The Adversity Advantage with Doug Bopst

Dr. 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

Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, veterinary epidemiologist and longevity researcher who discovered the fatty acid C15, explores what truly drives biological aging. She discusses how sitting, poor sleep and chronic stress accelerate aging. Movement, social connection and daily habits as high-return strategies. The surprising dolphin research that led to C15 and the science and controversy around longevity supplements.

Lindsey 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

Dr. 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

Eric Zimmer, author and creator of The One You Feed who recovered from homelessness and heroin addiction, now teaches sustainable habit change. He explores the inner clash between who you are and who you want to be. He breaks down why tiny daily wins beat dramatic turning points. He outlines ways to rebuild self-trust after relapse and how to use setbacks to find purpose and help others.

Dr. Tommy Wood, neuroscientist and physician trained at Cambridge and Oxford, studies brain health across the lifespan. He unpacked how modern overstimulation and constant multitasking sap deep focus. He explains cheap dopamine’s pull on motivation, why movement, nature, and learning rebuild attention, and practical ways to structure your day to protect focus and resilience.

Cynthia Thurlow, nurse practitioner and menopause/intermittent fasting expert, explains why midlife can sap energy and clarity. She explores declining hormones, sleep and muscle loss, the gut-brain connection to brain fog and mood, and how stress, trauma and relationships shape health. Practical tips on protein, travel meals and balancing habits round out the conversation.

Dr. Courtney Conley, a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine and founder of Gait Happens, specializes in foot health and human movement. She recounts how movement pulled her through addiction and anxiety. Topics include walking as a mental-health tool, micro-walks for dark days, gait revealing emotional state, foot health’s role in pain and longevity, and practical tips for daily movement.

John Kiriakou, former senior CIA counterterrorism officer turned journalist and author known for exposing the CIA torture program. He discusses spotting liars and manipulators, using analytic tradecraft in everyday life, the costs of whistleblowing, and practical tactics for staying calm and thinking independently in a world full of influence.

Greg Kelley, a former high school football standout wrongfully convicted and later exonerated, now an advocate, author, ultramarathoner, and founder of the Vindication Foundation. He recounts arriving in prison at 18, surviving a brutal system through discipline and faith, the failures that led to his conviction, the investigation that proved his innocence, and his work to help others affected by wrongful convictions.