In this heartfelt episode of The Malliard Report, Jim Malliard welcomes Mike Couch, founder of the Lost Limbs Foundation and author of How I Ended Up With One Leg Instead of Two. Mike shares his incredible personal journey — from living with a rare vascular condition to facing the life-altering decision of amputation — and how those challenges became the spark for a life dedicated to helping others.
Mike’s foundation, the Lost Limbs Foundation, raises funds to support children who have lost limbs and need medical or prosthetic assistance. Through paranormal charity events, he has brought together well-known figures like Ben Hansen, Chip Coffey, and members of Ghost Hunters International to raise awareness and hope. His story is one of perseverance, purpose, and the healing power of community.
Throughout the conversation, Jim and Mike dive into the realities of building a nonprofit from scratch, the emotional toll of disability, and the surprising connections between belief, pain, and purpose. Mike opens up about his early skepticism, his first brush with the paranormal at Waverly Hills, and how the field became both a passion and a platform for good.
By the end of this conversation, listeners are left with a powerful reminder: out of even the deepest hardship can rise something profoundly meaningful. As Jim notes, The Malliard Report continues to explore where human resilience meets the mysteries of life — where the paranormal meets Pennsylvania grit.
🕒 Section Summaries & Timestamps
00:00 – Technical Glitches and Introductions
Jim opens the show with his trademark humor and resilience after a late start. Mike introduces himself and shares a brief overview of his background.
05:00 – The Birth of the Lost Limbs Foundation
Mike explains how his medical challenges led to the creation of a charity supporting amputee children and the difficult 501(c)(3) process.
10:00 – The Struggle and the Spark
He recounts his venous malformation, the choice to amputate, and the emotional toll of recovery — the moment where loss became mission.
15:00 – Building the Foundation Through Paranormal Events
Mike shares how connections in the paranormal community — including Ben Hansen and Britt Griffith — helped raise awareness and funds through live events.
25:00 – Writing the Book
“How I Ended Up With One Leg Instead of Two” began as a private journal; it became a story of survival, humor, and faith in moving forward.
35:00 – Encounters and Belief
Mike reflects on his first paranormal experience: seeing a little girl apparition. It transformed his skepticism into curiosity and compassion.
45:00 – Events, Growth, and the Future
Discussion of major upcoming charity events at Morrison Lodge and the Stanley Hotel, featuring top paranormal personalities.
55:00 – Staying Real and Staying Positive
Mike talks about doing everything from home, running the charity solo, and staying authentic — never scripted, never rehearsed — always heartfelt.
1:05:00 – Closing Reflections
Jim and Mike end on gratitude: for the listeners, the mission, and the belief that community — even one built around the paranormal — can change lives.
💬 Pull Quotes
“If I could take something bad that happened to me and turn it into something positive to help somebody else — that makes it all worth it.” — Mike Couch
“Sometimes it’s not about chasing ghosts. It’s about chasing hope.” — Jim Malliard
“You never realize how much work it is just to go get a sandwich — until you’ve lost what others take for granted.” — Mike Couch
“The paranormal community can do incredible things when it comes together for good.” — Jim Malliard
“I didn’t want this to be about me. I wanted it to be about the kids.” — Mike Couch
