In this episode of the “We’re not Stumped” podcast, I invite some prior guests for a ‘sit down’. They are Dan Moses & Jennifer “JJ” Johnson who appeared on season one, episode 4 (https://youtu.be/2ZlJAVLo1e4) and John Higbee, who appeared in season one, episode 7 (https://youtu.be/XGjfVpJWEWw).
We all come to the table as amputees, but our stories are much different as I am a congenital amputee (born without a right hand), John is a bilateral upper limb amputee, Dan is a bilateral below knee amputee and JJ is a bilateral above knee amputee. Some of our stories are consistent, others not so much. Listen in as different types of amputees discuss their journeys.
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Lera Doederlein joins Mike Bolland on We’re Not Stumped to share a powerful story of choosing possibility. Born with AMC (arthrogryposis multiplex congenita), Lera grew up in Phoenix using braces and forearm crutches while navigating school, friendships, and the quiet realization that sports might look different for her. As a teenager, she made the bold decision to pursue double above-knee amputations in order to gain independence and improve long-term mobility—and it transformed her life. Lera walks us through the realities of recovery and physical therapy, learning to use prosthetics, and the moment a clinician pushed her beyond her comfort zone—encouraging her to run just a week after she started walking. She also shares why community matters so much, from Camp No Limits to Hanger events and amputee boot camps that helped her build confidence and momentum.
In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike talks with John Cooper, a physical therapist assistant with 18 years of experience, about his journey into physical therapy and his passion for working with lower-limb amputees. John shares how his grandfather’s recovery from brain surgery sparked his career, and how close collaboration with prosthetists helps him address the real-world challenges amputees face every day. He explains why patience matters in rehab, why quality beats quantity in therapy sessions, and how setbacks can become powerful turning points.
Mike Bolland shares the story behind Enable Review — a new community-powered platform created to help people with limb loss, limb difference, and caregivers find prosthetic, orthotic, and rehabilitation care they can trust. After hearing powerful stories from guests and listeners, Mike explains why real patient experiences matter — and how Enable Review puts those voices front and center. Enable Review isn’t about ads or marketing. It’s about lived experience. If you’ve worked with a prosthetist, orthotist, physical therapist, or rehab clinic, we invite you to be part of our early community. https://enablereview.com/
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