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"hugsbybrent.com"

Helping uS GIVE STRENGTH

Brent was paralyzed at 16yrs old, with a spinal-cord injury (quadriplegic)

This is the speaking / school program part of www.booksbybrent.com. Brent presents to schools, with assembly and classroom programs. He also presents as keynote speaker to a variety of organizations. His unique story of triumph through tragedy allows him to connect with his audience through perseverance. His presentations discuss antibullying, believing you can accomplish your dreams, and that "you" can overcome adversity. Brent shares all this and much more in his emotional story. Unless you have closed your eyes and thought you may not wake up in the morning, let Brent with his books and presentations inspire. His life represents "the hardest things you have to work for will mean the most!"

Students showing me love after presenting multiple assemblies on their campus

“Thank you Brent. Today you turned my life around and changed it forever. I cannot wait to read your books. Thanks for making time to come to our school.”

— 5th grader at inner city school in Bakersfield

Creating Moments That Change Lives, Through Real Life Experiences: "Believing That One Book, One Student, One Program, One Hug Makes A Difference."

Pitch After Paralysis film

Tragedy on The Mountain: A Quadriplegic's Journey From Paralysis To Paralympics

By Brent Poppen

Buy on Amazon

Playground Lessons-Friendship and Forgiveness: Harley and His Wheelchair

By Brent Poppen

Buy on Amazon

“There is something special about having the ability to capture the minds and hearts in a short amount of time. You have a gift and thank you for sharing it with our students at Arroyo Elementary School”

— Mom of two students

Brent was paralyzed in a wrestling accident at 16yrs old (as a quadriplegic). He has continued to dream and work hard to make them a reality. His "real" tragedies create an emotional space, where audiencies are brought into his experiences. They feel his pain, joy, tragedies and triumphs.

The quote below came about as Erin and I exchanged books at a school program. She was the keynote speaker and I ran the children's book pullout group.

“Brent, continue to give a voice to the voiceless”

— Freedom Writer's Erin Gruwell

Creating acceptance and awareness with hands on presentations

Brent brings unique tangible learning experiences to his school / book speaking programs. He allows all students to experience his Olympic medal, by holding, wearing and taking pictures with it. This allows students to "feel" what making dreams come true is all about. Student's and staff love this. He also brings his sport wheelchairs and allows the students to experience them. For many these are "once in a life time" opportunities, that leave a lasting impact.

Instagram: #hugsbybrent - Twitter/X: @hugsbybrent - Facebook: Brent Poppen

#2 paso winery recap. Tasted at Oso Libre & had great experience. Tables were separated well, good staff, heaters (today was chilly summer day), good shade, awesome wine & Bald Eagle within sight (bring binoculars). When tasting westside wines visit Oso Libre Winery. Wheelchair accessible. #rollingwithbrent #pasolife #drinkpaso

Our #DYI floating table project was a success yesterday. We now have Mexican Train Dominos being played in the pool/jacuzzi. #pasobackyard #rollingwithbrent #mexicantrain #summer #mygirlisrad Erica Peters Poppen Jill Jeffers Richardson

Up early, time for physical & mental health, while kiddos at hospital are still sleeping. We can’t take care of others if we don’t take care of ourselves. Designed one 10lb weight with additive handle. >weight<reps=cardio. #rollingwithbrent #valleychildrenshospital #quadriplegic

With all the negativity in the world a day in the vineyards, with birds singing, trees whistling, smell of green grass, park benches, cool shade and great people the soul was recharged. Happy to deliver some of that joy back into the world. #globalkindness #rollingwithbrent Peachy Canyon Winery

3:30am ~ hydro flask morning. Too early for Starbucks 😞 ~ when one of my kids ask if I’ll be at hospital when they go into surgery ... the answer is obviously yes. Have an inspired week. #rollingwithbrent #support #allkidsmatter

Broke out the cleaver for street tacos last night with bbq baked asparagus, paired with #tobinjames petite Syrah. Full episode coming soon. #cookingwithaquadriplegic #rollingwithbrent #tacos #foodandwine #quadriplegic

Still celebrating sassy bday. Wine tasting heads up. If your traveling up to paso to enjoy and support our amazing wines make reservations at least day before. I couldn’t get into my local favs today, as a local boy who visits a lot. Thanks #levignewinery for a great social distancing lunch and wine tasting on shaded patio (with local music). If your going out East support this place. Today the Grenache blend was my #1 (not on the tasting menu but ask for it). I’ll be going to Westside tomorrow to try #covidwinetasting. Maybe I’ll see you out there. #research #rollingwithbrent #drinkpaso

It was a great day celebrating My rad wife’s #47 Bday. #happybirthday #rideordie #letsdoanotheryear

“Grease” at slo drive in✔️with my pretty birthday girl. #birthdaychecklist #drivein #grease

Shopping and da bomb pizza in slo (flour house), Outside back patio✔️~ #birthdaychecklist #slo #wineamd pizza

#mexicantrain✔️ ~ I up 2 games (for the record). #birthdaychecklist

We got the birthday workouts accomplished. Health and fitness are important. Now time to celebrate. #rollingwithbrent #quadriplegic #homeworkout #noexcuses #disabledfitness #adaptivetraining

Birthday breakfast✔️ ~ sourdough French toast with #peachycanyonwinery port infused syrup. Moving onto Mexican Train in the backyard. #dominos #cookingwithaquadriplegic #rollingwithbrent #frenchtoast #mtgirlsbday

It’s my pretty girl’s birthday today. Love being home to celebrate throughout the day. Start with French Toast and champagne. Leading into backyard time, SLO shopping, special dinner and finishing with Grease at the drive in! Now that is a day. Thanks for loving me. #hapoybirthday #mygirlisrad @princesspoppen8198

Love being part of the Valley Children’s Hospital family, taking care of our kiddos and families that need our love. Congrats on the national recognition of excellence! We set the standard. #rollingwithbrent #rehab #vch

Day four we made it to see our new beautiful great niece, Mina! Then day 5, rerouted because of CA Fire. But not bad spending more time with my pretty girl and seeing beautiful new back country. #glasshalffull #roadtrip #rollingwithbrent

Back to adapting hotel workouts, once motivation / educational speaking resumes. See y’all soon. #rollingwithbrent #hope #fitness #begreat

1st road trip in a long time. Looking forward to some country driving (that’s not between Paso &. Valley Children’s Hospital). Thanks Roxy for holding down the casa while we’re gone. Hope everyone has an inspired humpday. Stay save and show some love to each other! #rollingwithbrent #roadtrip #mygirlisrad

Was great to host a social distant dinner. Always good to be back in the kitchen sharing my love of food & wine. #cookingwithaquadriplegic #foodandwine #foodnetwork #friends&family #peachycanyonwine

My author read is postponed until this Tuesday at 6pm on Facebook Live. See you then. Busy schedule right now. I’ll be reading, “I Can Do Hard Things” by Gabi Garcia. #authorread #readingisrad #rollingwithbrent

Brent understands that moments of inspiration and motivation can be life changing.