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.
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In this special episode of We’re Not Stumped, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Eric William Gabriel, PhD, a remarkable individual who recently passed away. Eric was a two-time guest on the We're Not Stumped podcast. A bi-lateral, above-knee amputee, Eric’s journey was one of resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit. From his early days playing baseball and competitive softball to his transformative experience with adaptive rowing, Eric never let adversity define him. After years of painful injuries led to the loss of both legs, Eric found new purpose in the sport of rowing, competing in the World Indoor Rowing Adaptive Championships and even earning a silver medal. His strength and perseverance inspired countless others, proving that challenges can be turned into opportunities. Though he is no longer with us, his story will continue to inspire and uplift those facing their own obstacles. Rest in peace, Eric—you will be deeply missed.
