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 "We're Not Stumped," host Mike Bolland speaks with Sarah Dorman from Care 4 the Caregivers, Susan Purrington from Welcomed Here, and Irene Davis from the Down Syndrome Network of Arizona. Discover how Care 4 the Caregivers addresses burnout and PTSD-like symptoms for parents raising children with disabilities, how Welcomed Here helps businesses create more inclusive environments and how the Down Syndrome Network of Arizona supports individuals and families throughout their journey.
In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland announces new social media accounts for this podcast: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WereNotStumpedLimbLossPodcast, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/werenotstumped/. He then dives into two remarkable stories of resilience in the face of amputation. First, he discusses Pointed in the Right Direction, an inspiring memoir from Jeff Soelberg about overcoming life’s challenges after partial hand/finger amputation. Then, we hear the heartwarming story of a 7-year-old boy who, despite having both legs amputated, conquers his fear of swimming and embraces life with courage.
In this episode of the *We're Not Stumped* podcast, host Mike Bolland sits down with Rachel Simukonda from the City of Flagstaff to discuss the city's efforts in promoting inclusive and accessible communities. Rachel shares her insights on Flagstaff's commitment to creating opportunities for people of all abilities, along with her personal experiences in advocating for equity and support in public services. Tune in for a powerful conversation on inclusive employment, adaptive living, and how Flagstaff is leading by example.
