In this episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, I drink through a fire-hose when I learn about Joe Fairley and what he does with 3D printing. To say this gentleman is impressive with his knowledge and background is an understatement.
Joe is an ABC Certified Prosthetist & Board Eligible Orthotist, who has experience as a P&O technician before pursuing his Master’s in Prosthetics and Orthotics from Northwestern University (NUPOC). His BS in Physics and MS in Exercise and Sport Science equally compliment his clinical experience.
Joe has been at the forefront of revolutionizing digital workflows in the P&O domain. His expertise spans a multitude of areas, including additive manufacturing, CAD design, research and development (R&D), various 3D scanning methods, and instrumental contributions to the creation of two widely adopted modification software. He holds a patent for his work in continuous fiber fabrication for a modular lower limb prosthesis system. His achievements extend to publication in Prosthetics and Orthotics International and presentations at numerous P&O conferences.
Joe’s passion lies within the realm of prosthetics, where his innovation isn’t limited to digital workflows alone. He’s particularly dedicated to collaborating with individuals who utilize running prostheses and the pediatric amputee community. Beyond his professional pursuits, Joe is a devoted outdoors enthusiast, engaging in activities such as hiking (ADK 46er), camping, long-distance running (including marathons), skiing, and kayaking.
Links:
Ascent Fabrications: https://www.ascentfab.com
Ascent Fabrications Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascentfab/
Ascent Fabrications YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrpYE6G5PkYiQlynwfxOs0w
Fabrication Friday: https://www.youtube.com/@ascentfab/podcasts
More about your host:
Speaker Mike Bolland: https://www.mikebolland.com/
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Jeanette Jones returns to the We’re Not Stumped podcast with host Mike Bolland for a powerful conversation that goes beyond music. She shares a shocking and emotional story about the accessibility barriers she and her partner Frank encountered at a Def Leppard concert at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. From steep hills to discriminatory treatment by staff, their experience sheds light on how accessibility still falls short—even in 2025. But that’s just the beginning. Jeanette also opens up about her own journey—surviving childhood cancer, transitioning from prosthetics to a wheelchair, and the incredible resilience of her partner Frank after his life-changing accident. This episode is about more than one bad night—it’s a call to action for accessibility, empathy, and real change.
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Here’s the actual quote from a company called the LN4 Hand Project: "A prosthetic hand is an invaluable asset to an individual without an upper limb. An upper limb prosthesis can determine whether or not an individual is able to be employed, contribute to household duties, or provide an increased sense of independence." As a successful one-handed person—a podcaster, speaker, nonprofit founder, and former pro bowler—I have to say, that sentence overlooks the truth: people with limb differences are capable with or without a device. And it’s not just the language. Companies like Taska Prosthetics create videos that show one-handed people doing things like washing apples, as if that’s the pinnacle of independence. While I love and appreciate prosthetics, we can do better. In this podcast, I break down the problem with this kind of messaging, share my lived experience, and challenge the assumption that a prosthesis defines your ability to succeed.
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