In this compelling episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Steven Vine for a raw, honest, and deeply human conversation about survival, disability, and rebuilding life after everything changes. Steven shares how a sudden medical emergency in 2016—caused by an undiagnosed genetic heart condition—led to a near-fatal aneurysm and a six-month coma. He awoke blind, a right above-knee amputee, living with an ostomy bag, and navigating chronic pain.
Before his medical crisis, Steven was a nationally ranked teenage track and field athlete who idolized Steve Prefontaine and later owned and operated a fine dining Italian restaurant. In this episode, he reflects on the physical, emotional, and psychological toll of disability, including depression, anger, opioid use and withdrawal, and the loss of relationships—while also sharing how caregiving support helped him reclaim independence.
Steven explains how his recovery inspired him to launch The Disability Diaries podcast, creating space for honest conversations that help people feel seen and less alone. The episode also explores listening to health warning signs, adapting to blindness, managing chronic pain, and redefining purpose. Steven closes by sharing updates on his upcoming memoir, Beyond These Green Eyes, and his mission to use storytelling as a tool for connection, resilience, and hope.
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In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Meegan Winters, CEO and founder of AbleVu, the innovative accessibility search platform making the world easier to navigate for everyone. Meegan shares her inspiring journey—from special education teacher to tech entrepreneur—and how her friendship with Jessica, a power wheelchair user, sparked her mission to improve accessibility for all. Mike and Meegan explore AbleVu’s evolution from virtual tours to a “TripAdvisor for accessibility,” the business model that empowers contributors, and why accessible information benefits both consumers and businesses. Along the way, Meegan opens up about leaving a stable career, overcoming the challenges of building a startup, and the fulfillment that comes from creating real-world impact. Discover how technology and empathy intersect to make the world more inclusive.
Podcast host Mike Bolland is looking to connect with individuals willing to share their experiences with prosthetists and prosthetic care. If you’ve ever faced challenges with a prosthetist, received a prosthetic that didn’t meet your needs, or discovered a provider who went above and beyond, your story can make a difference. On his show, We’re Not Stumped, Mike engages in open, honest conversations about life with limb loss, prosthetics, and advocacy. His mission is to give a voice to the limb loss community, spotlight real experiences — both the good and the bad — and work toward improving the system for everyone. Mike invites you to be part of this important dialogue, knowing that your insights could help others navigate their own prosthetic journeys with greater confidence and support. 📩 Interested in being a guest? Visit: https://werenotstumped.com/were-not-stumped-limb-loss-podcast-guest-guide/
In this heartfelt and uplifting episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Katie Thomas for a conversation filled with honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom. Born without her right arm below the elbow, Katie began receiving care at Shriners Hospital in Tampa at age 3 and experimented with various prosthetics throughout her childhood. Over time, she discovered that prosthetics were a helpful tool—but not essential for her to live a full, capable life. Now a devoted parent, Katie opens up about raising her son, who has Witteveen Colk syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. She shares her journey through early intervention services, advocating for genetic testing, and ensuring her child receives the support he needs. Her advice to parents? Trust your instincts, push for answers, and never hesitate to speak up for your child.
