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
In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, we spotlight adaptive athlete Tracy LaMarche as she takes on the Ride to End ALZ South Carolina—a three-day cycling journey across the state with deep personal meaning. After losing her leg, Tracy found freedom and strength through cycling. Now, she rides to honor her late mother-in-law, who battled dementia, and to support vital Alzheimer’s research. Riding alongside her husband Blair, Tracy embodies resilience and hope, pedaling toward a future where no family has to face this disease alone.
In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Kelvin Crosby , a remarkable individual whose journey from hearing loss and blindness to becoming an inventor, artist, and advocate will leave you inspired. Diagnosed with hearing loss as a child, Kelvin later lost his vision due to Usher Syndrome Type 2. He opens up about the emotional toll this took on him, including thoughts of suicide, and the turning point when he chose to embrace his deafblindness instead of letting it define him. Kelvin shares how this decision sparked a new purpose in life—one rooted in helping others. His invention, the See Me Cane, is a game-changer for people with visual impairments. Designed to enhance safety and awareness, the cane features a light that gives users control over their environment while maintaining their ability to hear. Kelvin explains how this tool has not only improved his own life but also empowered others with confidence and mobility.
Join us as we delve into the groundbreaking work of Dr. Eric Martin, Chief of Vascular Surgery at OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center, and recipient of the 2025 OSF Innovator of the Year award. Dr. Martin's regenerative reconstruction techniques are offering new hope to patients facing potential amputations due to severe infections, traumatic injuries, or chronic ulcers. Utilizing biological materials like fish skin and pig bladder, these innovative procedures aim to restore tissue and preserve limbs.
