What does it mean to tell a story about limb loss… when you haven’t lived it yourself?
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland—born without a right hand—sits down with author Jim Roberts to explore the decision to create a one-arm protagonist in his novel And Your Bird Can Sing.
This conversation goes beyond writing. It’s about representation, authenticity, and what it truly means to feel seen.
Jim shares how limb loss in his story became a powerful metaphor for grief, guilt, and forgiveness, set within a Southern Gothic coming-of-age journey through 1960s and 70s East Texas.
Together, Mike and Jim dive into:
• Writing characters with experiences different from your own
• The responsibility of representation in storytelling
• Using physical loss as emotional metaphor
• Balancing authenticity with creative freedom
• The challenges of publishing meaningful literary fiction
Jim also reflects on his late-in-life writing journey and why telling stories that matter is worth the uphill battle.
This is a thoughtful and honest discussion about voice, visibility, and the impact of storytelling—especially for communities that don’t always see themselves represented.
🔗 Learn more about Jim Roberts: https://jimrobertsfiction.com/
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After losing her hearing in both ears following the birth of her first child, actor and author Tiffany Storrs had to find her footing as a new mom while continuing her acting career. She talks with Mike Bolland about exploring cochlear implants, learning American Sign Language with her family, and advocating for accessibility. She also recounts a life-threatening heart arrhythmia discovered during surgery that led to a pacemaker—and a new perspective on accepting support, surrendering control, and living in the present.
Burn survivor and amputee Kevon Martorell joins Mike Bolland on We’re Not Stumped to share his experiences with recovery, adaptive fitness, and finding community. After surviving burns covering 80% of his body as a toddler and later undergoing a leg amputation, Kevon faced bullying, medical complications, and barriers to sports participation. He discusses how basketball helped him build confidence, why self-advocacy matters, and what inspired him to create Adapt and Triumph, an adaptive fitness and nutrition app. Their conversation explores the importance of resources that reflect different bodies and abilities, along with the connections that help people feel understood. Hear Kevon’s perspective on navigating life after amputation, speaking up for your care, and making movement more accessible for people with disabilities through his own experiences.
Mike Bolland celebrates 250 episodes of We’re Not Stumped by welcoming back his first guest, Nicole Marti. Now Event Support Manager at the Amputee Coalition, Nicole turns the questions on Mike for a conversation about disability, community, and belonging. Together, they explore lessons from sharing stories, the importance of emotional support, and finding courage to take chances. Mike reflects on returning to competitive bowling after cancer, while Nicole previews the 2027 Amputee Coalition National Conference in Las Vegas. The episode also honors former guests Dr. Eric Gabriel and Karlene Martinez, remembering their lives and the lasting impact of their stories.
