What happens when life takes you in an unexpected direction? For William Person, it meant going from college track and field to becoming an Olympic bobsledder — despite once thinking the sport was “stupid.”
In this compelling episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland dives deep into Will’s remarkable story — from athletic triumphs to the unseen mental and physical toll of high-impact sports.
Will shares:
✅ An Unexpected Start – How a Canadian team discovered him at ASU and convinced him to try bobsledding—only for him to win a medal in his first week.
✅ The Hidden Dangers – The connection between bobsledding and CTE, the effects of repeated high G-forces, and the lack of medical safeguards for athletes.
✅ Cognitive & Emotional Struggles – How memory lapses, confusion, and the loss of a teammate shaped his journey toward healing.
✅ Advocacy & Recovery – Will’s mission to raise awareness about mental health, his success with oxygen therapy, and his vision to open a treatment facility for athletes and veterans in St. Louis.
This episode goes far beyond sports—it’s a story of resilience, healing, and the fight for athlete safety.
👉 Tune in to hear how William turned pain into purpose, and why his advocacy could change the future of mental health in athletics.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland announces new social media accounts for this podcast: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WereNotStumpedLimbLossPodcast, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/werenotstumped/. He then dives into two remarkable stories of resilience in the face of amputation. First, he discusses Pointed in the Right Direction, an inspiring memoir from Jeff Soelberg about overcoming life’s challenges after partial hand/finger amputation. Then, we hear the heartwarming story of a 7-year-old boy who, despite having both legs amputated, conquers his fear of swimming and embraces life with courage.
In this episode of the *We're Not Stumped* podcast, host Mike Bolland sits down with Rachel Simukonda from the City of Flagstaff to discuss the city's efforts in promoting inclusive and accessible communities. Rachel shares her insights on Flagstaff's commitment to creating opportunities for people of all abilities, along with her personal experiences in advocating for equity and support in public services. Tune in for a powerful conversation on inclusive employment, adaptive living, and how Flagstaff is leading by example.
Mike Bolland highlights two impactful community events: the NAU Institute for Human Development Resource Fair and the NOB Amputee Support Group's annual picnic at Bethpage State Park. Discover how these events foster inclusivity, provide resources, and offer peer support for individuals with disabilities and amputees. Tune in for discussions on adaptive living, community building, and the power of connection!
