What if the thing holding you back isn’t the possibility of falling, but the fear of what happens if you do?

As amputees, we talk a lot about mobility, prosthetics, and recovery. But there is one challenge that often doesn’t get enough attention: the fear of falling.

In this week’s episode of BAWarrior Podcast, I share my own experiences as an above-knee amputee and explore how fear can quietly limit our lives if we allow it to take control.

The truth is, for many of us, the fear of falling isn’t really about the fall itself. It’s about everything we think might happen afterward. We worry about losing confidence, losing independence, or proving our fears right. We wonder what other people will think if we stumble. We question whether we’re strong enough to keep going.

I’ve been an amputee for more than seven years, and I have fallen while learning new skills, while using my running blade, and while pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. Even today, there are moments when fear tries to creep in and convince me to play it safe.

But I’ve learned something important: the more we avoid challenges because we’re afraid of falling, the smaller our world becomes.

Fear doesn’t just stop us from taking a step. It can stop us from living.

Throughout this episode, I share how I learned to trust my prosthesis, build confidence through repetition, and move beyond the fear that so many new amputees experience. I discuss the importance of physical therapy, consistent practice, and creating safe opportunities to challenge yourself little by little. Confidence isn’t built overnight. It comes from showing up every day, taking one more step, and proving to yourself that you can do hard things.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that the best parts of life often exist on the other side of fear. Whether it was learning to run, trying adaptive sports, surfing for the first time, or simply trusting my body again after amputation, every meaningful milestone required me to face uncertainty and keep moving forward anyway.

If you’re struggling with fear—whether it’s fear of falling, fear of failure, fear of judgment, or fear of the unknown—I want you to know you’re not alone. Every amputee faces these challenges in some form. The key is not waiting until fear disappears. The key is taking action despite it.

This week’s Warrior Challenge is simple:

What fear is holding you back right now?

Identify it. Acknowledge it. Then take one small step toward facing it this week.

Remember, courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s moving forward in spite of it.

You are stronger than you realize. Don’t stop before you give yourself the chance to prove it.

Keep moving forward, warriors.

And as always,

Be Healthy,

Be Happy,

Be YOU!!!

Much love,

What if joining the movement means becoming part of the future of amputee care?

In this episode of the BAWarrior Podcast, I had the honor of sitting down with Jake and Hiva, two PhD students from the University of Michigan, who are working on research that could help shape the future of prosthetic technology for above-knee amputees.

This conversation was personal for me because I know what it feels like to step into the unknown for the sake of healing, hope, and future possibilities. Last year, I chose to take part in an experimental surgical procedure, and I know the questions, fears, and emotions that come with making that kind of decision. It is not easy to say yes to something new, especially when it involves your body, your mobility, and your future.

Jake and Hiva are currently working with RPNI, which stands for Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface. In simple terms, this procedure helps give nerves a new place to grow by wrapping them in small muscle grafts. These “muscle burritos,” as Jake described them, may help researchers better understand movement intention and even explore how a person could one day control a powered prosthetic knee or ankle more naturally.

What excites me most is that this research is not only about technology. It is about trust. It is about sensation. It is about helping amputees feel more connected to the ground beneath them and the prosthesis they rely on every day. As amputees, we know the physical work it takes to walk again, but many people do not see the mental load that comes with every single step. Research like this could help reduce that disconnect and move us closer to more natural, confident movement.

This study is currently looking for above-knee amputees who are comfortable using their prosthesis, able to navigate daily life without a wheelchair, and willing to be part of something bigger. Travel, lodging, and food are covered for participants who qualify. The study does involve surgery, so it is not a decision to take lightly, but it may be an opportunity for someone who is already dealing with nerve pain, neuromas, or who feels called to help move the prosthetic field forward.

Research does not move forward without us. Every advancement we see in prosthetics today happened because someone before us said yes.

So here is my call to action: Join the Movement. Do not just listen to the conversation; become part of the change. Visit WarriorGround to learn how you can get involved, support amputee research, become an ambassador for Limbs for Humanity, connect with Stride Robotics, or explore opportunities like this University of Michigan study.

You can also email Jake at: jkanetis@umich.edu

or email Hiva at: razavih@umich.edu

Let’s rise up, warriors. Our stories, our bodies, and our willingness to step forward can help build a better future for amputees to come.

And as always,

Be Healthy,

Be Happy,

Be YOU!!!

Much love,

Click the link below to see the flyer for the University of Michigan study:

LL RPNI Flyer (1) 2

Seven years ago, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life: to amputate my leg. Looking back now, I can honestly say that journey has taught me more about life, resilience, and myself than I ever could have imagined.

In this episode, I share seven of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through seven years of living as an above-knee amputee. These lessons aren’t just about limb loss, they’re about navigating life’s unexpected challenges, embracing change, and discovering strength you didn’t know you had.

One of the first things I learned is that life is incredibly uncertain. None of us know what tomorrow holds. I certainly never imagined that a martial arts injury would eventually lead to amputation. Yet even in the uncertainty, I’ve learned that life is still beautiful and worth embracing. Every day we wake up with breath in our lungs is an opportunity to live fully, regardless of our circumstances.

I also talk about change and why fighting it often creates more suffering than the change itself. As amputees, change becomes a constant companion. New sockets, new challenges, new routines, and new versions of ourselves. While change can be uncomfortable, it can also open doors to experiences, relationships, and opportunities we never would have discovered otherwise.

Another lesson that stands out is realizing just how strong we really are. Not physically, although that comes too, but mentally and emotionally. Strength isn’t built on easy days. It’s forged through setbacks, disappointments, pain, and the choice to keep moving forward anyway. Like a diamond formed under pressure, adversity has a way of shaping us into something stronger than we thought possible.

I also share why learning to appreciate the good days matters so much. Living with limb loss means navigating physical challenges, phantom pain, socket issues, and countless ups and downs. The difficult days teach us to cherish the ordinary ones. They remind us not to take comfort, mobility, or peace for granted.

Perhaps one of the most important lessons is this: don’t do it alone. Finding community has been one of the greatest gifts of my journey. Whether through my Amped Women chats, fellow amputees, or supportive friends and family, connection matters. We were never meant to carry life’s challenges by ourselves.

Finally, I talk about friendships, mindset, and embracing the roller coaster that is amputee life. The road isn’t always easy, but it can still be meaningful, beautiful, and full of purpose.

My hope is that whether you’re a new amputee, a caregiver, or simply facing a challenge of your own, you’ll walk away encouraged. Life may not look the way we planned, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be extraordinary.

Mindset matters. Give yourself grace. Find your people. And remember—you are stronger than you think.

What’s one lesson your journey has taught you?

Whether you’re an amputee, caregiver, or someone navigating a challenge of your own, I’d love to hear from you. Share your biggest lesson in the comments, reply to this post, or connect with me through Warrior Ground.

And if you’re walking the limb loss journey, don’t do it alone. Join our community and discover the power of connecting with people who truly understand.

Join the Warrior Ground community and stay connected → HERE

And as always,

Be Healthy,

Be Happy,

Be YOU!!!

Much love,

What happens when something you spent years building disappears in a single moment?

In this deeply personal episode of BAWarrior Podcast, I open up about the emotional aftermath of being massively hacked on social media and losing access to over twenty years of connection, community, memories, and support systems I had built through Facebook. What started as frustration and heartbreak became something much bigger: a reflection on faith, identity, resilience, and what it truly means to keep moving forward when life knocks you down.

As amputees and warriors, we know what it feels like to sit in the middle of the “why.” Why the injury? Why the pain? Why the setbacks? Why does it feel like we keep fighting battles no one else can see? This episode parallels those same emotions with the unexpected grief of loss and change, reminding us that struggle comes in many forms.

I share honestly about the anger, sadness, anxiety, and feeling of being stuck over the last few weeks, and how I slowly realized that if I truly believe everything happens for a reason, then I must believe this difficult moment can also lead to something greater.

At the center of this episode is a phrase I carry with me every day: Even If.

My “No Matter What” reminder

Those two words are literally written on my prosthetic socket as a reminder that even if things don’t go as planned… even if life feels unfair… even if we are hurting… we are still capable of rising above it.

This conversation is about choosing faith over fear.
Choosing peace over panic.
Choosing to rebuild instead of giving up.

I talk about how Warrior Ground was born from this exact mindset, creating a space where people can come together through podcasting, advocacy, community chats, equine therapy, connection, education, and support. A place where nobody has to walk their journey alone.

You are never alone on this journey! Reach out, find your tribe, connect with community!

If you are struggling right now: physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually then this episode is for you.

You are not abandoned.
You are not forgotten.
And your story is not over.

Sometimes the hardest moments are refining us into something stronger than we ever imagined.

Even if life knocks you down…
Even if you can’t see the purpose yet…
Even if the road feels heavy…

You will rise again.

Because warriors do.

Listen in for a heartfelt reminder that hope still exists, healing is still possible, and there is strength waiting for you on the other side of the struggle.

Have a beautiful week and as always…

Be healthy,

Be happy,

Be YOU!!!

Much love,

What if one story had the power to help someone walk again?

After seven powerful weeks of interviews during Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, this episode of BAWarrior podcast becomes more than a reflection-it becomes a movement.

In this heartfelt finale to the “Survivors to Warriors” series, I take listeners back through the incredible stories shared throughout the past seven weeks. These were not just interviews about limb loss. They were deeply personal conversations about fear, trauma, cancer, grief, PTSD, faith, family, resilience, and the decision to keep moving forward when life changes forever.

From children facing amputation at a young age to young adults rebuilding their confidence and independence, every guest brought honesty and courage to the table. While each story was unique, one thing tied them all together: resilience. Warriors are not born-they are built through impossible moments, painful setbacks, and the daily choice to rise again.

As an above-knee amputee myself, I share openly about how some days I feel strong and empowered, while other days limb loss completely knocks me down. That reality is something many amputees understand deeply. But what inspired me most about these guests was watching people so young choose courage, faith, and perseverance despite everything they had faced.

This episode introduces what I call The Warrior Effect-the ripple effect created when one person’s story, kindness, or support helps change someone else’s life. When someone shares their story, another person feels less alone. When someone donates to organizations like Limbs For Humanity, another person gains the opportunity to walk again. When companies like Stride Robotics innovate and create more affordable, lightweight prosthetic technology, they help restore independence, dignity, and hope to amputees around the world.

Co-Founder, Randy West, of Limbs For Humanity with one of their youngest patients

Co-Founder and CEO, Revanth Damerla, Stride Robotics

Throughout this episode, I discuss why mobility is about far more than simply walking. Mobility impacts emotional health, confidence, mental well-being, freedom, and quality of life. I share the mission behind Limbs For Humanity and their efforts to provide prosthetic care and mobility to underserved communities globally. I also highlight the groundbreaking work Stride Robotics is doing to create lightweight, waterproof powered prosthetics designed with real amputees and real-world accessibility in mind.

But this episode is not meant to simply inspire listeners for a moment before moving on. It is a call to action.

The time to act is now!

I challenge listeners to become part of the movement by supporting the limb loss community in whatever way they can. Whether that means volunteering, fundraising, donating, becoming an ambassador, spreading awareness, investing in adaptive innovation, or simply listening and learning-everyone has a role to play.

I also introduce the new ambassador program for Limbs For Humanity, encouraging listeners across all fifty states to help spread awareness and become part of something bigger than themselves. This movement is not about competition between nonprofits or organizations. It is about collaboration, compassion, and filling the gaps for communities that are underserved and often forgotten.

*Become an Ambassador for Limbs For Humanity here

*Find ways to help bring nobility to those without access here

*Or check out how to become a part of the innovative side with Stride Robotics here

This powerful finale reminds listeners that healing and resilience grow stronger when people come together. The “Survivors to Warriors” series may be ending, but the mission is only beginning.

The Warrior Effect is real-and now it’s your turn to become part of it.

Have a beautifully, blessed week and as always,

Be Healthy,

Be Happy,

Be YOU!!!

Much love,

This episode wrapped up Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month in a powerful way by looking toward the future of mobility, technology, and what it truly means to help people live again after limb loss.

After a month full of stories about trauma, cancer, amputation, grief, fear, faith, and resilience, I wanted to end this series by asking a bigger question: once someone survives, how do we help them truly reclaim their life?

That is why I invited Revanth, cofounder and CEO of Stride Robotics, onto the BAWarrior podcast. Stride Robotics is working to redefine mobility through lightweight powered prosthetic technology designed to restore strength, endurance, and freedom for amputees. I also have the honor of serving as an advisor for their company, helping give feedback from the lived experience of an above-knee amputee.

In this conversation, Revanth shared his journey from robotics and engineering into the prosthetic world. What stood out to me most was his honesty. He admitted that, early on, he was focused on building something impressive. But through conversations with amputees and prosthetists, he realized that innovation only matters if it solves a real human problem. That shift — from building something cool to building something truly useful — is where the heart of this conversation lived.

We talked about the communication gap between engineers, prosthetists, and amputees. All three groups are speaking from different perspectives, and yet all three must work together if prosthetic technology is going to improve real lives. As an amputee, I know firsthand that we do not always describe things in technical terms. We describe how something feels. We talk about trust, effort, fear, exhaustion, balance, and whether a device allows us to live the way we want to live.

One of the most powerful parts of this episode was our conversation around “mental load.” True mobility is not just about walking. It is about not having to think through every single step. It is being able to hike and look at the view instead of staring at the ground. It is walking into a room without calculating every movement. It is trusting your body and your prosthesis enough to live fully.

Revanth explained how Stride Robotics is working on a powered knee that is lighter, quieter, more affordable, and more functional than many powered options currently available. Their goal is to reduce strain on the hips, back, shoulders, and intact limb while helping amputees move with more confidence and less compensating. We talked about battery life, USB-C charging, fall prevention, waterproof possibilities, loaner programs, clinician support, and even future data feedback that could help prosthetists better understand how their patients are moving in real life.

But what I loved most was that this was never just a conversation about a device. It was about dignity. It was about access. It was about making sure technology does not only serve the few who can afford it, but eventually reaches amputees around the world who are desperate for mobility, independence, and hope.

This episode is also a call to action. Whether you are an amputee, prosthetist, engineer, student, investor, donor, or simply someone who cares, there is a place for you in this movement. Stride Robotics needs feedback, connection, research, support, and people willing to help move innovation forward.

Limb loss awareness cannot end with awareness. It has to move us into action. My hope is that this episode inspires you to get involved, ask better questions, support meaningful change, and become a beacon of hope for those still fighting to reclaim their mobility and their life.

Join the Movement. Bring dignity, independence, and mobility to all.

Today, that’s YOUR Call to Action, your charge from this month of story telling.

Be a part of the change, today! You can reach out to us:

Angie: BAWarrior360@gmail.com

Revanth: LinkedIn

Stride Robotics: LinkedIn

Stride Robotics: Website

Thank you for watching, sharing, and subscribing.

Let’s change lives, TOGETHER!

See you next week, and as always,

Be Healthy,

Be Happy,

Be YOU!!!

Much love,

In this powerful and perspective-shifting episode of Be a Warrior Podcast, I sit down with two men who have not only walked alongside me in my own journey as prosthetists, but who have also chosen to step far beyond the walls of their profession to answer a much bigger calling. Randy and David, co-founders of Limbs for Humanity, join me to share the heart, mission, and real-world impact of bringing prosthetic care to those who would otherwise never have access to it.

After spending the past month highlighting the deeply personal stories of survivors rising into warriors through limb loss, this conversation takes us one step further. Because what happens when someone has the strength, the will, and the fight… but no access to care? What happens when survival isn’t enough because the resources simply aren’t there?

That’s where Limbs for Humanity steps in.

Randy and David open up about how their work as everyday practitioners exposed a growing and heartbreaking gap—even here in the United States. Patients with jobs, families, and insurance still found themselves unable to afford prosthetics due to overwhelming deductibles and lack of coverage. What began as quiet, pro bono care quickly revealed a much larger need—one that couldn’t be ignored.

That need didn’t stop at our borders.

A single message about an underserved clinic in Rocky Point, Mexico sparked what would become a life-changing mission. Within months, they packed up their car and headed south, unsure of what to expect. What they found was staggering: hundreds of amputees with little to no access to prosthetic care. But what impacted them most wasn’t just the need—it was the people. Their resilience. Their gratitude. Their spirit.

We talk about the stark differences between limb loss in the U.S. and in underserved countries—where something as treatable as an infection can lead to amputation. Where young parents in their twenties and thirties lose limbs and, with them, their ability to provide for their families. And yet, even in the face of that, their strength is undeniable.

Through heartfelt stories—like young children receiving their first prosthetic and running, playing, and simply being kids again—you begin to understand that this work goes far beyond mobility. It restores dignity. Independence. Purpose.

But it’s not without its challenges.

The greatest barrier? Resources. Not time. Not skill. But the tangible components—knees, feet, liners—that make each prosthetic possible. Even with reduced costs and donated materials, the need far outweighs what they can currently provide. And that’s where this episode becomes more than a conversation—it becomes a call to action.

There are so many ways to get involved. From donating funds or unused prosthetic parts, to volunteering time, offering professional skills like grant writing, or simply spreading awareness. One of the most exciting calls to action introduced in this episode is the push for ambassadors in all 50 states—individuals willing to be the voice of this mission in their own communities.

Because here’s the truth: you don’t have to change the whole world to make an impact. You just have to be willing to help change one life.

This episode is a reminder that being a warrior isn’t just about overcoming your own battles—it’s about reaching back and lifting someone else up. And together, we have the power to do just that.

Join the journey!

Check out their website HERE and ways you can get involved!

Want to find out how to become an ambassador? Check it out on my Warrior Ground website, HERE!

Become a part of something bigger, and join the movement!

Have a blessed week, and as always,

Be Healthy,

Be Happy,

Be YOU!!!

Much love,

There are moments in life when everything slows down just enough for you to hear what truly matters. This episode was one of those moments for me. As I sat across from Abri, I wasn’t just interviewing a guest-I was witnessing a living, breathing testimony of what it looks like to hold onto hope when everything else tries to take it away.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” That verse from Romans 12:12 felt like it wrapped itself around this entire conversation. Because if there is anyone who embodies that kind of faith in motion, it’s Abri.

Abri’s first dance recital after amputation.

I first met Abri years ago, just after my own amputation. I was standing in a church parking lot on crutches, when I heard someone call my name. I turned to see a young girl—no older than nine—being carried over to me, full of light, full of joy, completely unshaken by the challenges she had already faced. In that moment, she didn’t just meet me… she steadied me. She spoke life into me without even realizing it. And I remember thinking, “If she can do this… I’m going to be okay.”

Fast forward to today, and that same young girl-now seventeen-is still walking through more than most people will ever understand. But what struck me the most during our conversation wasn’t just her strength. It was her honesty.

A young Abri battling cancer.

Abri didn’t sugarcoat the hard. She didn’t pretend that faith erases fear or pain. She spoke openly about the anger, the confusion, the loneliness. About the moments where her faith was shaken to its core. About isolating herself because fear felt safer than being seen. And yet… she didn’t stay there.

That’s the difference.

She made a choice-again and again-to lean back into God. Not perfectly. Not without questions. But with a willingness to trust, even when nothing made sense.

Laughter and sense of humor is so helpful amidst trials. Never lose your smile!

And what I see in her now is something even more powerful than the fearless little girl I first met. I see depth. I see resilience forged through pressure. I see a young woman who understands that faith isn’t about having all the answers-it’s about knowing where to turn when you don’t.

As we talked about what’s ahead for her-another amputation this summer, stepping into adulthood, reclaiming her voice in her own medical journey-I couldn’t help but feel in awe. Because she’s choosing courage in real time. She’s choosing hope in the middle of uncertainty. She’s choosing to believe that something good can still come from something incredibly hard.

And when I asked her what gets her through it all, her answer was simple, but profound: Jesus.

Not as a distant idea. Not as a checklist. But as a constant presence. A friend. A place to bring her anger, her fear, her questions—everything.

That kind of relationship… that kind of faith… it changes you.

It doesn’t mean the road gets easier. But it means you’re never walking it alone.

What Abri reminded me-and what I hope you take with you—is this: it’s okay to feel the hard things. It’s okay to be angry, to question, to struggle. But don’t stay there. Don’t build a home in that space.

Our reunion after several years of non-stop trials in Abri’s life.

Life is too short to live without hope.

And hope doesn’t come from the world—it comes from something deeper. Something steady. Something unshakable.

So if you’re in a season right now where everything feels heavy… where fear is loud… where you’re not sure how to take the next step… start small.

Find community. Find people who remind you of who you are when you forget. Open the door-even just a crack-to something bigger than yourself.

And maybe, just maybe… like Abri… you’ll begin to see that even in the pressure, even in the pain, something beautiful is being formed.

A warrior.

Be joyful in hope. Be patient in affliction. Be faithful in prayer. -Romans 12:12

Your story isn’t over.

And neither is the strength inside of you.

As always…

Be healthy,

Be happy,

Be YOU!!!

Much love,