We’re Not Stumped | Motivational Podcast Featuring Survival Stories, Recovery Journeys & Disability Stories
We’re not stumped.
Not by limb loss. Not by fear. Not by anything life throws our way.
We’re Not Stumped is a motivational podcast sharing survival stories, recovery journeys, and real-life success stories from the limb loss and disability community. Hosted by Mike Bolland—a one-handed cancer survivor and the first person with limb loss to compete on the PBA Tour—this podcast highlights what it truly means to overcome adversity and rebuild with purpose.
Launched in 2022, the show was created to give a voice to individuals navigating limb loss, disability, and life-changing challenges. Each episode features powerful conversations with amputees, caregivers, medical professionals, and advocates—offering insight into adaptive living, prosthetic innovation, inclusive employment, and mental resilience.
These are more than just stories—they are recovery stories and survival stories that provide hope, perspective, and practical encouragement for anyone facing adversity.
Beyond the podcast, Mike is also a speaker and stand-up comedian, using humor and real-life experience to connect with audiences and challenge perceptions around disability.
If you’re searching for a motivational podcast, survival stories podcast, or recovery story podcast, We’re Not Stumped delivers honest, inspiring conversations from people who have faced life head-on—and refused to be defined by it.
Join a growing community built on resilience, connection, and the belief that no one has to go through this alone.
We’re Not Stumped | Motivational Podcast Featuring Survival Stories, Recovery Journeys & Disability Stories
We're Not Stumped with Dr. Eric Gabriel Bilateral Above Knee Amputee Podcast
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In this episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, I have the pleasure of hosting Dr. Eric Gabriel, a bi-lateral above-knee amputee for the second time. Born and raised in Levittown, Long Island, NY, one of the first pre-planned housing developments in the United States, Eric enjoyed a childhood filled with school and baseball. Later in life, he discovered a passion for softball and played competitively for 18 years, starting in his late teens. Despite the enjoyment, his aggressive playing style, which often included sliding headfirst into bases while wearing shorts, led to significant knee injuries. The constant abrasions and internal damage resulted in numerous surgeries over the years.
Eventually, Eric faced a difficult decision: endure the severe pain and immobility from his surgeries or have his right leg amputated. He chose the latter and underwent the procedure in 2009. A few years later, in 2018, he had his left leg amputated, becoming a bi-lateral above-knee amputee. Although these years were among the most challenging, they also brought profound transformation.
Eric found new purpose and meaning through adaptive rowing. Despite his amputations, he discovered he could row using a machine called an ERG, which led him into competitive rowing. He competed three times in the World Indoor Rowing Adaptive Championships in Boston, Massachusetts, earning a silver medal in his first championship. Recently, he placed first in the category for 60-year and older lower leg amputee males. In 2012, Eric was invited to try out for the United States Paralympic Rowing Team. Although he didn't secure a spot on the team, he remains deeply grateful for the experience and the inspiration and motivation from his fellow athletes.
Links
Eric Gabriel Website: https://gabrieleric42.wixsite.com/website
GCU Graduation: https://youtu.be/QeZU8J3u2O0
GCU Feature: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXRaKUdYJrI
Duke University Spotlight: https://www.contrastcreative.com/portfolio/all-staff-event/?prev_page=9
ABC11 TV Feature: https://abc11.com/double-amputee-rowing-eric-gabriel-gofundme/6380274/
CW22 Web Feature: https://raleighcw.com/news/22-now/eric-gabriels-amputee-journey
Eric Gabriel in Amplitude Magazine: https://livingwithamplitude.com/tag/eric-gabriel/
#bilateralamputee #adaptiveathlete #amputee #limbloss
Want to be considered as a guest? Fill out the form here: https://werenotstumped.com/podcast-guest-information/
Learn more about our host Mike Bolland: https://mikebolland.com/
