On December 13th, 2008, Tony Hoffman was paroled by the California Department of Correction after serving a two-year sentence for a drug-related robbery. While incarcerated, Tony set four goals: Race BMX professionally, go to the Olympics, start a non-profit called the Freewheel Project, and become a professional mental health and substance abuse speaker.

Today, he’s done it all… and so much more.

Tony’s youth was riddled with the dichotomy of athletic success mixed with substance abuse. 

During his senior year at Clovis High School he was featured on the cover of BMXer Magazine, and was sponsored by Fox Racing, Spy Sunglasses and Airwalk Shoes.

But eventually, Tony’s mental health eventually deteriorated to a point where he could no longer thrive in sports and he took to life on the streets. He battled addiction, violence, and homelessness, and at one point, was even the victim of a robbery and stabbing.

His life of crime eventually led him to prison… and that’s where everything changed. A chance encounter with an unexpected mentor would change his understanding of spirituality forever, and flip the switch on his outlook on life.

Since parolling from prison, Tony has tirelessly worked towards achieving his goals and the dreams he’d set out for while incarcerated. He raced BMX professionally for several years and continued on to coach Brooke Crain to a 4th place finish at the Rio Olympic Games, accomplishing his dream of going to the Olympics. The Freewheel Project was very successful for many years helping thousands of youth through action sports before moving on to pursuing a very demanding national speaking career. Today Tony is an author, an owner of pH Wellness drug and alcohol treatment facility, and one of the world’s most requested mental health and substance use speakers.

************Show Notes:

A big thank you to Tony for joining the podcast and sharing your inspiring story. 

Follow Tony on Instagram @tonymhoffman or at his website TonyHoffmanSpeaking.com.

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Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

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The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali @thenadiaali

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