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 powerful episode, We’re Not Stumped host Mike Bolland introduces his personal “Triple A” philosophy—Alone, Advocacy, and Attitude—designed to support fellow amputees on their physical and emotional journey. Mike, who was born without a right hand and is a cancer survivor, explains how feeling alone is often the first stage after limb loss—but it doesn't have to be the final one. Through advocacy, both for yourself and others, and a resilient attitude, amputees can reclaim purpose, confidence, and joy. Whether you're newly navigating life after limb loss or supporting someone who is, Mike’s Triple A approach offers insight, comfort, and strength.
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland chats with Ryan Wilson—founder of Team Trust Productions—for a conversation about how adaptive athletes are using the power of media to change the narrative around disability. Ryan shares his journey from discovering adaptive sports at the University of Illinois to launching a creative agency that centers disabled voices through authentic storytelling and inclusive marketing. He opens up about the challenges of building a business as a wheelchair user, the impact of his Disability Marketing Guide, and why empathy and representation are key to reshaping public perception. You’ll hear how Team Trust Productions is growing, how Ryan balances entrepreneurship with health, and why he believes adaptive athletes should be recognized not for their struggles, but for their strength, skill, and spirit.
In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland shares two powerful stories of resilience, recovery, and the human spirit: 🏅 A Double Amputee’s Olympic Journey After surviving a devastating accident, this athlete didn’t give up—he set his sights on the Paralympic Games. Learn how he turned trauma into purpose, using adaptive training and relentless determination to pursue a spot on Team USA. 🦿 Mission Gait: Advancing Gait Rehabilitation Worldwide Meet the people behind Mission Gait, a nonprofit transforming the way physical therapists treat patients with complex walking challenges. From educational programs to international outreach, Mission Gait is creating a global movement for mobility. 🎧 Whether you're part of the limb loss community or just need a boost of hope, this episode shows what's possible when we move forward with purpose.
