Joe Wicks on protein, his controversial documentary, fatherhood & phone addiction episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 21, 2026 · 43 MIN

Joe Wicks on protein, his controversial documentary, fatherhood & phone addiction

from Well Enough

Joe Wicks – a national fitness treasure – had a turbulent 2025. After speaking out against protein bars and ultra-processed food, he faced an unexpected backlash. Once the nation’s PE teacher during lockdown, Joe joins us to reflect on the emotional impact of that criticism, and how he balances family life with the pressure to maintain a flawless public image.In this candid chat, Joe discusses his new cookbook, which focuses on helping us add more protein to our diets, and brings his trademark warmth and honesty. He opens up about his concerns around social media, and shares how his children are beginning to understand his rise to fame.Follow Well Enough on Instagram hereFollow Emilie on Instagram here Subscribe to the Well Enough newsletter hereTimecodes00:00 Introduction02:16 Why is Everyone Obsessed With Protein?03:10 The Real Benefits of Protein for Women & Perimenopause05:10 The "Protein Halo": Avoiding Ultra-Processed Food (UPF)06:36 The Link Between Diet, Mood, and Mental Health08:14 Why Joe Wicks Made the Controversial UPF Documentary10:11 Facing Backlash from the Fitness Community12:12 Why the Food Industry Stresses Joe Out14:15 Is Healthy Eating Too Expensive?16:32 The Power of Batch Cooking & Meal Planning18:24 Rejecting "Perfection" in Nutrition20:14 Joe Wicks on Vulnerability and "Off Days"22:11 Why Authenticity is More Important Than a "Highlights Reel"24:00 The Dangers of AI Filters and Fitness Influencers25:54 How to Beat Phone Addiction27:18 Joe Wicks on His Political Legacy (The Next Jamie Oliver?)29:02 Homeschooling and Raising Healthy Kids31:20 Joe’s Top Tip: How to Get Kids to Eat Vegetables34:18 Transitioning from Veganism to an Omnivore Diet37:16 The "Phone Free Dad" Rule & Importance of SleepMore from Joe Wicks:New book Protein in 15Joe’s websiteFollow Joe on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Wicks – a national fitness treasure – had a turbulent 2025. After speaking out against protein bars and ultra-processed food, he faced an unexpected backlash. Once the nation’s PE teacher during lockdown, Joe joins us to reflect on the emotional impact of that criticism, and how he balances family life with the pressure to maintain a flawless public image.In this candid chat, Joe discusses his new cookbook, which focuses on helping us add more protein to our diets, and brings his trademark warmth and honesty. He opens up about his concerns around social media, and shares how his children are beginning to understand his rise to fame.Follow Well Enough on Instagram hereFollow Emilie on Instagram here Subscribe to the Well Enough newsletter hereTimecodes00:00 Introduction02:16 Why is Everyone Obsessed With Protein?03:10 The Real Benefits of Protein for Women & Perimenopause05:10 The "Protein Halo": Avoiding Ultra-Processed Food (UPF)06:36 The Link Between Diet, Mood, and Mental Health08:14 Why Joe Wicks Made the Controversial UPF Documentary10:11 Facing Backlash from the Fitness Community12:12 Why the Food Industry Stresses Joe Out14:15 Is Healthy Eating Too Expensive?16:32 The Power of Batch Cooking & Meal Planning18:24 Rejecting "Perfection" in Nutrition20:14 Joe Wicks on Vulnerability and "Off Days"22:11 Why Authenticity is More Important Than a "Highlights Reel"24:00 The Dangers of AI Filters and Fitness Influencers25:54 How to Beat Phone Addiction27:18 Joe Wicks on His Political Legacy (The Next Jamie Oliver?)29:02 Homeschooling and Raising Healthy Kids31:20 Joe’s Top Tip: How to Get Kids to Eat Vegetables34:18 Transitioning from Veganism to an Omnivore Diet37:16 The "Phone Free Dad" Rule & Importance of SleepMore from Joe Wicks:New book Protein in 15Joe’s websiteFollow Joe on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Joe Wicks on protein, his controversial documentary, fatherhood & phone addiction

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This episode is 43 minutes long.

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This episode was published on January 21, 2026.

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Joe Wicks – a national fitness treasure – had a turbulent 2025. After speaking out against protein bars and ultra-processed food, he faced an unexpected backlash. Once the nation’s PE teacher during lockdown, Joe joins us to reflect on the emotional...

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