Is E + R = O just a math equation, or is it the blueprint for survival?

On this powerful episode of Eagle Freedom Presents, host Deston Rogers sits down with the legendary Coach Jim Stroker to discuss how life’s hardest moments can become our greatest teachers.

Jim’s journey is not just one of endurance; it is a masterclass in transformation. From the grief of losing his father at a young age to the catastrophic 1989 car accident that left his daughter paralyzed and his son with a traumatic brain injury, Jim had every reason to give up. Instead, he leaned into the wisdom of his mother—his first "coach"—and the philosophy that Event + Response = Outcome.

In this deeply moving interview, Jim shares the raw reality of raising three "miracle" children who defied every odd: Ali Stroker (the first wheelchair-using actor to win a Tony Award), Jake, and Tori. He breaks down how the Stroker family used resilience, humor, and "Key Lime Pie moments" to turn trauma into triumph.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The Power of E+R=O: Why you can’t control the Event, but your Response changes everything.

• The True Definition of Character: How Jim’s mother taught him that character is "the ability to persist against constant opposition."

• Leadership Lessons: The story of Charles Blondin’s tightrope walk and why leaders must value action over words.

• Transforming Grief: How to view loss not as a stopping point, but as a "Hero’s Journey" moment.

• The "Key Lime Pie" Moment: How a "Key Lime Pie" moment completed the puzzle.

• Parenting Through Crisis: How Jim and his family fostered independence and success in Ali, Jake, and Tori despite massive physical and emotional hurdles.

Jim also discusses his book, Huddle Up, and shares his personal definition of freedom: the courage to live true to oneself, unconstrained by the opinions of others.

Whether you are navigating grief, leading a team through uncertainty, or looking for the inspiration to Rise, Inspire, and Overcome, this conversation is the playbook you need.

Quote of the Episode: "Love motivates action. We didn't just survive what happened to us; we reframed it." — Coach Jim Stroker

Connect with Coach Stroker:

• Website: Coachstroker.com
• Book: Huddle Up

Ready to take your freedom journey to the next level?

Connect with us beyond the podcast. Follow us on social media to get the latest updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube all at @eaglefreedompresents.

Want to reach out directly? Send us an email at eaglefreedompresents@gmail.com.

And for exclusive resources, episode show notes, and to join our community, head over to our website.

Remember our mantra: Rise, Inspire & Overcome, and become a part of the #RIOmovement!

We can't wait to hear from you and continue this journey together!

How do you go from a 3-month premature baby with a "fighter spirit" to a US Marine, and eventually, a powerhouse CEO who turned a life-altering diagnosis into a 19-year legacy of freedom?

In this powerful episode of Eagle Freedom Presents, host Deston Rogers sits down with his dear friend and longtime colleague, Michele Sokoloff, the CEO of Ultimate Manifesto LLC. Michele’s story is the definition of the #RIOmovement: Rising above tragedy, Inspiring through leadership, and Overcoming the impossible.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

• The Marine Corps Foundation: How the "Badass Marine Triad" persona helped Michele transition from military service to becoming a top recruiter for a Fortune 100 company.

• The MS Diagnosis That Changed Everything: In 2006, Michele was told she would eventually need a wheelchair due to Multiple Sclerosis. Instead of accepting that prognosis, she used her "fighter spirit" to quit the corporate world, launch a Virtual Assistant network, and reclaim her health through lifestyle medicine.

• Overcoming Unthinkable Tragedy: Michele opens up about the loss of her daughter, Natasha, in 2017. She shares how the power of coaching—specifically her training with the Tony Robbins Academy—gave her the tools to navigate grief and keep her business thriving through the strength of her team.

• The Science of Success & Health: As a Nutrigenomics Educator, Michele explains the intersection of genetics and health habits. She shares her transformation from being overweight and sick to becoming a health coach who empowers others to optimize their cellular wellness.

• Building a Life "At Choice": Learn Michele’s philosophy on creating multiple streams of income, the importance of branding yourself, and how she built a systems-based business that allowed her to focus on her family and passion projects.

Michele’s journey from the barracks to the boardroom is a masterclass in perseverance. Whether you are a veteran looking to start a business, someone battling a health crisis, or an entrepreneur seeking more freedom, Michele’s "Ultimate Manifesto" will provide the roadmap you need to take control of your reality.

Connect with Michele: Explore her work in leadership, virtual assistant networking, and innovative health education through Ultimate Manifesto LLC.

Join the Movement: Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode. Use the hashtag #RIOmovement to share how you are Rising, Inspiring, and Overcoming today!

Show your support for Eagle Freedom Presents by clicking here.

Ready to take your freedom journey to the next level?

Connect with us beyond the podcast. Follow us on social media to get the latest updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube all at @eaglefreedompresents.

Want to reach out directly? Send us an email at eaglefreedompresents@gmail.com.

And for exclusive resources, episode show notes, and to join our community, head over to our website.

Remember our mantra: Rise, Inspire & Overcome, and become a part of the #RIOmovement!

We can't wait to hear from you and continue this journey together!

In this powerful premiere episode of 2026, we sit down with retired U.S. Air Force Major Dennis G. Smith. His journey is the embodiment of the "Rise, Inspire, Overcome" spirit. From growing up in the poverty of the rural Ozarks and dropping out of school at age 16, to commanding top-secret logistics at the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, Dennis proves that your origin does not dictate your destiny.

Dennis takes us deep into a 25-year military career that saw him rise from an enlisted airman to a commissioned officer, earning two college degrees along the way. But this isn't just a war story; it is a masterclass in emotional intelligence. Dennis opens up about the "Mental Roadmap" necessary to navigate life's darkest valleys, sharing gripping stories of how empathy and observance allowed him to intervene and prevent soldier suicide.

We discuss the fine line between empathy and apathy in management, the courage it takes to hold the line on integrity when no one is watching, and how to build a legacy that outlasts your rank. Whether you are leading a corporate team, raising a family, or fighting your own internal battles, Dennis’s wisdom offers the foothold you need to climb higher.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• From the Ozarks to the Air Force: Dennis reflects on his challenging upbringing and the pivotal decision to join the military at age 17. He discusses the "what if" scenarios of his life—imagining a path in the arts or woodcarving in Branson—and how he eventually completed his education while on active duty.

• Leadership in the Line of Fire: We travel back to Dennis’s time in Turkey, where he learned the delicate balance of maintaining strict discipline while showing compassion. He recounts a dramatic incident involving a break-in at his office and how he handled the fallout, proving that true accountability starts at the top.

• The Power of Empathy & Suicide Prevention: Dennis shares one of the most impactful moments of his career: recognizing non-verbal distress cues in a soldier and intervening to prevent a suicide. We break down why "toughness" isn't enough and why leaders must possess the emotional intelligence to connect with their people.

• The "Mental Roadmap": Dennis explains why tragedies often happen when people lack a mental guide to overcome obstacles, and how we can build that roadmap to fight addiction, depression, and loss of purpose.

• High-Stakes Integrity: Hear the inside story of how Dennis prepared a top-secret report for General Joe Horner—a task others refused due to the career risk involved. Dennis explains how checking your ego at the door and focusing on the mission allowed him to produce the first report to meet the Joint Chiefs' standards of proficiency.

Key Quotes:

• "Integrity is a faster route to success than shortcuts. It’s doing the right thing even when no one is watching."
• "Vulnerability isn't weakness; it releases personal restraints and invites trust."
• "PTSD isn’t just for the military. We lose people every day because they lack a mental roadmap to overcome obstacles."

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Rising Up: From Woodsmoke to Wings (Available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble)
• Safety: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

Join the Conversation: Are you ready to change your trajectory? Let us know which part of Dennis’s story resonated with you most. Use the hashtag #RIOmovement and tag us on social media.

Disclaimer: This episode discusses topics of suicide and mental health. Listener discretion is advised.

Connect with us beyond the podcast. Follow us on social media to get the latest updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube all at @eaglefreedompresents