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
Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 7min
From $0 To Millions: How Maxx Chewning Got Rich Without A Single Morning Routine
Maxx Chewning, a fitness influencer and founder of Sour Strips, shares his journey from nothing to millions. He discusses how traditional advice can hold you back and reveals why a lack of structure worked for him. Maxx opens up about the importance of authenticity in content creation and the emotional impact of losing a parent. He emphasizes embracing chaos and spontaneity over rigid routines while highlighting the mantra 'ever forward,' inspired by his father's military influence, to encourage resilience and continuous progress.
Sep 1, 2025 • 53min
#1 Transformation Expert: Why "The Biggest Loser" Failed & The Best Way To Lose 50+ Pounds | Chris Powell
Chris Powell, personal trainer and transformation expert known for ABC’s Extreme Weight Loss, discusses the downfall of The Biggest Loser and the ethical dilemmas of reality weight loss shows. He explains his evolved philosophy on weight loss, emphasizing identity change and sustainable practices over extreme measures. Chris critiques the psychological impacts of competitive weight loss, advocating for a compassionate, holistic approach that includes balanced eating and accountability in achieving lasting results.
17 snips
Aug 30, 2025 • 1h 2min
From Rock Bottom to Rockstar: Morgan Wade's Powerful Story of Sobriety, Transformation & Reinvention
Morgan Wade, a rising Country and Americana singer-songwriter, shares her gripping journey of sobriety and transformation. She discusses the challenges of maintaining sobriety while touring and how discipline and fitness have anchored her recovery. Wade candidly addresses the pressures of comparison in the music industry and the importance of self-reflection. She also highlights lessons learned from touring with icons like Alanis Morissette and Joan Jett, emphasizing the power of kindness and perseverance in her music career.
Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 7min
Neuroscientist: How To Rewire Your Brain After Trauma & Manifest Your Dreams | Dr. Tara Swart
Dr. Tara Swart, a neuroscientist and leadership advisor from MIT Sloan, discusses her journey of healing after loss and the power of community support. She reveals how to rewire your brain to overcome trauma and manifest dreams, backed by science. Tara dives into the concept of having more than five human senses, the gut-brain connection, and the importance of gratitude in boosting mental health. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their emotional experiences, utilize creativity, and trust their intuition for personal growth.
Aug 25, 2025 • 1h 27min
Signs You Were Raised By A Narcissist & How To Heal From A Damaging Childhood | Dr. Jerry Wise
Dr. Jerry Wise, a leading voice in family systems, shares his extensive insights on the impact of being raised by narcissists. He identifies subtle signs of such upbringings, the differences between strict and narcissistic control, and how these experiences affect adult relationships. The conversation covers the journey from self-blame to healing, the critical unmet needs of children from toxic families, and offers strategies for breaking unhealthy patterns. Wise emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and setting boundaries to reclaim personal power.
13 snips
Aug 23, 2025 • 57min
Proven Strategies for Accelerating Fat Loss & Slowing Aging | Dr. Vonda Wright
Dr. Vonda Wright, an orthopedic surgeon and longevity expert, shares transformative insights on aging and fat loss. She reveals a groundbreaking 30-second sprinting technique that trumps long-distance running. Discussing proper nutrition, she debunks myths around protein and carbs, emphasizing muscle over mere weight metrics. Vonda explores how stress and trauma impact aging and promotes sustainable wellness practices. Listeners gain practical strategies for improving health, highlighting the vital interplay of exercise, hormones, and mental resilience.
Aug 21, 2025 • 58min
Stop Settling: How To Defeat Self-Sabotage, Toxic Love & Emotional Pain | Case Kenny
Case Kenny, an entrepreneur and author of 'The Opposite of Settling,' joins the discussion to unpack the perplexities of modern love. He analyzes why good people often find themselves in toxic relationships and advocates for embracing one's uniqueness within partnerships. Kenny encourages a playful approach to love, emphasizing emotional honesty as a strength, and redefines vulnerability in men. Listeners will learn to navigate relationship challenges while prioritizing self-worth and mutual respect.
Aug 18, 2025 • 58min
How Erase The Fear That's Secretly Destroying Your Potential & Confidence | Dr. Michael Gervais
Dr. Michael Gervais, a high-performance sports psychologist, shares insights on overcoming the fear of people's opinions that can stunt confidence and potential. He discusses finding purpose in adversity and the importance of resilience and self-awareness. Gervais redefines failure and success, emphasizing personal growth over traditional metrics. He highlights the fragility of time, the power of presence, and the rising mental health challenges children face, advocating for mindfulness and support.
7 snips
Aug 16, 2025 • 56min
How To Skyrocket Your Energy Levels & Transform Your Health | Dan Garner
Dan Garner, founder of Team Garner, Inc. and expert trainer for professional athletes, shares powerful insights to boost energy and health. He reveals the root causes of chronic fatigue and emphasizes the importance of mindset and recovery tools. Discover how stress negatively affects health and why understanding blood biomarkers can transform your wellness journey. Garner also discusses innovative fat loss strategies and the critical role of journaling in personal growth, sleep quality, and overall cognitive performance.
15 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 48min
The #1 Reason You’re Afraid to Change & How to Finally Get Unstuck In Life | Ken Coleman
Ken Coleman, a bestselling author and career coach, shares invaluable insights on overcoming the fear of change. He discusses why many feel stuck, emphasizing the importance of confidence and skill-building. Listeners learn how to navigate career shifts with calculated risks and the value of networking effectively. Coleman also addresses the emotional toll of unfulfilling work, urging individuals to focus on clarity and personal goals. His advice on creating supportive connections and maintaining a curious mindset is a recipe for true fulfillment.
