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/
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What happens when you begin losing your vision as a child—and refuse to let it define your future? In this inspiring episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Kathy Nimmer, recipient of the prestigious Helen Keller Achievement Award, author, speaker, and retired high school English teacher who spent nearly three decades educating and inspiring students while living with blindness. Kathy shares her remarkable journey of progressive vision loss caused by a rare retinal degenerative disease, the challenges she faced along the way, and the resilience that helped her build a life filled with purpose, achievement, and impact.
Host Mike Bolland welcomes Whitney Lavender — Miss Wheelchair Tennessee 2026, author, advocate, and host of the Wits Grit podcast — for an inspiring conversation about resilience, purpose, and overcoming unimaginable challenges. After a devastating fall led to a diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Whitney faced years of severe pain, countless treatments, and ultimately bilateral leg amputations. Rather than allowing adversity to define her, she rebuilt her life and discovered a new purpose through advocacy, storytelling, and empowering others. Whitney’s story is a powerful reminder that our greatest challenges can sometimes reveal strengths we never knew we had.
Ever since announcing his return to competitive bowling, Mike Bolland has been getting one question after another from friends, bowlers, podcast listeners, and people discovering his story for the first time. In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike answers the top three questions he keeps hearing: 🎳 How did he start bowling? 🎳 Why did he walk away from the sport? 🎳 Why is he coming back now at 61 years old? Mike shares the story behind becoming the first person with limb loss to compete on the PBA Tour, the life experiences that pulled him away from bowling, and how volunteering with Arizona Disabled Sports unexpectedly helped inspire his comeback journey toward the PBA60 World Championship.
