Episode 156: "From Prison to the Olympics: Tony Hoffman's Journey of Addiction, Perspective, and Discipline"

In this episode of The Hell Has an Exit Podcast, host Teddy Tarantino sits down with Tony Hoffman, whose life story is nothing short of a rollercoaster ride through darkness into light. On December 13th, 2008, Tony walked out of the California Department of Corrections a free man after serving a two-year sentence for a drug-related robbery. But Tony's journey was far from over. Behind the facade of BMX stardom and sponsorship deals with industry giants like Fox Racing and Spy Sunglasses lay a life plagued by anxiety, depression, and addiction. Despite gracing the cover of BMXer Magazine and racing professionally, Tony found himself spiraling into the depths of opioid addiction, homelessness, and crime. Yet, even in the darkest of times, Tony held onto four unwavering goals he set while incarcerated: to race BMX professionally, to go to the Olympics, to establish the Freewheel Project non-profit, and to become a beacon of hope as a mental health and substance abuse speaker. Through sheer determination and resilience, Tony not only achieved these goals but surpassed them. From coaching Brooke Crain to a stellar 4th place finish at the Rio Olympics to founding the successful Freewheel Project, Tony's journey is a testament to the power of redemption and second chances. Join us as Tony shares his gripping tale of transformation, from the depths of addiction and incarceration to becoming an author, the owner of pH Wellness drug and alcohol treatment facility, and one of the world's most sought-after speakers on mental health and substance abuse. Don't miss this inspiring episode of The Hell Has an Exit Podcast, where Tony Hoffman proves that no matter how far you've fallen, there's always a way back up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices