The Adversity Advantage with Doug Bopst

Dr. Martha Beck, a bestselling author and Harvard-educated coach, shares transformative insights on anxiety management. She explains the key differences between fear and anxiety, emphasizing the power of self-compassion to calm the mind. Beck introduces the KISSED approach for nurturing anxiety and discusses how movement and mindfulness can aid in emotional regulation. She critiques modern societal pressures that amplify anxiety and highlights the healing benefits of journaling and reconnecting with nature. Curiosity emerges as a vital tool in fostering calm and self-awareness.

Dr. Joey Munoz, a Ph.D. in Nutritional Science and founder of Fit4Life Academy, shares invaluable insights on sustainable weight loss. He tackles why most people regain weight and emphasizes the need for personalized nutrition plans. Dr. Joey advocates for a mindset shift—celebrating non-scale victories and focusing on holistic health rather than mere weight loss. He also discusses effective training strategies, the importance of resistance exercises, and how to integrate healthy habits for lasting results.

Sarah Ann Macklin is one of the few female scientists in the health space, blending scientific rigor with a compassionate lens. She hosts the acclaimed podcast Live Well Be Well—ranked in the top 2% of UK podcasts—where she translates the latest research on nutrition, mindset, and longevity into everyday insights. Sarah Ann believes that health isn’t about perfection—it’s about understanding your body and mind with tools that empower you, not just data that defines you. Having transitioned from an international modelling career to a nutritional scientist, Sarah Ann overcame extreme burnout to champion us to understand the importance of self-kindness in our search for health. Dubbed “the Jamie Oliver of the Modelling Industry” by Marie Claire, she founded the not-for-profit Be Well Collective, impacting thousands through global summits and workshops. Sarah has presented findings at the European Parliament on the link between dietary guidelines and Type 2 diabetes, and returned in 2024 to highlight how mindset drives better health outcomes. Through her TEDx talk “Are Models, Role Models?”, high-profile media contributions, and regular TV appearances, Sarah continues to demystify wellness while advocating for a kinder, more empowering approach to mental, physical, and emotional health.Today on the show we discuss: the dark side of the modeling industry, the health crisis that massively shifted Sarah's career, how she unlearned self criticism and transformed her relationship with external validation, the dangers of using filters of social media, the 8-minute rule that can change everything, why Sarah's podcast is helping so many people and much more.Today's sponsor:Kion: Get 20% off Kion supplements: getkion.com/adversity ⚠ WELLNESS DISCLAIMER ⚠Please be advised; the topics related to health and mental health in my content are for informational, discussion, and entertainment purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health or mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your current condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard from your favorite creator, on social media, or shared within content you’ve consumed.If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.If you do not have a health professional who is able to assist you, use these resources to find help:Emergency Medical Services—911If the situation is potentially life-threatening, get immediate emergency assistance by calling 911, available 24 hours a day.National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. SAMHSA addiction and mental health treatment Referral Helpline, 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727) and https://www.samhsa.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Phil Heath is a 7x Mr. Olympia winner, entrepreneur and professional bodybuilder. Today on the show we discuss: the mental and emotional cost of having the world’s most impressive physique, the rise and fall of his bodybuilding career and how Phil made the ultimate comeback, how to deal with temptation and build a rock solid mindset, the biggest mistakes people make in the gym and Phil’s favorite exercises of all time, his rivalry with Kai Greene and much more.⚠ WELLNESS DISCLAIMER ⚠Please be advised; the topics related to mental health in my content are for informational, discussion, and entertainment purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your current condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard from your favorite creator, on social media, or shared within content you’ve consumed.If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.If you do not have a health professional who is able to assist you, use these resources to find help:Emergency Medical Services—911If the situation is potentially life-threatening, get immediate emergency assistance by calling 911, available 24 hours a day.National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. SAMHSA addiction and mental health treatment Referral Helpline, 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727) and https://www.samhsa.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Ellen Langer, a Harvard Psychology Professor and 'mother of mindfulness', dives into the stress of modern life and how our perceptions shape our experiences. She discusses reframing adversity and the importance of self-talk in managing stress. Mindfulness doesn't require meditation, she explains, and can transform how we navigate challenges. Langer emphasizes that our thoughts can significantly impact our health, urging listeners to embrace uncertainty and redefine personal success for a more fulfilling life.

Edvin Dapcevic is a media executive, immigrant, and sales leader currently heading the Media & Entertainment sales organization at Discord. Previously, he helped build TikTok’s advertising business from the ground up, driving over a billion dollars in revenue while partnering with some of the world’s most iconic entertainment brands. A DACA recipient born in war-torn Yugoslavia, Edvin’s story is one of resilience, identity, and defying the odds. In this conversation, he shares what it means to “make it” in America, his rise through the tech and media industry, and the mindset that helped him overcome adversity.Today on the show we discuss: how TikTok became one of the biggest entertainment platform in the world and what made it so successful, the truth about the TikTok ban and why Edvin believes the app is here to stay, the impact of social media on mental health and attention spans, Edvin’s inspiring story of coming to the US as a “dreamer” and what life is like for him, how he transformed the pain from his childhood into personal growth and much more. Connect with Edvin:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edapInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/e.dap/?hl=en⚠ WELLNESS DISCLAIMER ⚠Please be advised; the topics related to health and mental health in my content are for informational, discussion, and entertainment purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health or mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your current condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard from your favorite creator, on social media, or shared within content you’ve consumed.If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.If you do not have a health professional who is able to assist you, use these resources to find help:Emergency Medical Services—911If the situation is potentially life-threatening, get immediate emergency assistance by calling 911, available 24 hours a day.National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. SAMHSA addiction and mental health treatment Referral Helpline, 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727) and https://www.samhsa.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chase Hughes, the Founder and CEO of Applied Behavior Research and an expert in human behavioral science, shares transformative insights on reprogramming the mind for success. He discusses the dangers of comfort and self-sabotage, emphasizing how to embrace discomfort to foster growth. Listeners can learn about optimizing their dopamine systems and the power of radical self-forgiveness. Chase also highlights the importance of building genuine confidence and offers practical strategies for cultivating emotional resilience and effective habit formation.

Dr. William Li, an internationally renowned physician and author, shares eye-opening insights on health and longevity. He discusses surprising contributors to early mortality and highlights the power of specific foods in fighting inflammation and burning fat. The dangers of microplastics are unveiled, showcasing their effects on human health. Li also emphasizes the importance of gut health, building muscle, and intermittent fasting for longevity. Tune in to discover how dietary choices can transform your well-being!

Michael Chernow, a restaurateur and founder of the wellness brand Kreatures of Habit, opens up about his journey from heroin addiction to sobriety. He shares how a life-threatening overdose propelled him to change his life in just 30 days. Chernow discusses the power of reprogramming one's mindset, embracing addiction as a superpower, and the critical role of fitness and nutrition in recovery. He emphasizes building small, positive habits and the importance of community support while revealing insights from launching his oatmeal brand.

John Vervaeke, an award-winning professor at the University of Toronto, dives into the challenges of feeling lost in today’s world. He discusses how instant gratification can trap us and the importance of prioritizing deeper connections over achievement. Vervaeke also shares insights on transforming pain into purpose and the need for self-compassion. He emphasizes finding joy in the journey and the vital role of community in establishing meaningful connections. Ultimately, he encourages listeners to seek their true selves amidst life's complexities.