Adaptive athlete and motivational speaker Robert Rodriguez, also known as Robert Anthony, joins Mike Bolland on We’re Not Stumped for a conversation about growing up with limb difference, finding confidence through sports, and supporting others through limb loss.
Born with fibular hemimelia, Robert shares the physical and social challenges he faced as a child, including bullying and barriers in sports. He reflects on his family’s support and his path into amputee soccer, paratriathlon, and beach volleyball.
Mike and Robert also challenge the assumption that experiencing limb loss early in life means someone automatically has it easier—or has less to offer a person navigating a recent amputation.
The conversation explores:
• Building confidence and connection through adaptive sports
• Peer support and helping others adjust to limb loss
• Robert’s work as a patient care manager at Hanger
• Changes in prosthetic technology over his lifetime
• His “Lead with Love” philosophy
• Finding purpose through volunteering, speaking, and community service
Robert shares why listening, showing up, and leading with compassion matter—and why someone’s age at amputation doesn’t tell their whole story.
Robert’s website: https://www.robertanthony.us
Follow We’re Not Stumped with Mike Bolland for more conversations about limb loss, limb difference, disability, and life on your own terms.
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Ten years after cancer surgery, Mike Bolland found himself on the field at an Arizona Cardinals game, representing all cancers during the NFL’s Crucial Catch recognition. In this personal episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike reflects on the journey from surgery and radiation to pursuing two goals: performing stand-up comedy and bowling on tour one more time. Those decisions helped lead to motivational speaking, a return to competition on the PBA60 Tour, and his message, “Take the Shot Anyway.” Mike also honors the podcast guests who have shared their own cancer journeys, including those who experienced limb loss, and the people whose support helped him through treatment and recovery.
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Neomi Flores joins host Mike Bolland for an in-person conversation about traveling and EmpowerFest. Neomi is missing her left leg below the knee and brings her own perspective to the conversation. Neomi and Mike discuss experiences on the road and the connections made through events like EmpowerFest. Recorded together in person, this episode explores the value of meeting people and sharing experiences within the disability community. Have you attended EmpowerFest? What’s your favorite travel experience? We’d love to hear from you.
Everyone has a story worth sharing—and at the 2027 Amputee Coalition National Conference, those stories will take center stage. It’s an honor for We're Not Stumped host Mike Bolland to serve as host and help create a welcoming space for the community’s voices. “Story Slam: Where Every Story Finds Its Light” brings the community together for an evening of laughter, connection, and five-minute stories. Twenty storytellers will be selected at random to share a moment from their lives. There’s no competition, no judging, and no expectation that a story must be inspirational or about limb loss or limb difference. In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland introduces the event and shares what attendees can look forward to.
