In this dynamic episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Jessica Cox, a trailblazing pilot, martial artist, speaker, and advocate born without arms. Jessica shares her journey of overcoming obstacles, embracing her uniqueness, and using her story to inspire others around the world.
Jessica Cox reflects on her early years, describing how her parents navigated the uncertainty of raising a child without arms. Though her mother initially placed hope in prosthetics, she came to realize that what truly mattered was nurturing Jessica’s confidence and independence. Jessica recalls her first day of kindergarten, a moment filled with both excitement and fear, but also the comfort of knowing her parents and teachers were there to support her.
Growing up, Jessica experienced both acceptance and challenges. She remembers how her classmates were generally supportive, but she still encountered the occasional harsh comment or curious stare. Her mother’s advice to focus on her strengths rather than the negativity helped her develop resilience and self-confidence. College became a pivotal time in her life—a period of self-discovery where she began to embrace her identity and find her voice.
As the conversation shifts to independence, Jessica shares her experiences with prosthetics and why she ultimately chose not to use them, finding that her feet gave her more freedom and ability. She also recounts the challenge of having her driver’s license suspended after someone questioned her ability to drive safely. Determined to prove herself, she fought to regain her license—a victory that reinforced her belief in perseverance and self-advocacy.
Jessica’s passions for martial arts and flying are also central to her story. She began practicing Taekwondo at age 10, eventually earning her black belt and meeting her husband through the martial arts community. She also overcame her fear of flying—an experience that motivated her to become the world’s first armless pilot. Though the process was difficult, earning her pilot’s license became a symbol of her determination to face fears head-on and inspire others to do the same.
Beyond her personal accomplishments, Jessica Cox is deeply committed to helping others. Through her nonprofit, Right Footed Foundation International, she mentors and supports children without arms, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and believe in their potential. She remains connected to the children her foundation serves, celebrating their victories and offering guidance through their challenges.
Looking ahead, Jessica shares her excitement about continuing her speaking career and working toward her goal of building an airplane that will allow her to fly more frequently and independently. For her, life is about constantly reaching for new horizons and inspiring others to break through their own limitations.
This episode is a celebration of resilience, self-belief, and living without limits. Join Mike Bolland and Jessica Cox for an unforgettable conversation that reminds us all of the power of determination and the joy of embracing life’s possibilities.
Jessica Cox Website: https://jessicacox.com
Disarm Your Limits: The Flight Formula to Lift You to Success and Propel You to the Next Horizon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986362700?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_4935GA05YABST490VW4R
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In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Belma Islamovic, a double above-elbow amputee, community advocate, and proud member of the Dallas Amputee Network. Mike and Belma first met at Empower Fest in Arizona, and today she shares her remarkable story of survival, resilience, and hope. Belma recounts: • Surviving a devastating explosion during the Bosnian War • Her long medical journey from Bosnia to Italy and ultimately to the United States • Adapting to life without prosthetics and mastering daily tasks using her feet • The emotional and mental health struggles she overcame through support and therapy • Her connection with the Dallas Amputee Network and the power of community Belma’s story is a powerful reminder of human strength, compassion, and the importance of support networks for amputees and trauma survivors.
Civil rights advocate Marc Fishman joins host Mike Bolland to shed light on a critical but overlooked issue: the routine denial of disability accommodations in America’s family courts. After a devastating car accident left him with long-term disabilities and communication challenges, Marc entered a 49-month legal battle—not just for his parental rights, but for his basic ADA protections. He details how New York courts repeatedly refused accommodations like real-time transcription, the federal ADA victories he secured, and how Tennessee v. Lane shaped his fight for access. Marc also reveals the retaliation he faced from judges and public officials and discusses his successful advocacy during COVID helping disabled tenants obtain rent grants. With recent legislative wins offering hope, Marc emphasizes the urgent need for accountability and reform to protect disabled parents nationwide.
Today, I’m honored to sit down once again with Brooke Brown — an “ink weaver of life, faith, and fiction,” an honors graduate of ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, Ms. Wheelchair Arizona 2022, and founder of Brooke’s Butterfly Touch, a ministry that helps individuals discover the power and purpose of their own stories. Brooke is also the author of Rolling in Grace: Volume 1 — A Foundation of Faith and Imagination, now available in audio format. Having read it myself, I can promise you: it’s full of relatable, uplifting, and beautifully practical stories. Living with cerebral palsy and using an augmentative communication app, Brooke demonstrates that every voice — every single one — can inspire hope, healing, and opportunity. This is her second appearance on the show, so after watching, don’t forget to visit WereNotStumped.com to catch her first episode.
