The Adversity Advantage with Doug Bopst
Doug Bopst
The Adversity Advantage is where life’s hardest struggles become your greatest strengths. Each week, host Doug Bopst — a former felon and addict who used fitness to save his life — brings you raw, powerful conversations with world-class experts and thought leaders.
From Andrew Huberman to Mel Robbins, Gabby Bernstein, Gabor Maté, Robert Greene, Rich Roll, Kevin O’Leary, and more - you’ll hear the untold stories of how they turned setbacks into comebacks.
You’ll also walk away with practical, everyday tools to help you: build resilience in the face of adversity, rewire your brain and body for growth, strengthen relationships and mental health, transform your health, recover from addiction and unlock the discipline to create the life you want.
From Andrew Huberman to Mel Robbins, Gabby Bernstein, Gabor Maté, Robert Greene, Rich Roll, Kevin O’Leary, and more - you’ll hear the untold stories of how they turned setbacks into comebacks.
You’ll also walk away with practical, everyday tools to help you: build resilience in the face of adversity, rewire your brain and body for growth, strengthen relationships and mental health, transform your health, recover from addiction and unlock the discipline to create the life you want.
Episodes
Mentioned books
8 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 50min
How To Break Free From Survival Mode & Regulate Your Nervous System: Jonny Miller
Jonny Miller, a nervous system regulation expert and entrepreneur, dives deep into breaking free from survival mode. He reveals how body-based practices can help ease anxiety and regulate emotions more effectively than cognitive strategies. Jonny discusses overcoming burnout and the importance of community for healing. He also shares personal insights on grief, encouraging acceptance and emotional fluidity. With practical tips like grounding techniques and morning routines, he provides a roadmap to emotional resilience and a more balanced life.
Oct 27, 2025 • 56min
How To Get (And Stay) Lean Without Losing Your Mind | Adam Schafer
Adam Schafer, co-host and founder of Mind Pump, dives into the harmful obsession with extreme leanness and its effects on men's health. He reveals a simple, science-backed strategy to reduce body fat without calorie counting or excessive cardio. Adam emphasizes the importance of protein, muscle building, and daily movement, while addressing psychological traps that hinder progress. He advocates for manageable changes, discussing how to enjoy treats without falling into binge cycles, and stresses the value of consistency in achieving and maintaining a healthy body.
Oct 23, 2025 • 1h 3min
Lung Doctor: How Vaping Silently Damages Your Lungs & What You Can Do To Quit For Good | Dr. Frank Leone
Dr. Frank Leone, a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania and expert in tobacco dependence, joins to discuss the alarming truths about vaping. He reveals that vaping is not safer than cigarettes and outlines how its aerosols damage lungs and heart. Dr. Leone explains nicotine's addictive nature and the intense withdrawal symptoms that many face. He's got strategies for quitting, focusing on support, empathy, and skill-building. The conversation emphasizes the importance of addressing vaping's impact on mental health and relationships.
Oct 20, 2025 • 1h
The #1 Reason You’re Still Suffering & How To Make Life Exciting Again | Dr. Ishan Shivavand
Dr. Ishan Shivanand, a Vedic educator and mental health researcher, explores why many feel lost in today's world. He discusses how modern comfort can lead to emotional atrophy and suggests meditation as a powerful tool for healing anxiety and trauma. Ishan emphasizes small, consistent practices, introducing concepts like sadhana, seva, and sankirtan to reconnect with joy. He also addresses overcoming fear, the importance of community, and cultivating self-confidence through inner strength and philosophy, all aimed at transforming suffering into purpose.
Oct 18, 2025 • 44min
The Ultimate Guide To Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFR) | Alex Birks
Alex Birks, a robotics engineer and founder of Suji, revolutionizes muscle health technology with blood flow restriction (BFR) training. He discusses how BFR is becoming a game-changer in recovery and performance, allowing muscle building without stressing joints. Alex offers insights on integrating BFR with traditional strength training and shares practical guidance for users, emphasizing the importance of personalized compression for safety. His own recovery journey drives his mission to help people train pain-free, highlighting real-world success stories from elite athletes to everyday gym-goers.
Oct 16, 2025 • 28min
I Turned 38 And Realized These 38 Lessons Have Changed Me
Explore life-changing insights as Doug shares 38 invaluable lessons learned at 38. Prioritize relationships that uplift you, practice gratitude, and embrace silence for reflection. Learn the importance of small, consistent wins and the danger of seeking external validation. Doug emphasizes the power of admitting mistakes, facing fears, and being open to change. Celebrate progress while recognizing the importance of mental and physical health. Discover how small acts of kindness and maintaining a solid support circle can enhance your journey.
14 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 60min
Neuroscientist: How To Rewire Your Brain To Feel Alive, Connected & Happy Again | Dr. Ben Rein
Dr. Ben Rein, an award-winning neuroscientist and chief science officer of the Mind Science Foundation, dives deep into the critical impact of loneliness on our health. He explains why chronic isolation can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and the neuroscience behind our brains treating solitary moments as threats. Discover the pitfalls of digital connection, practical steps to foster real relationships, and how empathy can be rewired. Plus, Ben shares insights on the profound links between social bonds and improved overall well-being.
Oct 11, 2025 • 1h
How To Defeat Self-Sabotage, Stop Negative Thoughts & End Cycles Of Chaos | Bizzie Gold
Bizzie Gold, a tech founder and human behavior expert, introduces her revolutionary Brain Pattern Mapping system, which reveals how self-deception fuels mental health struggles. She discusses the importance of understanding subconscious patterns to break free from toxic relationships and cycles of chaos. Bizzie shares strategies for defeating self-sabotage, emphasizing the need for commitment to build confidence. Additionally, she explores how comfort can stifle growth and offers practical tools to rewire negative thinking and cultivate resilience.
Oct 9, 2025 • 1h
The Insane Transformation That Comes From Water-Only Fasting (And How To Do It Properly) | Dr. Alan Goldhamer
Dr. Alan Goldhamer, a physician and founder of TrueNorth Health Center, has over four decades of experience with water-only fasting. In the discussion, he reveals common mistakes that can lead to weight gain and talks about who should consider fasting. Alan highlights the health benefits observed, such as visceral fat reduction and improved metabolic health. He also addresses the mental and emotional advantages of fasting, including reductions in psychiatric medication needs. Practical fasting tips and lifestyle habits for longevity round out this enlightening conversation.
39 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 58min
CIA Spy: How To Control Conversations, Charm Anyone & Instantly Spot Liars | Andrew Bustamante
Andrew Bustamante, a former CIA covert officer and founder of EverydaySpy.com, shares fascinating insights into mastering conversation and detecting deception. He discusses techniques like the 'two questions and a confirmation' method for building trust and highlights the importance of listening over observing. Bustamante also provides strategies for identifying liars and emphasizes maintaining honesty in relationships while managing manipulative interactions. His unique perspective on dealing with deceit and using negativity as feedback makes for an enlightening discussion.
