YOUR SELF EMPOWERMENT JOURNEY
Media
YOUR SELF EMPOWERMENT JOURNEY
Media
Podcasts
Hear me break down my philosophy on fitness, brain health, and real transformation in these high-impact podcast episodes with Close Up Radio.
Part 1
Close Up Radio Spotlights Personal Trainer Doug Bates of Your Self Empowerment Journey
Aired January 20, 2025
Topics covered:
● My background and how it shaped my unique training style
● Why I focus on brain health, emotional wellness, and big-picture mindset
● Insight into lymphatics, glymphatics, glial cells, CSF, gut health, CNS/PNS, and toxicity
● The importance of posture and why training must be customized to each client
● Why my private 1-on-1 training environment offers a safer, more effective approach
This episode is packed with useful information and a strong foundation for understanding my approach.
Part 3
Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Personal Trainer Doug Bates of Your Self Empowerment Journey
Aired February 3, 2025
Topics covered:
● What hormesis really is—and why it's not some new "biohacking discovery."● How small, well-timed stressors (training, food, heat, cold, sunlight, etc.) build true resilience● The key difference between stimulus and stress—and why knowing this matters for recovery, adaptation, and mindset● How the medical industry has misled the public by ignoring lifestyle-based hormetic inputs● Why I use hormesis-based principles in training, movement, nutrition, mindset, and daily life● The crucial distinction between healthy, growth-promoting discomfort vs. chronic overexposure and breakdown● How we use hormetic concepts to build durable strength, better nervous system regulation, and real-world performance● The difference between marathon training (depleting) and smart strength training (adaptive) from a hormetic lens● Why learning to self-regulate stress and challenge is the ultimate form of mastery● How my approach helps clients become more aware, more resilient, and ultimately their own best teacher
This episode dives deep into the real science and wisdom behind what makes training work—not just temporarily, but for a lifetime
Vlogs
I share honest insights on anti-aging, mindset, and my unique training approach to help you unlock your full potential.
Watch more on Youtube:
Organic Vegan Trainer — Welcome Video
Meet Doug Bates: nearly 60 years young, lifetime drug-free, and living proof that the lifestyle works.
Bodybuilding Is a Skills Game—Not a Numbers Game
There are many reasons why. Many keys are often overlooked by the mainstream.
The Problem You Don't Know You Have Is Likely the Biggest One
This applies in bodybuilding, fitness, and life—often, the missing piece is what's holding you back.
Interviews
I’ve been interviewed on national platforms about my approach to health, mindset, and helping clients become their own best coach.
Douglas J. Bates Honored by Marquis Who’s Who for Innovations in Functional Fitness and Anti-Aging
Douglas J. Bates, founder of Your Self Empowerment Journey, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who for his groundbreaking work in functional fitness and anti-aging coaching. Drawing from his background in sociology and over 55,000 one-on-one client hours, Doug integrates physical, emotional, and spiritual development to help clients optimize their long-term health and performance. His achievements also include national awards in natural bodybuilding and a lifelong commitment to drug-free, plant-based living.
Click below to read the full article:
Featured in Marquis Who’s Who in America – 125th Anniversary Edition (2025)
I’m honored to be included in the 2025 Marquis Who’s Who in America, a special 125th anniversary edition archived in the U.S. Library of Congress. This recognition reflects over four decades of dedication to fitness, mindset, and human development. Being part of this historic publication is a meaningful milestone, and I’m proud that my work continues to help people unlock their potential through a grounded, science-informed, and deeply personal approach to growth.
Click on the image to the right to read the article, or click the drop down below to read the interview:
Read the Interview:
Q: [QUESTION]"To what do you attribute your success?"
R: [REPLY]"A highly inquisitive nature" is often a fabulous trait when combined with a discerning mind, ample wisdom and experience, and a strong will to act morally. Many act willfully, but choose poorly, and do not adjust. Many show curiosity, but take no real action. Many show wisdom, but have weak instruments and so lack the power to take or get actual outcomes. It is often rare to have someone "commit to excellence" -- in not only "adjusting their sails" when needed -- but then also working to "alter the nature of the sea" upon which they sail. Success has been clearly greater when one questions the "sea" itself, as in, "Why is the culture and society set up so poorly that it invites 'self-destruction' by age 50, 60, 70, or 80, etc.". That is what one needs to "see" to win at this matrix. We must become the active creator. Focusing on that is the moral and real imperative. Not allowing ourselves to be flotsam and jetsam in the river of life is of paramount importance. Being the true creator is where the traction and control over outcomes is achieved."
Q:"Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?"
R:"Mr. Bates found inspiration in his success as a "slender" distance running athlete in high school, achieving All-Conference in both track and cross-country running. In college, despite concerns from his family about potential health issues related to his pursuing drug free bodybuilding due to his originally "slender genetic build", he discovered that through wisely and novelly modifying exercise techniques, along with proper loading and highly specialized nutrition and supplementation -- he "epigentically" overcame the "genes are destiny" mindset put forth by his family. This led to positive changes in both his physical and mental well-being, boosting his confidence and altering his life course, and obviously his approach to all kinds of various interactions. Ultimately, he credits his novel and uniquely authored weight training experience for enhancing his somatic and cognitive strength, marking a significant turning point in his life."
Q:"What do you consider to be the highlight of your career?"
R:"My current state of ever-growing knowledge and health building is the "pinnacle" every day."
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-bates-9122072ba/
Q:"Thoughts on Life:"
R:"Life is the enthusiastic pursuit of staying healthy and well in the flesh, body, and mind -- all wise spirits seek that."
Cover Feature in Millennium Magazine – May 2025 Issue
I was proud to be featured on the cover of Millennium Magazine’s May 2025 issue, along with a two-page spread that highlighted my journey, philosophy, and approach. The article captures the wins, growth, and hard-earned insights that have shaped my work—and showcases the holistic, grounded method I bring to every client. It’s a visual and personal reflection of the path I’ve walked and the purpose I live by. You can view the cover and digital pages at the link provided.
Click below to read the full article:
Bold Brave TV Podcasts
Get Better Results: My wellness podcast on Bold Brave TV: Real conversations, real tools, and real results—for a better you.
With a passion for nurturing holistic health and wellness, Doug Bates merges his 4 decades of expertise in fitness with a deep understanding of personal growth to help viewers & listeners unlock their own potential and set them on a path towards healthier living.
A life-long visionary with a Passion, Doug Bates -- athlete, scholar, nutrition & fitness & brain health & mind-body expert, public speaker, and lifelong learner -- is driven by the desire to improve not just himself, but those around him -- all using proven strategies & actionable approaches.
Episode 1
IMPROVE BRAIN FUNCTION, MOOD, EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE. LIMBIC SYSTEM—PART 1
In the first four episodes of Get Better Results, I explore how to improve brain function, mood, emotional resilience, and limbic system health. I break down key neurotransmitters, essential nutrients, and the daily habits and personal actions that support real, lasting change.
Episode 2
IMPROVE BRAIN FUNCTION, MOOD, EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE. LIMBIC SYSTEM—PART 2
In the first four episodes of Get Better Results, I explore how to improve brain function, mood, emotional resilience, and limbic system health. I break down key neurotransmitters, essential nutrients, and the daily habits and personal actions that support real, lasting change.
Episode 3
IMPROVE BRAIN FUNCTION, MOOD, EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE. LIMBIC SYSTEM—PART 3
In the first four episodes of Get Better Results, I explore how to improve brain function, mood, emotional resilience, and limbic system health. I break down key neurotransmitters, essential nutrients, and the daily habits and personal actions that support real, lasting change.
Episode 4
IMPROVE BRAIN FUNCTION, MOOD, EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE. LIMBIC SYSTEM—PART 4
In the first four episodes of Get Better Results, I explore how to improve brain function, mood, emotional resilience, and limbic system health. I break down key neurotransmitters, essential nutrients, and the daily habits and personal actions that support real, lasting change.
Episode 5
OPTIMIZED POSTURE, BREATHING, DIAPHRAGM, & VAGUS NERVE FUNCTION—PART 1
The next three episodes dive into optimizing posture, breathing, diaphragm health, and vagus nerve function. I also share practical, real-time applications of my unique "ART" training techniques—designed to improve structural health, energy, and overall well-being.
Episode 6
OPTIMIZED POSTURE, BREATHING, DIAPHRAGM, & VAGUS NERVE FUNCTION—PART 2
The next three episodes dive into optimizing posture, breathing, diaphragm health, and vagus nerve function. I also share practical, real-time applications of my unique "ART" training techniques—designed to improve structural health, energy, and overall well-being.
Episode 7
OPTIMIZED POSTURE, BREATHING, DIAPHRAGM, & VAGUS NERVE FUNCTION—PART 3
In this episode, I explore the crucial role of mindset and emotional resilience in achieving lasting health and performance results. I share insights and strategies to help you develop a stronger mental foundation for personal growth and well-being.
Episode 8
ARE YOU GENIUS-! ARE YOU BUILDING FOUNDATION-!
In this episode, I explore the crucial role of mindset and emotional resilience in achieving lasting health and performance results. I share insights and strategies to help you develop a stronger mental foundation for personal growth and well-being.
Empowerment means more than mindset—it means mastering your body, your habits, and your health.