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

In just a few short months, Eagle Freedom Presents has transformed from a vision into a global movement. Host Deston Rogers reflects on the overwhelming international reception of the brand’s core mission: Rise, Inspire, and Overcome. While the reach has been vast, Deston reminds us that this is only the beginning—the foundation is officially laid, and the sky is the limit.

In this special year-end reflection, we dive deep into the power of resilience and the science of the mind. Deston shares:

• A Global Gratitude: A heartfelt thank you to the international audience and the key individuals who made this launch possible, including a special acknowledgment to Matt Guss and the Mojos for their musical contribution.

• The Power of the Pen: Why the physical act of writing is a scientific "superpower" for memory retention and overcoming current challenges.

• Vision 2026: Moving past the illusion of tomorrow to grab hold of the moment right in front of you.

Don't let your potential sit on a shelf while others decide your worth. Within you lies the strength to build your own empire. Whether you are facing a new obstacle or preparing for the year ahead, this episode is your roadmap to taking flight.

Subscribe and Share: Become a part of the #RIOmovement. Subscribe now to catch every insight and help us share the message of resilience with the world. Remember: You, too, can Rise, Inspire, and Overcome.

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!

What happens when life brings you to a complete "hard stop"? How do you navigate the transition from an idyllic childhood to the crushing realities of abuse, loss, and survival? In this profound and deeply personal interview, Terri Clifton shares her incredible narrative of resilience, faith, and the literal miracles that redirected her path when all seemed lost.

Terri’s story begins in a loving environment that instilled in her the values of service. Yet, despite this foundation, the transition into adolescence brought a lack of clear communication and boundaries. By the age of 18, Terri found herself navigating the complexities of teenage motherhood and an ill-advised marriage that descended into emotional and physical abuse. This episode explores the lessons learned when our upbringing doesn't quite prepare us for the toxicity of the world, and how a lack of healthy boundaries can lead to cycles of trauma.

One of the most harrowing moments of Terri’s journey is her survival of a catastrophic car accident. Struck by an 18-wheeler traveling at 80 miles per hour, Terri’s survival was nothing short of divine intervention. She recounts the experience of being nearly killed and the spiritual awakening that followed, realizing her life had been spared for a much higher purpose. This segment serves as a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments—when a "hard stop" feels final—there is often a redirection occurring that we cannot yet see.

Adversity didn't stop at physical trauma. Terri shares the heartbreaking experience of losing her home to foreclosure while her son watched. However, in a stunning display of "beauty from ashes," this displacement led to her son being enrolled in a different school district where he discovered a hidden musical talent—a path that eventually led him to a career working with the Grammys. Terri illustrates how what felt like a devastating failure was actually the catalyst for her family’s greatest success.

Terri provides a unique perspective on toxic relationships, using the metaphor of an "emotionally transmitted disease." She discusses the weight of emotional attachments and how she learned to break free through faith and the power of resurrection. After receiving multiple confirmations of her calling, Terri authored a 10-chapter book focused on leveraging spiritual resilience to overcome life’s trials, moving past the heavy burdens of guilt and shame.

Key Takeaways from This Interview:

• The Necessity of Boundaries: Understanding how early experiences shape our adult relationships.
• Faith Over Emotion: Learning to make decisions based on spiritual guidance rather than temporary impulses.
• Finding Purpose in Pain: How to view traumatic events as markers for growth and divine redirection.
• Practical Healing: Strategies for releasing the past, including volunteering, new hobbies, and radical self-forgiveness.

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 milestone episode of Eagle Freedom Presents, host Deston welcomes Rose and AJ Green for a powerful conversation about corruption, abuse, and redemption. This is not just a love story; it is a raw look at how two people survived the systemic corruption of the Postal Service and the personal trauma of domestic abuse to find redemption in faith and each other.

From the dangerous "war zones" of Compton’s mail routes to the darkness of coercive relationships, Rose and AJ reveal how they fought for their freedom and built a future together.

Rose opens up about a childhood in Southern California defined by instability. From witnessing domestic violence at age five to navigating her mother’s battle with depression after abandonment, Rose was forced to grow up fast. She details the "school of hard knocks"—facing bullying and navigating complex family dynamics that eventually helped her become a strong union steward.

However, the cycle of abuse is insidious. Rose shares her harrowing experience of manipulation and falling into coercive relationships. She recounts the terrifying reality of escaping an abusive partner who used threats against her child to force compliance. Through shelters, Al-Anon, and therapy, she fought to heal the wounds that influenced her parenting, eventually rebuilding her life while establishing a 29-year career at Kaiser.

AJ’s story offers a gritty contrast. Born into a dysfunctional family in Compton, he fought to escape his environment, becoming the first in his family to graduate college. But his 34-year career in the Postal Service was no safe haven.

AJ describes his time in Willowbrook as working in a "war zone," facing daily encounters with homicides, thefts, and hostile residents. Beyond the physical danger, he exposes the internal rot: a culture of institutional corruption, unsafe working conditions, and supervisors who pressured him to unfairly punish employees. After decades of battling a broken bureaucracy and failing to secure transfers to safer stations, he retired at 55 to save his sanity. He reveals he is now working on a screenplay to expose the gritty reality of life as a carrier in Compton.

The episode culminates in the beautiful convergence of these two survivors. Rose and AJ share their modern love story, which began on Christian Mingle. Both cautious and scarred by their pasts, they found a connection rooted in a shared vision for the future and a dedication to God.

In one of the most touching moments of the episode, Rose shares the story of her adult baptism. After dating for only a few months, it was AJ—volunteering at Crossroads Church—who had the privilege of baptizing Rose. With the moment broadcast on the big screen, it symbolized the washing away of their painful pasts and the beginning of a new life together.

Tune in to hear:

• How Rose navigated raising two sons while healing from domestic violence.
• AJ’s shocking insider perspective on the decline of Postal Service culture.
• Practical advice on protecting yourself and why it is never too late to find love.

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!