What the TV Stories Didn’t Show | The Real Reason Behind My PBA Comeback

Over the past few weeks, I was fortunate to be featured by ABC15 and Arizona’s Family as I prepare for my return to PBA competition after more than 30 years away from the sport.

The television stories were fantastic, but as anyone who has ever done an interview knows, there’s always more that doesn’t make the final cut.

In this special solo episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, I share some of the stories, organizations, and experiences that didn’t make it into the TV segments, including:

• The mission behind the We’re Not Stumped podcast
• Joe & Marie Bolland’s Helping Hands and supporting people with limb loss and limb differences
• Enable Review and helping people make informed prosthetic care decisions
• Why this comeback is about much more than bowling

The bowling ball may have opened the door, but the real story is about service, community, resilience, and making the most of the opportunities life gives us.

Have a stump and a smile!

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Watch on YouTube

Listen on Spotify

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Ten years after cancer surgery, Mike Bolland found himself on the field at an Arizona Cardinals game, representing all cancers during the NFL’s Crucial Catch recognition. In this personal episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike reflects on the journey from surgery and radiation to pursuing two goals: performing stand-up comedy and bowling on tour one more time. Those decisions helped lead to motivational speaking, a return to competition on the PBA60 Tour, and his message, “Take the Shot Anyway.” Mike also honors the podcast guests who have shared their own cancer journeys, including those who experienced limb loss, and the people whose support helped him through treatment and recovery.

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In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Neomi Flores joins host Mike Bolland for an in-person conversation about traveling and EmpowerFest. Neomi is missing her left leg below the knee and brings her own perspective to the conversation. Neomi and Mike discuss experiences on the road and the connections made through events like EmpowerFest. Recorded together in person, this episode explores the value of meeting people and sharing experiences within the disability community. Have you attended EmpowerFest? What’s your favorite travel experience? We’d love to hear from you.

  • Your Story Belongs: Amputee Coalition Story Slam

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Everyone has a story worth sharing—and at the 2027 Amputee Coalition National Conference, those stories will take center stage. It’s an honor for We're Not Stumped host Mike Bolland to serve as host and help create a welcoming space for the community’s voices. “Story Slam: Where Every Story Finds Its Light” brings the community together for an evening of laughter, connection, and five-minute stories. Twenty storytellers will be selected at random to share a moment from their lives. There’s no competition, no judging, and no expectation that a story must be inspirational or about limb loss or limb difference. In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland introduces the event and shares what attendees can look forward to.

By |June 13th, 2026|Congenital Amputee Stories, General Disability Related Resources and News, Upper Limb Amputees|Comments Off on What the TV Stories Didn’t Show | The Real Reason Behind My PBA Comeback

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