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
Join us on this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast as we talk with Britt Kimball, Amputee Program Champion at Encompass Health Valley of the Sun. A dedicated occupational therapist, Britt has been making a difference in the amputee community since 2016. Learn about her work leading monthly support groups, organizing running, swimming, and golf clinics. Discover how Britt's efforts create better outcomes for amputees and foster a supportive, thriving community.
In this episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland covers three impactful stories from the community. First, we explore a fundraiser organized to assist a young amputee and their family. Next, Mike discusses a tragic incident at Grace Hospital, where an amputation error resulted in the removal of the wrong leg, sparking an investigation. Lastly, Mike highlights the work of AbleGamers, a nonprofit organization making gaming accessible for people with disabilities.
In this uplifting episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland shares remarkable stories of amputees who are making a difference. Starting with a West Virginia teen who became a beacon of strength and positivity for his family after amputation, showing how resilience can inspire loved ones. Next, a dive into the journey of a double amputee who’s pursuing his dream of playing baseball. Finally, a spotlight the Beautifully Made Community, a group empowering those with physical differences to embrace their unique beauty.
