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September 15, 2025 94 mins

Barbell Saves Project with David Perez & Robert Best | The Hopeaholics Podcast 

In this inspiring episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Robert Best and David Perez share their powerful journeys through addiction and recovery, and how those experiences fueled their mission to create the Barbell Saves Project—a nonprofit fitness-based recovery community that’s changing lives. What started as free community workouts in a small CrossFit gym has grown into a 7,000 sq ft facility where people in recovery can rebuild their bodies, minds, and confidence—all at no cost. They open up about their darkest moments, the near-death experiences that shook them into sobriety, and the passion that drives them to help others break free from addiction. We discuss the realities of the fentanyl crisis, the importance of lived experience in recovery work, and why fitness and community are such powerful tools for healing.

Check out The Barbell Saves Project:
https://www.thebarbellsavesproject.org/

#TheHopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie

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If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. 

Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:
https://www.infinitigroupllc.com 

Timestamps:
00:32:19 - Vision for a treatment center and business plan
00:32:46 - Warning about losing passion in recovery work
00:35:11 - Overdoses, meth, and concerns about reviews
00:36:20 - Growth of recovery programs and facilities
00:37:10 - The problem with paid reviews
00:37:11 - Client care versus selling amenities
00:55:31 - Casual chat about cities and gyms
00:55:37 - Coffee run and daily habits
01:16:37 - Being uniquely qualified to help others
01:20:43 - Reflecting on overdoses in the community
01:21:32 - Reacting to a lighthearted comment

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