28th July 2025
#466: How Jail Saved My Life with Doug Bopst

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Human Connection Specialist, Speaker, Author, Coach, Podcast Host and founder of Create The Love. 
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Summary

What happens when rock bottom becomes the foundation for radical change? In this episode, Mark sits down with Doug Bopst—former felon turned fitness coach, author, and host of the Adversity Advantage podcast—to explore how a 90-day jail sentence transformed his entire life. From addiction, self-loathing, and despair to a breakthrough moment with an unlikely mentor behind bars, Doug shares the raw truth about what it really takes to reclaim your life. For anyone ready to trade their limitations for transformation, this conversation is the catalyst.

 

Doug Bopst is an award-winning personal trainer, author of three books, and host of the Adversity Advantage podcast, committed to helping others overcome adversity and unlock their fullest potential. A former convicted felon and drug addict, Doug’s journey of transformation began in a jail cell, where he overcame addiction, confronted his inner demons, and began rebuilding his life. Since entering recovery in 2008—the day he was incarcerated—he has turned his pain into purpose, using his story to inspire lasting change in others.


Discover

0:00 Intro: Mark Groves introduces the episode

5:19 Doug’s arrest and journey to jail

9:47 The physical and mental toll of detoxing

15:45 Exploring the root causes of addiction

22:23 The impact of parental divorce on Doug’s life

35:23 Confronting suicidal thoughts during addiction

41:45 The power of fitness in building community

48:18 Doug’s transition after jail and career change

52:54 Turning pain into purpose and helping others

57:11 Where to find Doug Bobst online


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