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
Aug 2, 2025 • 1h 6min
The No BS Guide To Building Muscle Without Gaining Fat | Dr. Allan Bacon
Dr. Allan Bacon, a certified personal trainer and nutritionist, dives into the crucial balance between muscle building and fat loss. He emphasizes that focusing on muscle gain is key to long-term health, especially as we age. The discussion reveals common myths about protein intake and debunks misconceptions regarding fasting and ice baths. Allan also shares effective workout strategies and the importance of tracking dietary habits for optimal muscle growth. His insights encourage a realistic approach to fitness, prioritizing health over aesthetics.
Jul 31, 2025 • 47min
The Science of Cheating, Dating & Attraction | Macken Murphy
Macken Murphy, an evolutionary biologist and Oxford graduate, delves into the science behind attraction and infidelity. He discusses why people cheat, emphasizing that relationship dissatisfaction often drives this behavior. Murphy also reveals red flags to watch for and explains how attraction shifts in committed relationships. He highlights the crucial role of physical appearance in dating while underscoring how deeper qualities matter long-term. Throughout, he ties these insights to our evolutionary instincts, making complex behaviors relatable and intriguing.
Jul 28, 2025 • 57min
Hidden Signs Of High-Functioning Depression & How To Reclaim Your Joy In Life | Dr. Judith Joseph
Join Dr. Judith Joseph, a Board Certified Psychiatrist and expert in high-functioning depression, as she reveals why many successful individuals feel unfulfilled. She discusses the hidden crisis of high-functioning depression, the difference between burnout and depression, and the crucial need to process childhood trauma. Dr. Joseph shares practical steps for reclaiming joy, emphasizing the importance of self-validation and community support. Discover how neuroplasticity can inspire hope and innovative treatments that may change lives.
41 snips
Jul 26, 2025 • 56min
How To Live Longer, Feel Better & Optimize Your Health | Dr. Darshan Shah
Dr. Darshan Shah, a board-certified surgeon and health optimization expert, shares invaluable insights on longevity. He discusses practical steps to extend life, focusing on nutrition, sleep, and stress management. Shah highlights the dangers of ultra-processed foods and emphasizes a Mediterranean diet for better health. He explores the critical connection between mental and physical well-being, offering recommendations on managing insulin and gut health. Additionally, he shares his personal journey of transformation and effective strategies to conquer addiction.
Jul 24, 2025 • 44min
Scheana Shay Opens Up About Brock's Affair, Mental Health, Reality TV & Childhood Trauma
Scheana Shay, a reality TV star known for her role in Vanderpump Rules and her podcast Shenanigans, opens up about personal challenges and growth. She discusses the truth behind Brock's affair and her mental health struggles. Scheana shares how motherhood has fueled her journey of self-discovery, highlights the impact of childhood trauma, and provides powerful advice for those feeling hopeless in love. The conversation also touches on navigating public opinion and maintaining authenticity in reality TV.
Jul 21, 2025 • 54min
How To Build Wealth Starting From $0 & Why Cutting Expenses Won't Make You Rich | Nick Maggiulli
Nick Maggiulli, author and COO at Ritholtz Wealth Management, shares insightful strategies for building wealth from ground zero. He argues that cutting expenses isn't the key to becoming rich, and reveals the importance of generating income instead. Maggiulli discusses why buying a house can be a poor investment and debunks prevalent money myths. He emphasizes leveraging relationships and technical skills to enhance financial growth, while promoting a holistic view of wealth that includes life experiences beyond mere finances.
18 snips
Jul 19, 2025 • 47min
Why Chasing Success Is Quietly Destroying You! – Take These Steps To Finally Feel Happy Again | Jim Murphy
Jim Murphy, a New York Times best-selling author and performance coach, dives deep into the hidden struggles of high achievers. He reveals why chasing success often leads to dissatisfaction and emphasizes the importance of genuine fulfillment and meaningful connections. The discussion covers mastering mindset for inner excellence, redefining failure, and embracing discomfort as a path to resilience. Listeners will discover practical mindfulness techniques and learn to shift their focus from ego-driven goals to personal growth and collaboration.
Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 20min
Why Most Online Nutrition Advice Is DEAD WRONG & How To Actually Eat For Longevity | Dr. Matthew Nagra
Dr. Matthew Nagra, a Naturopathic Doctor and nutrition science advisor for The Game Changers 2, dives into the pitfalls of popular diets like the carnivore diet, warning of long-term health risks. He debunks myths about seed oils and affirms the critical need for personalized nutrition. The discussion emphasizes the importance of exercise for longevity and proper weight loss strategies that prioritize muscle preservation. Nagra also shares essential markers for overall health, empowering listeners to make informed dietary choices.
Jul 14, 2025 • 60min
From Rock Bottom To Food Icon: The Insane Transformation Story Of Andrew Zimmern
Andrew Zimmern, a celebrity chef, TV personality, and author known for his work on Bizarre Foods, shares his incredible journey from addiction to recovery. He reveals the harrowing details of his rock bottom and how overcoming these challenges fueled his passion for food and television. Andrew discusses the misconceptions around addiction, the unique strengths uncovered through recovery, and the importance of community support. He emphasizes how the restaurant industry can serve as a sanctuary for those battling personal demons while advocating for mental health awareness.
Jul 12, 2025 • 47min
Why You're ALWAYS Anxious & How To Instantly Calm Your Mind | Ariel Garten
Ariel Garten, a neuroscientist and co-founder of the Muse headband, shares insights on mastering anxiety. She discusses how anxiety functions as a broken alarm system, emphasizing that it's a symptom rather than a flaw. Ariel offers effective strategies for both short-term and long-term relief, including mindfulness and meditation techniques. She also explores how technology can enhance meditation, detailing the benefits of the Muse device for stress and sleep. Transforming adversity into growth is key, encouraging listeners to reframe challenges positively.
