials and discusses his successful advocacy during COVID helping disabled tenants obtain rent grants. With recent legislative wins offering hope, Marc emphasizes the urgent need for accountability and reform to protect disabled parents nationwide.
Today, I’m honored to sit down once again with Brooke Brown — an “ink weaver of life, faith, and fiction,” an honors graduate of ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, Ms. Wheelchair Arizona 2022, and founder of Brooke’s Butterfly Touch, a ministry that helps individuals discover the power and purpose of their own stories. Brooke is also the author of Rolling in Grace: Volume 1 — A Foundation of Faith and Imagination, now available in audio format. Having read it myself, I can promise you: it’s full of relatable, uplifting, and beautifully practical stories. Living with cerebral palsy and using an augmentative communication app, Brooke demonstrates that every voice — every single one — can inspire hope, healing, and opportunity. This is her second appearance on the show, so after watching, don’t forget to visit WereNotStumped.com to catch her first episode.
