Category: Blog

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

We are proud to present Mabio Costa.  Mabio is a Motivational speaker, Triathlete, and two-time ITU Paratriathlon World Champion.  This proud American citizen who was born in Goiânia, Brazil works as a practitioner at Prosthetic & Orthotic Associates (POA).  Mabio continues to compete and thrive against able-bodied athletes while providing inspiration for the entire Amputee Community.  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 Jessica Noreika. Jessica became an Above-The-Knee amputee due to a tragic motorcycle accident in October 2021.  Jessica recently went through the surgeries to receive the Osseointegration Implant.  Jessica, once incredibly active is now facing the challenges of her new normals head-on.  Jessica continues to inspire her entire community through her quiet strength and determination to live life to the fullest. 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 Denny Chipollini. Denny is a two-time Olympic Torchbearer, Public Speaker, Personal Trainer, and Adaptive Athlete.  Denny truly has a zest for life and continues to inspire the amputee community through his video blog and lifestyle tips.  This extraordinary amputee proves that there truly is a fountain of youth.  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