In this heartfelt and uplifting episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Katie Thomas for a conversation filled with honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom. Born without her right arm below the elbow, Katie began receiving care at Shriners Hospital in Tampa at age 3 and experimented with various prosthetics throughout her childhood. Over time, she discovered that prosthetics were a helpful tool—but not essential for her to live a full, capable life.
Now a devoted parent, Katie opens up about raising her son, who has Witteveen Colk syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. She shares her journey through early intervention services, advocating for genetic testing, and ensuring her child receives the support he needs. Her advice to parents? Trust your instincts, push for answers, and never hesitate to speak up for your child.
Katie and Mike also trade stories about life with one hand, from adapting daily tasks to navigating public perceptions and occasional misconceptions. Their conversation touches on sports, school, prosthetic “show-and-tell,” and their shared mission to be seen as capable—not simply inspirational for living their lives.
This episode is a mix of candid storytelling, practical insight, and lighthearted connection that will leave you informed and inspired.
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After losing her hearing in both ears following the birth of her first child, actor and author Tiffany Storrs had to find her footing as a new mom while continuing her acting career. She talks with Mike Bolland about exploring cochlear implants, learning American Sign Language with her family, and advocating for accessibility. She also recounts a life-threatening heart arrhythmia discovered during surgery that led to a pacemaker—and a new perspective on accepting support, surrendering control, and living in the present.
Burn survivor and amputee Kevon Martorell joins Mike Bolland on We’re Not Stumped to share his experiences with recovery, adaptive fitness, and finding community. After surviving burns covering 80% of his body as a toddler and later undergoing a leg amputation, Kevon faced bullying, medical complications, and barriers to sports participation. He discusses how basketball helped him build confidence, why self-advocacy matters, and what inspired him to create Adapt and Triumph, an adaptive fitness and nutrition app. Their conversation explores the importance of resources that reflect different bodies and abilities, along with the connections that help people feel understood. Hear Kevon’s perspective on navigating life after amputation, speaking up for your care, and making movement more accessible for people with disabilities through his own experiences.
Mike Bolland celebrates 250 episodes of We’re Not Stumped by welcoming back his first guest, Nicole Marti. Now Event Support Manager at the Amputee Coalition, Nicole turns the questions on Mike for a conversation about disability, community, and belonging. Together, they explore lessons from sharing stories, the importance of emotional support, and finding courage to take chances. Mike reflects on returning to competitive bowling after cancer, while Nicole previews the 2027 Amputee Coalition National Conference in Las Vegas. The episode also honors former guests Dr. Eric Gabriel and Karlene Martinez, remembering their lives and the lasting impact of their stories.
