Category: Blog

What happens when determination outweighs despair?

In this powerful episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, host Rick Bontkowski sits down with Mark Ksobiech, an amputee who lost over 250 pounds and reclaimed his life in the face of overwhelming challenges. Mark opens up about the emotional and physical transformation that reshaped his identity, his health, and his purpose.

This isn’t just a story about weight loss—it’s about rediscovering hope, confronting addiction, and choosing to fight for the life you deserve. Mark’s journey is raw, relatable, and deeply inspiring for anyone in the limb loss community or beyond.

The AMP’D UP211 Podcast is created and hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a drummer, amputee, and advocate for resilience and self-discovery. Each episode brings together powerful voices from the limb loss and disability community, ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Listen. Share. Be inspired.

#limblossawareness #amputeecoalition #weightlossjourney

Part 2 of this special live series brings you straight to the heart of the 2025 Limb Preservation Foundation Symposium, where leaders in medicine, technology, advocacy, and lived experience come together to reshape the future of limb care.

Hosted and created by Rick Bontkowski, The AMP’D UP211 Podcast continues its mission to amplify voices from the limb loss and limb difference community, this time from the main stage in Denver.

In this episode, four remarkable guests join us to share their powerful stories and groundbreaking work:

• Gini Thomas – After surviving a devastating motorcycle accident, Gini made the bold decision to pursue osseointegration. Her journey is a testament to advocacy, autonomy, and second chances.
• Mike Bolland – Born without a right hand, Mike is a professional bowler and the creator of We’re Not Stumped, a podcast that brings humor, awareness, and authenticity to disability storytelling.
• Lera Doederlein – Once a child in a Russian orphanage, now a Paralympic athlete. Lera’s story spans continents, challenges, and triumphs as she redefines what’s possible through sport and resilience.
• Dr. Aadeel Akhtar – A visionary in neuroprosthetics and the founder of PSYONIC, Dr. Akhtar is revolutionizing the way we think about prosthetic limbs—making them more intuitive, lifelike, and accessible.

This episode captures the spirit of the symposium, education, empowerment, and community. Whether you’re an amputee, clinician, caregiver, or curious listener, this conversation will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to take action.

Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and all major platforms.
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Recorded live at the 2025 Limb Preservation Foundation Symposium in Golden Colorado, this is Part 1 of a powerful two-part AMP’D UP211 series that captures the energy, advocacy, and innovation driving the future of limb loss and limb preservation.

Hosted by amputee and podcast creator Rick Bontkowski, this special episode puts you in the room with three trailblazers who are each reshaping the way we think about mobility, identity, and resilience:

Cam Ayala – After gaining national attention on The Bachelorette, Cam has emerged as a powerful voice for lymphedema awareness and life after limb loss. His story is raw, real, and deeply human.

Dr. Connor Glass – As the founder of Phantom Neuro, Dr. Glass is revolutionizing prosthetic limb control through cutting-edge neurotechnology. He shares how his work is bringing lifelike movement and autonomy to those living with limb difference.

Angelina Martinson – A biomedical engineer and Paralympic hopeful, Angelina is using her lived experience to fuel change in how prosthetics are developed, discussed, and delivered. Her perspective is both personal and profoundly inspiring.

This conversation was made possible by The Limb Preservation Foundation, an organization dedicated to advancing research, treatment, and hope for those in the Limb Loss community. Their 2025 Symposium brought together leading voices from across the medical, advocacy, and amputee communities, and AMP’D UP211 was honored to be part of it.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s next for limb loss advocacy, innovation, and community—this episode is your front-row seat.

Tune in now for Part 1. Part 2 drops soon.

What does it take to change a life with the gift of mobility?

In this inspiring episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, host Rick Bontkowski, a right below-knee amputee, and passionate advocate, sits down with Randy Titony, Executive Director of the Limbs for Life Foundation.

Randy shares the powerful story behind Limbs for Life’s mission to provide prosthetic limbs to individuals who otherwise couldn’t afford them. From heartfelt success stories to the behind-the-scenes realities of running a national nonprofit, Randy offers a rare and motivating look at how one organization is restoring hope, independence, and dignity, one step at a time.

Whether you’re part of the limb loss community, know someone who is, or just want to hear a story about resilience, compassion, and action, you won’t want to miss this episode.

#limblossawareness #prosthesis #amputee #prostheticleg #limbsforlife

Meet Jason Barnes, the drummer who defied the odds after losing his arm in an accident. He didn’t just return to drumming… he revolutionized it. With the help of cutting-edge robotics and pure grit, Jason now plays with a bionic arm and is pushing the boundaries of human potential.

In honor of Limb Loss Awareness Month, this episode isn’t just about music; it’s about resilience, reinvention, and the power of passion when the world says, “You can’t.”

Hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right below-the-knee amputee, drummer, and creator of AMP’D UP211, this episode brings two worlds together in rhythm: the human spirit and next-level technology.

Don’t miss it. Streaming April 15th on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

This is more than a podcast. This is the beat of what’s possible.

What happens when life throws you a challenge that changes everything? For Travis Sanders, losing his leg wasn’t the end but the beginning of a powerful new chapter. In this episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, Travis shares his resilience journey, from learning to navigate life as an amputee to thriving as a master barber, business owner, and mentor.

Travis opens up about the struggles of stepping back into a profession where skill and appearance mean everything, how he adapted to life behind the chair, and the mindset shift that kept him moving forward. He also shares why he took over Lansing Barber College when it was on the brink of closing, what it takes to build a legacy and the advice he gives to amputees and entrepreneurs who want to carve their path.

This conversation is raw, real, and packed with inspiration. Whether you’re facing a personal setback, chasing a dream, or just looking for motivation, this episode will challenge you to think bigger and push past your limits.

The AMP’D UP211 Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a Right Below-Knee Amputee, Drummer, Author, and Corporate Executive.

On this episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, host Rick Bontkowski, a right below-the-knee (RBK) amputee, sits down with the unstoppable Woody Roseland. From surviving cancer six times to turning pain into punchlines, Woody has redefined resilience with humor, hustle, and an unbreakable spirit.

How did he go from battling cancer to commanding stages as a motivational speaker and comedian? What lessons has he learned about grit, growth, and finding purpose in the unexpected? And how does he keep laughing through it all?

Get ready for an episode packed with raw honesty, hard-hitting truths, and a whole lot of laughs.  Let’s get AMP’D UP with Woody Roseland!

What does it take to turn unimaginable adversity into an extraordinary life of purpose? In this compelling episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, host and creator Rick Bontkowski, a passionate advocate and amputee himself, dives deep into the incredible journey of William Pike.

From surviving the catastrophic Mount Ruapehu eruption to losing his right leg, William’s resilience and adventurous spirit have made him a global inspiration. He shares his story of creating the William Pike Challenge, a transformative youth development program, and founding Pro Armour, a company helping amputees confidently tackle the elements.

Join us as we explore the pivotal moments that shaped William’s path, his drive to empower others through outdoor adventure, and how stepping outside our comfort zones can unlock our greatest potential.  Tune in to hear Rick and William tackle the big questions about life, loss, and the courage it takes to thrive. Don’t miss this unforgettable conversation filled with grit, wisdom, and inspiration!

Like, comment, and subscribe to The AMP’D UP211 Podcast for more empowering stories from the limb difference community and beyond. 

In this gripping episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, host and creator Rick Bontkowski sits down with Eric LeMarque, a former professional hockey player and snowboarder who endured the unimaginable. Trapped in the frozen Sierra Nevada Mountains for eight days, Eric fought against brutal conditions, isolation, and his own inner battles in a journey that would ultimately change his life forever.

Eric’s story is one of survival, redemption, and faith discovered in the face of overwhelming odds. Join us as we dive into the depths of Eric’s incredible journey, exploring how he transformed his life after a life-altering ordeal. Rick, himself a right-leg amputee and inspiring force behind The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, brings unique insights to this powerful conversation about finding strength, purpose, and forgiveness.

Don’t miss this unforgettable episode, subscribe to stay updated and hear more inspiring stories that redefine what it means to overcome.

Get ready for an unforgettable episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast! Join host and creator Rick Bontkowski, a right-leg amputee and passionate advocate, as he sits down with Billy Brimblecom Jr., an unstoppable force in the limb loss community. After losing his left leg to Ewing’s Sarcoma, Billy turned his story into a mission – empowering uninsured amputees to reclaim their lives through the Steps of Faith Foundation. He’s also the co-creator of Thundergong!, an annual music and comedy show with big-name stars that raises funds for this incredible cause.

In this episode, Rick and Billy dive into resilience, the transformative power of music, and the importance of giving back. Hear how Billy’s journey from musician to advocate inspires others, along with some behind-the-scenes scoop on Thundergong!

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation full of laughter, real talk, and hope – hit play and get AMP’D UP!