"It’s not what happens to you… it’s the meaning you attach to it."

Usually, when you introduce a guest who has shared the stage with industry giants like Tony Robbins and Robert Kiyosaki, you start with their resume. Today, we are starting at the very beginning.

In this episode of Eagle Freedom Presents, host Deston Rogers sits down with Dr. Stephen Paul Edwards for a deeply raw and unfiltered conversation about the reality behind the mask of success. Long before he earned his PhD in Spiritual Counseling or spoke to crowds of thousands, Dr. Edwards was a kid in England navigating profound childhood trauma.

We unpack his grueling journey of immigrating to the United States to completely reinvent himself, the immense drive forged by his early adversity, and the shocking, destructive detour that almost cost him everything. Dr. Edwards holds nothing back as he discusses the events of his explosive new memoir, The Venus Fly Trap: Sex, Lies, and Repercussions—a true story of his volatile, high-stakes addiction to a rebellious heiress, and the ultimate crash that forced him to truly heal.

If you have ever felt trapped by your past, caught in a cycle of self-sabotage, or wondered how to rewrite your own story after hitting rock bottom, this is a masterclass you cannot afford to miss.

🚨 VIP LISTENER PERK: 3 FREE CHAPTERS 🚨 Dr. Edwards has generously given the Eagle Freedom Presents audience an exclusive link to read the first three chapters of The Venus Fly Trap completely for free. 👉 Grab your free chapters here.

In this episode, we cover:

• The roots of adversity: Growing up in England and the scars of youth.
• The American Hustle: Reinventing a life and career from scratch.
• Sharing the stage with Tony Robbins & the mask of the "expert."
• The Venus Fly Trap: Addiction, chaos, and a toxic relationship.
• The Repercussions: Hitting the breaking point and the road to genuine healing.

Connect with Dr. Stephen Paul Edwards:

• Get the Book: The Venus Fly Trap
• Website
• Instagram
• X
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Tik Tok

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 [email protected].

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!

Welcome back to another powerful episode of Eagle Freedom Presents. In this deeply moving and transformative conversation, we sit down with Ann Jonas—a Soul Light Curator, intuitive healer, shamanic guide, published author, and producer of Sacred Connection. Known beautifully as "The Love Messenger," Ann joins us to share her profound journey of navigating life's darkest moments and emerging with grace, purpose, and an unshakeable connection to the divine.

If you have ever felt stuck in the "mud" of life, wondering how to overcome compounding tragedies or simply seeking a deeper relationship with yourself, this episode is an absolute must-listen. Ann opens up about her unique path, starting from a 15-year career in the grueling restaurant industry before trusting a divine push to pivot into bodywork, birth doula services, and ultimately, soulpreneurship.

We dive deep into the raw and often painful realities of the human experience. Ann courageously shares the heartbreaking story of her childhood, navigating a father's severe bipolar disorder, the devastating murder-suicide of her parents, and the later loss of her husband to cancer, leaving her a widow with a two-year-old. Yet, through it all, Ann embodies the philosophy of the Lotus: "No mud, no lotus." She teaches us that our deepest challenges are not punishments, but rather the nutrient-rich soil required for our souls to bloom.

Key Takeaways & Episode Highlights:

• The Lotus Philosophy: Understanding why the mess of our lives is actually the message we are meant to share, and how to embrace the "mud" as a catalyst for profound personal growth.
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• Earth School: Why we choose the circumstances, lineages, and challenges we are born into, and how adopting this perspective shifts us from victims to empowered creators of our own lives.
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• The Power of E + R = O: How Events + Response = Outcome. Learn why you cannot always control the events of your life, but you hold absolute sovereignty over your response.
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• Taking Your Power Back: Practical steps to stop giving your power away to external circumstances, expectations, or the fear of judgment.
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• The Mirror Exercise: A powerful, actionable challenge to look deeply into your own eyes and reconnect with the soul staring back at you.
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• Shifting Your Circle: Why raising your personal frequency and energy level often means outgrowing old relationships, and how to gracefully find your true, aligned community.
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We also touch on a very special shared journey. Both Ann and I have the distinct honor of being co-authors in Dina's incredible project, Miracles Are Normal - Stories of Divine Interventions and Magical Manifestations. It is truly amazing how the universe orchestrates these connections, bringing like-minded and like-hearted individuals together to share messages of hope and spiritual resilience.

Ann’s ultimate mission is to remind you that you are a spiritual being having a human experience. She challenges us to drop the heavy seriousness we often carry, embrace curiosity, and remember to laugh through the stumbling blocks. Whether you are seeking a supportive community through her Sacred Connection program or simply looking for the courage to take the next step on your own path, Ann’s wisdom will leave you feeling lighter, inspired, and deeply understood.

Connect with Ann Jonas:

Are you ready to step onto the Lotus Path? You can find all of Ann’s programs, monthly portal energy guidance, channelings, and her Sacred Connection community by visiting her online:

• Website: TheLotusPath.love
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• YouTube: "Ann The Love Messenger"
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Connect with Eagle Freedom Presents: Thank you for tuning in and walking this path of freedom and growth with us. If this episode resonated with you, please hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need a reminder of their own light today.

• Challenge of the Week: Take Ann’s advice. Go to a mirror, look deeply into your own eyes and let us know what you see in the comments.

Content Advisory: This episode contains frank discussions of domestic violence, substance abuse, and gang activity. Listener discretion is advised.

From a childhood strictly focused on survival to becoming the successful CEO of a marketing company, Donney Salazar’s story is the ultimate embodiment of what it means to Rise, Inspire, and Overcome.

In this powerful episode, Donney opens up about growing up surrounded by violence, drug use, and the heavy presence of the Nuestra Familia gang in California. He shares harrowing memories from his youth, including a traumatic police raid on his home at age eight and stepping up to take on parental responsibilities for his younger siblings by age thirteen.

The turning point? A life-altering visit to his older brother in prison. Facing the death penalty and shackled in a wheelchair, his brother delivered a plea that would change Donney's trajectory forever: "Don't become me."

Donney details his incredible transition away from gang life, finding an anchor in high school football, and the profound impact of a mentor named Robert who finally showed him the "blue sky" beyond the clouds of his environment. Today, Donney is a devoted husband, a father to ten children, and the author of The Courage to Stand Tall.

In this episode, we cover:

• The realities of surviving childhood trauma, abuse, and early exposure to gang violence.

• The courage it takes to confront addiction within your own family.

• How leaning into faith and finding the right mentor can completely break generational cycles of negativity.

• Donney’s journey to writing his book in just 90 days after working with Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi.

• A new definition of freedom: escaping survival mode and living life completely without fear.

Tune in for an unforgettable conversation about resilience, the power of choice, and the courage it takes to build a completely different legacy.

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 [email protected].

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!

Welcome to another powerful episode of Eagle Freedom Presents! I'm your host, Deston Rogers, and today we are leaning fully into our mantra: Rise, Inspire, Overcome.

Sometimes, a higher power orchestrates connections that leave you absolutely speechless. Before we dive into today’s story, my guest and I share a mind-blowing "God-incidence." While coordinating this interview, we realized our paths crossed years ago in Moab, Utah, when she won rodeo tickets from me, while I was working at KCYN radio! It’s a beautiful full-circle moment proving the timing of this conversation is no accident.

Joining me is Tineka Dawn, a trauma-informed coach, speaker, author, and founder of Dawning Bliss Coaching in Twin Falls, Idaho. Tineka's life is a staggering testament to human resilience. Born into instability, she navigated early trauma, homelessness, and domestic violence. She became a mother at 16, emancipated to marry, and graduated high school with an infant. By 20, she was a divorced single mother raising three toddlers. Driven by a fierce desire to provide stability, she purchased her first home within seven months and launched a successful hauling business by age 25.

But surviving financially didn't shield her from heartbreak. After 11 years of struggling through the dating world and tolerating toxic behavior, Tineka reached a breaking point at 26. Her heart was "hulk-smashed" right before a wedding by a non-committal narcissist. Instead of letting it destroy her, she used the devastation as a catalyst. She took five years for intense personal development, healing her traumas, fixing her money mindset, and becoming an "intentional dater." Her deep work led her to manifest her dream husband and a thriving, abundant family life.

Her journey of overcoming didn't stop there. In 2024, she was struck by a severe, rare "zebra illness"—diagnosed with a CSF leak and bilateral carotid tumors. Left largely bed-bound, she was forced to redefine her self-worth completely outside of her physical productivity. Amazingly, amidst this grueling medical battle, she returned to college and graduated summa cum laude in psychology in December 2025.

Today, Tineka uses her lived experience to help others navigate post-traumatic growth. Her unfiltered message perfectly embodies the #RIOMovement: "You are not defined by what happened to you—but you are responsible for what you build from it."

In this episode, we discuss:

• Our serendipitous shared history in Moab and the power of perfect timing.

• Defying the statistical odds of early childhood trauma and teen pregnancy.

• Finding the courage to leave toxic relationships and manifest true love.

• The entrepreneurial hustle to build and launch Dawning Bliss Coaching.

• Finding authentic freedom while battling a debilitating rare illness.

If you are facing an uphill battle or need a reminder of what you are truly capable of overcoming, this episode will change your perspective. Learn more about Tineka and her book, The Money Mindset Makeover, at Dawning Bliss Coaching.

If this story inspired you, please subscribe to Eagle Freedom Presents, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend! Keep Rising, Keep Inspiring, and Keep Overcoming.

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 [email protected].

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 you combine the logic of an IT career with the intuition of a Soul-Aligned Coach? You get a roadmap for "Divine Rebirth."

In this episode of Eagle Freedom Presents, Deston Rogers sits down with Dina Marais, an 8-time international bestselling author joining us all the way from South Africa. Dina shares her incredible journey from a challenging upbringing and financial struggle to becoming a global publishing powerhouse.

We dive deep into the physics of success—moving beyond simple "positive thinking" to understanding the Vibrational Timeline. Dina explains how our focus on problems actually prevents the Universe from delivering solutions, and why "Inner Freedom" is the ultimate goal.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• From Tech to Text: How Dina transitioned from a successful IT career to coaching and publishing Divine Rebirth.

• The Physics of Frequency: Insights from Bob Proctor and Marina Jacoby on why you must maintain a high vibration even when life gets tough.

• The "Wish List" Technique: Why you need to stop focusing on the "how" and start focusing on the "what" to let the Quantum Field do its work.

• Divine Timing: Why delays in your projects (or your life) are often necessary periods for growth and learning.

• Defining Freedom: Dina’s powerful definition of freedom as liberation from the ego and the mind.

Memorable Quote: "The universe can't assist unless energy is directed towards solutions rather than problems." — Dina Marais

Connect with Dina Marais:

• Book: Divine Rebirth: Stories of Spiritual Awakening, Surrender and Rebirth (Available now)
• Website: dinamarais.com

Join the #RIOmovement: Rise. Inspire. Overcome. Subscribe to Eagle Freedom Presents for more stories of transformation.

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 [email protected].

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!

Imagine being a healthy, 23-year-old athlete going about your daily routine, only to wake up days later in a hospital bed with no memory of how you got there. For Allison Jesperson, this wasn't a dream—it was a medical reality. On December 23, 2025, Alli suffered a sudden cardiac event and died twice before reaching the hospital.

In this emotional episode of Eagle Freedom Presents, Deston Rogers speaks with Alli and her warrior mother, Bailey, about the harrowing 72 hours that changed their lives forever.

While doctors placed Alli in an induced coma to save her brain and prepared the family for the worst, Bailey held onto a divine vision she received in the hospital waiting room: her daughter, alive and whole, sitting by a river with Jesus.

Listen in as they discuss:

• The terrifying phone call that every parent fears.
• Bailey's unshakeable faith in the face of a "0% chance" prognosis.
• The medical mystery of Alli’s recovery that doctors still can't explain.
• The moment Alli shocked the ICU by pulling out her own life support—and breathing on her own.

This is a story of a Christmas miracle, the power of community prayer, and a testament to the RIO movement: Rise, Inspire, 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 [email protected].

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 special solo episode of Eagle Freedom Presents, host Deston Rogers steps away from the interview format for a candid, "heart-to-heart" conversation about the unexpected global impact of the podcast.

From a hesitant idea that gathered dust on a shelf to a global movement now heard in 19 countries, we explore how the message of "Rise, Inspire, and Overcome" is penetrating even the most restricted borders.

Join us as we break down the analytics that shocked us—revealing listeners in regions with strict censorship like Iran, China, and Argentina—and discuss why the human need for hope is stronger than any regulation. Plus, get an exclusive look at the future of the podcast as we evolve from a solo show into a collaborative "Team" of voices.

• The Origin Story: Why the host waited years to launch Eagle Freedom Presents and the shift in mindset from "being ready" to "giving it life."

• Defining the Mantra: A deep dive into the true meaning of our core values: Rise (defiance), Inspire (breathing life), and Overcome (victory after battle).

• Global Reach & Censorship: How the podcast has reached listeners in 19 countries, including restricted regions like Iran, China, and Pakistan, proving that messages of truth cannot be blocked.

• The Future of the Movement: An announcement about upcoming collaborations and the building of a global "Team" of storytellers.

"The answer is simple, yet powerful. It’s because when messages like ours—messages of life, resilience, and truth—are truly sought after, they will make it through the toughest barriers." ~ Deston Rogers

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 [email protected].

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!

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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