View Transcript
Episode Description
Coach Jim Stroker opens The R Zone by thanking myface.org and introducing guest Joe DiMeo, the 2026 Courage Award recipient honored by MyFace. Joe recounts falling asleep at the wheel after a night shift in 2018, surviving a crash and fire that left him 80% burned and his fingertips amputated, followed by months in an induced coma and a rare face and double hand transplant made possible by a donor family. Joe shares how he rebuilt his life through daily goals, resilience, humor, and refusing to let others’ stares define him. He discusses down days, finding peace in nature and with his dogs, his desire to inspire others, and how his story has helped people in crisis. The episode centers on Coach Stroker’s E+R=O mindset and Joe’s message: focus on yourself and keep moving forward. Joe Says “I didn’t ask for this life… but I’m gonna live it!”
You can learn more about Joe, and buy his latest book here: https://www.80percentgone.com/
(00:00) Thank You to MyFace
(00:57) Meet Joe DiMeo
(01:10) Small Town Roots
(02:00) The Crash And Burns
(02:54) Recovery Mindset
(03:09) Choosing Transplant Surgery
(04:04) Love And Future Plans
(05:37) R Zone Intro
(07:48) Coach Welcomes Joe
(10:11) Courage Award Mission
(12:06) Owning Your Style
(15:01) Donor Miracle
(17:05) Handling Down Days
(18:51) Stares And Judgment
(20:25) Advice On Comparison
(21:53) Confidence And Speaking
(23:01) Blunt Honesty With Mom
(24:22) Speaking Events And Scars
(28:00) Unexpected Hero Life
(28:38) Faith And Dark Humor
(29:29) Mom’s Daily Vigil
(31:18) Saving A Life Message
(32:49) Gratitude For Small Wins
(34:36) Dogs And Recovery Calm
(35:36) Courage Means Failing
(38:03) Shirt Motto And Black Belt
(40:01) Final Advice And Credits
Special thanks to MyFace. MyFace is an incredible organization supporting the craniofacial community and their families. MyFace believes that every person should be valued, respected and empowered to achieve their greatest potential. Please visit https://www.myface.org/ to learn more and support this great organization.
This episode included the short film, “No Average Joe”, sharing the journey of Joe DiMeo. You can find the film short on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Y1YA6LxOnU&t=130s
A very special thanks to MyFace, Big Pup Film and the Virginia B Toulmin Foundation for allowing us to use this segment in our episode to share Joe’s Journey.
Learn more about Big Pup Films here:
And you can learn more about the Virgina B Toulmin Foundation here:
https://www.toulminfoundation.org/
Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to stay informed about new episodes of “The R Zone” with Coach Jim Stroker. Please engage… like, comment and share episodes with your friends, colleagues and family.
Coach Stroker’s unique gift to craft and deliver motivational and educational keynote seminars resonates with audiences ranging from Fortune 500 CEO’s to thousands of high school students throughout the country, as well as nonprofits, military, gaming associations, healthcare practitioners, and Native Americans.
Visit Coach Jim Stroker: https://coachstroker.com/
Get Coach Jim Stroker’s Book, Huddle Up: https://a.co/d/8quDSiB
You can follow Coach Stroker on socials here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachstroker
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesdstroker
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-d-stroker-37033217/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachstroker3543
Produced by Ignite Creator Studios, premiere video podcasting & content strategy service!
Ignite Content Strategy: www.IgniteContentStrategy.com
Ignite Creator Studios: www.IgniteCreatorStudios.com
You Can Work with Coach Jim Stroker:
Jim Stroker Speaker Services:
https://coachstroker.com/services/#speaker
Life Coaching with Jim Stroker: https://coachstroker.com/services/#coaching
Workshops with Jim Stroker: https://coachstroker.com/services/#workshops
Leadership Training Sessions: https://coachstroker.com/services/#leadership
Stock Media provided by ikoliks / Pond5
AdKey:8vYxnBAPL8695p
Publisher: Pond5 Publishing Beta (BMI)
Composer: Mykola Odnorog (BMI), IPI#00394074541
PRO: BMI
Orchids by Diamonds And Ice used by permission of the "No Average Joe" producer via Artlist Customer # Sgx85C
Staring by Muted used by permission of the "No Average Joe" producer via Artlist Customer # Sgx85C
#LifeCoach #LifeCoaching #PersonalDevelopment #MindsetCoach #Motivation #SelfImprovement #GrowthMindset #Transformation #CoachingLife #SuccessMindset #FaceTransplant #BurnSurvivor #Resilience #Courage #Inspiration #OvercomingAdversity #HeroSJourney #MentalStrength #SecondChance #PersonalDevelopment