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 inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Caitlin Conner, founder of Be More Adaptive, to explore how she’s building a global hub for disability resources designed to empower people with disabilities to live fulfilling, confident, and sustainable lives. Caitlin shares her powerful journey — from surviving a life-changing motorcycle accident while pregnant to becoming a Paralympic-level athlete, model, and outspoken disability advocate. She talks candidly about adapting to life as an amputee, the importance of self-advocacy, and how adaptive sports helped her rebuild her identity, purpose, and strength.
When Drew Ann Long, a stay-at-home mom from Birmingham, Alabama, discovered there were no shopping carts designed for her daughter Caroline — who has Rett syndrome and cannot walk or talk — she decided to create one herself. In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Drew Ann to discuss her journey from frustrated mom to inventor of Caroline’s Cart, an adaptive shopping cart now featured in over 15,000 stores across eight countries, including Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Lowe’s. Drew Ann opens up about overcoming rejection, financial struggles, and even a hacked social media page — all while pursuing her mission to bring dignity and inclusion to families with disabilities.
In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Josh Green, an above-knee amputee, patient advocate, and founder of the Northeast Ohio Amputee Support Group. Josh lost his leg at just 4 years old and has since turned his life experiences into a mission to uplift and educate others in the limb loss community. Josh opens up about growing up with a prosthetic, how his parents’ positive outlook helped him build confidence, and how sports played a major role in his development. Later in life, he faced new challenges but found strength by connecting with other amputees and realizing the power of community. From overcoming early challenges to empowering others through advocacy and education, Josh Green’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and unwavering positivity.
