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 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.
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!
