This week, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with someone whose story of transformation is not just powerful, but profoundly moving. Doug Bopst, once a convicted felon and drug addict, is now a celebrated speaker, author, and personal trainer using his experience to inspire others to break free from addiction and build lives of purpose and passion.

In this episode, Doug and I dive deep into the truth behind recovery, the mindset shifts required to let go of the past, and the tools that helped him completely reshape his future. He shares how a cellmate in jail became the unexpected catalyst for his change, and how fitness, nutrition, and a strong spiritual foundation became pillars in his healing journey.

We also touch on the male mental health crisis, vulnerability as a strength, and the importance of building authentic connections in a disconnected world. Doug opens up about how he found faith, purpose, and peace—and how he maintains his mindset on the hard days.

If you've ever felt stuck, unworthy, or afraid to face your past, this conversation is here to show you that change is always possible.

About Doug Bopst:

Doug is an award-winning personal trainer, author of three books, and host of the Adversity Advantage Podcast. His mission is to help people break free from addiction and transform their lives through fitness, mindset, and personal accountability.

Connect with Doug Bopst:

🌍 Website:⁠ www.dougbopst.com⁠

📸 Instagram:⁠ @dougbopst⁠

🎥 YouTube: ⁠Doug Bopst⁠

🎙️ Podcast: The Adversity Advantage

With love,

Sarah Ann

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If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:

Simon Sinek Advice on Finding Your WHY Will Leave You SPEECHLESS

⁠https://youtu.be/6fnTHiI8oY0?si=hoFglDsMwfHCfZ13⁠

How Yung Pueblo Overcame Rock Bottom and Transformed His Life

⁠https://youtu.be/a5_16t0gIlk?si=eOXitVnjPZq7JkOn⁠

This Is HOW You Can Architect Your Emotions | Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett

https://youtu.be/Es2i3oLj6Nw?si=3REfBWGTHxfr0Hio

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Highlights:

Introduction to Doug Bopst’s Powerful Journey (00:00)

How Do You Make Peace with the Past? (00:46)

What Was the Moment That Changed Everything? (07:24)

Who Was Eric and How Did He Save Doug’s Life? (09:47)

When Did Doug Decide to Be Vulnerable Publicly? (17:07)

How Can Fitness and Nutrition Aid Recovery? (27:14)

How Do Small Wins Build Confidence? (30:10)

Why Does Fitness Keep You Future-Focused? (32:50)

What Happens When You Quit Weed? (35:48)

Does External Validation Keep Us Stuck? (41:52)

How Did Doug Find Faith and Forgiveness? (45:29)

How Do You Stay Positive on Hard Days? (51:08)

What Does ‘Live Well Be Well’ Mean to Doug? (57:44)

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