In this powerful episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland delves into inspiring and impactful stories that highlight resilience and adaptability. Mike begins by discussing a life-changing camping trip that led to a double leg amputation after a severe burn and sepsis—an incredible journey of survival and recovery. He also shares surprising news about actor David Tennant revealing he was born with a rare medical condition, shedding light on hidden challenges faced by public figures.
Additionally, Mike highlights the incredible work of Be More Adaptive™, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering innovation for the disability community through adaptive technology and resources. Their vision: “Be More Adaptive™ envisions a world where disability is not a barrier, but a strength, with full accessibility and inclusion for everyone.”
Join Mike for an insightful conversation filled with stories of strength, awareness, and support for those overcoming life’s challenges.
Don’t miss this episode filled with inspiration and vital conversations about inclusion and resilience.
Links:
A burn he thought nothing of turned into something more serious – https://www.unilad.com/news/us-news/camping-trip-burn-thumb-sepsis-double-leg-amputation-457585-20250203
David Tennant announces that he was born with a rare condition – https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/david-tennant-announces-that-he-was-born-with-a-rare-condition/ar-AA1ynmDM
Be More Adaptive™ – https://www.bemoreadaptive.org/
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
What happens when a story about limb loss hits the news—and suddenly everyone you know is texting you about it? If you’re part of the limb loss community, you already know. In this solo episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland dives into the experience of being “the limb loss friend”—the person others turn to when they don’t fully understand what they’re seeing but want to connect.
Stacy and Courtney Walker are proving that teamwork knows no limits. As the only known mother-daughter duo in wheelchair power soccer, they proudly represent Arizona Heat Power Soccer—competing, training, and pushing boundaries together on and off the court. Their journey is about more than just the game. It’s about resilience, family, and the power of adaptive sports to change lives. On this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Stacy and Courtney to share their story—how they got involved in power soccer, what it’s like competing side by side, and what being part of Arizona Heat Power Soccer truly means. Now, they’re working toward their next big goal: competing at Power Soccer Nationals.
What does it take to turn a life challenge into a lifelong passion for sports and coaching? On this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland talks with Marc Burkom, a double below-knee amputee born with fibular hemimelia who has built a life around athletics, coaching, and helping others reach their potential. Marc shares how his parents made the difficult decision to amputate his feet when he was just two months old — a choice that allowed him to grow up active in sports like soccer, baseball, and basketball. Today, Marc works in coaching education and advocates for expanding opportunities for adaptive and amputee athletes. In this conversation, Marc and Mike discuss growing up with prosthetics, the role sports played in building confidence, coaching amputee soccer, adaptive sports like amputee basketball, and how prosthetic technology has evolved over the years.
