

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

Mar 21, 2022 • 1h 3min
Melissa Ambrosini On Healthy Comparison, Parental Guilt, & the 4-Step Process to Deal with Your Inner Critic
Today, we welcome Melissa Ambrosini. Melissa is a best-selling author of multiple books including Mastering Your Mean Girl and her latest release, Comparisonitis: How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others and Be Genuinely Happy. She's a TEDx speaker and host of the wildly popular podcast, The Melissa Ambrosini Show. We talk about the burden of feeling guilty for not doing enough for our children, finding within yourself the voice that is focused on your true self, learning how to take control over your inner critic, the difference between healthy and unhealthy comparison and so much more! Thanks to this episode's sponsor: Organifi: Receive 20% off your order by going to www.organifi.com/doug What to Listen For: 00:00 Intro 01:02 Things to learn in the early stages of motherhood 04:17 When you used to not believe in marriage 06:10 Your soulmate eliminates that fear of having a relationship 10:36 Let’s talk about parent guilt 18:46 Your true self and your inner critic 22:10 The 4-step process to deal with your inner critic 36:57 The unhealthy comparison 46:59 Once you become healthy and happy again Episode Resources: Melissa Ambrosini | Website, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Shop
The Melissa Ambrosini Show Follow me on Social Media: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 17, 2022 • 1h 5min
Josh Peck On Losing Over 100 lb, Getting Sober & Becoming the Father He Never Had
Today’s guest is Josh Peck. Josh has established himself as one of Hollywood's rising talents, making the seamless transition between child actor to leading man. He is best known for his role on the Nickelodeon phenomenon, Drake and Josh, for which he received a kid's choice nomination. The series premiere was watched by 3.2 million viewers, Nickelodeon's highest rated series premiere in nearly 10 years. Josh is also 14 years sober and has such an amazing and inspiring story, which I think y'all are going to get a lot out of. Josh is also the author of the memoir, Happy People Are Annoying, which is the occasion for today's chat. We talk about his weight loss journey, how it started, the motivation that kept him going, and how the need to lose weight led to addiction. Josh also shares his views on parenthood, the stories of people he got acquainted with during his recovery, the emotional disconnection with his family that he managed to patch up, and so many more! Thanks to this episode's sponsor: BiOptimizers/Magnesium Breakthrough: Go to www.magbreakthrough.com/doug and use the code DOUG10 to save 10 percent when you try Magnesium Breakthrough. Earth Echo Foods/Cacao Bliss: www.earthechofoods.com/dougbopst Use Promo code "Doug" at checkout to receive 15% off your order What to Listen For: 00:00 Intro 01:17 Staying sober for 14 years 04:59 Be the model you want your kids to be 08:01 Becoming a first-time father 11:15 Ways our body weight can manifest 14:11 The inspiration and motivation to lose weight 18:27 Getting introduced into drugs 23:11 Living a normal life despite starring in a TV series 25:23 A good life is a result of a good living 28:21 Giving your time in a charitable way 32:17 You can only relate to someone who shares similar experiences 34:39 Prioritizing first the things that truly matter 38:39 Taking a break from acting 45:34 Dealing with rejection never gets easier 48:57 When you give love, you receive love Episode Resources: Josh Peck | Twitter, Instagram
Happy People are Annoying Follow me on Social Media: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 14, 2022 • 57min
Dr. John Delony On Relationship Struggles, Anxiety, & Parenting Tips That Actually Work
Today, we welcome Dr. John Delony, a national best-selling author, mental health and wellness expert, and host of The Dr. John Delony Show. He holds two PhDs, one in counselor education and supervision and another in higher education administration. Before joining Ramsey Solutions, John spent two decades working as a senior leader at multiple universities, a professor and researcher, and crisis responder. Now as a Ramsey personality, he teaches people how to reclaim their lives from the madness of the modern world. This is actually Dr. Delony's second appearance on the pod. We talk about the issues most people of us are dealing with, how to realign your thoughts when it's full of negativity, what’s keeping us anxious and how to manage anxiety, the truth behind most relational disconnection, simple but solid tips for struggling parents and so much more! Thanks to this episode's sponsor: Organifi: Receive 20% off your order by going to www.organifi.com/doug What to Listen For: 00:00 Intro 01:35 The most common issues our society face 06:25 How can we reconnect to ourselves and the people around us 10:25 Changing your thoughts is a practice 17:09 Why we’re constantly anxious 23:24 When you stop sleeping well 29:57 The truth about loneliness and relational disconnection 34:43 Parenting tip: Stop putting your career first 40:32 When we’re acting like a child instead of being a parent 46:15 Make kids know they have a role in the family Episode Resources: Dr. John Delony | Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Books
The Dr. John Delony Show Ramsey Solutions Follow me on Social Media: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 10, 2022 • 57min
Alexis Haines On Recovery, Redemption, Healing, & Finding Your Real Purpose
Today’s guest is Alexis Haines. Alexis hosts the raw and resonant podcast Recovering from Reality, a platform for people who would rather wake the fuck up rather than have more “fun problems”. Inspired by her public journey from reality TV sensation and heroin addiction to sobriety, motherhood, and wellness, Alexis is living proof that you can heal yourself, recover from addiction and inspire others along the way. Her first hand experience of substance abuse, combined with the explosive effects of social media storytelling turned her rock bottom into a reinvention tour, igniting a movement to eradicate shame around the stories that inevitably save us if we are brave enough to share them with others. We talk about the different forms of addiction and how different people break free from them, the fear of relapsing and having a hard time staying sober, this deeply rooted belief system that limits us to remain rooted in the past instead of evolving, turning a difficult relationship with family into healing and reconciliation and so much more! Thanks to this episode's sponsor: BiOptimizers/Magnesium Breakthrough: Go to www.magbreakthrough.com/doug and use the code DOUG10 to save 10 percent when you try Magnesium Breakthrough. Earth Echo Foods/Cacao Bliss: www.earthechofoods.com/dougbopst Use Promo code "Doug" at checkout to receive 15% off your order What to Listen For: 00:00 Intro 01:36 We are all empaths 09:03 The fear of relapsing 12:52 Solid daily routine and practice 15:12 Our deeply engraved belief system 20:26 It’s okay to not be okay 28:02 Setting boundaries to function properly 40:15 When did real healing happen? 45:35 The victim, the perpetrator, and the rescuer Episode Resources: Alexis Haines | Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Book Recovering From Reality Oro House Recovery Centers Follow me on Social Media: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 7, 2022 • 1h 9min
Sal Di Stefano On Why Resistance Training is Necessary & How to Successfully Stick to Your Workout Plan
Today, we welcome Sal Di Stefano. You may know Sal as one of the hosts of the Mind Pump Podcast, a show that exposes the RAW TRUTH about health, fitness, nutrition and more. Sal picked up his first weight at the age of 14. Fitness was a way for him to apply hard work and effort towards changing and re-inventing himself. He wanted to shift the direction of the fitness industry from an aesthetic insecurity based industry to a self love and self care health industry. We talk about formulating an effective fat loss strategy, the difference between a group class training and individualized training, how people managed to stick to working out and get to enjoy it, and eating the right food for best results. We also talk about using exercise as a tool to achieve a quality life. Thanks to this episode's sponsor: Organifi: Receive 20% off your order by going to www.organifi.com/doug What to Listen For: 00:00 Intro 01:41 Which one is the better fat loss strategy? 05:53 What happens in your body when you build muscles 11:44 The varying levels of resistance training 24:04 The perfect workout routine for an average person 32:05 Class training versus individualized training 38:01 How can people successfully stick to a workout plan? 47:04 Think of exercise as a tool to improve your quality of life 50:12 Why we shouldn’t disregard our diet 01:02:29 When do you need to eat less or eat more? Episode Resources: Mind Pump Podcast Sal Di Stefano | Facebook, YouTube, Book Follow me on Social Media: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 3, 2022 • 49min
Maya Shankar On Habit Change, Decision Making, Letting Go Of The Past & Science Backed Tools to Remain Optimistic During Adversity
Today’s guest is Maya Shankar. Maya is a cognitive scientist and the creator, Executive Producer, and host of the podcast, A Slight Change of Plans, which Apple recently awarded as the Best Show of the Year 2021. Maya was a Senior Advisor in the Obama White House, where she founded and served as Chair of the White House Behavioral Science Team. Maya has a postdoctoral fellowship in cognitive neuroscience from Stanford, a Ph.D. from Oxford on a Rhodes Scholarship, and a B.A. from Yale. We talk about the cognitive science behind how we adapt to changes based on the choices we have and the choices we eventually make, either by staying stagnant in a frustrating situation or finding the will to reintegrate ourselves back into the world. We also discuss all things habit change, decision making, letting go of the past, how to remain optimistic during adversity (using science backed tools) and more! Thanks to this episode's sponsor: BiOptimizers/Magnesium Breakthrough: Go to www.magbreakthrough.com/doug and use the code DOUG10 to save 10 percent when you try Magnesium Breakthrough. Earth Echo Foods/Cacao Bliss: www.earthechofoods.com/dougbopst Use Promo code "Doug" at checkout to receive 15% off your order What to Listen For: 00:00 Intro 00:58 Understanding where your weaknesses lie 06:39 What is adaptive choice architecture? 10:33 The Identity Foreclosure 16:53 Either get stuck into a frustrating situation or jump back into the world 21:50 Habits form through taking small steps 25:22 Practice gratitude 32:53 When you only assume the worst in any situation 37:46 Tell your mind what matters to you Episode Resources: Maya Shankar | Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook
A Slight Change of Plans Podcast Follow me on Social Media: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 28, 2022 • 55min
Darryl Strawberry On Living a Destructive Double Life & His Path To Redemption
Today, we welcome former MLB player Darryl Strawberry. Darryl played 17 years in the major leagues, he won four world series, and went to eight all-star games. But today we're gonna have a much different conversation. We're gonna talk about Darryl's incredible redemption story of hope, faith, and recovery. We discuss the challenges of being a top performing athlete and the pressure that comes with, how the pressure pushed him to a destructive lifestyle and addiction, and how faith ultimately led him to reformation and redemption. Thanks to this episode's sponsor: Organifi: Receive 20% off your order by going to www.organifi.com/doug What to Listen For: 00:00 Intro 00:41 Getting into addiction 05:24 Identity crisis lead to addiction 07:37 When the addiction becomes a problem 10:30 Overcoming addiction is not an overnight process 13:42 Who are you without the ‘uniform’? 17:38 Re-affirming faith with God 23:30 Understanding the map of life 43:13 Don’t leave your work undone 45:21 Bible scriptures to help guide you through Episode Resources: Finding Your Way Darryl Strawberry | Instagram, Facebook Follow me on Social Media: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 24, 2022 • 35min
Gabby Bernstein On Making Peace with Your Past & Why The Universe Has Your Back During Difficult Times
Today’s guest is Gabrielle Bernstein. Gabby is a #1 New York Times Best Selling author and has written books such as “Super Attractor“ and “The Universe Has Your Back.” She is also the host of the rapidly growing “Dear Gabby” podcast where she provides real-time coaching advice as well as conversations with inspirational guests.The occasion for today’s convo revolves around her newest book “Happy Days:” The Guided Path from Trauma to Profound Freedom and Inner Peace which should definitely be on your upcoming reading list. We talk about the different ways we can find healing by breaking down traumatic events in our life, why we disassociate ourselves from past trauma, and how addiction and the other embodiment of self protection and self preservation can become our source of strength. We also chat about why the universe has your back during hard times and more! Thanks to this episode's sponsor: BiOptimizers/Magnesium Breakthrough: Go to www.magbreakthrough.com/doug and use the code DOUG10 to save 10 percent when you try Magnesium Breakthrough. Earth Echo Foods/Cacao Bliss: www.earthechofoods.com/dougbopst Use Promo code "Doug" at checkout to receive 15% off your order What to Listen For: 00:00 Intro 02:47 Are we brave enough to face the cause of our trauma 05:10 The reason why we disassociate from a traumatic memory 08:37 Be transparent about your shortcomings 15:01 There’s so much your faith can give you 19:59 Ways to break down traumatic events 23:28 Embracing the recovering addict in you 25:40 Working around your temper Episode Resources: Gabby Bernstein | Website, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Books
Buy Gabby’s latest book here
Dear Gabby Podcast Follow me on Social Media: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 21, 2022 • 1h 9min
Dr. Nicole Beurkens On Parenting Tips To Help Kids Manage Anxiety, Reduce Screen Time & Handle Conflict
Today, we welcome Dr. Nicole Beurkens, the only doctoral licensed clinical psychologist with advanced degrees in psychology, education and nutrition. Dr. Beurkens is the world's leading holistic child psychologist. She has dedicated her 22 plus year career to providing parents with simple, effective, and research-based strategies that get to the root of children's attention, anxiety, mood, and behavior challenges, so they can reach their highest potential. We talk about why yelling at your kids is counterproductive when they aren’t doing what they’re supposed to do, what parents need to focus on to strengthen connection with their children, why what we feed them greatly impacts their physical, mental, and emotional developments, and how to not get our children addicted to mobile devices. Thanks to this episode's sponsor: Organifi: Receive 20% off your order by going to www.organifi.com/doug What to Listen For: 00:00 Intro 00:53 The biggest questions around parenting 02:00 During tough moments, focus on what you can do for your child 06:04 Yelling at your kids is counterproductive 08:59 Kids need us to set and maintain consistent boundaries 14:02 Pause before you respond in difficult moments 17:43 The real job parents need to focus on 23:27 Contributing factors to children’s anxiety 26:10 Why daily physical movement and proper sleep is important 29:29 Simple physical activities are highly beneficial 32:09 How to take control of your child’s diet 35:49 Why kids are getting addicted to the screen 40:04 How to have a healthy relationship with devices 46:01 Regulating children’s screen time 52:31 You need to be open with your kids 58:33 Continuously engage with your children Episode Resources: Dr. Nicole Beurkens | Website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
The Better Behavior Show Follow me on Social Media: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 17, 2022 • 54min
Shawn Johnson On Dealing with Perfectionism, Embracing Vulnerability & Why it’s Okay to Start Over
Today’s guest is Shawn Johnson. Shawn is an olympic gold medalist, a DWTS champion and a New York Times best selling author. But, she is much more than that. She is also a Mom, a wife and an excellent role model. What inspires me most about her is her continued pursuit to become her best, her commitment to her family and her gift of vulnerability to help others. We chat about that as well as societal pressure, managing perfectionism, shifting the perspective on failure, believing in yourself when no one else will and why it’s OKAY to start over. Shawn Johnson East is a former artistic gymnast and a 2008 Olympic balance beam gold medalist. She is also the 2007 all-around World Champion, and a five-time Pan American Games gold medalist, winning the team titles in 2007 and 2011, as well as titles in the all-around, uneven bars, and balance beam in 2007. In May 2009, she topped season eight of Dancing with the Stars, and in November 2012 she earned second place on the all-star edition. Thanks to this episode's sponsor: BiOptimizers/Magnesium Breakthrough: Go to www.magbreakthrough.com/doug and use the code DOUG10 to save 10 percent when you try Magnesium Breakthrough. Earth Echo Foods/Cacao Bliss: www.earthechofoods.com/dougbopst Use Promo code "Doug" at checkout to receive 15% off your order What to Listen For: 00:00 Intro 01:05 Big goal for Shawn in 2022 03:33 Managing stress and pressure as a parent 06:26 Starting over is more exciting than getting stuck in the past 13:29 Know that you’re strong enough to get past the test 16:28 How society views failure 22:31 Changing your relationship with yourself 25:18 Sports entertainment is the opposite of sharing vulnerability 29:06 You become who you’re around with 32:42 Struggles with perfectionism addiction 35:30 Avoiding self sabotage 38:10 What is Mom Guilt? 42:27 Always keep your priorities in order Episode Resources: Shawn Johnson | Website, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube
Follow me on Social Media: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


