Host Mike Bolland welcomes Whitney Lavender — Miss Wheelchair Tennessee 2026, author, advocate, and host of the Wits Grit podcast — for an inspiring conversation about resilience, purpose, and overcoming unimaginable challenges.
After a devastating fall led to a diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Whitney faced years of severe pain, countless treatments, and ultimately bilateral leg amputations. Rather than allowing adversity to define her, she rebuilt her life and discovered a new purpose through advocacy, storytelling, and empowering others.
In this episode, Mike and Whitney discuss:
• Living with CRPS and chronic pain
• Whitney’s amputation journey and recovery
• Phantom pain and adapting to life with prosthetics
• Overcoming depression and rebuilding confidence
• The importance of support and community
• Adaptive sports and accessibility advocacy
• Whitney’s children’s book and podcast Wits Grit
• Her journey to becoming Miss Wheelchair Tennessee 2026
Whitney’s story is a powerful reminder that our greatest challenges can sometimes reveal strengths we never knew we had.
Whitney’s Website: https://www.whitneylavender.com/
Whit & Wheels: A Journey of Courage: https://www.amazon.com/Whit-Wheels-Journey-Whitney-Lavender/dp/1959955683
🎙 Learn more about We’re Not Stumped and subscribe for more stories of resilience, perseverance, and overcoming obstacles.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on iHeart
Since the age of three, Kara Skrubis has practiced ballet. Throughout her youth, she traveled the nation, showcasing her ballet prowess. Alongside her performances, she commenced teaching ballet and started her studies as a dance major at University at [...]
In February 2020, Bruce Mezan faced a near-death encounter due to a DUI driver. While en route to lead a motorcycle safety class at 6:30 a.m., an incapacitated driver in an SUV collided with him at 50 mph as [...]
Bradley's journey as a below-the-knee amputee began in September 2014 due to a prolonged battle with osteomyelitis and multiple surgeries. His pivotal moment came three weeks prior to the amputation when he accompanied Jeff Linton, then president of Midwestern [...]
