Welcome back to the “We’re Not Stumped” podcast! Host Mike Bolland introduces an exceptionally inspiring guest, Jonathan Cowley. Jonathan’s story is a profound example of resilience and determination in the face of formidable challenges.
Jonathan’s journey began in early 2013 when he discovered a small lump on his right hand. With a young child at home, bumps and scrapes were commonplace, so initially, neither Jonathan nor his doctor thought it was a cause for concern. However, a few months later, while on a family cruise, the lump became a significant issue. What started as minor discomfort evolved into severe pain, and the lump turned discolored, clearly signaling something was wrong.
Following this alarming development, Jonathan went through numerous doctor visits and medical tests. The results were unexpected and devastating: Jonathan was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, with only about 20 cases reported annually in the United States. This diagnosis led to a series of surgeries, but despite the efforts, the only feasible option was to amputate his right hand above the wrist, just five months after returning from the cruise.
Undeterred by this life-changing event, Jonathan immersed himself in rehabilitation and was soon fitted with a prosthetic hand. Unfortunately, the prosthetic was uncomfortable and did not fit well. Jonathan faced the difficult choice of whether to persevere with the prosthetic or adapt to life without it.
Today, Jonathan joins the podcast to share more about his journey, the challenges he overcame, and how he transformed his story into one of triumph. The conversation will explore his experiences with prosthetics, his recovery, and how he navigates life post-amputation.
Jonathan, welcome to the show!
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Are you thinking about starting your own podcast but not sure where to begin? So many people reach out asking how to get started. And while podcasting isn’t terribly difficult, those first few episodes can feel time-consuming and a bit overwhelming. Here’s an easier way to try it out: 👉 Come guest-host a solo episode of We’re Not Stumped and share your personal story. These are single-person episodes — no guests allowed — giving you the space to speak openly and authentically. Episodes are 10–15 minutes long, making this a simple, low-pressure introduction to podcasting. All you need to do is record on your own device (yes, your phone works great) and tell your story or share insights from your experience. I’ll handle the intro and outro, along with all final edits, to ensure the episode matches the tone and quality of the show.
In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Belma Islamovic, a double above-elbow amputee, community advocate, and proud member of the Dallas Amputee Network. Mike and Belma first met at Empower Fest in Arizona, and today she shares her remarkable story of survival, resilience, and hope. Belma recounts: • Surviving a devastating explosion during the Bosnian War • Her long medical journey from Bosnia to Italy and ultimately to the United States • Adapting to life without prosthetics and mastering daily tasks using her feet • The emotional and mental health struggles she overcame through support and therapy • Her connection with the Dallas Amputee Network and the power of community Belma’s story is a powerful reminder of human strength, compassion, and the importance of support networks for amputees and trauma survivors.
Civil rights advocate Marc Fishman joins host Mike Bolland to shed light on a critical but overlooked issue: the routine denial of disability accommodations in America’s family courts. After a devastating car accident left him with long-term disabilities and communication challenges, Marc entered a 49-month legal battle—not just for his parental rights, but for his basic ADA protections. He details how New York courts repeatedly refused accommodations like real-time transcription, the federal ADA victories he secured, and how Tennessee v. Lane shaped his fight for access. Marc also reveals the retaliation he faced from judges and public officials and discusses his successful advocacy during COVID helping disabled tenants obtain rent grants. With recent legislative wins offering hope, Marc emphasizes the urgent need for accountability and reform to protect disabled parents nationwide.
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