⭐ Topic #1: 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.
⭐ Important Note Final go-live decisions are solely at the discretion of Mike Bolland and the We’re Not Stumped podcast.
Topics must stay within the limb loss or disabled communities, including:
- Personal stories from individuals with limb loss or limb differences
- Experiences or insights from living with a disability
- Stories from disability advocates or support communities
- Perspectives from prosthetists, clinicians, and innovators serving these communities
If you want to test-drive podcasting — while inspiring and uplifting others — this is the perfect opportunity.
⭐ Topic Update #2: Am I Attending the Amputee Coalition Event?
Short answer: No, I’m not. In this video, I share a quick update about why I won’t be attending the Amputee Coalition event this year.
📩 Interested in hosting a solo episode and sharing your story? Reach out!
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
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.
