After experiencing sudden hearing loss following the birth of her first child, Tiffany Storrs faced a new reality: navigating motherhood, family life, and an acting career while becoming bilaterally deaf.
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, actor, author, and speaker Tiffany Storrs joins Mike Bolland for an honest conversation about deafness, cochlear implants, self-advocacy, and adapting to unexpected change.
Tiffany shares why she explored cochlear implants while learning American Sign Language with her family, what people misunderstand about hearing technology, and why successful adaptation doesn’t erase the need for accessibility.
She also recounts a life-threatening heart arrhythmia discovered during surgery that led to a pacemaker—and a new perspective on accepting support, surrendering control, and living in the present.
We discuss:
• How hearing loss affected Tiffany and her family
• Learning to hear through cochlear implants
• The challenges of living with a hidden disability
• Advocating for accommodations as a deaf actress
• Accessibility and disability representation in entertainment
• The experiences behind her book, Adaptability
Tiffany’s story offers a personal look at finding new ways forward while acknowledging the challenges that remain.
Learn more about Tiffany: https://www.tiffanystorrs.com
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Stevia Walker joins host Mike Bolland to share her powerful story of resilience after a life-altering car accident that left her with a fused cervical spine and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in her right hand. After extensive research and consultations, Stevia made the courageous decision to undergo amputation of her hand—with the support of Dr. Stephen Niedermeyer. In this inspiring episode, Stevia reflects on rebuilding her life, from her former career as a hair stylist to her meaningful role today as a Girl Scout leader. She speaks candidly about living with phantom limb pain, her challenges with prosthetics, and how she empowers others by sharing her experiences. As a board member of the Dallas Amputee Network (DAN - https://dallasamputeenetwork.org/), Stevia highlights the nonprofit’s impactful work supporting amputees, caregivers, and families throughout North Texas. Founded in 2002, DAN provides education, peer mentorship, fitness opportunities, and social events like the upcoming Legapalooza fundraiser—all aimed at improving the quality of life for those affected by limb loss.
What does it truly mean to be seen as fully human in a world that often overlooks disability? In this thought-provoking episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes back Dr. Stephanie W. Cawthon—an acclaimed deaf author, speaker, and researcher—for an honest and insightful conversation about identity, accessibility, and belonging. With ASL interpreters Amanda Ford and Steven Nugent joining, Dr. Cawthon shares the personal and cultural impact of her book Disability is Human, a work that has deeply influenced Mike’s own journey.
What’s the difference between being born with a limb difference and losing a limb later in life? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland (born without a right hand) breaks down the emotional, physical, and social differences between congenital limb loss and adult amputation—two very different starting points that often lead to the same powerful resilience. Mike shares personal experiences, insights from recent guest interviews like Stevia Walker (who became an amputee in 2023), and stories from others who’ve learned to adapt and thrive no matter how their journey began. Whether you’ve lived with a limb difference your whole life, recently became an amputee, or support someone who has—this episode is for you.
