The Adversity Advantage with Doug Bopst

Gretchen Rubin is one of the most influential and thought-provoking experts on the subjects of happiness and human nature who has written multiple New York Times best selling books and hosts the highly popular Happier with Gretchen Rubin podcast. To add to her list of impressive accolades, Gretchen started her career as a lawyer and eventually worked her way up to become a clerk for a Supreme Court Justice until she had an epiphany and realized that she wanted to be a writer. She touches on this in today’s episode but most of our time is spent chatting about her personality test that has helped millions better understand themselves, improve their relationships and become happier.    Highlights:   Why she switched professions at the pinnacle of her career How to stay optimistic while pursuing something that’s challenging Her unique personality test that has helped millions and will improve how you feel about yourself  Which personality type are you and how can you use it to your advantage? Which personality types are most common (might surprise you) What actually can make you happier and what can't Which personalities are more likely to attract one another? What helps Gretchen get out of a rut   Listen/Subscribe to the podcast: https://adversityadvantagepodcast.com/   Connect with Gretchen:    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gretchenrubin   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GretchenRubin   Website: https://gretchenrubin.com/   Podcast: https://gretchenrubin.com/podcasts/   Books: https://gretchenrubin.com/books/   Connect with Doug:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dougbopst/​   Twitter: https://twitter.com/dougbopst​   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dougbopst/​   Website: https://www.dougbopst.com   More on Athletic Greens:    www.athleticgreens.com/doug to get your free year supply of Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alex Warren is a popular YouTuber, TikTok star and internet celebrity who co-founded the famed content house, “The Hype House” The crazy part is just a few years ago Alex was homeless. On today's podcast,  Alex shares how he went from homeless and dead broke to one of the most famous Internet personalities in the world all before his twenty- first birthday.  Listen in to hear how he turned tragedy and trauma into triumph at such a young age.   Highlights:   How he started filming videos at just 11 years old (shortly after his father passed away) The ultimatum his mom gave him: stop filming or get out of the house What life was like as a homeless YouTuber How he crossed paths with Thomas Petrou to form The Hype House. Alex introduces the Hype House’s upcoming Netflix show Behind the scenes of being an internet celebrity A candid conversation about Alex’s mental health   Listen/Subscribe to the podcast:   https://adversityadvantagepodcast.com/ Connect with Alex:    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX2Pm1JoWF3chsVOR9e1hbQ   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexwaarren/   Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/alexwaarren/   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexwaarren Connect with Doug:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dougbopst/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/dougbopst   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dougbopst/   Website: https://www.dougbopst.com   More on Earth Echo Foods/Cacao Bliss:   www.earthechofoods.com/dougbopst   Use Promo code "Doug" at checkout to receive 15% off your order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Train Your Brain to Master Focus, Learn Faster, Achieve Goals and Become Limitless!   One of the world’s leading experts in brain performance, mental fitness and memory improvement joins me on the show today. But, these credentials would have seemed downright impossible years ago. I say this because Jim Kwik experienced a severe childhood brain injury that left him with massive learning challenges so much so that he was told that he had a broken brain.   Jim refused to let that label define him and gravitated heavily towards comic books to inspire him to achieve the unthinkable, unimaginable and impossible. When Jim was a freshman in college an unsung hero came into his life to help guide him on the path of personal development, growth, and reading.   He then became enamored with teaching himself “how to learn” and the rest is history. Kwik then created strategies to dramatically enhance his cognitive performance and has since dedicated his life to helping others unleash their true genius and brainpower.   He is CEO of Kwik Learning, the premiere online accelerated learning academy with students in 195 countries. His clients include Google, Virgin, Nike, Zappos, SpaceX, Wordpress, Cleveland Clinic, Caltech, Harvard and Singularity University. Kwik is the author of the NY Times and #1 WSJ bestseller: “Limitless - Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, Unlock Your Exceptional Life.”   He is the host of the acclaimed “Kwik Brain” podcast, which is consistently the top educational training show on iTunes with tens of millions of downloads. Our mission today is to provide you actionable steps to help train your brain to master your focus (even during the tough times), cultivate purpose, learn faster, achieve your goals, and become limitless. This is an absolute masterclass and one that you will want to re-listen to over and over again.   Topics discussed:   Why Jim was so excited to come on the podcast   Jim's incredible back story: going from the "Boy with a Broken Brain" to being one of the world's leading experts in brain performance, mental fitness, and memory improvement.   How to cultivate a deep sense of meaning or "why" to achieve goals - How to align your values with action in an attention-seeking world   Jim's tools for dealing with life's challenges/overcoming adversity   How to master focus   How to stay focused during times of distress   Jim's tips for more efficient Learning   How to take notes effectively   Listen/Subscribe to the podcast: https://adversityadvantagepodcast.com/   Connect with Jim:   Website: www.jimkwik.com   Instagram: www.instagram.com/jimkwik   Facebook: www.facebook.com/jimkwikofficial   Twitter: www.twitter.com/jimkwik   Podcast: https://jimkwik.com/category/podcast/   Buy Jim’s book “Limitless” https://www.limitlessbook.com/   Connect with Doug:   Website: www.dougbopst.com/   Instagram: www.instagram.com/dougbopst   Facebook: www.facebook.com/dougbopst   Twitter: www.twitter.com/dougbopst   Private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/690686891674188   More on PaleoValley Beef Sticks:   www.paleovalley.com   Use Promo code "Doug" at checkout to receive 15% off your order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Real Reasons You Are Always Anxious (And What to Do About It)   It’s no secret that the pandemic and COVID-19 have exacerbated things like our stress levels, anxiety, worry and uncertainty. As a result, there has been a rise in suicide, drug overdose, alcohol sales and prescription medication to treat mental illness. What’s the path forward? What do we do? What is the real reason we experience anxiety and how can we manage it? My hope is that after today’s conversation you will have a better understanding of the anxiety, worry, and mental health and how to address each effectively.    Today’s guest is Dr. Jud Brewer. He is an internationally renowned addiction psychiatrist and neuroscientist. His TED Talk ”A Simple Way to Break a Bad Habit” has over 16 million views on YouTube. Dr. Jud is an Associate Professor at Brown University, executive medical director at Sharecare and an internationally renowned expert in mindfulness as correlated to addiction. In his latest book, “Unwinding Anxiety” Dr. Jud gives step-by-step instructions on how to understand and manage anxiety in ways that are backed by science, research and data.    There are hundreds of millions of people that struggle with anxiety; my concern is that this number will only continue to rise if we don’t learn how to manage it properly and pay attention to its causes. There are numerous myths out there when it comes to what works when it comes to dealing with anxiety. With that said, today’s discussion I think will provide you with science-based, actionable steps that you can immediately take to understand, manage and mitigate your anxiety.   What I like about Dr Jud’s approach is that it’s tactical, efficient and proactive. Dr Jud also emphasizes why practicing mindfulness, curiosity and awareness is the secret sauce when it comes to modifying behavior, changing habits and managing anxiety. This conversation covers what anxiety is, what causes it, what makes it worse and how it relates to addiction. Dr. Jud also explains the role that your health, fitness and lifestyle play into all of this. This episode helps you manage anxiety both short and long term. It will also help you rewire your brain to suppress or end the vicious traps of worry, fear and anxiety.   Dr. Jud is one of the best when it comes to educating, teaching and sharing on the subjects of habits, anxiety, addiction and behavior change and his insights will be a game-changer for you.   Connect with Dr. Jud   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jud/   Website: https://drjud.com/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drjudapps/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/judbrewer   Buy Dr. Jud's latest book "Unwinding Anxiety"   https://amzn.to/3u1KUNl     Connect with Doug:   Instagram: www.instagram.com/dougbopst   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dougbopst   Website: www.dougbopst.com/   Private Facebook Group:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/690686891674188     More on Earth Echo Foods/Cacao Bliss:   www.earthechofoods.com/dougbopst   Use Promo code "Doug" at checkout to receive 15% off your order       Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Majlak is a popular Youtuber, Internet Celebrity and Co Host of one of the world's most popular shows, Impaulsive with Logan Paul.   But, much of this seemed nearly impossible a little over a decade ago.   On today's podcast, Mike takes us through his riveting addiction and post addiction story which he also reflects on in his highly popular debut book, 'The Fifth Vital'. Mike grew up as a “normal kid” who just like many found himself spiraling down the destructive path of addiction.   It began with him experimenting with marijuana as a teenager and it quickly escalated into snorting painkillers, cocaine, xanax, heroin and smoking crack. Mike inevitably was also forced to sell these drugs in order to support his habit and his identity. This self-destructive journey continued for about a decade and also came with other negative side effects. Mike was arrested multiple times, robbed, drove his car off a cliff and watched his drug dealer get pistol-whipped right before his eyes. One of Mike’s lowest of lows came when he failed to take care of his sick grandfather while extremely high on crack.   On June 18th, 2010 everything finally caught up with Mike when he was finally called on his BS by his probation officer and she decided to give him an opportunity to change his life. This is what would ultimately lead him to go to detox, treatment and turn his life around. Mike’s redemption story was fueled by fitness, goal setting, purpose, perseverance, and deep introspection. On a mission to make something out of his life and “hustle” in a meaningful way Mike rebuilt his resume, self-esteem and health. This gave him the confidence needed to apply and land a job at furniture retailer Lovesac to help them build their brand and social media. It was at Lovesac where he met Logan Paul and the rest is history.   Our discussion today dives deep into what it was like being the Mike of the past versus the Mike of the present. We chat about his darkest moments, his rock bottoms and the scariest time of his life where he thought it was all over. More importantly, we talk about the exact tactics that Mike used to make the ultimate comeback, the healthy coping mechanisms he uses today and the advice he has for those that are still suffering. We also talk about his partnership with Logan Paul and what the future holds. This conversation is a reflection on the power of faith, fitness, fortitude and fulfillment and a story that I am excited to share.   Some topics discussed:    Mike's journey to addiction   The parental divorce and his rough teenage years   The switch from marijuana to opiates   The trajectory that leads him to use heroin and crack   Mike's darkest moments/rock bottoms   Mike's scariest moment of his life    Mike's turning point with the new Probation officer   Why did Mike decide to stop using drugs?   How Mike made his comeback (step by step)   Positive coping tactics for an addict looking for recovery   How he survived early recovery?   The role that self reflection played in his life   How did Mike rebuild his resume, self-esteem and life?   The importance of fitness   Getting a job at Lovesac and meeting Logan Paul   Logan and Mike's partnership and their future   Advice for loved ones who have an addict that is struggling   Connect with Mike Majlak:   Instagram: www.instagram.com/heybigmike   Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMk0u-pViW-Ff4F9SAGcI4g   Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikemajlak   Buy Mike Majlak's book "The 5th Vital": https://www.amazon.com/Fifth-Vital-Mike-Majlak/dp/B087L8DWZQ   Listen/Watch Impaulsive Podcast: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGeBogGDZ9W3dsGx-mWQGJA   Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/impaulsive-with-logan-paul/id1442164847?at=1l3vwYf   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36PzTdM4rvRPaJYdBW1ZNa   Connect with Doug:   Instagram: www.instagram.com   Twitter: www.twitter.com/dougbopst   Facebook: www.facebook.com/dougbopst   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest is Louisa Nicola. She is a trained clinical neuroscientist, the founder of Neuro Athletics and works one on one with professional NBA, MLS and NFL players to enhance peak brain performance.    I am not sure which is more inspiring: her wealth of knowledge and expertise or her incredible story. Louisa grew up training competitively as a triathlete in Australia.  One day while she was on her bike training for the triathlon world championship, a car struck her leaving her knee ruptured and shattering her dreams of competing. She was told by a doctor that she would never walk again.  But that didn’t stop her from making a comeback. Louisa ended up crossing paths with a special mentor that taught her the importance of the mind-body connection. This ultimately changed her life and gave her the superpower to not only walk again, but to compete again.    We go in depth about this extraordinary accomplishment and how it set the tone for the work she does today as a neuroscientist. Louisa and I have a detailed conversation on managing emotions, fear, stress and the entire nervous system. What you will learn is that the biggest trick to coping with all of these things is optimizing how you sleep. She shares some shocking information on the negative impacts of poor sleep including how it affects your memory, emotions, immune system, and genetics.  It can even alter your brain. But don’t worry, she also shares practical tips that you can do to improve your sleep as well as some innovative ways to train your mind, thrive under pressure and much more!   Topics discussed:   Louisa's incredible backstory and how she survived a near death accident    How she recovered and was able to compete at triathlon world championship    Managing stress, emotions and nervous system   Embracing fear   Why sleep is so important for physical, mental and emotional health   What qualifies as good sleep?   The dangers of poor sleep   How to optimize and improve sleep   Innovative ways to train the mind    Connect with Louisa:   Website: https://www.neuroathletics.com.au/founder-bio   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thediamondboss_/?hl=en   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louisanicola/   Connect with Doug:   Instagram: www.instagram.com/dougbopst   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dougbopst   Website: www.dougbopst.com/   Private Facebook Group:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/690686891674188     More on Earth Echo Foods/Cacao Bliss:   www.earthechofoods.com/dougbopst   Use Promo code "Doug" at checkout to receive 15% off your order   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So many aspects of our daily lives depend on our outlook and mindset. How do you respond to challenges, mistakes and negative situations? Do you view them as problems or opportunities? Do you let your adversities define your life? Do you pass up opportunities out of fear of failing?   My guest on today's episode Glenn Stearns believes you should use failure and adversity as a catalyst for change and not a reason to quit.    Glenn was born to alcoholic parents, diagnosed dyslexic, and failed 4th grade. He became a father at age 14 and graduated high school in the bottom ten-percent of his class. A major turning point of his life came after finishing  college when he decided to take his destiny in his own hands following another night of partying. Ironically, he made this choice at a local bar that I used to frequent back in the day in Towson, MD.    He then moved to California in search of opportunities to rise above his humble beginnings.   At 25, after working as a loan officer for 10 months, Glenn formed his own mortgage company, Stearns Lending LLC. By 2010, Stearns Lending LLC reached nearly $1 billion in monthly funded loan volume while experiencing record growth. Stearns not only survived the 2008 mortgage-lending crisis, it emerged as one of the top lenders in the country. Since 2010, Stearns Lending LLC has funded over 30-billion dollars in loans. In 2015, Glenn sold a majority of Stearns Lending to Blackstone and embarked on a hiatus with his family on his yacht. You would think that things would be “smooth sailing” from this point on. However, the tides turned and Glenn faced another major storm, cancer, which he beat twice. This coupled with an innate hunger to reinvent himself again was the inspiration for the show “Undercover Billionaire” in 2019. In the subsequent seasons that followed, Glenn has remained on board as an advisor and executive producer and now has started yet another mortgage company with his wife Mindy which we talk about.   Glenn shares his entrepreneurial journey, how he built one of the most successful mortgage companies in an industry that is highly competitive. He reveals some secrets that can apply to anyone who’s interested in becoming resilient in the thick of uncertainty.  We also talk about his story of cancer survival, why you shouldn’t solely chase money, and why he wasn’t happy when he sold his company.   Topics Discussed   Glenn's life before California   How Glenn was inspired to start his own company and how he did it   Weathering the stormy '2008' financial crisis and how it applies to today's struggles   Glenn's advice to those on the verge of despair and how to build resilience   How Glenn fought cancer twice and the lessons learned from it   How the hit show "Undercover Billionaire" got started   What keeps Glenn inspired and "hungry"   Why you shouldn't solely chase money   Glenn's hacks to building a sustainable business   GLENN'S HACK TO BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS Success is not overnight. Quit chasing after materialism and focus on building a strong organization and quality leadership. Figure out what your goal is and never be in a haste to get to your destination or put a deadline on your success. Enjoy every moment you have to build and grow. It's not about having your game plan all mapped and then freaking out when it doesn't go as planned because it won't. It's about being a problem solver. That's what you are as an entrepreneur.   Takeaways   When faced with life's challenges, understand that 'This too shall pass.' Nothing stays constant, not even crisis.   If you must build a sustainable business, surround yourself with great people of like interest and passion. Learn to communicate at the verge of despair.   Prioritize family. Make sure they're happy because there's a lot more currency than money. There's happiness currency, health currency and there's joy currency.   Connect with Glenn:   Website: http://www.glennstearns.com   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlennBStearns/   Watch "Undercover Billionaire" on Discovery:   https://www.discovery.com/shows/undercover-billionaire   Connect with Doug:   Instagram: www.instagram.com/dougbopst   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dougbopst   Website: www.dougbopst.com/   Private Facebook Group:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/690686891674188   More on Legion Athletics:   buylegion.com/doug and use code "Doug" at checkout for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've Been Brain Washed, Here's How to Fix It!!!   Today you will finally find out why you continue to make choices that aren’t aligned with your goals and the person you want to become in the future. What I believe you will discover after listening to this is that you’ve been “brain washed.” I don’t mean this necessary in a manipulative way. It’s more or less referring to the pivotal role your environment plays in all areas of your health. It also is closely related to our ability to make decisions, fight inflammation, build meaningful relationships, and manage stress.   Father and son duo, Dr.’s David and Austin Perlmutter join me on the show today. Dr. David Perlmutter is a Board-Certified Neurologist and five-time New York Times bestselling author. He serves on the Board of Directors and is a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition.   Dr. Perlmutter received his M.D. degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine where he was awarded the Leonard G. Rowntree Research Award. He serves as a member of the Editorial Board for the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and has published extensively in peer-reviewed scientific journals including Archives of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and The Journal of Applied Nutrition. Austin Perlmutter, MD, is a board-certified internal medicine physician and New York Times bestselling author. He received his medical degree from the University of Miami and completed his internal medicine residency at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Oregon. Austin’s focus is on helping others to improve decision-making and quality of life. He is also interested in methods of understanding and reducing burnout in the medical field.   Ultimately, they are both here to help you understand where this massive disconnect between our goals and our decisions stems from and how your brain is being trained to behave impulsively based on environmental patterns, habits, and the daily choices that we make. The good news is that we talk about the path forward so that you can begin to rewire your brain to make better decisions, achieve your goals, optimize your health and become the best version of yourself.    Topics discussed:    Environmental factors that impact decision making   The role of neuroplasticity and how it influences our choices   How social media and technology affect brain health, cognitive function, relationships and stress   Can we use technology in a healthy way?   Implementing the acronym "T.I.M.E." when it comes to assessing social media and technology use   How empathy improves our health and brain function   Why do we make impulsive decisions?   How things like inflammation and nutrition influence all areas of our health   The path forward so that you can rewire your brain to strengthen relationships, reduce stress, improve your health and become the best version of yourself (including a 10 day bootcamp).       Connect with Dr. David Perlmutter:    Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidperlmutter/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DavidPerlmutterMd   Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidperlmutter   Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3ADavid+Perlmutter+MD&s=relevancerank&text=David+Perlmutter+MD&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1   Connect with Dr. Austin Perlmutter:    Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com/austin-perlmutter-bio/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austinperlmutter/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/austinperlmuttermd/   Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Wash-Thinking-Relationships-Happiness/dp/0316453323/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&qid=1618453199&refinements=p_27%3AAustin+Perlmutter+MD&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Austin+Perlmutter+MD   Connect with Doug:   Instagram: www.instagram.com/dougbopst   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dougbopst   Website: www.dougbopst.com/   Private Facebook Group:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/690686891674188     More on Earth Echo Foods/Cacao Bliss:   www.earthechofoods.com/dougbopst     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Take These Steps To Develop a Miracle Mentality, Believe in Yourself, and Make a Comeback!!!   More often than not, what holds you back isn’t the obstacle or setback itself, it’s the lack of belief in yourself to overcome it.   With that said, this podcast is going to give you the exact steps needed to get you through hard times, develop belief and confidence in yourself and create the ultimate comeback.    My guest today is Tim Storey. Tim is an author, pastor, speaker, and renowned life coach and is known for inspiring and motivating people from all walks of life. In the course of his 30 years as “The Comeback Coach”, Tim has helped countless people including well known creators like Robert Downey Jr., Kanye West, Quincy Jones and so many more.   Today we discuss things like how to develop a “miracle mentality” so that you can get through the toughest of times and achieve anything you want in life. We talk about what you can do to help yourself when you are spiraling downward and not exacerbate the situation. Tim shares the importance of having well defined principles and a purpose as well as the role they play in helping you get through life’s challenges.   Our conversation also takes a deep dive into the topic of one’s inner circle and what to do with those people that no longer add value to your life. Essentially, this episode contains a wonderful combination of motivation, inspiration and game changing advice to help you use adversity to your advantage and become your best self.   Topics discussed:    Staying grounded in Faith during the good and bad times   Tim's insights on Purpose and Principles   Why it's not the problem that breaks us, it's our response to it   What you can do to help yourself when you are spiraling downward and not exacerbate the situation   Tim's thoughts on the "miracle mentality" and where it comes from   What disrupts the "miracle mentality"   Different states of life that we can end up living in: mundane, messy and madness   Steps that you can take to embrace the "miracle mentality" during times of struggle   A deep dive into the topic of one’s inner circle and what to do with those people that no longer add value to your life     Connect with Tim:    Website: www.timstorey.com   Instagram: www.instagram.com/timstoreyofficial   Buy Tim's new book "The Miracle Mentality" here:   https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Mentality-Source-Magical-Transformation/dp/0785236724   Connect with Doug:   Instagram: www.instagram.com/dougbopst   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dougbopst   Website: www.dougbopst.com/   Private Facebook Group:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/690686891674188   Our sponsors:   Earth Echo Foods/Cacao Bliss:   www.earthechofoods.com/dougbopst   Use Promo code "Doug" at checkout to receive 15% off your order   Legion Athletics:   buylegion.com/doug and use code "Doug" at checkout for 20% off     Athletic Greens:    www.athleticgreens.com/doug to get your free year supply of Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs!   My Go To Electrolyte Drink     Drink LMNT replaces essential electrolytes with no sugar, no coloring, no artificial ingredients, or any other junk. As a member of our community, you can a free LMNT Sample Pack to try all of their flavors through this link: DrinkLMNT.com/DougBopst Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Blueprint to an Effective and Sustainable Workout Program!!!   There is a lot of noise in the fitness industry about what works best with regard to weight loss, muscle building, and transformation. There are so many different workout programs, cleanses, and information that it can be challenging to decipher between what actually works long term and what doesn’t    With that said, I wanted to have a conversation with someone that is one of the most knowledgable, respected, and successful experts in this space. Today’s guest is Mike Matthews. Mike is the best selling author of books like “Bigger Leaner Stronger” and "Thinner Leaner Stronger." He is also the host of the "Muscle for Life Podcast" and founder of the #1 best-selling all-natural sports supplement brand, Legion athletics.   More importantly, Mike is a “go to” for all things muscle building, fat loss, and body transformation having helped tens of thousands of people change their lives via health and fitness. Check out his IG page for some of these before and after photos. It’s quite inspirational. Believe it or not, most of his clientele is the normal everyday person who is “unfit” and looking to become “fit” that doesn’t have hours upon hours to spend at the gym everyday. So if you are that person who is struggling to get started, keep “starting and stopping,” have hit a plateau, or just looking to up your fitness game then this episode is for you.   This episode is going to provide you the blueprint for a workout program that is effective, sustainable and help you create the ultimate health transformation.    We chat about the staples that are necessary for a successful fitness program that includes what to eat, what to do in the gym and the importance of protein. Mike and I discuss other things like how to not fall into the trap of making your body an idol or your identity, how to break through a plateau and how much time is REALLY necessary to spend in the gym to get results and how to maximize it.   We chat about the staples that are necessary for a successful fitness program that includes what to eat, what to do in the gym and the importance of protein. Mike and I discuss other things like how to not fall into the trap of making your body an idol or your identity, how to break through a plateau and how much time is REALLY necessary to spend in the gym to get results and how to maximize it. We also talk about why he thinks so many people quit on themselves and more!    Topics discussed:    The common themes of successful health transformations   What to eat to optimize your health and body   How to allocate time in the gym and what to do   How much cardio is necessary?    How to get started if you "start and stop" often   Why is protein is so important?   Why starting small leads to big changes   How to not create an identity around your body   Why people quit on themselves so soon   The importance of results   Connect with Mike:   Website: https://legionathletics.com/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muscleforlifefitness/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/muscleforlifefitness   Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/muscle-for-life-with-mike-matthews/id671863400   Connect with Doug:   Instagram: www.instagram.com/dougbopst   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dougbopst   Website: www.dougbopst.com/   Private Facebook Group:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/690686891674188     More on Earth Echo Foods/Cacao Bliss:   www.earthechofoods.com/dougbopst   Use Promo code "Doug" at checkout to receive 15% off your order       Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices