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
Oct 9, 2025 • 57min
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.
Oct 4, 2025 • 1h 19min
How To Overcome Anxiety & Take Back Control of Your Life | Dr. Ali Mattu
Dr. Ali Mattu, a clinical psychologist and popular mental health educator, shares insights on overcoming anxiety in today's challenging world. He discusses the dangers of social media, which creates a false sense of connection, and warns against the pitfalls of self-diagnosis. Ali highlights the complex roots of anxiety and depression and offers practical tools to break free from feelings of loneliness. He emphasizes the importance of community support and redefines social anxiety by promoting acceptance and exposure to awkwardness to build resilience.
Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 1min
The Unexpected Gifts That Came From Quitting Alcohol | Suzanne Warye
Suzanne Warye, a sobriety influencer and host of The Sober Mom Life, shares her transformative journey of quitting alcohol. She discusses the unexpected gifts of sobriety, including healing from shame and anxiety. Suzanne emphasizes the dangers of moderation and the importance of community in recovery. She also offers practical daily habits that supported her transformation and highlights how sobriety helped her redefine self-worth and authentic friendships. Dive into her powerful insights on the myths of addiction and the beauty of living sober.
Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 2min
The Golden Rules For Building Muscle & Losing Fat Over Age 40 | Stan Efferding
Stan Efferding, an IFBB pro bodybuilder and world-record powerlifter, shares essential insights on building muscle and losing fat after 40. He debunks the myth of age-related muscle decline, emphasizing that strength training is vital for longevity. Stan promotes enjoyable workouts over punishing routines and highlights the effectiveness of machines in reducing injury risks. He also explains nutritional strategies, including protein requirements for older adults, and clears misconceptions about metabolism and fat loss during menopause. Get ready to redefine fitness at any age!
6 snips
Sep 27, 2025 • 53min
How To Get Ahead of 99% of People & Unlock Your Full Potential | John Amaechi
Join John Amaechi, a world-renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, as he explores the power of embracing mundanity to unlock potential. He shares insights on focusing only on what you can control, mastering your inner dialogue, and viewing failure as a vital teacher. John emphasizes the importance of cultivating authentic leadership and creating a supportive network for feedback. He also discusses the necessity of seeking intellectual challenges and understanding one's purpose, offering practical advice for personal growth.
13 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 42min
How This Tiny Superfood Could Transform Your Health, Energy & Longevity | Catharine Arnston
Catharine Arnston, Founder & CEO of ENERGYbits, is a leading expert in algae research with over 15 years in the field. She dives into why spirulina and chlorella are celebrated superfoods, detailing their incredible protein content and how they support mitochondrial health. Catharine explains the age-related decline in energy and how algae can counteract fatigue. She offers practical tips on incorporating these nutrient-dense foods into your diet for better wellness and reveals how algae may bridge significant nutrition gaps in modern diets.
Sep 22, 2025 • 53min
The Shocking Benefits of Hypnosis: Erase Anxiety, Reduce Stress & Heal Trauma | Dr. David Spiegel
Dr. David Spiegel is an Associate Chair of Psychiatry at Stanford and a leading expert in hypnosis. He reveals how hypnosis can drastically reduce anxiety in just minutes and help rewire our brain’s response to stress. Listeners learn that hypnosis is often misunderstood, yet it can effectively manage pain and replace harmful habits. Dr. Spiegel also shares practical self-hypnosis techniques, discusses the importance of breathwork, and introduces his Reverie app to expand access to these life-changing tools.
Sep 20, 2025 • 55min
The Brutal Truth About Vaping Addiction & What You Can Do To Quit | Dr. Jonathan Avery
Dr. Jonathan Avery, an addiction psychiatrist and expert on vaping, shares eye-opening insights about the hidden dangers of vaping. He discusses how vaping, marketed as ‘safer,’ is fueling nicotine addiction, particularly among youth. The conversation covers the brutal reality of quitting, as most people fail multiple times before succeeding. Dr. Avery also offers practical quitting strategies, emphasizes the importance of parental guidance, and addresses the alarming impact on developing brains. This episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned about vaping.
Sep 18, 2025 • 52min
The Money Expert: Biggest Lie Keeping You Broke & How To Escape Paycheck to Paycheck | Jaspreet Singh
Jaspreet Singh, a top financial influencer and founder of Minority Mindset, shares his insights on breaking free from the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. He debunks the myth that climbing the corporate ladder is the path to wealth, advocating instead for asset ownership. Listeners learn actionable steps to invest wisely and reshape their financial mindset. Jaspreet emphasizes the importance of financial education over formal degrees, and discusses common pitfalls in wealth-building while offering a straightforward investing framework anyone can follow.
