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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Rachel Kubicki, Executive Director of the Hanger Foundation, joins Mike Bolland to discuss the organization's mission of empowering people with physical challenges to live life as fully as possible. With more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Rachel shares how the Foundation has expanded its impact through scholarships, nonprofit grants, community events, and innovative fundraising efforts. She discusses Move to Inspire, EmpowerFest, and the upcoming Night to Inspire event in Nashville, all designed to create opportunities, build connections, and inspire achievement within the limb loss and limb difference community. Rachel also shares powerful stories of individuals who have overcome obstacles, reached unexpected milestones, and discovered the life-changing value of community support.
After more than 30 years away from competitive bowling, I’m discovering that some things have changed—and some things haven’t. In this solo episode of We’re Not Stumped, I share three things that surprised me as I prepare for my return to competition at the 2026 PBA60 World Championship. The body doesn’t work quite the same at 61. Some instincts and memories never really leave. And one unexpected encounter reminded me that people still remember my days on the PBA Tour. This episode isn’t about scores or equipment. It’s about rediscovering a part of my life I thought was behind me and finding out what’s still possible when you decide to take one more run. As the first person with limb loss to compete on the PBA Tour, I hope this conversation encourages you to revisit a dream, try something again, or simply remember that it’s never too late to surprise yourself.
What happens when you begin losing your vision as a child—and refuse to let it define your future? In this inspiring episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Kathy Nimmer, recipient of the prestigious Helen Keller Achievement Award, author, speaker, and retired high school English teacher who spent nearly three decades educating and inspiring students while living with blindness. Kathy shares her remarkable journey of progressive vision loss caused by a rare retinal degenerative disease, the challenges she faced along the way, and the resilience that helped her build a life filled with purpose, achievement, and impact.
