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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Dr. Christopher Duncan, Chief Medical Officer at Biologic Input Output Systems (BIOS), joins We’re Not Stumped with host Mike Bolland for a deep dive into neurotechnology and the future of prosthetics. With a background in rehabilitation medicine, Christopher explains how BIOS is combining advanced materials, neurophysiology, and machine learning to create prosthetic technology that restores natural movement and touch—far beyond what he calls today’s “Civil War technology.” The discussion also explores data registries, privacy concerns, and partnerships with leading institutions to expand access.
In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Angela Calzone, President & CEO of Inroads to Opportunities, as the organization celebrates its 66th anniversary. With a bold goal to double the number of individuals served—from 400 to 800—over the next decade, Angela shares her passion for breaking down misconceptions about hiring people with disabilities and her mission to create lasting workforce inclusion. From her 35+ year career in the for-profit sector to leading one of the most impactful nonprofits in the disability community, Angela opens up about the challenges of funding, the critical need for employer partnerships, and the real business benefits of inclusive hiring. She also shares powerful success stories, the impact of Inroads’ vocational training programs, and why their largest-ever fundraiser was a milestone moment for the agency. Whether you’re an employer, advocate, or simply someone who believes in the value of diversity in the workplace, this episode will inspire you to see what’s possible when communities come together to create opportunities.
The Amputee Coalition is undergoing another major transition with the resignation of President & CEO Cass Isidro, who announced her last day will be August 22nd. In her farewell message, Isidro stated that her work had been about “restoring the Amputee Coalition to its original purpose with deeper community engagement.” That statement raises difficult questions: 👉 Why did the Coalition need to be “restored” in the first place? 👉 Has the organization lost focus on directly serving amputees? 👉 What does this leadership change mean for peer support, advocacy, and resources moving forward? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland dives into the resignation news, shares community concerns, and examines whether the Amputee Coalition is truly on track to support the limb loss and limb difference community—or if amputees should be worried about its direction. Listeners are invited to join the conversation as the podcast takes on tough questions about the Coalition’s mission, leadership, and future.
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