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
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
What do you do when life is going perfectly—until it’s not? In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland talks with Kijuan Amey—a U.S. Air Force veteran, entrepreneur, and traumatic brain injury survivor whose life changed in an instant. At just 25, Kijuan was thriving: one year from earning his degree, running his own business (Kiwi Enterprise LLC), and proudly serving his country. Then, a sudden motorcycle accident nearly took it all away. But instead of asking, “Why me?”, Kijuan chose a different question: “What now?” Through faith, grit, and a desire to help others, he turned unimaginable trauma into purpose—and a message of hope.
In this episode, host Mike Bolland shares the inspiring story of Carter Henning, a high school freshman from Calamus-Wheatland in Iowa who returned to lead his varsity golf team just two months after losing his leg in a snowmobile accident. Carter’s determination and passion for the game showcase what’s possible with resilience and heart. Mike also highlights the Dallas Amputee Network (DAN), a nonprofit offering vital support and peer mentorship to amputees and their families across North Texas. Founded by Ellen Winchell in 2002, DAN empowers individuals through monthly meetings, the Certified Peer Visitor program, and a strong community of encouragement.
In this episode, we sit down with Vanessa Abraham, a certified Speech-Language Pathologist whose life took an unexpected turn when she became the patient. After a sudden illness left her paralyzed and unable to speak, Vanessa faced the daunting task of reclaiming her voice and identity. Vanessa shares her harrowing experience of battling Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), the emotional toll of being unable to communicate, and her path to recovery. Her story is not just one of survival but of transformation, leading her to become an advocate for ICU survivors and author of the memoir Speechless: How a Speech Therapist Lost Her Ability to Speak and Her Silent Struggle to Reclaim Her Voice and Life.
