The Disability Diaries With Steven Vine

Mike Bolland: We're not Stumped

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385172/fan_mail/new] In this episode, Steve talks with Mike Bolland, who has his own podcast entitled: 'We're not Stumped'. Mike's podcast serves as motivation to share survival stories, recovery journeys, and real-life success stories from the limb loss and disability community. Mike is a one handed cancer survivor and the first person with limb loss to compete on the PBA Tour (Pro Bowling Association), Mike is also a speaker and stand up comedian, using humour and real life experiences to challenge the perceptions around disability. We're not stumped. Not by limb loss. Not by fear. Not by anything life throws our way. We’re Not Stumped | Motivational Podcast Featuring Survival Stories, Recovery Journeys & Disability Stories - Podcast - Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/were-not-stumped-motivational-podcast-featuring-survival/id1645391196]

MAID in Canada - Medical Assistance in Dying

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385172/fan_mail/new] In this special episode, Steven welcomes Dr. Michelle Hewitt and Dr. Ricky Manhas to talk about MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying). Michelle gives her perspective as the spouse of a patient who used MAID last year. Michelle is also the Chair of the Disability without Poverty non-profit organization. Dr. Manhas gives his perspective as a Family Doctor who has guided patients who have made this request, and he's also Steve's GP.  It's a very thought provoking episode with a thoughtful discussion outlining the guidelines for MAID, Track 1 vs. Track 2, the compassionate vs. medical aspects of this decision and how it affects patients and their families. We would be interested in hearing your thoughts if this controversial topic has touched you or your family in some way.

Steven talks about the release of his new book!

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385172/fan_mail/new] In this special 50th episode of the podcast, Steve talks about the writing of his new book: 'Beyond Green Eyes: The Day I Died, the Life I Began'. The episode starts out with Chris reading the Prologue of the book. If you're interested in hearing more from the book - it is available to purchase on Amazon. (Hardcover, softcover or Kindle)  Beyond Green Eyes: The Day I Died, The Life I Began: Vine, Steven: 9781997730835: Books - Amazon.ca [https://www.amazon.ca/Beyond-Green-Eyes-Died-Began/dp/1997730839/ref=sr_1_1?crid=11EYQ3YBCQYVO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._SnvLz1YiPEBfNvmX7IomismeV_yqkuOwi-9DsDvWJg1v1pn2YV4LDWmSgIoqdynvaco5AR0obrlKSO0ulwxuHqea8F47zHRk-jVEc5QxZ5fm1krBkzMAlmqusowYetNt2Ma20-hzoKQ9FafQyipMA.S1Gn8zOgAYHxIJ7Lh56sjj0-Vj5v2KsFPZUN-MQ-7-I&dib_tag=se&keywords=beyond+green+eyes&qid=1778115071&sprefix=beyond+green+eyes%2Caps%2C202&sr=8-1] Steve would like to thank Life Sized Publishing for publishing this book. As a blind person, 'writing' the book was a challenge - but Umer and his team guided Steve along the way and even supported him while he unexpectantly landed in the hospital for 2 months in the middle of this process. Book Publishing Services for Authors | Life Sized Publishing [https://lifesizedpublishing.com/] HOME | Stevenvine [https://www.stevenvine.ca/]

Thomas Exler: 'It's not what happens to you, it's what you do about it'

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385172/fan_mail/new] Steve talks with Thomas Exler from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, who was born with a very rare congenital birth defect known as bladder exstrophy. As Tom describes it, his bladder was like a balloon on the outside of his body. He had to have this removed at the age of 4. His mother created the first ostomy group in the world for caregivers of children with this condition. Bladder exstrophy brought Tom numerous challenges, including multiple surgeries and long hospital stays as a child. Yet, it also offered him countless blessings—chief among them, the opportunity to become a lifelong advocate for others living with similar conditions. In 2010, Tom established Courage to Shine™, a patient-centered initiative that honors individuals born with genitourinary birth defects who have grown to become outstanding role models. The project also serves as a platform for motivational presentations and global outreach. Bladder Exstrophy, Resilience, and Global Advocacy: The Journey of Thomas Exler – Courage to Shine™ [https://courage-to-shine.org/2025/07/30/bladder-exstrophy-resilience-and-global-advocacy-the-journey-of-thomas-exler/]

Jared Taylor: 'Amputee For Life'

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385172/fan_mail/new] Steve interviews Jared Taylor, from Washington state. In his younger days, Jared's life consisted mainly of construction and skiing. He decided to buckle down and pursue a career as an EMS, working as an emergency medical technician and firefighter. In 2012 he sustained an injury as a trail runner, as he loved the outdoors. While running one day, he experienced a misstep which led to a life changing injury. He required a below the knee amputation in 2015. While going through the process of adjusting to the amputation, Jared found that there was limited support in his area. He went through a difficult time of pain, surgeries, referrals and wheelchair use before he finally got the amputation. In 2024, he decided to start his own podcast: 'Amputee for Life'. His podcast focuses on testimonials from amputees, family members, and professionals in the limb loss community. Steve and Jared talked about their shared commonalities - besides the amputation, pain, medication, and they were both avid runners. If you are an amputee or have some involvement in this topic, please feel free to contact Steve or Jared for support.  Amputee For Life - Podcast - Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amputee-for-life/id1775013853]