n this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Dr. Christopher Duncan, Chief Medical Officer at Biologic Input Output Systems (BIOS), for a groundbreaking discussion on the future of neurotechnology and prosthetics.
Christopher shares his journey from physician in physical medicine and rehabilitation to leader in neural interface technology, with a passion for restoring function and independence for individuals with limb loss. Together, Mike and Christopher dive into:
- The intersection of advanced materials, neurophysiology, and machine learning in prosthetic development
- Why current prosthetic options are like “Civil War technology” compared to what’s possible today
- BIOS’s three-pillar approach to advancing prosthetic innovation
- Patient success stories, including a veteran and a surgeon regaining life-changing abilities with robotic prosthetics
- The role of registries in supporting early adopters and ensuring equitable access across regions
- Privacy and legal concerns around brain-computer interfaces and nerve technology
- The importance of partnerships among research labs, hospitals, and government agencies
- Future applications in lower extremities, diabetes, vascular disease, and even paralysis cases
This episode highlights not just the technology, but the human impact of returning people to full employment, independence, and life satisfaction.
Bios Website: https://www.biologicinputoutputsystems.com/
Mike Bolland Motivational Speaker Website
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
Is your website really accessible to everyone? In this powerful episode of *We’re Not Stumped*, host Mike Bolland welcomes web accessibility expert Maigen Thomas to perform a live audit of the podcast’s website—and the results are eye-opening! Accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about empathy, inclusion, and making sure your digital experience works for everyone. Maigen shares her personal connection to accessibility, including how her grandfather’s vision loss shaped her perspective on designing with intention. Whether you're a business owner, content creator, or web designer, this episode is packed with practical tips and free tools to level up your site.
Here’s the actual quote from a company called the LN4 Hand Project: "A prosthetic hand is an invaluable asset to an individual without an upper limb. An upper limb prosthesis can determine whether or not an individual is able to be employed, contribute to household duties, or provide an increased sense of independence." As a successful one-handed person—a podcaster, speaker, nonprofit founder, and former pro bowler—I have to say, that sentence overlooks the truth: people with limb differences are capable with or without a device. And it’s not just the language. Companies like Taska Prosthetics create videos that show one-handed people doing things like washing apples, as if that’s the pinnacle of independence. While I love and appreciate prosthetics, we can do better. In this podcast, I break down the problem with this kind of messaging, share my lived experience, and challenge the assumption that a prosthesis defines your ability to succeed.
Host Mike Bolland welcomes Brittany Dejean, founder of Inclusion Jumpstart and former Airbnb accessibility leader. Brittany opens up about how her father’s spinal cord injury at age 12 inspired her lifelong passion for disability inclusion. She shares insights from her 6.5 years at Airbnb working on accessibility and diversity initiatives, her nonprofit work with Able Thrive, and her current mission as an entrepreneur and advocate. Brittany’s training programs help people overcome awkwardness around disability and build more inclusive, empathetic spaces in both personal and professional settings.
