In this episode of the We’re Not Stumped, we sit down with Kelly J. Mendenhall—an accomplished author, speaker, and advocate—to explore her transformative journey from a thriving career in nonprofit fundraising to becoming a disabled entrepreneur and patient advocate. Diagnosed with rare spinal cord conditions in 2017, Kelly faced a medical mystery that led her to redefine her life and purpose.
Kelly shares her experiences navigating the healthcare system, the challenges of living with invisible disabilities, and how she channeled her struggles into writing and advocacy. Her memoir, “Skin in the Game: The Stories My Tattoos Tell,” delves into her personal narrative, offering insights into resilience and self-discovery.
Kelly’s dedication to empowering others is evident in her efforts to raise awareness about chronic pain, mental health, and the importance of patient-centered care.
Join us for an inspiring conversation that highlights the power of storytelling, the importance of self-advocacy, and the resilience of the human spirit. Whether you’re interested in personal development, healthcare advocacy, or the art of memoir writing, this episode offers valuable insights and motivation.
Key Topics:
- Kelly’s transition from nonprofit fundraising to becoming a disabled entrepreneur
- Navigating the complexities of rare spinal cord conditions and chronic pain
- The inspiration behind her memoir, “Skin in the Game: The Stories My Tattoos Tell”
- Strategies for self-advocacy within the healthcare system
Don’t miss this episode filled with wisdom, courage, and actionable advice for anyone facing life’s unexpected challenges.
Connect with Kelly J. Mendenhall:
Website: kellyjmendenhall.com
Subscribe to Our Podcast: https://werenotstumped.com/were-not-stumped-amputee-podcast-mailing-list/
Stay updated with our latest episodes by subscribing and hitting the notification bell. If you enjoyed this conversation, please leave a review and share it with your network. Your support helps us bring more inspiring stories to light.
Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
This special Christmas episode of We’re Not Stumped is a heartfelt reflection from host Mike Bolland on resilience, community, and gratitude during the holiday season. Instead of an interview, Mike takes a few minutes to acknowledge the realities many people in the limb loss and disability community face during the holidays — from accessibility challenges and family dynamics to grief, growth, and adapting to change — all with warmth and a touch of humor. Mike also shares what this podcast has taught him over the past year and gives a heartfelt shout-out to some incredible guests who trusted him with their stories.
In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Jason A. Jones—motivational speaker, author, and founder of Positive Pieces—for a powerful conversation about resilience, mindset, and growing up with a congenital hand difference. Mike and Jason share a unique connection: both were born with a difference in their right hand. Together, they explore the realities of childhood, school, friendships, sports, and the challenges of first impressions when living with a visible disability. Jason reflects on the role his parents played in building confidence and accountability, encouraging him to adapt without excuses and believe in his own abilities. Jason also discusses his motivational memoir, 3 the Hard Way, which chronicles his journey from adolescence through college—including major setbacks like a serious car accident, job loss, and navigating employment with a disability. The conversation dives into the importance of mindset, and how resilience is built through lived experience.
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Steven Vine for a raw and deeply honest conversation about survival and rebuilding life after everything changes. Steven shares how an undiagnosed genetic heart condition led to a sudden medical emergency in 2016, leaving him in a six-month coma. When he woke up, he was blind, a right above-knee amputee, living with an ostomy bag, and navigating chronic pain. Once a nationally ranked teenage track and field athlete who idolized Steve Prefontaine, Steven later owned and managed a fine dining Italian restaurant before his life was upended. In this episode, he reflects on depression, anger, opioid use and withdrawal, and the importance of caregiving support. Steven also explains how his journey inspired The Disability Diaries podcast and his upcoming memoir, Beyond These Green Eyes, offering hope through honest storytelling.
