Scott Martin returns to the We’re Not Stumped Podcast for a powerful follow-up conversation with host Mike Bolland.
Scott shares the story of the life-threatening illness he survived in 1993 that resulted in the amputation of his hands and feet, and the long journey of rebuilding his life afterward. From facing discrimination and depression to rediscovering confidence and purpose, Scott reflects on the emotional and physical challenges of life after limb loss.
Mike and Scott also discuss Scott’s journey with prosthetics — from initially resisting prosthetic hooks to eventually using myoelectric hands — along with the challenges of insurance approvals, repairs, and finding prosthetists who truly listen to their patients.
The conversation also highlights Scott’s upcoming book, Play From Your Heart, releasing June 9 through Simon & Schuster (https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Play-From-Your-Heart/Scott-Martin/9798894410395). Inspired by his love of soccer and his experience coaching a team of 12-year-olds to a state championship, the book shares lessons about leadership, resilience, trust, and the power of playing — and living — from the heart.
Scott’s story is a powerful reminder that even after life-changing adversity, it’s possible to rebuild your life, rediscover purpose, and move forward with strength and determination.
Hosted by congenital amputee Mike Bolland, We’re Not Stumped shares real conversations with amputees, caregivers, prosthetists, and advocates working to support the limb loss and disability communities.
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Dr. Carmen Elliott, the new President and CEO of the Amputee Coalition, joins Mike Bolland for a conversation about community, advocacy, and helping people with limb loss and limb difference find the support they need. Carmen shares how her family’s experiences with healthcare access and limb loss shaped her commitment to this work. Together, they explore the value of peer support, access to prosthetics, and including families and caregivers in the conversation. They also discuss support groups, certified peer visitors, AC Connect, and the upcoming “Fireside Connections” conference.
How do you move forward when vision loss changes your career, independence, and plans for the future? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland speaks with Jennifer Frederick about living with permanent vision loss and learning to advocate for herself along the way. Jennifer explains how changes in her vision eventually forced her to leave a career in crisis management. She also discusses the challenges she now faces while looking for work, including interview practices that have left her questioning whether she is being treated fairly as a person with a disability. The conversation explores Jenn’s decision not to undergo surgery for her detached retinas, the importance of seeking medical attention when your vision changes, and the need to take ownership of your healthcare.
What happens when we stop deciding what someone is capable of—and give them the opportunity to lead? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland speaks with Nathan Kennedy of Upstream Fitness, Chris Kocurek, and Chris’s son, Coach Cameron “Coach Cam” Kocurek. Cameron, who has Down syndrome, began gymnastics as a child and went on to compete through Special Olympics and unified gymnastics. Today, he is using the confidence and skills he developed as an athlete to help coach others at Upstream Fitness. Nathan explains how Upstream Fitness uses movement, games, coaching cards, and step-by-step instruction to make exercise accessible for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Chris shares Cameron’s journey from athlete to assistant PE coach—and now toward meaningful employment and greater independence.
