Podcast
The Adversity Advantage with Doug Bopst
Hosted by Doug Bopst · EN
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.
42episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why You Keep Repeating The Same Toxic Patterns | Dr. Nicole LePera
5d ago01:01:21Tap to summarizeDr. Nicole LePera is the New York Times bestselling author of How to Do the Work and How to Be the Love You Seek, as well as the workbook How to Meet Your Self. She was trained in clinical psychology at Cornell University and the New School for Social Research and studied at the Institute for Modern Psychoanalysis of Philadelphia. She is a holistic psychologist whose work addresses the connections among the mind, body, and soul, incorporating overall lifestyle and psychological wellness practices. She is the creator of the #SelfHealers movement where people from around the world are joining together in community to take healing into their own hands. Today on the show we discuss: how childhood patterns silently shape your adult relationships, why awareness without action keeps people trapped in self-sabotage, the connection between nervous system regulation and emotional healing, how overachievement and people pleasing are often survival responses, the dangerous trap of relying on external validation for self-worth, and what it actually takes to build healthy relationships through honesty, boundaries and self-connection and much more. ⚠ WELLNESS DISCLAIMER ⚠ Please be advised; the topics related to health and mental health in my content are for informational, discussion, and entertainment purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health or mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your current condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard from your favorite creator, on social media, or shared within content you’ve consumed. If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you do not have a health professional who is able to assist you, use these resources to find help: Emergency Medical Services—911 If the situation is potentially life-threatening, get immediate emergency assistance by calling 911, available 24 hours a day. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. SAMHSA addiction and mental health treatment Referral Helpline, 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727) and https://www.samhsa.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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The Real Science of Longevity & Why Your Body Is Aging Faster Than You Think | Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson
1w ago00:59:18Tap to summarizeDr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, DVM, MPH, is a veterinary epidemiologist, author of The Longevity Nutrient, and the world’s leading expert on C15:0—the first essential fatty acid discovered in over 90 years. Formerly with the WHO and U.S. Navy, she holds 70+ patents, has 80+ peer-reviewed publications, and is Co-Founder/CEO of Seraphina Therapeutics. Her work has been featured on NPR, CBS, BBC, and National Geographic. A 2025 CNBC Changemaker, she has received the HHS Secretary’s Award for Innovations in Disease Prevention and Boehringer Ingelheim’s Innovation Award, advancing groundbreaking science to help people age healthier. Today on the show we discuss: the real science behind healthy aging and what actually impacts your biological age, why sitting, chronic stress and poor sleep may be accelerating aging faster than you realize, the surprising connection between loneliness, community and long-term health, how movement, relationships and daily habits shape quality of life as you get older, the controversy around longevity supplements and the science behind C15 fatty acids, and why healthy aging is about living better longer not just living longer and much more. Get 15% off your first order of fatty15: https://fatty15.com/DOUG ⚠ WELLNESS DISCLAIMER ⚠ Please be advised; the topics related to health and mental health in my content are for informational, discussion, and entertainment purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health or mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your current condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard from your favorite creator, on social media, or shared within content you’ve consumed. If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you do not have a health professional who is able to assist you, use these resources to find help: Emergency Medical Services—911 If the situation is potentially life-threatening, get immediate emergency assistance by calling 911, available 24 hours a day. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. SAMHSA addiction and mental health treatment Referral Helpline, 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727) and https://www.samhsa.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Why So Many People Secretly Regret Smoking Weed | Lindsey Metselaar
1w ago00:51:40Tap to summarizeLindsey Metselaar is the host of the hit dating podcast We Met at Acme, where she explores modern relationships, dating dynamics, and personal growth. She’s also been open about her journey in recovery, sharing how quitting weed transformed her life, relationships, and overall well-being. Today on the show we discuss: why weed addiction is more real than people admit, how being “functional” keeps you stuck, what actually happens when you quit, why weed can worsen anxiety and relationships, how weed culture is impacting dating, the truth about the friend zone and modern dating dynamics and much more. ⚠ WELLNESS DISCLAIMER ⚠ Please be advised; the topics related to health and mental health in my content are for informational, discussion, and entertainment purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health or mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your current condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard from your favorite creator, on social media, or shared within content you’ve consumed. If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you do not have a health professional who is able to assist you, use these resources to find help: Emergency Medical Services—911 If the situation is potentially life-threatening, get immediate emergency assistance by calling 911, available 24 hours a day. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. SAMHSA addiction and mental health treatment Referral Helpline, 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727) and https://www.samhsa.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →The 10,000 Step Lie: Why Your Daily Goal is a Marketing Myth | Dr. Courtney Conley & Dr. Milica McDowell
2w ago00:57:53Tap to summarizeDr. Courtney Conley holds a Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine as well as two bachelor’s degrees in Kinesiology and Human Biology. The founder and creator of Gait Happens, she has worked with professional athletic teams including the Phoenix Suns, New York Yankees, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers, and Minnesota Vikings. Dr. Conley is Head of Patient Care at Total Health Solutions and Total Health Performance, premier healthcare destinations renowned for their comprehensive and science-based approach to patient care. Dr. Milica McDowell holds two Bachelor of Science degrees (Exercise Physiology and Health Promotion, (Montana State University), a master’s degree (Physical Therapy, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center), and a Doctorate degree (Physical Therapy, Idaho State University). She served as a university faculty member in Human Performance for nearly a decade, has developed numerous medical education curricula and has been an invited speaker on many national stages, including the American Physical Therapy Association and American College of Sports Medicine’s conventions. Today on the show we discuss: why the 10,000 step rule is a myth rooted in marketing not science, how walking is a biological necessity that impacts your metabolism brain and mental health, why small “micro walks” can dramatically improve mood confidence and long-term consistency, the truth about fat loss and why walking works when you stack it with better sleep breathing and nutrition, how modern shoes are weakening your feet and what to do instead, and how to build a simple walking routine that actually improves longevity reduces depression and lowers your risk of disease and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →How To Break Free From Addiction When Your Mind Is Against You | Eric Zimmer
2w ago00:57:34Tap to summarizeEric Zimmer is an author, teacher, speaker, and the creator of The One You Feed podcast—an award-winning show with over 50 million downloads across 800+ conversations exploring meaningful living. At 24, Eric was homeless, addicted to heroin, and facing prison. His journey from those depths sparked his lifelong inquiry into human transformation and resilience. Through his behavior coaching, workshops, and mentorship, he has guided thousands worldwide in creating sustainable habits that last—not through willpower or epiphany, but through steady change. His approach combines cutting-edge science with timeless wisdom, providing practical pathways to greater integrity and deeper meaning. His story and his work have been featured in the media, including TedX, Mind Body Green, Elephant Journal, the BBC and Brain Pickings. His new book is How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life. Today on the show we discuss: how addiction creates an internal battle between who you are and who you want to be, why real transformation comes from stacking small daily wins instead of chasing big moments, how to rebuild self-trust after relapse by focusing on actions not identity, the danger of emotional spirals and how to neutralize them to extract lessons from setbacks, why comparing your current self to your past or others keeps you stuck and how to reframe it, and how purpose is found by using your pain to help others move through what you’ve already survived and much more. ⚠ WELLNESS DISCLAIMER ⚠ Please be advised; the topics related to health and mental health in my content are for informational, discussion, and entertainment purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health or mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your current condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard from your favorite creator, on social media, or shared within content you’ve consumed. If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you do not have a health professional who is able to assist you, use these resources to find help: Emergency Medical Services—911 If the situation is potentially life-threatening, get immediate emergency assistance by calling 911, available 24 hours a day. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. SAMHSA addiction and mental health treatment Referral Helpline, 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727) and https://www.samhsa.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Your Brain Is Overstimulated… Here's What To Do About It | Dr. Tommy Wood
3w ago00:59:28Tap to summarizeDr. Tommy Wood is a neuroscientist who has coached world class athletes in a dozen sports. He received his undergraduate degree in biochemistry from the University of Cambridge and his medical degree from the University of Oxford, and he also has his PhD in physiology and neuroscience. Tommy is currently a Research Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Washington, where his research interests include identifying modifiable factors that contribute to brain health and cognitive function across the lifespan and more. Today on the show we discuss: why your brain is being overtrained and under-recovered in the most overstimulated environment in history, how constant multitasking is rewiring you to be more distracted and less capable of deep focus, the truth about “cheap dopamine” and why it’s quietly killing your motivation to do meaningful work, how structuring your day and protecting focus blocks can rebuild your attention and cognitive performance, why lack of real-world challenge, movement, and social interaction is driving anxiety and poor mental health, and how exercise, learning new skills, and time in nature can rapidly rewire your brain for focus, resilience, and long-term cognitive health and much more. ⚠ WELLNESS DISCLAIMER ⚠ Please be advised; the topics related to health and mental health in my content are for informational, discussion, and entertainment purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health or mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your current condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard from your favorite creator, on social media, or shared within content you’ve consumed. If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you do not have a health professional who is able to assist you, use these resources to find help: Emergency Medical Services—911 If the situation is potentially life-threatening, get immediate emergency assistance by calling 911, available 24 hours a day. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. SAMHSA addiction and mental health treatment Referral Helpline, 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727) and https://www.samhsa.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →The Real Cause Of Your Brain Fog, Anxiety & Low Energy (It's Not What You Think) | Cynthia Thurlow
3w ago01:05:56Tap to summarizeCynthia Thurlow is a nurse practitioner, host of the Everyday Wellness podcast, author and international speaker, with over 15 million views for her second TEDx talk (Intermittent Fasting: Transformational Technique). With over 25 years experience in health and wellness, Cynthia is a globally recognized expert in perimenopause/menopause and intermittent fasting, and has been featured on ABC, FOX5, KTLA, CW, Medium, Entrepreneur, and The Megyn Kelly Show. Her mission is to help empower women to live their most optimal lives in perimenopause and beyond.Today on the show we discuss: what’s really happening in your body during midlife and why you feel like you’re losing your edge, how declining hormones, poor sleep and muscle loss are quietly impacting your energy and metabolism, the hidden link between gut health, brain fog and emotional regulation, why stress and unresolved trauma may be the biggest drivers of health issues as you age, how your relationships and home life can either support or sabotage your well-being, and simple ways to improve your nutrition and protein intake without overcomplicating everything and much more. Today on the show we discuss: what’s really happening in your body during midlife and why you feel like you’re losing your edge, how declining hormones, poor sleep and muscle loss are quietly impacting your energy and metabolism, the hidden link between gut health, brain fog and emotional regulation, why stress and unresolved trauma may be the biggest drivers of health issues as you age, how your relationships and home life can either support or sabotage your well-being, and simple ways to improve your nutrition and protein intake without overcomplicating everything and much more. ⚠ WELLNESS DISCLAIMER ⚠ Please be advised; the topics related to health and mental health in my content are for informational, discussion, and entertainment purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health or mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your current condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard from your favorite creator, on social media, or shared within content you’ve consumed. If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you do not have a health professional who is able to assist you, use these resources to find help: Emergency Medical Services—911 If the situation is potentially life-threatening, get immediate emergency assistance by calling 911, available 24 hours a day. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. SAMHSA addiction and mental health treatment Referral Helpline, 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727) and https://www.samhsa.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Walking Saved Her Life: The Science Behind Movement & Mental Health | Dr. Courtney Conley
3w ago01:10:25Tap to summarizeDr. Courtney Conley is a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine with a background in kinesiology and human biology, and the founder of Gait Happens. She is a leading expert in foot health and human movement, working with everyone from everyday individuals to professional athletes, including consulting for multiple major league teams. Through her work, she helps people move better, reduce pain, and build a foundation for long-term physical and mental health. Today on the show we discuss: how movement can become the one thing that saves your life when everything else is falling apart, the connection between addiction, anxiety and the need to stay in motion, why walking is one of the most overlooked tools for mental health and longevity, how small daily habits like micro walks can pull you out of your darkest moments, the hidden link between foot health, pain and overall well-being, and how hitting rock bottom can become the foundation for resilience, purpose and a completely new life and much more. ⚠ WELLNESS DISCLAIMER ⚠ Please be advised; the topics related to health and mental health in my content are for informational, discussion, and entertainment purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health or mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your current condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard from your favorite creator, on social media, or shared within content you’ve consumed. If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you do not have a health professional who is able to assist you, use these resources to find help: Emergency Medical Services—911 If the situation is potentially life-threatening, get immediate emergency assistance by calling 911, available 24 hours a day. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. SAMHSA addiction and mental health treatment Referral Helpline, 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727) and https://www.samhsa.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Former CIA Spy: How To Spot Liars & Manipulators Before They Control You | John Kiriakou
3w ago01:23:02Tap to summarizeJohn Kiriakou is a journalist, author and host of Deep Focus. He was a former senior counterterrorism officer for the CIA until he blew the whistle on its torture program. Today on the show we discuss: how a CIA whistleblower risked everything to expose the truth, what it actually takes to think independently in a world full of propaganda, how to spot liars, manipulators and gaslighters before they gain control, the hidden ways people are influenced without realizing it, how power, fear and incentives shape human behavior, and the real-life consequences of standing up for what you believe in and much more. ⚠ WELLNESS DISCLAIMER ⚠ Please be advised; the topics related to health and mental health in my content are for informational, discussion, and entertainment purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health or mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your current condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard from your favorite creator, on social media, or shared within content you’ve consumed. If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you do not have a health professional who is able to assist you, use these resources to find help: Emergency Medical Services—911 If the situation is potentially life-threatening, get immediate emergency assistance by calling 911, available 24 hours a day. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. SAMHSA addiction and mental health treatment Referral Helpline, 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727) and https://www.samhsa.go Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →From Prison Cell to Freedom: Greg Kelley's Fight to Prove His Innocence
4w ago02:35:45Tap to summarizeGreg Kelley is a former high school football standout whose life was derailed at 18 when he was wrongfully convicted of a crime he didn’t commit and sentenced to 25 years in prison. After enduring years inside maximum security facilities, Kelley never stopped fighting for the truth—and was ultimately exonerated, exposing major failures within the justice system. Today, he shares his story to raise awareness about wrongful convictions, resilience, and the power of maintaining faith and discipline under extreme adversity. Today on the show we discuss: what it’s really like to walk into prison at 18 for a crime you didn’t commit, how Greg Kelley survived a brutal system designed to break him and the mindset that kept him alive, the hidden failures inside the justice system that led to his wrongful conviction and why innocent people still get locked away, the moment he was forced to choose between a plea deal and risking his entire life for the truth, how discipline purpose and faith became his anchor in the darkest environment imaginable, and what it takes to rebuild your identity after everything you worked for is taken from you and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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