In this episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland sits down with Janne Kouri, entrepreneur, founder of NextStep, and co-founder of Lencaro Finnish Long Drink.
Janne shares the incredible story of how a spinal cord injury from a swimming accident in 2006 changed the course of his life. After spending two months in the ICU battling paralysis, pneumonia, and a 104-degree fever, he traveled more than 2,000 miles to receive groundbreaking activity-based rehabilitation that wasn’t covered by insurance—but changed everything.
That experience inspired him to create NextStep, a nonprofit rehabilitation center that helps people living with paralysis access advanced therapy long after traditional insurance benefits end.
In this inspiring conversation, you’ll learn:
His 3,100-mile power wheelchair journey from California to Washington, D.C.
How he balances leading a nonprofit with building Loncaro Finnish Long Drink (https://loncaro.com/)
His vision for the future of rehabilitation and recovery
Whether you’re living with paralysis, navigating rehabilitation, supporting a loved one, or simply looking for a story of resilience and purpose, this conversation offers hope, practical insight, and inspiration.
Learn more about NextStep: https://www.nextstepfitness.org
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
In this episode of "We're Not Stumped," host Mike Bolland delves into the incredible journeys of three remarkable amputees who have defied the odds and achieved extraordinary feats. First, meet the Marine veteran amputee who formed a rock band, [...]
Welcome to another exciting episode of the "We're Not Stumped" podcast with your host, Mike Bolland! This week, we're spotlighting stories that showcase incredible adaptations, pioneering efforts, and inspiring achievements within the limb loss community. In this episode, Mike [...]
Join us on this episode of the "We're Not Stumped" podcast as we welcome a special guest from United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona (UCP), Gail Stelling and Robin Emerson. For over 70 years, UCP has been a cornerstone [...]
