How do you move forward when vision loss changes your career, independence, and plans for the future?
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland speaks with Jennifer Frederick about living with permanent vision loss and learning to advocate for herself along the way.
Jennifer explains how changes in her vision eventually forced her to leave a career in crisis management. She also discusses the challenges she now faces while looking for work, including interview practices that have left her questioning whether she is being treated fairly as a person with a disability.
The conversation explores Jenn’s decision not to undergo surgery for her detached retinas, the importance of seeking medical attention when your vision changes, and the need to take ownership of your healthcare. Jenn also shares how she connects others with vision-loss resources, why peer support matters, and her interest in possibly starting a podcast of her own.
Most importantly, Jennifer offers an honest perspective on pride, independence, and recognizing when it is time to ask for help.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
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.
