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
***
Thank you to my wonderful sponsors!
VivoBarefoot | 'If you can’t be barefoot, be Vivobarefoot’
For 20% off, use code LWBW20
OneSkin | Topical Products for Healthy Aging
Use code LWBW for 15% off your first order
***
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
***
Sign up to Sarah’s Compassionate Cure newsletter:
Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/
***
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)
***
Let’s be friends!
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!