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
Welcome back to another empowering episode of "We're Not Stumped," where we delve deep into the lives of individuals defying limitations and breaking barriers. I'm your host, Mike Bolland, a congenital amputee, and today, we're joined by two incredible [...]
Jeanette Jones is a childhood cancer survivor. Despite many attempts to save her left leg over a period of four years, she had to have her leg amputated at age 16. She discusses her battle to both survive and [...]
In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, I welcome Dr. Eric William Gabriel, a bi-lateral, above-knee amputee, as my guest. He was born and raised in Levittown, Long Island NY, one of the first pre-planned housing developments [...]
