Welcome back to We’re Not Stumped! Today, I’m honored to sit down once again with Brooke Brown — an “ink weaver of life, faith, and fiction,” an honors graduate of ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, Ms. Wheelchair Arizona 2022, and founder of Brooke’s Butterfly Touch, a ministry that helps individuals discover the power and purpose of their own stories.
Brooke is also the author of Rolling in Grace: Volume 1 — A Foundation of Faith and Imagination, now available in audio format. Having read it myself, I can promise you: it’s full of relatable, uplifting, and beautifully practical stories.
Living with cerebral palsy and using an augmentative communication app, Brooke demonstrates that every voice — every single one — can inspire hope, healing, and opportunity. This is her second appearance on the show, so after watching, don’t forget to visit WereNotStumped.com to catch her first episode.
🎙️ In This Episode, We Dive Into:
✨ Parental leadership & early expectations
How her parents’ unwavering belief shaped her life after doctors warned otherwise.
✨ Imagining life without limitations
What she believes would be different if her cerebral palsy were removed from her story.
✨ The spark of creative writing
How a fourth-grade assignment from Mrs. Jones transformed her future.
✨ Fiction as a safe space
Why teenage Brooke explored disability through characters instead of personal narrative.
✨ A surprising reunion at ASU
The moment her former third-grade teacher saw her again — now as a university student.
✨ Guidance for parents of children with disabilities
Including an impactful story from her fifth-grade year.
✨ A Sweet 16 with purpose
A purple van, independence, and the trust that helped her grow.
✨ Faith, foundation, and Scottsdale Christian Academy
How her school shaped who she is today.
✨ A memorable ASL class experience
And the lesson that came with it.
✨ Meeting “Dr. Fun” at the Cronkite School
The professor who encouraged, challenged, and empowered her.
✨ Winning the Walter Cronkite Outstanding Undergraduate Award
And giving a speech she’ll never forget.
✨ Inclusive theater at Ability360
Her meaningful involvement and the impact of accessible creative spaces.
✨ What’s next?
With her audiobook released and Volume 2 on the way, Brooke shares what else she’s excited for in the future.
If you’re looking for a conversation filled with faith, creativity, resilience, and purpose — this episode is for you.
👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and visit WereNotStumped.com for more inspiring stories.
Want to be considered as a guest? Fill out the form here: https://werenotstumped.com/podcast-guest-information/
Learn more about our host Mike Bolland: https://mikebolland.com/
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