Category: Blog

We are proud to present a heart-pounding special episode of The Levitate Sport Freedom Tour, straight from the vibrant streets of Chicago!  Experience the pulse of the city as we bring you candid on-site interviews, capturing the raw energy and passion of athletes and enthusiasts alike. But that’s not all! Dive deeper into the action with exclusive bonus video footage, offering a front-row seat to the thrills and triumphs of the Levitate Sports community, and hold onto your seats for a can’t-miss segment featuring Sebastian Engwald Jensen, a true champion both on and off the field. As a professional para-athlete and sales executive at Levitate Sport, Sebastian shares his remarkable journey, offering insights into resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit.  The AMP’D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right-below-knee amputee.

We are proud to present Paralympic Athlete, Ironman, and Paratriathlon American Champion Mohamed Lahna. Born in Casablanca Morrocco, Mohamed was born with a birth defect called Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency that effectively left him without a right femur and fibula.  Mohamed embodies the saying, “It’s never too late.” He was fit with his first real prosthesis at the age of 20, rode a bike for the first time at 25, crossed the Atlas Mountains at 26, and ran his first marathon at 27.   Mohamed has officially qualified for the Paralympics in Paris 2024, making him the first male Para triathlete to make Team USA.  The AMP’D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right-below-knee amputee.

We are proud to present Hugh Boyle.  Hugh is a Right below amputee and the founding partner of The Consumers with Disabilities Research Foundation, North America’s first consumer research business, focused on generating data and insights from and for the vast and valuable consumers with disabilities population. They are committed to using research to improve consumer life for the disabled community.  As a top executive in the advertising industry, Hugh brings a very interesting and relevant perspective to the entire Amputee Community as he continues his mission of advocacy and awareness. The AMP’D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right-below-knee amputee.

We are proud to present Professional Musician, Executive, and Motivational Speaker Todd Waites. After losing his complete arm and shoulder to cancer at 14 years of age followed by nearly two years of rigorous treatments, plus another surprising diagnosis of Thyroid cancer in late 2014, Todd has made the best of the cards dealt to him. People who know Todd Waites say he has already lived the life of 10 men. Ask Todd, and he says he’s just getting started! Todd inspires so many in the limb loss community and beyond, his public speaking engagements include schools, churches, and corporations.  The AMP’D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right-below-knee amputee.

We are proud to present U.S. Paralympic Athlete, Rancher, and Father Kevan Hueftle.  In 2005 Kevan also known as “Flea” was involved in a hunting accident that led to an amputation of his left leg below the knee.  Consequently, Flea struggled with alcoholism due to the tragic loss of his limb and the constant pain he suffered as an amputee. Through perseverance and grit, Flea decided to defy the odds and would eventually compete on the US Track and Field teams and medal as an elite Paralympic Athlete.  Kevan is a beacon of hope for anyone struggling with limb loss or addiction.  It is our pleasure to introduce Kevan Hueftle!  The AMP’D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right-below-knee amputee.

Subscribe to the podcast!
The AMPdUp211 Youtube Channel
Recorded at Audiohive Podcasting
Hosted on Transistor.fm

We are proud to present adaptive athlete and trail runner Zachary Friedley.  Zach is a congenital amputee born missing his right leg above the knee.  Zach has spent his life in the pursuit of understanding how to reach the true meaning of movement.  This ultramarathoner not only pushes himself physically but also spiritually.  Zach continues to inspire the entire amputee community through his video blogs, social media content, and special brand of wisdom. The AMP’D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right-below-knee amputee.

Subscribe to the podcast!
The AMPdUp211 Youtube Channel
Recorded at Audiohive Podcasting
Hosted on Transistor.fm

We are proud to present Chris Cavanaugh also known as THE MAD HIKER.  Chris is a trauma survivor who lost his left leg in a terrible auto accident that led to multiple surgeries which saved his life.  Chris has led a colorful life filled with tremendous challenges including drug addiction, and thoughts of suicide, and has risen above it all to inspire amputees and outdoor enthusiasts.  Chris challenges himself while extreme hiking in the wilderness of Kentucky.  Chris is a gifted photographer and continues to grow a loyal following through social media.  The AMP’D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right-below-knee amputee.

Subscribe to the podcast!
The AMPdUp211 Youtube Channel
Recorded at Audiohive Podcasting
Hosted on Transistor.fm

We are proud to present Alexis Mann.  Alexis is a Horse Reining Competitor and Right Hand Amputee, Alexis’ limb difference results from amniotic band syndrome.  Alexis recently competed in the 2023 National Reining Horse Association Derby.  Alexis has been riding horses since 2 years old and competes for the Division 1 equestrian team at the University of Tennessee.  Alexis inspires the entire Amputee Community through her passion for horses and collegiate pursuits.  The AMP’D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right-below-knee amputee.

Subscribe to the podcast!
The AMPdUp211 Youtube Channel
Recorded at Audiohive Podcasting
Hosted on Transistor.fm

We are proud to present Jenny Rolf Pollreis.  Jenny is a left leg below knee amputee who describes herself as a Fitness Fanatic.  This fitness trainer continues to inspire the entire amputee community through her video blog and positive content on social media platforms.  Jenny has participated in competitive national bodybuilding and brings a fascinating perspective to our entire audience.  Jenny is a rising creator who continues to balance life, love, and her incredibly active lifestyle.  The AMP’D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right-below-knee amputee.

Subscribe to the podcast!
The AMPdUp211 Youtube Channel
Recorded at Audiohive Podcasting
Hosted on Transistor.fm

We are proud to present Rose Booth.  Rose is an author, podcaster, and above-the-knee amputee.  In her very first book, Rose shares her unbelievable life story of facing death numerous times, doubting her faith, and rising from the depths of despair.  Rose became an amputee in December of 2021 and continues to inspire through public speaking, advocacy, and her work in the women’s ministry of her church.  The AMP’D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right-below-knee amputee.

Subscribe to the podcast!
The AMPdUp211 Youtube Channel
Recorded at Audiohive Podcasting
Hosted on Transistor.fm