What happens when grief strikes twice — 34 years apart?
In this deeply moving episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Deston Rogers — veteran radio broadcaster, law enforcement officer, international police advisor, and founder of the Eagle Freedom Presents podcast — to explore one of the most profound journeys through loss, faith, and radical resilience you’ll ever hear.
Deston lost his son Cody and Cody’s mother Jodi in a devastating car accident in 1990. Then, 34 years later, he lost his second son Dakota. Rather than surrendering to grief, Deston leaned into his Christian faith, chose connection over isolation, and transformed his pain into purpose.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
• How to navigate multiple child loss and complicated grief
• Why your circle of influence is your greatest resource in dark times
• The power of faith, Family, and professional counseling in healing
• What the eagle teaches us about resilience and rising above adversity
• Deston’s Rise, Inspire, Overcome (RIO) movement and the story behind Eagle Freedom Presents
• His contribution to the international bestselling anthology Miracles Are Normal
• Whether you’re navigating grief, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking a message of hope and purpose, this conversation will leave a lasting mark.
Deston’s Bio and Contact Information:
Deston Rogers has spent over four decades mastering the art of connection. A veteran of radio broadcasting, law enforcement, and international police advising, his career has been defined by his voice and his commitment to serving others. But his most profound message wasn’t forged in a broadcast booth or a briefing room—it was born in the fire of unimaginable personal tragedy.
After enduring the devastating loss of two of his sons, thirty-four years apart, and their mother, Deston faced distinct seasons of profound, suffocating grief that challenged everything he knew. In his darkest moments, he leaned entirely into his Christian faith, trusting that God already has a purposeful path laid out and will not let us be defeated. Bolstered by the unwavering support of family and friends, he made the active choice to keep fighting the good fight, stepping fully into a Lifestyle of “radical resilience.”
Today, that choice has become his calling. Deston is an international best-selling contributing author to the book Miracles Are Normal and the founder and host of the Eagle Freedom Presents podcast. Through his platform, he champions the “Rise, Inspire, Overcome” (RIO) movement, using his voice—and his deeply personal journey through pain—to guide and inspire others navigating their own darkest valleys.
Favorite bible verse:
2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith
Website and Email
Social Media Links:
Podcast: Eagle Freedom Presents — available on all major Streaming platforms
To connect with Dave: go to davidrobertsmsw.com
