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
9 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 1h 3min
How To Transform Your Deepest Pain Into Unstoppable Motivation | Shaun T
In this enlightening conversation, Shaun T, a world-renowned fitness trainer and bestselling author known for programs like Insanity, shares his journey from childhood trauma to empowerment. He candidly discusses how therapy helped him confront PTSD and transform fitness into a tool for mental resilience, rather than punishment. Shaun emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, consistency, and redefining love for fitness. He also reveals his personal mantra, 'Trust and Believe,' illustrating how taking action fuels self-belief and growth.
10 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 1h 10min
How Feeling Lost, Empty & Depressed Is Silently Fueling Inflammation | Dr. Will Bulsiewicz
Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, a board-certified gastroenterologist and bestselling author, dives deep into the connection between gut health and chronic inflammation. He reveals how unresolved trauma and loneliness can impact our physical well-being, emphasizing that nutrition alone isn't the cure. Will shares his personal health journey and outlines four key dietary principles to reduce inflammation. He also highlights the importance of relationships and purpose in achieving holistic healing, making a compelling case for a comprehensive approach to wellness.
18 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 53min
How To Control Your Emotions, Build Confidence & Finally Feel Respected | Jefferson Fisher
Jefferson Fisher, a board-certified Texas trial lawyer and social media sensation, discusses emotional control and effective communication. He highlights that miscommunication often stems from tone, not just words. Jefferson emphasizes the importance of framing conversations and differentiates between being liked and respected. He advocates for patience in personal growth, the value of vulnerability, and maintaining boundaries to protect relationships. His practical tools for self-talk and understanding deep-rooted beliefs provide listeners with actionable insights.
Jan 8, 2026 • 1h 14min
The No BS Guide To Getting In The Best Shape Of Your Life In 2026 | Stan Efferding
Stan Efferding, an IFBB pro bodybuilder and veteran coach, shares his insights on achieving lasting fitness success. He emphasizes that consistency trumps diet perfection and ranks fitness priorities that matter most. Simple routines, like short daily walks and brief workouts, prove effective over extreme programs. Stan also discusses the pitfalls of complex fitness advice and critiques drastic weight-loss methods. He offers practical nutrition tips and debunks common myths around food quality, urging a focus on sustainable habits for long-term health.
Jan 5, 2026 • 1h 34min
Jaimie Alexander Opens Up About Nearly Dying, Getting Sober & Finding Herself Again
Jaimie Alexander, known for her roles in Thor and Blindspot, shares her harrowing journey from near-death to sobriety. She discusses how a health crisis prompted her to reevaluate life and embrace simpler choices, discovering unexpected joy in downsizing. Jaimie outlines daily practices that keep her grounded, like gratitude journaling and swimming. She highlights the importance of vulnerability in sharing personal stories and finding meaning in adversity, ultimately revealing the power of curiosity and presence in overcoming life’s challenges.
10 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 49min
How To Build Discipline, Find Purpose & Win Through Adversity | John Sapiente
John Sapiente, an entrepreneur and mission-driven brand builder, shares his journey of taking over his family's manufacturing business during a crisis. He argues that passion follows competence and warns against the pitfalls of instant gratification. John dives into the power of volition—choosing habits that shape our lives—and discusses balancing family and work while building Volition America, a brand dedicated to patriotic values. He emphasizes the importance of hard work, systems, and dedicated focus in overcoming adversity and thriving in business.
Dec 29, 2025 • 59min
How To Program Yourself To Build Unstoppable Confidence & Get Ahead In 2026 | Alan Stein Jr.
Alan Stein Jr., a renowned coach and author who has trained elite athletes, shares powerful strategies for building unstoppable confidence. He discusses how self-destructive patterns emerge during adversity and introduces the 'Next Play' mindset to regain emotional control. Alan emphasizes reframing rejection positively, focusing on daily resilience practices, and the importance of self-forgiveness. He outlines three pillars to cultivate confidence and encourages listeners to embrace growth over perfection. Tune in for insights that can elevate both performance and personal life!
Dec 25, 2025 • 1h 6min
You’ve Been Lied To About Building Muscle! - Do THIS Instead For Easy Gains | Paul Carter
Paul Carter, a leading hypertrophy coach known for his no-nonsense muscle-building advice, breaks down the myths surrounding fitness training. He emphasizes the importance of training smarter rather than harder, discussing how progressive overload trumps fancy workout splits. Paul debunks the myths of bulking and protein intake, advocating for a sustainable approach to nutrition. He shares insights on modifying exercises for targeted muscle growth and the need for patience in coaching, ultimately guiding listeners toward realistic fitness expectations.
12 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 52min
How To Find Hope When Your Life Is Falling Apart | Dr. Julia Garcia
Dr. Julia Garcia, a psychologist dedicated to mental health and emotional habits of hope, shares insights to rebuild hope when life's challenges arise. She emphasizes that hope is a skill, distinct from mere positivity. Julia discusses the importance of emotional honesty as a crucial first step and how tiny acts of courage can shift destructive thought patterns. She critiques performance culture, offering strategies to cultivate resilience and self-identity separate from external pressures. Julia also introduces a five-habit framework to identify needs and transform struggles into actionable hope.
Dec 18, 2025 • 54min
Use This Simple 5-Step Framework To Help You Turn Hard Times Into Personal Growth | Femi Ayanbadejo
Femi Ayanbadejo, a former NFL player and Super Bowl champion, now specializes in human performance and mental fitness. He discusses how losing your identity can ignite reinvention and emphasizes the importance of taking action after adversity. Femi shares a 5-step framework to transform trauma into growth and highlights discipline as key to resilience. He also tackles misconceptions about athletes, the impact of public criticism, and reframes failure as a learning opportunity, all while offering practical health tips for long-term well-being.
