The Adversity Advantage with Doug Bopst

5 Secret Steps to Clean Up Your Mental Mess!!!   Dr. Caroline Leaf is a communication pathologist, a cognitive neuroscientist specializing in cognitive and metacognitive neuropsychology. She is also a best-selling author of many books and a podcast host.   During her years in clinical practice and her work with thousands of underprivileged teachers and students in her home country of South Africa and in the USA, she developed her theory of how we think, build memory and learn, creating practical guides and tools that have transformed the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), learning disabilities (ADD, ADHD), autism, dementias, and mental ill-health issues like anxiety and depression. She has helped hundreds of thousands of students and adults learn how to use their mind to detox and grow their brain, helping them succeed in every area of their lives, including school, university and the workplace.   Today we discuss her work and how toxic thoughts actually can affect your brain and how to stop them. She shares the difference between the subconscious, conscious and non-conscious parts of the mind. We talk about why it takes 63 days to form new habits and how to improve your mood if you are feeling off. Dr. Leaf also shares the 5 secret steps that are scientifically proven to clean up your mental mess so that you can live with less stress, anxiety, and toxic thoughts.   Topics discussed:   What inspired Dr. Leaf to combine the therapeutic and neurological approach, to be able to help so many people?   Where toxic thoughts can lead people and what effects they can really have on people’s brains   The three parts of the mind (non-conscious, conscious, subconscious)   What can people do when they’re having toxic thoughts, feeling depressed, or feeling anxious   Dr. Leaf’s secret 5-step process to clean up your mental mess   The “63 days” explained   How would people go through the 5 steps to be able to begin to rewire their brain in a way that they could create new neural pathways and change the way they talk to themselves?   The importance of awareness   Dr. Leaf’s advice for people who are going through something, and wanting to change their state and get into a better mood Takeaways:   “I have chosen to look at not just the brain but at the mind.” - Dr. Leaf   Basically, the mind is how you think and feel and choose.   Your brain is not you, your brain is a respondent. You control your brain, your brain doesn't control you.   If you have depression or anxiety, it's not that you have a psychiatric brain disease.   Awareness brings physical, structural malleability, and mind malleability.   The conscious mind work of the five steps needs to be done daily, over 63 days.   It takes at least 63 days for the neuroplasticity to become sustainable, that you actually have a thought you can work from.   You don't ever stop thinking. Your mind never stops. You're always thinking, feeling, and choosing.   When you breathe out longer than you breathe in, that increases your decision-making capability.   You can't control the events and circumstances of life, but you can control your responses and your reactions. Connect with Dr. Leaf:   Website: https://drleaf.com/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf   Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess Book:    https://www.amazon.com/Cleaning-Your-Mental-Mess-Scientifically/dp/0801093457   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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to Recreate Yourself in the Face of Adversity!!!   Today on the show we are talking about how to recreate yourself in the face of adversity and I can’t think of many people that have more experience in this than Abel James. Abel is a New York Times Best Selling author,a musician and the host of The Fat Burning Man Show, a podcast with over 50 million downloads.   Abel was a touring musician early on in his life until suddenly the momentum stopped and he was faced with one of the toughest decisions of his life. He had two choices: continue grinding as a touring musician struggling to pay his bills or  change careers to make a sustainable living. He chose the latter and dove deep into the world of health and wellness. The process certainly wasn’t easy, but he used his work ethic from his music career to build something meaningful. He was a celebrity coach on a ABC primetime weight loss show and has been voted as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Health and Fitness by Greatist for several consecutive years. When his debut cooking app, Caveman Feast, beat out The Food Network and Martha Stewart with more than 1,000 5-star reviews in 48 hours, Abel became the first independent publisher to hold Apple's #1 Food App and #1 Health Podcast at the same time.   Today we chat about his story as well as how he keeps himself out of the comparison trap and the power of solitude and disconnecting from technology. We also discuss his best practices for staying grounded and recreating yourself when change is needed. Lastly, he shares the heartbreaking story of how he and his wife nearly died last summer from carbon monoxide poisoning.   Topics discussed:   How Abel got really passionate about music   When did he realize that doing music full-time wasn't serving him anymore, and he needed to make a massive change to be able to generate some income and continue to help so many people   What happened to Abel during the moments when he was physically and mentally unhealthy   How does Abel continue to reinvent himself through the years   How does he keep himself out of the comparison trap   Other things Abel does on a daily basis to keep himself grounded   Abel’s thoughts about playing to the algorithm of social media and other platforms   Abel James’ story about the incident happened in July last year that caused him to nearly die.   Abel James’ advice for people who are trying to recreate themselves, their health, their relationship with their inner selves, and trying to recreate some meaning in their lives   Takeaways:   Playing to the algorithm is different than creating what you want to create.   “I think now more than ever is a time to focus on meaning and purpose, and so early in the day, not that everyone can do this right away, you have to prioritize it and find a way to set this up in your own life and set up your own practices to kind of make it automatic.” - Abel James   You have to put your notebook out and get used to writing it. Even if you don't remember your dreams, just write something and be like, “You know what, I don't remember my dreams today, but these are the three things I'm grateful for.”   If you're looking to learn something, then read it and write it down.   Be sure you're not suffering over your own suffering.   Be explicit and write down who you want to be, or what you want your life to be. The more often you do that, the more you start training your brain to build those things. Connect with Abel James:   Website: https://abeljames.com/ & https://fatburningman.com/    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatburningman/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbelJames   Twitter: https://twitter.com/fatburnman YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/fatburningman.   Connect with Doug   Instagram: @dougbopst   Facebook: Doug Bopst   Website: www.dougbopst.com/gift   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

How to Optimize Your Brain Health to Improve Your Well-being!!!   Today’s guest on the show is Dr. Daniel Amen. He is a physician, double board-certified psychiatrist, twelve-time New York Times bestselling author, and founder and CEO of Amen Clinics, with 9 locations across the United States.   Amen Clinics has the world’s largest database of brain scans related to behavior, totaling more than 170,000 scans on patients from 150 countries.  Dr. Amen’s research team has published more than 80 scientific articles and Discover Magazine named his research as one of the Top Stories in Science for 2015.  Dr. Amen has also written, produced, and hosted 15 national public television shows about the brain that have aired over 125,000 times across North America. He is widely regarded as a gifted teacher.   Addiction, suicide and other mental health issues-are on the rise thanks to the pandemic and I wanted to get Dr. Amen on the show to talk about what the path forward is, if there is one. He said that early in the pandemic anxiety medication prescriptions were up 34% and fears they are much higher now.   He talks about why need to start by reducing the stigma and addressing mental illness as a brain issue and not a mental health issue. We also discuss what actually works to calm the brain when it’s in a heightened state of anxiety and how to overcome negative thoughts for good. One of the most fascinating things we discussed is his new revolutionary 12 step program that addresses the physical health of the brain which is part of his newest book Your Brain is Always Listening: Tame the Hidden Dragons that control your happiness, habits and hangups that is available for pre sale now and officially on sale on Tuesday March 2nd.    Topics discussed:   Difference between mental illness and brain health issues   What are the few things that people tend to do to kind of get them on a path that leads them to having an optimal brain health?   Does vaping and smoking cigarettes give people’s brains the same response as what drugs do, based on Dr. Amen’s research?   The inspiration behind Dr. Amen’s new book   The reason why he used “dragons” as a representation in his latest book   Side effects of the anxiety medication   How changing habits can affect brain health   The best practices that Dr. Amen talked about in the book that can help people stop the automatic negative thoughts   The effects of social media in people’s brain   The importance of addressing the physical brain to improve brain health   Dr. Amen’s 12 step program   Things that actually work to calm the brain when it's in a heightened state Takeaways:   “I have always hated the term mental illness. I would never want to be diagnosed with a mental illness. It shames people, it stigmatizes people, and it's wrong.” - Dr. Daniel Amen   The most psychiatric issues are not mental health issues at all. They’re brain health issues.   The real reason not to use drugs is they damage your brain. If they damage your brain, they damage everything in your life.   Discipline doesn't mean to beat your mind. It just means to teach your mind, and to train your mind.   If you don't admit you have a problem. You can't do anything to solve it. But you are not the problem.   Once you learn how to be healthy, you have to share it, because it is in the act of giving you create your own support group, making it more likely you're gonna stay on the program forever.   Life is complicated. That's why God gave us a big brain so that we can manage it.   You are not your mind. Connect with Dr. Daniel Amen:   Book: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Brain-Always-Listening-Happiness/dp/1496438205   Website: https://danielamenmd.com/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doc_amen/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drdanielamen   Get his new book here:   www.yourbrainisalwayslistening.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Secret to Creating Healthy Habits That Last!!!   Your habits can either make or break you. We often wonder, how we end up in destructive patterns or at a stalemate in life. We all make a conscious effort to create new habits that are healthier and better for us. We often see this at the beginning of the year with New Year's resolutions. Starting a habit is easy. Sticking with it is where the challenge arises. Today’s guest is the “ultimate guru” in habit formation. At the end of this episode, you will know how to create healthy habits that last and break those that don’t serve you.    My guest today is BJ Fogg. BJ is a behavior scientist at Stanford University where he directs research and innovation at the Behavior Design Lab that he is the founder of.   In addition to his research, Fogg teaches industry innovators how human behavior really works. and is the author of the New York Times best-selling book, “Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything.” BJ  has personally coached over 40,000 people in creating habits using his online platform and email.   In this episode, you are going to learn how important taking small steps are when it comes to habit formation. We also discuss the difference between a habit and behavior, the exact steps needed to create behaviors and habits that last, how to make behavior change easy, the importance of celebrating small wins, and habits we can create to sleep better and reduce screen time and so much more!   Topics discussed:   What's the difference between a habit and behavior?   Good habits and bad habits get started in the same way   Why motivation alone won't help you build a habit   How can you construct habits?   What can you do in order to sleep better?   The “after” approach   The needed actions to take golden behaviors   Why it is so important to celebrate small wins   Ways that people can make behaviors easy   Importance of being grateful   Untangling a habit that's not serving us   BJ’s tips to get rid of your phone in the bedroom and reduce “screen time”   Importance of having policies to redesign your environment. Takeaways:   Habit is a type of behavior.   If you draw a big circle, it's like, that's human behavior. Within that circle, you can draw a smaller circle and say, that is a habit.   It's emotions that make the habit become solidified in our brains and in our lives.   Start where you want to start.   If you can make it so tiny that it doesn't require any motivation or really any time, then you really can be very consistent.   The association of the positive emotion with the behavior is what turns it into a habit.   18% of people within five days report making a big change when doing tiny habits. That's almost one-fifth of the people within five days.   Get set up, make it easy, and then design it into your life. If it works, keep going. And if it doesn't try something else.   “Untangle” is a better word than “break”.   “Untangle” is a process, and it's a process people are familiar with. Connect with BJ:   Website: https://www.bjfogg.com/    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tinyhabits   Twitter: https://twitter.com/bjfogg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bjfogg/   Join BJ’s 5 day Tiny Habits challenge:    tinyhabits.com/join   Connect with Doug   Instagram: www.instagram.com/dougbopst   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dougbopst   Website: www.dougbopst.com/   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

Creator of P90x Shares Why He Left Beachbody and His Journey of Reinvention!!!!   Today on the podcast I have the pioneer in the online program creation space and the man that helped put the company Beachbody on the map with his revolutionary workout program, P90X. Listen, I have been a trainer now for almost a decade and I have seen many online workout programs come and go and this one has managed to weather the storms. I think you are going to really enjoy hearing more about the journey of Tony Horton. Tony is on the show today and as I hinted he is the wildly popular creator of the best-selling  P90X®fitness series. He is also a best selling author and one of the most motivating people you will ever come across.    He shares the ins and outs of how he went from training rockstars like Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen to getting started with Beachbody and creating arguably one of the most popular fitness programs of all time. He is going to walk you along that path as well as talk about why he split from Beachbody and was actually “scared to death” afterwards. We discuss how Tony reinvented himself afterwards and what he is up to now. We also talk about a recent massive health scare that Tony experienced and how it impacted his mental health and how he has bounced back since.   This episode is going to hit home with many and is going to help inspire and give you the tools needed to have success even when you have failed time and time again. You will also gain a lot of insight on how to truly create a meaningful transformation from one of the most popular fitness coaches of all time.   Topics discussed:   Tony’s workout routine   How did Tony’s workout program start and how they do it when there’s still no social media   The inspiration behind P90X   Tony Horton and Carl Daikeler and how they met   The most fulfilling part for Tony   In life after Beachbody, how did the sequels end up doing, and which are the most popular ones   Looking back, would Tony wish in some shape or fashion that he would have just stopped after P90x?   What was the main reason behind why they parted ways 2 years ago?   Did Tony feel like he was at a low point after he called it quits with Beachbody?   Does Tony ask himself questions like, “Who am I? Who am I anymore without Beachbody?”   Tony’s advice for the people that just can't seem to find success.   Tony’s story about the illness he experienced years ago   How did Tony’s health scare affect his mental health?   Tony’s advice for someone to create a meaningful transformation   Takeaways:   There’s nothing more fulfilling than hearing the stories of the people that you meet, and knowing that you've had an impact on tens of millions of people's lives.   Sometimes, you just gotta look out for yourself and your family, and you gotta get up and go. If you don't like the way people are treating you anymore, then you’ve got to go and win. No hard feelings.   “It's been hard, and it's bumpier now than ever, but whatever.” - Tony Horton   Figure out your purpose. Your purpose should be “I have to do this because if I don't do this, I'm just surviving like every other bonehead in the world that doesn't know what to do, or refuses to do it.”   You just need to have some really cool badass people who inspire you in your life.   Take pencil to paper and write them down. And then figure out who, what, where, and when do you need to find solutions for these things that you know you need   Successful people are usually people who had it pretty rough for a large section of their life.   Connect with Tony Horton:   Website: https://mypowerlife.com/ https://www.tonyhortonlife.com/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyshorton/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonySHorton/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tony_Horton   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClND7cYdU-SCDj-1gFL6lQQ     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Holocaust Survivor Dr. Edith Eger on Finding Faith, Forgiveness, Hope and Freedom!!!   Viktor Frankl states “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”    Unfortunate events, trials and hardships will always come. But what defines us isn’t the situation itself, it’s our response. Control what you can, focus your energy on the positive and have faith that things will get better. While this approach won’t guarantee you success, the alternative certainly will push you further away from it.   My guest today is a survivor of one of the most horrific, challenging and dark times the world has ever seen: the Holocaust. As a teenager, she and her family were sent to Auschwitz, one of the most horrendous concentration camps of that time.   I can’t even begin to imagine how traumatic, difficult and frightening it was for her. Many of you are wondering if her situation could possibly get any worse. It did. Her parents were killed in the gas chamber the day they arrived.    Some of her mother’s last words to her were this:     “We don’t know where we’re are going. We don't know what's going to happen. Just remember, no one can take away what you’ve put in your mind.”   She took those words to heart and they became the core for her survival. Today, she is not only surviving, but she is thriving.   Dr. Edith Eger who is 93 years old, joins me on the show today. She is a highly sought after psychologist, author and keynote speaker. Edie, as her friends affectionately call her, obtained her doctorate in psychology and learned to use her imprisonment at Auschwitz as a powerful analogy for the prisons we create in our own minds. Her mission is now to inspire others to discard their limitations and find renewal and freedom within themselves. After becoming a New York Times Bestselling Author with her memoir, "The Choice," Dr. Eger wrote a hands-on guide to overcoming trauma called "The Gift: 12 Lessons to Save Your Life." It was released last fall.    We talk about how to maintain faith despite any horrible situation, finding forgiveness, redefining who you are as a person despite your past and maintaining your sanity as well as controlling your emotions during times of distress. We also discuss why you can’t heal what you don’t feel and why she needed to return to Auschwitz to heal from her traumatic experience and more!   Topics discussed:   How Dr. Edith’s faith in God evolved through the years and even during those hard times.   Advice for someone who's in the moments of feeling spiritually lost, and they just don't know what to believe in   How to be able to redefine who you were as a person, despite your past   How going back to Auschwitz helped Dr. Edith to move through that dark time in her life.   Mom of Dr. Edith’s last words and how it helped her navigate through all the horrible experiences and turned them into something positive   Dr. Edith’s advice for the people as a society to come together and display a sense of unity   Things that Dr. Edith regrets    Dr. Edith’s opinion about the word “rejection”   Dr. Edith talks about forgiveness   The difference between belief and faith Words of wisdom from Dr. Edith Eger:   It's very important to differentiate between reacting or responding.   “The darker things appear to be, the closer I felt the wonderful God that taught me how to turn hatred into pity.” - Dr. Edith Eger   Whatever happened to you, you cannot change the past, but you can change your attitude.   You cannot heal what you don't fear.   “I think young, but not young and foolish. It's very important to be young and be childlike, but not childish.” - Dr. Edith Eger   God gave us temptations so we can practice the freedom of choice.   Anger is not the primary emotion. Underneath the anger is a lot of fear. And love and fear does not co-exist.   Self-love is self-care. It's not narcissistic. Connect with Dr. Edith Eger:   Website: https://dreditheger.com/    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.editheger/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreditheger/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/dreditheger1   Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Edith-Eger/e/B075C9WQZH%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share   Connect with Doug   Instagram: www.instagram.com/dougbopst   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dougbopst   Website: www.dougbopst.com/   Listen to Joseph Bernstein's music:   https://open.spotify.com/artist/108CWod0HkDQZpFXeWn5EY?si=uLJW1DiLQBKN1aTVCQFkpA   https://josephbernstein.bandcamp.com/album/1941       Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Blueprint for How to Develop Unbreakable Social Skills!!!   My guest today is Jay Ferruggia, a fitness and coaching OG. He’s been helping people become a stronger version of themselves since 1994. His clients include CEO’s and professional athletes in the MLB, NFL AND WWE. Jay is also the host of the popular podcast, Renegade Radio with Jay Ferruggia.   You may have seen his work in Men’s Health, Muscle & Fitness, Maximum Fitness, Men’s Fitness, Fast Company, Huffington Post, LiveStrong, Muscle & Fitness Hers, Shape, Entrepreneur, Details, or on ESPN or CBS.   Surveying his social media profiles imparts an impressive physical specimen. But, what’s most impressive is how grounded he is mentally, emotionally and spiritually. He is a master connector, networker and makes new friends and contacts with ease. This guy is full of wisdom. Just check out his instagram to see for yourself.   This success did not come easy for Jay. Growing up he was the “skinny kid” who was socially awkward, shy and insecure. He also struggled with mental health and even addiction. But, today he stands strong and shares his story and the blueprint to improving your social skills, building meaningful relationships, exercising your emotional muscles and of course we chat fitness.     Topics discussed:   How did Jay go from working in the brick and mortar facility to pivoting online?   Why it is important to take a deeper look inside yourself and actually work on the emotional mental muscles too   The importance of social skills and giving compliments   The importance of having aspirational affirmations   How did building relationships impact Jay’s success professionally and personally?   Jay’s advice for someone who's interested in hiring a coach or getting into one of the networking groups and what to look for   Few staples that Jay thinks everybody should include in their own health journey for 2021   Why it is important to prioritize sleep Takeaways:   The reality is when you focus on other people and you give them the gift of your attention and connection (gift of a smile or a compliment) that's an amazing gift to give them and then you will feel great.   You’ve got to take care of your people. You’ve got to check in on your people. You’ve got to be a value to people.   You could do anything, as long as you're confident and put yourself out there.   Prioritize sleep and every single thing will get better.   Connect with people and build strong relationships. That is really one of the most important pillars and foundations of good health. Connect with Jay Ferruggia:   Website: http://jasonferruggia.com/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayferruggia   Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuDiUu00raDqT_MaNhx_Hw Podcast: Renegade Radio with Jay Ferruggia https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/renegade-radio-jay-ferruggia-fitness-nutrition-lifestyle/id853941025?mt=2     Connect with Doug   Instagram: www.instagram.com/dougbopst   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dougbopst   Website: www.dougbopst.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The One Molecule That Could Jeopardize The Human Race!!!!   Have you wondered why people become addicted to drugs, sex, success, porn, and social media? It all boils down to one molecule: Dopamine or as my guest, today calls it “the molecule of more.” Dopamine is a double-edged sword because it certainly has many positive benefits like creativity, taking action, falling in love, excitement and ambition. But dopamine, if not managed correctly, can lead you to the depths of divorce, despair, destruction, and even death.    My guest today is Daniel Z. Lieberman, M.D. He is professor and vice chair for clinical affairs in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at George Washington University. Dr. Lieberman is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a recipient of the Caron Foundation Research Award, and he has published over 50 scientific reports on behavioral science. He has provided insight on psychiatric issues for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the US Department of Commerce, and the Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy, and has discussed mental health in interviews on CNN, C-SPAN, and PBS.  We are going to talk about dopamine, which is the main subject of Daniel’s book called, "The Molecule of More: How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity―and Will Determine the Fate of the Human Race."   In this episode, we discuss what dopamine, is and how it’s responsible for things like addiction, cravings, love, sex, pleasure and social media use. He shares why people who end up super successful end up suffering with their mental health and even turn to suicide.  We get into how to handle desire and achievement in a healthy way as well what drugs and social media actually do to the brain. So fasten your seatbelt, get out your pen and paper so you can learn to have a healthy relationship with dopamine and let’s get this conversation going with Dr. Daniel Z Lieberman.     Topics discussed:   How do drugs and substances impact the mind What is dopamine? Peri-personal space in the brain Extra-personal space in the brain Daniel’s thoughts about people who turned to things like drugs, alcohol, suicide, just to deal with their problems after they achieve something so meaningful. How to handle things such as ambition and achievement properly, and not to focus on wanting more Why do opioids cause people to really get addicted? Dopaminergic pleasure Control dopamine circuit Desire dopamine circuit Genetic predisposition What are the few things that have been successful in helping people rewire their pleasure and desire circuits? What can people do to help others who are suffering from addiction? The different kinds of love The different phases of the human sexual cycle Daniel’s take on social media What effect does social media have on the brain? How to have a healthy relationship with dopamine The observing ego Delusions and psychosis Takeaways:   The single most important thing in this world was the human mind.   In order to get something you don't have, the first step is you've gotta want it so that you're willing to put in the work.   Dopamine is interested in what we don't have, and as soon as what you want becomes what you have, dopamine shuts off.   The kind of people who can most afford a beach house are least able to enjoy it.   The main purpose of the brain is to keep us alive, keep us functioning, keep us reproducing, basically keep us obeying dopamine.   Craving is when you feel that there is nothing that can make you feel good, and nothing can make you feel satisfied unless you use that substance.   What happens with addiction is that we have an imbalance between the desire and the control circuits.   The real key to helping people overcome addiction is going to be in the kinds of new relationships they're able to form.   Love is a dopaminergic phenomenon. It's not so different from getting very, very high on drugs.   Healthy behavior is a habit. You can't jump to the finish line in one leap. You’ve got to start out with doing small things consistently, and that will strengthen your brain and enable you to do big things under extraordinary circumstances.   Always be honest with yourself. Connect with Daniel:   Website: http://www.danielzlieberman.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielzlieberman/   The Molecule of More: How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity―and Will Determine the Fate of the Human Race https://www.amazon.com/Molecule-More-Chemical-Creativity_and-Determine/dp/1946885118     Connect with Doug   Instagram: www.instagram.com/dougbopst   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dougbopst   Website: www.dougbopst.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Addicts are not criminals, they are humans in pain. People who are depressed are not sick, they are humans in pain. People who are suicidal aren't crazy, they aren't humans in pain" - Adam Sud   In 2012, Adam Sud’s life was completely out of control. Once weighing nearly 350lbs and struggling with multiple addictions, serious chronic diseases, and mental health disorders. His life nearly came to an end when he attempted suicide by drug overdose.   He checked into rehab and with the help of his parents and a plant-based diet, he began a journey that led to a remarkable recovery. Reversing all of his chronic diseases and getting off all of his medications, including his psych meds within 1 year and losing 180lbs.   Adam is the founder of the non-profit, Plant-Based for Positive Change that is dedicated to advancing the research of diet and mental health/addiction, and is running the very first research study to investigate the effects of a plant-based diet intervention on early addiction recovery outcomes. He is an international speaker for the plant-based movement and addiction recovery movement.   Adam has worked in recovery centers using plant-based nutrition as a tool for strengthening recovery and relapse prevention. He firmly believes that the simplest change on your fork can make the most profound change of your life and that self-love is the root of all recovery.    Topics discussed:   What it’s like to be addicted to drugs   Adam’s suicidal story and how he survived it   Adam’s recovery journey   How being of service helped Adam fuel his recovery and keep him on fire for not being that person he used to be   Adam talks about their current research study called The INFINITE Study   The importance of gut microbiome   The importance of self-love and taking care of our body   Simple ways to help someone who is in pain   Takeaways:   Anybody who's focused solely on the short term will is misled every single time.   Recovery is a process of becoming whole.   Recovery is always more valuable than sobriety (there is a difference).   There is an amazing transformation that occurs when you make the decisions that you want, based on how you're going to connect to what matters most to you in life.   Negative consequences don't motivate a single person on the planet.   Being of service is a human trait that's necessary for a meaningful life.   I'm not telling people they have to be vegan. But what we're showing is that there is a direct relationship between eating more plants, and your mental health outcomes.   Connect with Adam:   Website: https://www.plantbasedforpositivechange.org/    Instagram: https://instagram.com/plantbasedaddict GoFundMe:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/6ah8f-infinite-study     Connect with Doug   Instagram: www.instagram.com/dougbopst   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dougbopst   Website: www.dougbopst.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I bet many of you reading this are feeling stuck in some way. Whether it’s in your business, in your personal life or your relationships I am sure you’ve been wanting to finally break free from your past and heal. I am going to share a little secret with you. Even though your life isn’t “chaotic” it doesn’t mean that unhealthy behaviors aren’t holding you back from living your best life.   Struggling to make change, self-sabotage, people-pleasing, addictions, constant feelings of anxiety/fear/stress, toxic relationships, feeling unfulfilled…. These are all signs that you are stuck and living in the past.   I got you thinking now, didn’t I?   I have been tracking down this person to get this interview for quite some time and after hearing who it is you will understand why. Her approach to healing is extraordinarily popular because of the way that it empowers people to have control over their thoughts, emotions, and actions.  Remember, healing and doing the work is a daily practice.  It certainly isn’t easy and takes time. There are many tools that can help you on your journey and she and I will discuss them all.   But please, remember that the goal isn’t to implement these all at once.   It’s simply to start small and begin to build new healthy habits one by one that will allow you to become your best self. Doing this will help you finally escape from the prison of your past so that you can be free to become the person you aspire.   Many of you will recognize today's guest from her highly popular social media platform. Some of you have may have participated in her selfhealers circle or have reposted or have seen some of her viral content.    I am very excited that Dr. Nicole LePera or as many of you know her The Holistic Psychologist is joining me on the show today. She is here to provide a masterclass on all things healing, including doing the inner work and holistic psychology.     As a clinical psychologist in private practice, she often found herself frustrated by the limitations of traditional psychotherapy.  Wanting more for her patients— and for self— she began a journey to develop a united philosophy of mental, physical, and spiritual health that equips people with the tools necessary to heal themselves.    Her book “How to do the Work: Recognize Your Patterns, Heal From Your Past, and Create Your Self" is set to be released on March 9th but is available now for presale.  Her book should undoubtedly be on your must read list for the spring.    We discuss why fitness can be a catalyst for change, why therapy alone won’t heal you, how to stop feeling stressed and anxious when you have nothing to be stressed about, how to know if you have experienced trauma and how to develop self awareness and belief in yourself so that you can feel worthy and stop repeating old patterns, heal and thrive.   Topics discussed:   Nicoles backstory   Nicole's long battle with anxiety   Nicole's physical health issues such as digestion issues, sleep issues, brain fog    The mind body soul connection   The importance of fitness and taking care of yourself   The pivotal role fitness played in Nicole's healing journey   The meaning of holistic psychology   What is homeostasis/How does homeostasis relate to our previous patterns and conditioning/How can homeostasis show up with some of our struggles today?   Some tips to help people discover if they've gone through something that has impacted them in a way that shows up in a negative way today   Some ways that people can take a couple of steps to become more self-aware   Ways for people to cultivate belief in themselves so that they can get back on the right foot in their life   The reticular activating system   The importance of going back to childhood specifically when they're experiencing discomfort or unhealthy patterns of behaviors   The next step where someone can move forward when they already have established self awareness   Nicole’s advice for people who are starting to set boundaries and what are some simple ways to do it   What is ego?   How can somebody do some proactive work to check their ego and be more self-aware   How to set healthy boundaries   The importance of working on yourself first. Takeaways:   Holistic means mind, body, soul, and exploring the very real underlying drivers of how we act, think, and live our day to day life.   Anytime we're struggling to create change, even if we know better or we can see a different future based on a different choice, usually it is an indicator that something deeper is preventing us from doing that. It's a good place to dive in and to look at what comes up.   We have to learn moment to moment how to be present in our body so that over time, we can continue to meet its ever changing needs.   Beliefs are so important and so impactful in how we experience and how we perceive our day to day happenings.   Anything new is going to challenge that homeostatic impulse, that desire to be back in that familiar.    Pick one thing and set a small daily promise each and every day, to keep that one promise. Break it down until it's almost so small.   As humans, we're actually wired to be in relationships with other people.   Boundaries are separation. They allow us to create safety so that we can more authentically honor our physical, spiritual and emotional needs, which then set us up to authentically show up for our relationships.   Ego is the story about ourselves. Connect with Nicole:   Website: https://yourholisticpsychologist.com    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.holistic.psychologist   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.holistic.psychologist   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/   Preorder Nicole's book:   https://www.amazon.com/How-Do-Work-Recognize-Patterns/dp/006301209X   More on BiOptimizers/Magnesium Breakthrough:   Go to www.magbreakthrough.com/doug and use the code DOUG10 to save 10 percent when you try Magnesium Breakthrough.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices