The Adversity Advantage with Doug Bopst

Latest Episodes:

The 3 MUST DO's to Upgrade Your Brain Health & How to Improve Your Sleep and Avoid Burnout w/ Neuroscientist Dr. Ben Rein Oct 13, 2022

Show notes

Todays guest is Ben Rein, PhD. Ben is a postdoctoral scholar at Stanford University, and a science communicator on social media. In his current research, Ben is exploring the neural basis of empathy and mechanisms by which empathic behaviors can be enhanced. In 2021, he received his PhD in neuroscience from SUNY Buffalo, earning the Dean's Award for Outstanding Dissertation Research. Ben's PhD thesis research focused on autism spectrum disorder and identified key systems in the brain that regulate social behavior. Ben also creates educational science videos for an audience of more than 850,000 followers on social media. In his videos, he summarizes recent research papers, teaches fundamental science principles, and debunks "viral" videos containing scientific misinformation. Ben has been recognized for his science communication with awards from Stanford University, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the Mind Science Foundation.

Today Ben reveals 3 things that can make or break your BRAIN HEALTH and we also chat about the importance of sleep, how to know if you are sleep deprived and what you can do to improve your sleep. We also get into the neuroscience of empathy and social interaction, the ins and outs of burnout and so much more!

Thanks to this episode's sponsor:

Ned/Mello Magnesium: www.helloned.com/doug Use Promo code "Doug" at checkout to receive 15% off your order

***DISCLAIMER: Ned also offers other products such as their full spectrum CBD. Please be sure to do your due diligence and make sure that consumption of any products Ned offers are safe for you or the individual consuming it and that it won’t conflict with any extenuating circumstances that you or the person consuming it may have for work, school, probation, athletic commissions, etc.

What to Listen For:

0:00 Intro

1:40 These 3 things will make or break your brain health
6:03 The dangers of sleep deprivation & signs that you are sleep deprived
10:49 How to improve the quality of your sleep
14:05 Burnout explained (impact on brain, signs of burnout/how to fix it)
19:60 The neurobiology of social interactions
22:23 How to improve your social skills
24:56 The neuroscience of empathy
30:24 Train your brain to better cope with stress
33:51 Can we change our genes?
40:19 How does sugar impact our brains?
44:52 Detecting signs of depression before it becomes problematic

Episode resources:

Connect with Ben:

Website

TikTok

Instagram

Follow me on Social Media:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Annie Duke On How to Make Better Decisions & Why Quitting Makes You Happier Oct 10, 2022

Show notes

Todays guest is Annie Duke, Annie is an author, corporate speaker, and consultant in the decision-making space, as well as Special Partner focused on Decision Science at First Round Capital Partners, a seed stage venture fund. The occasion for todays chat is Annie’s latest book, Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away which was released last week. As a former professional poker player, she has won more than $4 million in tournament poker. During her career, Annie won a World Series of Poker bracelet and is the only woman to have won the World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions and the NBC National Poker Heads-Up Championship. She retired from the game in 2012. Prior to becoming a professional poker player, Annie was awarded a National Science Foundation Fellowship to study Cognitive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania.

Thanks to this episode's sponsor:

InsideTracker: Created by leading scientists in aging, genetics, and biometrics, InsideTracker analyzes your blood, DNA, and fitness tracking datato identify where you’re optimized—and where you’re not. You’ll get a daily Action Plan with personalized guidance on the right exercise, nutrition, and supplementation for your body.

For a limited time, you can get 20% off the entire InsideTracker store at insidetracker.com/doug

What to Listen For:

0:00 Intro

1:40 Annie’s most memorable moment of “quitting”
7:17 How did that moment impact her long term?
9:46 Why did she quit playing poker?
18:23 How to know if you should quit something & why quitting makes you happier
24:47 What to do when you’re having a hard time quitting or leaving something
33:40 When quitting is a bad thing/How to make better decisions
38:26 Why sticking to something that’s “hard” isn't a good thing
44:08 Misconceptions about goal setting (and what to do instead)

Episode resources:

Connect with Annie:

Website

Twitter

Buy “Quit” here

Follow me on Social Media:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Rock Bottom to Inspirational Writer: The Healing Journey of Yung Pueblo Oct 06, 2022

Show notes

Todays guest is Diego Perez (Yung Pueblo). Diego is a meditator and New York Times bestselling author who is widely known on Instagram and various social media networks through his pen name Yung Pueblo. Online he has an audience of over 2.7 million people. His writing focuses on the power of self-healing, creating healthy relationships, and the wisdom that comes when we truly work on knowing ourselves. His two books, Inward and Clarity & Connection were both instant bestsellers. Diego's third book, Lighter, was just released a few days ago.

Today we unpack his healing journey and discuss how he went from rock bottom to becoming one of the most popular inspirational writers that exists. We also dive deep into subjects such as healing, relationships, self awareness, emotional maturity and more!

Thanks to this episode's sponsor:

Organifi: Try the new Green Juice Crisp Apple to hydrate, energize, and support cortisol balance. Visit ORGANIFI.COM/DOUG and use code DOUG for 20% off any item.

What to Listen For:

0:00 Intro

1:48 Diego’s upbringing and how it led to addiction & emotional pain
4:40 When did he become aware of how destructive his behavior was?
6:16 How did his healing journey begin
8:48 What would he do when things got tough?
10:20 Why you must deal with uncomfortable feelings & emotions
11:51 What negative emotions from his childhood impacted his adult relationships?
13:48 Diego shares why meditation was so powerful
16:14 The evolution of Yung Pueblo
19:10 When did he reveal his real name?
21:14 Has his popularity become addicting?
23:30 What’s his relationship like with money? (after growing up in poverty)
24:39 Transforming unhealthy patterns
27:27 The keys to a healthy relationship
31:14 How to develop self-awareness
33:07 What does it mean to “let go” (& how to let go of resentments, shame etc)
36:07 His advice to someone that hits adversity on their healing journey
39:14 The differences between a goal and a craving
41:17 Signs that someone is healing
43:26 How to become emotionally mature
48:50 What kept Diego from playing the “blame game”?
50:55 How can we heal as a society?
54:30 The truth about self love

Follow Diego (Yung Pueblo):

Instagram

Substack

Buy “Lighter” here

Follow me on Social Media:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kristen Doute On Reality TV, Dating, Mental Health & Cancel Culture Oct 03, 2022

Show notes

Todays guest is TV personality Kristen Doute. You may recognize Kristen from her long time role on Vanderpump Rules or perhaps from her content online. Kristen’s role on the show came to an end a few years ago and today she shares her story and reveals a side of her that you may not be as familiar with. We talk about reality tv, cancel culture, dating, mental health and so much more!

Thanks to this episode's sponsor:

Masszymes: Masszymes can help ensure that all the protein that you consume breaks down into absorbable amino acids. Go to masszymes.com/DOUGFREE and you will automatically get access to your unique coupon code to claim your free bottle.

What to Listen For:

0:00 Intro

1:21 What took Kristen to hollywood?
5:02 The beginning of Vanderpump Rules
7:41 How REAL is reality TV?
10:41 Did her role on the show impact her off camera?
12:19 How did drama get planned on the show?
15:22 The side of Kristen you may not be familiar with
17:10 How did being called “crazy” impact her?
22:05 Kristen gets kicked off Vanderpump Rules & “cancelled”
27:53 Does she have PTSD?
28:57 Kristen speaks on cancel culture
33:46 Unexpected blessings
35:38 Does it bother her that they are filming a new season of Vanderpump?
38:11 How she pulled herself out of a dark place
43:32 How has Kristen rebuilt her self esteem?
47:23 Is she dating?
50:49 What’s next for her?
52:42 What’s most misunderstood about her?

Follow Kristen:

Follow me on Social Media:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dating Expert Blaine Anderson On Why You’re Still SINGLE, Online Dating Tips & How to Get More Quality Dates Sep 29, 2022

Show notes

Today's guest is dating coach Blaine Anderson, also known as @datingbyblaine on social media. And as you know, dating could be quite challenging in the online and offline world that we live in today and I was highly impressed with Blaine's direct and no nonsense advice on social media. I personally have gotten a lot of value out of her content and I think you are going to learn a ton in this conversation. And while Blaine, specifically coaches men, we get into both perspectives in our discussion, so I know you'll enjoy it whether you are male or a female. So get your pen and paper ready as you tune into this dating master class.

Thanks to this episode's sponsor:

For a limited time, you can get 20% off the entire InsideTracker store at insidetracker.com/doug

What to Listen For:

0:00 Intro
1:59 What are the biggest struggles people have with dating?
4:25 Why self discovery is so important when it comes to finding a partner
7:01 Blaine puts me to the test!
11:10 How to find love on Instagram
17:19 Biggest mistakes she sees her clients make
19:38 She thinks everyone should stop doing THIS
21:40 How to build attraction
23:55 A date is NOT an interview (do this instead)
26:57 Boosting confidence before a date
28:42 How women can be more approachable
30:34 Do THIS to meet someone (& get their number) when you’re out in public
36:27 How to not be a “nice guy” without being a jerk (& avoid the friend zone)
39:57 How to ask someone out that you are interested in
42:37 Discovering what you want in a partner & when is it time to make things exclusive
46:15 When is it appropriate to incorporate “touch?”
48:26 Blaine critiques my online dating profile
55:04 How to date someone that’s “out of your league”
57:01 How to become more confident with your appearance

Follow Blaine:

Instagram Website Tiktok

Take her masterclass here

Follow me on Social Media:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Freckled Foodie (Cameron Rogers) On Quitting Alcohol & How It’s Made Her a Better Mom & Improved Her Mental Health Sep 26, 2022

Show notes

Today's guest is Cameron Rogers, the voice behind @freckledfoodie. She's a content creator and host of the freckled foodie & friends podcast and through her multiple platforms, Cameron creates a space where content is approachable and authentic, and she is the truest version of herself. Prior to pursuing freckled foodie full time, Cameron worked on Wall Street for five years until she was in a life altering accident and decided it was time to wave goodbye to the corporate world and change the direction of her work to embody things she deeply cares about. Cameron is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and shares her struggles with her audience on things like pregnancy, postpartum depression, and parenting. Cameron is always in pursuit of a genuine discourse on the trials of motherhood and lately she has been super excited to share all the amazing benefits that have come from going alcohol free, which we dive into today and more!

Thanks to this episode's sponsor:

Earth Echo Foods/Cacao Bliss: www.earthechofoods.com/dougbopst Use Promo code "Doug" at checkout to receive 15% off your order

What to Listen For:

1:59 Why did she quit drinking?
7:24 What’s kept her going?
9:29 How to attend events and not drink?
13:47 Dealing with shame
17:58 Why does she think alcohol has become so “normalized”
21:12 Has Cam had any cravings ?
23:35 Cam’s tools for self love and coping with stress
26:37 How did drinking impact her anxiety?
30:20 What’s her fitness routine like?
34:16 What you can do if you struggle with body image
38:29 Whats her advice for someone who is “sober curious?”
41:36 How to handle peer pressure
44:27 How has giving up alcohol made her a better Mom?

Follow Cameron:

Instagram Website Podcast

Follow me on Social Media:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Layne Norton & Simon Hill #2 (Part 2 of 2) On Exercise, Gut Health, Insulin & Science Based Tips To Live Longer Sep 22, 2022

Show notes

Today's guests are Layne Norton and Simon Hill. Simon and Layne were on the show earlier this year and it has been one of the most popular episodes. So I thought I would get them back on to keep the discussion going. I will link our first episode in the notes below and I highly encourage y'all to give it a listen. Layne Norton (aka Biolayne) is an entrepreneur, physique coach, bodybuilder, and powerlifter. Alongside his success as a competitor, Layne has his Ph.D. in nutrition science and is one of the most respected voices in the health and nutrition space. Simon Hill is a nutritionist and physiotherapist with a bachelor's degree in science and a master's degree in nutrition science on a mission to help people make informed lifestyle choices. His podcast, The Proof with Simon Hill, extends beyond nutrition to other crucial lifestyle factors that impact our well-being.

As promised this is the second part of our most recent convo and today we discuss insulin, insulin resistance, exercise, longevity, and gut health and more!

Thanks to this episode's sponsor:

What to Listen For:

00:00 Intro
00:58 Does INSULIN & really matter & what’s best way to combat insulin resistance?
16:59 Is it healthy for your blood sugar to spike? (or should it be flat)
25:43 Why exercise is so important for longevity
27:53 Science based tool tips to increase your lifespan
33:22 Does walking help?
37:54 Biggest thing you can do to improve your bone mineral density (& why it can help you live longer)
44:59 Are there ways to improve your gut health & is gut health worth the “hype?”

Episode resources:

Simon Hill | Instagram, Twitter, Website The Proof Podcast
Layne Norton | Website, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook

Previous convos with Simon & Layne:

Follow me on Social Media:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Layne Norton & Simon Hill #2 (Part 1 of 2) On Protein Quality, Best Diet For Fat Loss & Are All Calories Created Equal? Sep 19, 2022

Show notes

Layne Norton (aka Biolayne) is an entrepreneur, physique coach, bodybuilder, and powerlifter. Alongside his success as a competitor, Layne has his Ph.D in nutrition science and is one of the most respected voices in the health and nutrition space. Simon Hill is a nutritionist and physiotherapist with a bachelor's degree in science and a master's degree in nutrition science on a mission to help people make informed lifestyle choices. His podcast, The Proof with Simon Hill, extends beyond nutrition to other crucial lifestyle factors that impact our well-being.

This episode I believe is the longest one I have done yet and so I broke it down into two parts. In this first part, we cover protein quality, why adherence matters, the best diet for fat loss, and the nuances of the highly debated topic: “are all calories created equal?” In the second part which will be released on Thursday, we cover insulin, insulin resistance, exercise, longevity, and gut health.

Thanks to this episode's sponsor:

For a limited time, you can get 20% off the entire InsideTracker store at insidetracker.com/doug

What to Listen For:

00:00 Intro
02:13 Animal vs Plant protein (quality, amino acids, best for muscle building, digestibility etc.)
23:39 Why ADHERENCE matters and best diet for fat loss
34:09 Are all calories REALLY created equal & does food quality matter?
44:49 Stay tuned for part 2 of 2 (releases Thursday)

Episode resources:

Simon Hill | Instagram, Twitter, Website The Proof Podcast
Layne Norton | Website, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook

Simon and Layne #1: https://dougbopst.com/layne-norton-simon-hill-on-why-nutrition-shouldnt-be-this-confusing/

Follow me on Social Media:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr Gabor Maté On How to Transform Your Pain to Heal From Trauma & Recover From Addiction Sep 15, 2022

Show notes

Today’s guest is Dr. Gabor Maté. Gabor Maté is a retired physician who spent 20 years in family practice and worked for over a decade in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side with patients challenged by drug addiction and mental illness. He is the bestselling author of four books published in thirty languages, including the award-winning In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction, Gabor is an internationally renowned speaker highly sought after for his expertise on addiction, trauma, childhood development, and the relationship of stress and illness. The occasion for today’s chat is to discuss his newest book, The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture that was just released a few days ago. This episode is an absolute MASTERCLASS on all things healing, parenting, trauma and addiction!

Thanks to this episode's sponsor:

Magic Spoon: Visit https://magicspoon.com/ and use the promo code "DOUG" at checkout to receive $5 off your first order

What to Listen For:

00:00 Intro
01:46 Is trauma root cause of addiction?
05:11 How does trauma change our brains?
07:34 Why our brains love opiates
12:11 Can parents prevent their kids from addiction?
14:30 THIS mistake by parents is detrimental to kids emotional development
17:07 Signs of childhood trauma in adults
20:45 How does stress and our emotions impact our health?
25:09 How do we heal from trauma and reduce stress?
28:34 Why we need authenticity AND attachment for survival (& how to have both)
33:30 How does a skeptic embrace spirituality?
37:23 Why is the drug epidemic so bad?
41:02 How does someone recover from addiction?
44:47 Gabor’s thoughts on the 12 step programs
47:40 The “4 A’s” that can help you become “whole”
51:51 His most VALUABLE advice for loving someone with addiction

Connect with Gabor:

Follow me on Social Media:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adrian Grenier On The Dark Side of FAME & How He Redisovered Himself To Find REAL Love, Meaning & Purpose Sep 12, 2022

Show notes

Today’s guest is Adrian Grenier. Many of you will recognize Adrian from playing Vincent Chase on the incredibly popular HBO show Entourage. But, Adrian is much more than “Vinny Chase.” Today he has cemented his place as a change agent who leverages his influence and passion for film to make impactful investments, create meaningful content and help make the world a better place. Adrian is also an entrepreneur and environmentalist and has started companies such as DuContra Ventures, The Lonely Whale Foundation and his newest endeavor, Earth Speed Media. While a lot of you may only know Adrian from his role on Entourage, he has made a radical transformation since that time and I’m looking forward to unpacking his story and all the ins and outs that go with in todays episode.

Thanks to this episode's sponsor:

What to Listen For: