Writing, Faith, and Limitless Creativity: Brooke Brown’s Return to WNS

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

  • A Christmas Reflection on Resilience, Community, and Gratitude

December 25th, 2025|

This special Christmas episode of We’re Not Stumped is a heartfelt reflection from host Mike Bolland on resilience, community, and gratitude during the holiday season. Instead of an interview, Mike takes a few minutes to acknowledge the realities many people in the limb loss and disability community face during the holidays — from accessibility challenges and family dynamics to grief, growth, and adapting to change — all with warmth and a touch of humor. Mike also shares what this podcast has taught him over the past year and gives a heartfelt shout-out to some incredible guests who trusted him with their stories.

  • Positive Pieces LLC

December 23rd, 2025|

In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Jason A. Jones—motivational speaker, author, and founder of Positive Pieces—for a powerful conversation about resilience, mindset, and growing up with a congenital hand difference. Mike and Jason share a unique connection: both were born with a difference in their right hand. Together, they explore the realities of childhood, school, friendships, sports, and the challenges of first impressions when living with a visible disability. Jason reflects on the role his parents played in building confidence and accountability, encouraging him to adapt without excuses and believe in his own abilities. Jason also discusses his motivational memoir, 3 the Hard Way, which chronicles his journey from adolescence through college—including major setbacks like a serious car accident, job loss, and navigating employment with a disability. The conversation dives into the importance of mindset, and how resilience is built through lived experience.

  • Disability Diaries Steven Vine

December 16th, 2025|

In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Steven Vine for a raw and deeply honest conversation about survival and rebuilding life after everything changes. Steven shares how an undiagnosed genetic heart condition led to a sudden medical emergency in 2016, leaving him in a six-month coma. When he woke up, he was blind, a right above-knee amputee, living with an ostomy bag, and navigating chronic pain. Once a nationally ranked teenage track and field athlete who idolized Steve Prefontaine, Steven later owned and managed a fine dining Italian restaurant before his life was upended. In this episode, he reflects on depression, anger, opioid use and withdrawal, and the importance of caregiving support. Steven also explains how his journey inspired The Disability Diaries podcast and his upcoming memoir, Beyond These Green Eyes, offering hope through honest storytelling.

By |November 25th, 2025|General Disability Related Resources and News|Comments Off on Writing, Faith, and Limitless Creativity: Brooke Brown’s Return to WNS

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Go to Top