In this raw and powerful episode, Luke sits down with Dennis Espiritu, the man behind @runthatrehab, to unpack a life once ruled by heroin, crime, and prison, and how he turned it all around.

Dennis shares openly about growing up feeling isolated, the lure of belonging that led to drugs and street life, and the harsh realities of addiction and jail time. He speaks candidly about stabbing someone, battling withdrawal, the loop of detox attempts, and what finally made rehab stick after 25 years.

But this is also a story about redemption, structure, and self-worth. Dennis breaks down the internal shift it took to rebuild his life, the routines that saved him, and how Run That Rehab is now offering real community and tools for others seeking recovery.

This episode is a raw reminder that peace can feel foreign at first, but it’s worth fighting for.

Key takeaways:

• Addiction was rooted in early isolation and the search for belonging
• Detox alone failed without a structured plan and replacement habits
• Prison reinforced connection and brotherhood, making recovery harder after release
• Identity shift and daily discipline were essential for lasting recovery
• Purpose and accountability (e.g. Run That Rehab) became anchors for change

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ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST

Curious AF is the evolution of what started as The Hard Stuff Podcast. Initially focused on guests who’d done hard things—ultra marathons, building businesses, overcoming personal challenges—it’s now becoming a broader platform to explore anything and everything I’m genuinely curious about.
The new direction is more personal and wide-ranging. I want it to feel like a space where I can follow my curiosity and have real conversations with people who inspire, challenge, or fascinate me.
For further information, contact:
Podcast Host - Luke Biermann
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast