What happens when life changes in an instant—and you have to decide whether it defines you… or whether you redefine it?
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Travis Sanders — master barber, entrepreneur, author, peer mentor, and above-knee amputee whose story is rooted in resilience, mindset, and purpose.
After blood clots led to multiple surgeries and ultimately limb loss, Travis was forced to confront a completely different future. But instead of allowing that moment to define him, he made a powerful decision: He would redefine it.
Just days after leaving the hospital, Travis returned to cutting hair — a moment that perfectly captures the determination and mindset that now fuels his mission to help others.
Mike and Travis discuss:
- The mental and emotional battle during recovery
- Returning to work immediately after surgery
- His new book, Path of Resilience Journal
- The importance of peer mentoring and support groups
- Helping amputees rebuild confidence and purpose
- Why mindset and community matter after trauma
Today, Travis mentors fellow amputees through hospital visits, support groups, and encouragement rooted in lived experience — proving that resilience is something built one day at a time.
🔗 Connect & Learn More
📍 Hair by Travis Sanders: https://www.haircutsbytravis.com/
📘 Path of Resilience Journal: https://a.co/d/00avjtCT
🌐 Instagram: @resilience_forge
🌐 Enable Review: Real reviews for prosthetic care: https://enablereview.com/
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In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Neomi Flores joins host Mike Bolland for an in-person conversation about traveling and EmpowerFest. Neomi is missing her left leg below the knee and brings her own perspective to the conversation. Neomi and Mike discuss experiences on the road and the connections made through events like EmpowerFest. Recorded together in person, this episode explores the value of meeting people and sharing experiences within the disability community. Have you attended EmpowerFest? What’s your favorite travel experience? We’d love to hear from you.
Everyone has a story worth sharing—and at the 2027 Amputee Coalition National Conference, those stories will take center stage. It’s an honor for We're Not Stumped host Mike Bolland to serve as host and help create a welcoming space for the community’s voices. “Story Slam: Where Every Story Finds Its Light” brings the community together for an evening of laughter, connection, and five-minute stories. Twenty storytellers will be selected at random to share a moment from their lives. There’s no competition, no judging, and no expectation that a story must be inspirational or about limb loss or limb difference. In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland introduces the event and shares what attendees can look forward to.
Dr. Carmen Elliott, the new President and CEO of the Amputee Coalition, joins Mike Bolland for a conversation about community, advocacy, and helping people with limb loss and limb difference find the support they need. Carmen shares how her family’s experiences with healthcare access and limb loss shaped her commitment to this work. Together, they explore the value of peer support, access to prosthetics, and including families and caregivers in the conversation. They also discuss support groups, certified peer visitors, AC Connect, and the upcoming “Fireside Connections” conference.
