The Adversity Advantage with Doug Bopst

Today's guest is Charlie Engle. Charlie is one of the premier adventure athletes in the world today. He’s run across more than 40 countries but by far his most important accomplishment is his 30 years of clean and sober living. His best selling book Running Man, was published by Simon and Schuster in 2016. Charlie’s record setting run across the Sahara Desert led to the creation of H2O Africa, which is known today as Water.org, cofounded by Matt Damon.  Charlie has been a featured speaker at the United Nations, at NATO Headquarters in Belgium and on board the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier. He regularly trains Fortune 500 companies in strategies for resilience and addressing mental health issues.   We discuss Charlies riveting addiction journey from start to finish, how he used running to save his life, why he went to federal prison after years of sobriety, how he improved his life during his incarceration and more!    Thanks to this episode's sponsor:   B3 Sciences: Ride the B3 Band wave today! Checkout https://B3Sciences.com/ to order your own B3 Band. It comes with a 30-day money back guarantee for any B3 Band purchase.     What to Listen For:   00:00 Intro 01:55 Where did Charlie’s addiction story begin? 06:59 Was he using to numb pain? 10:02 Why some people can’t handle “college life” 14:36 This is when his addiction took a turn for the worst 19:02 Charlie’s rock bottom moment (police/bullet holes) 22:46 How running saved his life! 28:30 Did his relationship with running become unhealthy? 34:47 Why did he go to prison after years of sobriety? 41:52 How did he improve his self worth in prison & make most of his time?  Connect with Charlie: Website Instagram   Follow me on Social Media: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter   ***Please note that B3 Sciences is a DSM company. I am not affiliated with B3 Sciences and this advertisement is for the B3 Sciences band only and NOT to join their DSM pipeline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest is Allison Faulkner. Allison is a branding and events expert and host of the podcast “Awesome with Allison,” which is a top 100 health and wellness podcast. She's a consultant for fortune 500 companies, a writer, speaker, and self-proclaimed nonsense, dancer and CEO of “Allison's brand school,” where she partners with companies like Microsoft and Alaska airlines among others. She is also obsessed with her kids, husband, family, and friends, and the occasion for today's chat is her new book. “You're already awesome,” which I thoroughly enjoyed and I think you will too.    We discuss what seperates her new book from the rest of the "self help" books that exist and how to take action after reading a book like hers or listening to a podcast like this. We also chat about how to rebuild your self confidence (and your life) after everything falls apart and how to have a healthy relationship with validation and more!     What to Listen For:   00:00 Intro 01:57 What makes her “self help” book different? 06:18 How to take action on what you learn from a book or podcast 13:35 Which “shift” in her life was the most challenging to make? 19:51 How to develop confidence when your life falls apart 26:05 Small steps she took rebuild her life and not give up 35:56 How to have a healthy relationship with validation 43:12 How she is dealing with uncertainty    Connect with Alison: Website Instagram Podcast    Follow me on Social Media: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest is Dr Megan Rossi. Dr. Rossi is a Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist with a PhD in gut health from the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Queensland, Australia. Megan’s PhD was recognized for its contribution to science receiving the Dean’s Award for excellence. Megan leads research at King’s College London investigating nutrition-based therapies in gut health, including pre- & probiotics, dietary fibres, the low FODMAP diet and food additives. Megan was the recipient of the 2017 British Medical Journal Open Gastroenterology prize ‘Best clinical science abstract for oral presentation’ and the British Nutrition Foundation ‘Drummond Pump Priming Award’. Megan is also an Honorary Lecturer at the University of Queensland, Australia.   We talk about common myths around gut health and what information is actually true.  Megan reveals what the role(s) of the gut microbiome and dietary fiber are and why they are so important for your health. We discuss simple ways to eat more plants and which foods are the best to start eating right now. Megan shares steps you can take to improve digestion, why she doesn’t recommend going 100% vegan, her thoughts on probiotics and more!    Thanks to this episode's sponsors:   Organifi: Try the new Green Juice Crisp Apple to hydrate, energize, and support cortisol balance. Visit ORGANIFI.COM/DOUG  and use code DOUG for 20% off any item.     What to Listen For: 00:00 Intro 02:28 3 Facts and 3 Myths about gut health 05:43 What does our gut microbiome actually do and why is it important? 10:01 A deep dive on all things dietary fiber 13:51 Simple ways to eat more plants 17:41 Eat more of THESE foods 20:47 Steps to improve digestion 28:52 Why she doesn’t recommend eating 100% vegan? 31:02 Getting protein from plants 33:18 Should you take a probiotic? 36:25 Megan’s thoughts on fermented foods/kombucha   Episode Resources: Connect with Megan Instagram How To Eat More Plants   Follow me on Social Media: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest is Daniel Pink. Daniel is the author of five New York Times Best sellers, including his latest, “The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward.”  His other books include the New York Times bestsellers When and A Whole New Mind — as well as the #1 New York Times bestsellers Drive and To Sell is Human. Dan’s books have won multiple awards, have been translated into 42 languages, and have sold millions of copies around the world.    We talk about how regret is actually a GOOD THING and why it is a catalyst for personal growth. Dan reveals his biggest regret in life and the three step process you must take to help use regret to your advantage. We talk about how we’ve been lied to and why we need negative emotions for survival. Our discussion gets into how to prevent future regrets, dealing with failure and so much more!    Thanks to this episode's sponsors:   Organifi: Try the new Green Juice Crisp Apple to hydrate, energize, and support cortisol balance. Visit ORGANIFI.COM/DOUG  and use code DOUG for 20% off any item.   What to Listen For: 00:00 Intro 01:30 Powerful decision making technique 03:22 Dan’s biggest regret 07:48 Take THESE 3 Steps to use regret to help you grow  13:10 You’ve been lied to! 15:10 Why we need negative emotions 19:18 How do you deal with YEARS of mistakes? 22:48 How to prevent “future regrets” 28:03 Olympians felt better placing 3rd over 2nd?! 31:13 How to create a “failure resume” (and why it’s so transformative) 33:00 What do most people regret later in life? 35:41 What future regret is Dan currently working to prevent?   Episode Resources: Connect with Dan   Follow me on Social Media: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest is my good friend, Jenna Willis, and Jenna and I met several years ago working out together at Gabby Reece's house. She's also a colleague and a trainer! Jenna's complete mind-body approach to wellness as well as her results have gained her a reputation as one of the hottest rising celebrity trainers.   Her impressive client roster includes YouTube sensation Liza Koshy, reality Queen Lala Kent, and pop music icon, Camila Cabello to name a few. In an industry obsessed with perfection, Jenna embraces the awkward, allowing those she trains to focus on enjoying working out rather than stressing about it as a former division one volleyball Jenna uses her background in fitness and uplifting teamwork mentality to help both herself and her clients cope with anxiety and gain peace of mind. I think you guys are gonna enjoy this conversation a lot. It's a little different as we engage in a friendly dialogue and talk about the SUPER awkward moment in how we met.    We not only talk about how we met, we unpack Jenna's story and chat about her acting career, her battles with panic attacks and anxiety and how different breakups have made her stronger. She shares why fitness has been a major coping strategy and how that led to her decision to ditch acting and go "all in" on being a trainer. Jenna also reveals the wild story of how she landed a role on Vanderpump Rules and so much more!      Thanks to this episode's sponsor:   Join Thrive Market today to get 40% off your first order and a free gift worth over $50. Visit thrivemarket.com/dougfitness.   What to Listen For: 00:00 Intro 01:30 We met working out with Gabby Reece! 04:25 Unpacking a humbling experience (and how I STRUGGLED) 09:52 Has Jenna always embraced challenges? 11:28 Where would she be without fitness? 14:15 Using fitness to cope with anxiety and panic 17:53 Jenna opens up about a traumatic breakup 22:26 Fitness helps - but it can’t be the only coping strategy 24:06 Moving on after multiple bad breakups 27:56 When did she start acting (and why) 31:51 Overlooked challenges in entertainment industry 33:10 Jenna was on Vanderpump! (crazy story) 37:58 Does she compare herself to Lala and Katie (her close friends) 41:56 Ditching acting for fitness (and how she maintained friendships) 44:21 How she thrives in an industry that is competitive (training celebs) 49:25 Finding real friends in LA 54:44 Her current relationship with fear & anxiety 57:29 Healing from a recent relationship  1:08:47 How to stay on track with your health when busy!   Episode Resources: https://www.jennawillisfitness.com/ https://www.dontsweatitalone.com/ https://www.instagram.com/msjennawillis/   Follow me on Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-bops... https://www.instagram.com/dougbopst https://twitter.com/dougbopst     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest is health and nutrition expert. Wade Lightheart. Wade is also the co-founder and president of Bioptimizers, a digestive and health optimization company, and also serves as an advisor to the American anti-cancer Institute. Wade is a three time Canadian national all natural body building champion and competed as a drug free vegetarian in the Mr. Universe contest. He is also someone that has had many setbacks in his life and thus possesses an immense amount of wisdom as well as many life lessons that he is here to share today.   We talk about how has sister’s death kickstarted his own health journey and how he stayed disciplined during such intense emotional pain and trauma.  Wade reveals  what led to his battle with addiction and 3 spiritual principles that changed his life. We also get into why he shifted to his focus from bodybuilding to longevity and more!   ​​Thanks to this episode's sponsor:   Masszymes: Masszymes can help ensure that all the protein that you consume breaks down into absorbable amino acids. Go to masszymes.com/DOUGFREE and you will automatically get access to your unique coupon code to claim your free bottle.   What to Listen For: 00:00 Intro 01:30 How his sister’s death inspired his own health journey 08:35 Staying disciplined under intense emotional trauma 14:57 Wade’s battle with addiction 23:43 Unpacking the root cause of his addiction 27:32 Three spiritual principles that will change your life 32:52 Shifting his focus from aesthetics to longevity 37:00 Biggest mistakes he’s made when trying to improve his health 31:45 Supplements don’t matter until THIS happens!  46:00 Can digestive enzyme supplements help?  54:10 How to get a FREE bottle of digestive enzymes!      Episode Resources: BiOptimizers  Get free MASSzymes!   Follow me on Social Media: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest is one of the world's leading experts in the neuroscience of addiction and recovery, and has been one of the most popular guests on the podcast. Anna Lemke MD joins me today for round two. Anna is chief of the Stanford medicine, dual diagnosis clinic, and professor and medical director of addiction medicine at Stanford university's school of medicine. Dr. Lembke has testified before Congress and consulted with governors and senators from Kentucky to Missouri to Nevada. You may also recognize her from her appearance on the hit Netflix movie, “The Social Dilemma.”  Aside from this. Anna has also written two books, “Drug Dealer MD,” and her latest book, the New York times bestseller “Dopamine nation.”   We talk about what dopamine is and why it’s so important. Anna explains the neuroscience of dopamine, when it’s used and why it goes hand in hand with addiction. She also reveals how to change your brain, stop impulsive behavior and have a healthy relationship with dopamine and more!   What to Listen For: 00:00 Intro 01:30 What is dopamine and why is it so important? 05:32 Dopamine explained with real life examples (specifically addiction) 11:20 How to CHANGE your brain!  17:33 What causes depression and why “quick fixes” make things worse 21:24 How to STOP impulsive behavior 24:17 How to know if you have an unhealthy relationship with dopamine? 27:53 Does social media have the same impact on your brain as drugs? 31:45 How social media changes your brain and cleads to other addictions 34:17 What role does stress play? 35:47: THIS might explained why you can’t pay attention 40:20 Tools for retraining your brain to be more focused Episode Resources: Dopamine Nation |    Follow me on Social Media: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest is Colin O Brady. Colin is a ten-time world record breaking explorer, speaker, entrepreneur, and expert on mindset. His feats include the world’s first solo, unsupported, and fully human-powered crossing of Antarctica, speed records for the Explorers Grand Slam and the Seven Summits, and the first human-powered ocean row across Drake Passage. Colin’s highly publicized expeditions have been followed by millions, and his work has been featured by The Joe Rogan Experience, The Tonight Show, The Today Show, and The New York Times. He is the author of The New York Times bestseller The Impossible First and now The 12-Hour Walk: Invest One Day, Conquer Your Mind, and Unlock Your Best Life which came out this week.   We talk about how his near death experience transformed his life and what drives him to attempt such extreme endeavors. Colin opens up about his marriage to his wife, why she decided to climb Mt. Everest and how nearly losing her changed his view on what matters most. We also get into how to push past common limiting beliefs, overcome your biggest fears and achieve what you want in life and so much more!  Thanks to this episode's sponsor:   Organifi: Try the new Green Juice Crisp Apple to hydrate, energize, and support cortisol balance. Visit ORGANIFI.COM/DOUG and use code DOUG for 20% off any item.   What to Listen For: 00:00 Intro 01:30 When is enough enough?  03:20 Why did his wife decide to climb Mt. Everest with him? 10:20 Making the marriage work with his personality 15:29 After THIS happened, he was told he would never walk again 23:30 Recovering from emotional and mental trauma 30:20 What inspired him to attempt to cross Antarctica? 43:27 Dealing with limiting beliefs 53:17 Will having kids change his lifestyle? 59:33 Take the 12 hour walk with Colin Episode Resources: The 12 Hour Walk |  Follow Colin:  Facebook, Instagram, Twitter   Follow me on Social Media: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest is Sadie Sutton. Sadie is a 19 year old college sophomore from the Bay area and after receiving a year and a half of intensive treatment for severe depression and anxiety, she was inspired to share her story with fellow teens going through their own personal growth.  She started a podcast back in 2019 and has accumulated over 105 episodes reaching over 75,000 listeners. Sadie conducts impactful and inspirational interviews with subject matter experts, fellow teenagers, and social media personalities to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and inspire teens to create their life worth living. Sadie is a psychology major at the University of Pennsylvania and hopes to pursue a career in clinical psychology to further her impact in the mental health field.   We talk about the devastating effects of mental health issues when disregarded and left unaddressed, the different options, treatments, and programs available for anyone struggling mentally and emotionally, the importance of a solid and trusted support system, the amazing story of a young girl who battled against severe depression and recovered from it, and so much more!  Thanks to this episode's sponsor: Join Thrive Market today to get 40% off your first order and a free gift worth over $50. Visit thrivemarket.com/dougfitness. What to Listen For: 00:00 Intro 01:40 Being very aware and conscious of my myself 06:17 Lengthy struggle with self-esteem 12:41 Channeling pain through self harm 18:14 Relationship foundations matter  20:16 “I blamed them…” 23:00 Regardless of your circumstance, you can still struggle 28:16 It isn’t necessary to explain yourself to others 31:22 Running out of options and backed into a corner 35:28 DBT versus CBT 38:38 Learning DBT skills everyday 50:53 The practice of blurting out emotions 58:56 When your mental health is no longer consuming you 01:03:22 Handling disagreements and differing opinions 01:06:39 Sharing wisdom gained from several treatments 01:13:14 Shifting into cultivation enough self-compassion 01:16:48 Small organic things to feel love and supported  Episode Resources: She Persisted Podcast | Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube Follow me on Social Media: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest is Brian Kelly. Brian is the founder of The Points Guy, the leading voice when it comes to loyalty programs, credit cards, and travel. Brian launched The Points Guy in 2010 during his time as a Wall Street road warrior, where he developed his keen sense from maximizing travel experiences while minimizing spending. Since then, Brian has grown the company into a powerhouse travel and lifestyle media platform with a team of distinguished editors and freelancers that spans the globe. And I cannot think of a better time to have this conversation with everything going on in the travel world.  We talk about the credit card perks most people don’t know about, how to earn points from using your card, the best card type to use in what situation or purchase, how to maximize rewards and discounts with the points earned, and so much more!  Thanks to this episode's sponsors: Organifi: Try the new Green Juice Crisp Apple to hydrate, energize, and support cortisol balance. Visit ORGANIFI.COM/DOUG  and use code DOUG for 20% off any item. Masszymes: Masszymes can help ensure that all the protein that you consume breaks down into absorbable amino acids. Go to masszymes.com/DOUGFREE and you will automatically get access to your unique coupon code to claim your free bottle. What to Listen For: 00:00 Intro 01:23 It started with a horrible credit score 11:01 What are points used for? 17:50 The three types of credit card you should know about 20:58 Don’t focus too much on the points, there are perks too 25:21 The biggest factors of flight delays 29:16 When budgeting, flexibility is the key 31:59 Choose locations with a cheap fair 37:04 Understand the type of card you’re getting 38:59 How much are points worth? 41:08 Hotels with the best programs in terms of value Episode Resources: Brian Kelly | Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok Follow me on Social Media: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices