Redefining Life After Limb Loss with Travis Sanders | Barber, Author & Amputee

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/ 

Subscribe to We’re Not Stumped for more real stories from the limb loss and disability community.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Watch on YouTube

Listen on iHeart

  • Scott Martin Play From Your Heart

March 10th, 2026|

In this deeply moving episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Scott Martin, a bilateral hand amputee, soccer coach, and author of the upcoming memoir Play From Your Heart. Scott opens up about the life-altering infection in 1993 that led to the loss of both hands and parts of his feet, and the emotional aftermath that followed. He speaks honestly about denial, detachment, and the five-year struggle with depression that tested his identity, confidence, and purpose.

  • Owen Kent ATDev

March 3rd, 2026|

What happens when lived experience meets entrepreneurship? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Owen Kent, an entrepreneur living with muscular dystrophy who is reshaping the future of assistive technology. After facing limited access to effective rehabilitation tools, Owen co-founded a company to develop a simple, home-based exoskeleton designed to make recovery more accessible. From customer discovery and design thinking to universal design principles, Owen shares how building technology for underserved communities requires more than innovation — it requires empathy.

  • Lindsay Hicks

February 24th, 2026|

In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike sits down with Lindsay Hicks to share her courageous decision to choose amputation at age 22 — and the emotional and physical challenges that followed. Lindsay opens up about navigating identity after limb loss, the support of her parents, and the mindset that helped her move forward. She shares how setting a goal to walk unassisted by Christmas gave her focus during recovery and how resilience continues to shape her life today. The conversation also explores her prosthetic journey, serious medical complications including liver failure and infection, and the determination that helped her regain mobility after two years on crutches.

By |May 12th, 2026|Limb Loss Due To Medical Condition, Lower Limb Amputees|Comments Off on Redefining Life After Limb Loss with Travis Sanders | Barber, Author & Amputee

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Go to Top