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.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
What do you do when life is going perfectly—until it’s not? In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland talks with Kijuan Amey—a U.S. Air Force veteran, entrepreneur, and traumatic brain injury survivor whose life changed in an instant. At just 25, Kijuan was thriving: one year from earning his degree, running his own business (Kiwi Enterprise LLC), and proudly serving his country. Then, a sudden motorcycle accident nearly took it all away. But instead of asking, “Why me?”, Kijuan chose a different question: “What now?” Through faith, grit, and a desire to help others, he turned unimaginable trauma into purpose—and a message of hope.
In this episode, host Mike Bolland shares the inspiring story of Carter Henning, a high school freshman from Calamus-Wheatland in Iowa who returned to lead his varsity golf team just two months after losing his leg in a snowmobile accident. Carter’s determination and passion for the game showcase what’s possible with resilience and heart. Mike also highlights the Dallas Amputee Network (DAN), a nonprofit offering vital support and peer mentorship to amputees and their families across North Texas. Founded by Ellen Winchell in 2002, DAN empowers individuals through monthly meetings, the Certified Peer Visitor program, and a strong community of encouragement.
In this episode, we sit down with Vanessa Abraham, a certified Speech-Language Pathologist whose life took an unexpected turn when she became the patient. After a sudden illness left her paralyzed and unable to speak, Vanessa faced the daunting task of reclaiming her voice and identity. Vanessa shares her harrowing experience of battling Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), the emotional toll of being unable to communicate, and her path to recovery. Her story is not just one of survival but of transformation, leading her to become an advocate for ICU survivors and author of the memoir Speechless: How a Speech Therapist Lost Her Ability to Speak and Her Silent Struggle to Reclaim Her Voice and Life.
