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.
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Adaptive athlete and motivational speaker Robert Rodriguez, also known as Robert Anthony, joins Mike Bolland on We’re Not Stumped for a conversation about growing up with limb difference, finding confidence through sports, and supporting others through limb loss. Born with fibular hemimelia, Robert shares the physical and social challenges he faced as a child, including bullying and barriers in sports. He reflects on his family’s support and his path into amputee soccer, paratriathlon, and beach volleyball. Mike and Robert also challenge the assumption that experiencing limb loss early in life means someone automatically has it easier—or has less to offer a person navigating a recent amputation.
Does being born with a limb difference—or experiencing amputation as a child—mean you have it easier? In this solo episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland challenges an assumption that can leave people feeling dismissed within their own community. Born without a right hand, Mike shares why physical adaptation tells only part of the story. Through his podcast and community work, he’s met people whose experiences include bullying, employment barriers, relationship challenges, and depression. While these experiences don’t all reflect his own journey, they deserve acknowledgment. Acquiring a disability later in life brings its own challenges, including grief and adjustment. Recognizing those experiences doesn’t require minimizing the challenges of congenital limb difference or childhood limb loss. This episode invites us to listen more closely, question what we assume about others, and support one another without ranking whose journey is harder.
How can voiceover and adaptive sports create opportunities for people with disabilities? Phoenix-based voiceover artist Tony Jackson joins Mike Bolland on We’re Not Stumped to share his experiences behind the microphone and on the power soccer court. Tony serves as the Grant Coordinator and Power Soccer Coordinator at Ability360. We explore his path into voice acting, accessibility in casting, and how adaptive sports build teamwork, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
