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

  • Attitude After Amputation

July 10th, 2025|

In this powerful conclusion to the Triple A’s of Limb Loss series, host Mike Bolland explores the third and perhaps most impactful "A"—Attitude. Born without a right hand, Mike shares how attitude isn't just a mindset—it's a survival tool. With honesty and humor, he dives into how your outlook shapes your journey after amputation, influences your recovery, and determines how you show up for yourself and others. Whether you’re newly navigating limb loss or years into your journey, this episode is a reminder that while we can’t control everything, we can control how we respond.

  • Gini Thomas’s Journey with Osseointegration

July 8th, 2025|

In this moving episode of We’re Not Stumped, Gini Thomas shares her incredible story of resilience after a tragic motorcycle accident took her husband’s life and left her facing devastating injuries. After three years of limb salvage attempts, Gini made the courageous decision to undergo an above-knee amputation in 2015. She opens up about her life-changing transition from traditional socket prosthetics to the Integrum OPRA Implant System using Osseointegration, a bone-anchored prosthetic that has allowed her to walk unassisted and reclaim her independence. Gini discusses the challenges of phantom pain, the power of advocacy, and how she uses social media to inspire and empower fellow amputees.

  • Advocate_For_Yourself

July 3rd, 2025|

In this impactful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland dives into the second “A” of his Triple A’s of Limb Loss — Advocacy. Drawing from his own experience as someone born without a right hand, Mike explores how individuals in the limb loss and disability communities are using their voices to influence change, break down stigma, and fight for equal access and opportunity. Through heartfelt stories and eye-opening insights, this episode highlights: What advocacy looks like — from everyday conversations to systemic reform How sharing your personal journey can empower others and drive awareness The importance of representation in healthcare, employment, media, and beyond Ways listeners can get involved, speak up, and support the disability community Because when you find your community, you’re never stumped.

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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