In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike talks with John Cooper, a physical therapist assistant with 18 years of experience, about his journey into physical therapy and his passion for working with lower-limb amputees.
John shares how his grandfather’s recovery from brain surgery sparked his career, and how close collaboration with prosthetists helps him address the real-world challenges amputees face every day. He explains why patience matters in rehab, why quality beats quantity in therapy sessions, and how setbacks can become powerful turning points.
The conversation also explores:
• The importance of honest patient–therapist communication
• What John learned traveling with a former below-the-knee amputee patient
• Accessibility gaps and the need for stronger support systems
• His advocacy work, including planning an Amputee Awareness Night at a baseball game
• A touching success story helping an elderly patient regain mobility
• His future goals in wound care and rehabilitation
This episode offers a meaningful look at amputee care from the therapy side — highlighting teamwork, empathy, and the power of human connection in recovery.
Whether you’re an amputee, caregiver, healthcare professional, or ally, John’s story delivers insight, encouragement, and practical perspective.
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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.
In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland welcomes Nicole Cuervo, the founder and CEO of Springrose, a groundbreaking company redefining adaptive intimates for women with disabilities, limited mobility, and chronic pain. Nicole’s passion for inclusivity and empowerment stems from her own personal experiences. Inspired by her grandmother Rose, who lived with arthritis and chronic pain, Nicole realized the lack of functional yet fashionable clothing options for women facing similar challenges. In 2020, she launched Springrose to fill that gap, blending innovation with empathy to create a line of intimates that prioritize comfort, style, and accessibility.
In this inspiring episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland explores three incredible stories of resilience, community, and inclusion: 🌟 A Marine veteran and double amputee shares how jiu-jitsu has transformed his life, bringing peace and purpose through the sport. 🎅 Discover how an amputee center's holiday program welcomed Santa to spread joy and foster community spirit. 💡 Learn about Diverse Ability Incorporated and their groundbreaking work in creating inclusive opportunities for people of all abilities. Join us for heartfelt discussions on overcoming challenges, celebrating diversity, and building stronger, more inclusive communities. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more uplifting stories!
