In this episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland shares two stories of courage and perseverance. The episode highlights a shark attack survivor who turned to crowdfunding after being denied insurance coverage for a prosthetic hand. This journey showcases the challenges of insurance in the area of prosthetics.
The episode also explores the incredible work of Operation Enduring Warrior, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering wounded veterans and first responders. Through adaptive adventures, community initiatives, and mentorship, Enduring Warrior inspires individuals to push past their physical and mental limitations.
This episode is a testament to the human spirit and the importance of advocacy and support.
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🔗 Learn more:
Shark Attack Story: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/shark-attack-survivor-crowdfunds-for-prosthetic-hand-after-insurance-company-refused-to-pay-7458753
Enduring Warrior: https://www.enduringwarrior.org
#SharkAttackSurvivor #EnduringWarrior #Prosthetics #Inspiration #Podcast
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This special Christmas episode of We’re Not Stumped is a heartfelt reflection from host Mike Bolland on resilience, community, and gratitude during the holiday season. Instead of an interview, Mike takes a few minutes to acknowledge the realities many people in the limb loss and disability community face during the holidays — from accessibility challenges and family dynamics to grief, growth, and adapting to change — all with warmth and a touch of humor. Mike also shares what this podcast has taught him over the past year and gives a heartfelt shout-out to some incredible guests who trusted him with their stories.
In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Jason A. Jones—motivational speaker, author, and founder of Positive Pieces—for a powerful conversation about resilience, mindset, and growing up with a congenital hand difference. Mike and Jason share a unique connection: both were born with a difference in their right hand. Together, they explore the realities of childhood, school, friendships, sports, and the challenges of first impressions when living with a visible disability. Jason reflects on the role his parents played in building confidence and accountability, encouraging him to adapt without excuses and believe in his own abilities. Jason also discusses his motivational memoir, 3 the Hard Way, which chronicles his journey from adolescence through college—including major setbacks like a serious car accident, job loss, and navigating employment with a disability. The conversation dives into the importance of mindset, and how resilience is built through lived experience.
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Steven Vine for a raw and deeply honest conversation about survival and rebuilding life after everything changes. Steven shares how an undiagnosed genetic heart condition led to a sudden medical emergency in 2016, leaving him in a six-month coma. When he woke up, he was blind, a right above-knee amputee, living with an ostomy bag, and navigating chronic pain. Once a nationally ranked teenage track and field athlete who idolized Steve Prefontaine, Steven later owned and managed a fine dining Italian restaurant before his life was upended. In this episode, he reflects on depression, anger, opioid use and withdrawal, and the importance of caregiving support. Steven also explains how his journey inspired The Disability Diaries podcast and his upcoming memoir, Beyond These Green Eyes, offering hope through honest storytelling.



