In a world filled with dietary confusion, what does it take to cut through the noise and find the truth?
Dr. Rak here, and I am beyond excited to welcome to The Health Feast a true hero in the plant-based world: James Wilks (Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube). James is a former MMA fighter, elite Special Forces trainer, and producer and star of the groundbreaking documentary The Game Changers.
For those of you unfamiliar, the film chronicles James’s recovery from severe bilateral knee injuries in 2011. The film really challenges long-standing myths about meat, strength, and athletic performance, showcasing elite athletes and visionary researchers, doctors, and scientists who reveal the powerful benefits of plant-based eating.
It’s hard to express the impact The Game Changers has had on the conversation around plant-based eating. Since its release in 2018, the film has been viewed by over 200 million people worldwide, making it likely the most-watched documentary of all time.
Recognizing this wide-reaching impact, Men's Health ranked James Wilks #3 on their list of "The 13 Most Influential Men in Health and Fitness."
This film has likely done more to shift public opinion on plant-based eating than any other single entity. It has sparked what is known as the "Game Changer effect," a significant shift in the conversation about plant-based nutrition. I have personally referred countless patients, friends, and family to watch the movie and have witnessed its power in changing minds and behaviors.
Our conversation today delves into the incredible journey of making The Game Changers. James shares how a personal injury led him to research optimal nutrition, evolving into a mission to uncover the truth about human health and diet. He talks about the challenges of filming, funding, and ultimately producing a documentary with such a monumental impact.
We also touch on the exciting, recently announced sequel, The Game Changers 2. Trust me, you don’t want to miss his insights on this new project. James also discusses his ongoing battle against misinformation in the industry, particularly efforts funded by the meat industry to undermine plant-based diets. He shares his thoughts on the carnivore diet, a diet that consists solely of meat. And we discuss the crucial role of social media in both spreading information and misinformation.
Additionally, we explore the innovative work behind FȲTA, James's plant-based protein company. As someone who uses FȲTA most days, I can attest to its quality and taste. We discuss the reasons why in the episode, so I won't go through those now. James also offers a discount for our listeners. The Health Feast Listeners can save 10% off their first purchase using this link or code HF10 at checkout.
Stick around to the end because James shares what he would bring to our proverbial health feast—a mindset tip or life philosophy that we ask all our guests to share. James has a pretty awesome answer, so you're going to want to hear that.
I’m super excited to share this episode with you because James has really revolutionized how we think about nutrition, health, and performance. Whether you're a seasoned athlete, someone looking to improve your health, or just curious about the power of plant-based eating, this conversation is packed with insights that can inspire and guide you on your journey.
Live Well and RAK ON,
Dr. Rak
Takeaways
The Game Changers documentary has had a significant impact in promoting plant-based eating and challenging stereotypes about nutrition.
The film was a seven-year project that required perseverance and dedication to bring the message to a wide audience.
James Wilkes emphasizes the importance of maintaining control over the film's message and reaching as many people as possible through various distribution channels.
The Game Changers Institute, a nonprofit organization, continues the mission of promoting plant-forward eating through research, education, and advocacy. The sequel to the first film focuses on planetary health through the lens of athletes, exploring topics such as climate breakdown and environmental issues.
Plant-based eating is highlighted as a crucial solution to address climate change, soil erosion, and water pollution.
The short-term benefits of the carnivore diet are acknowledged, but the long-term risks and lack of scientific evidence are emphasized.
The creation of the plant-based protein product FȲTA is discussed, highlighting its high-quality ingredients and taste.
The challenges of combating misinformation in the industry, particularly funded by the meat industry, are acknowledged.
The concept of Ikigai, finding joy and purpose in life, is emphasized as a guiding principle.
Timestamps:
[00:52] - Dr. Rak’s Introduction to James Wilks
[07:28] - Expectation of Impact of the Film
[09:09] - Early Filming and Journey to Make the Film
[18:51] - Maintaining Control and Mission Integrity
[21:02] - Addressing Critics and Misinformation
[22:52] - Transitioning to a Plant-Based Diet
[26:21] - The Mission of The Game Changers Institute
[28:39] - Vision for The Game Changers 2
[31:02] - Thoughts on the Carnivore Diet
[35:11] - Introducing FȲTA Plant-Based Protein
[36:59] - Benefits and Features of FȲTA
[42:14] - Battling Misinformation
[44:29] - What James is Bringing to The Health Feast
[47:29] - A Day in the Life of James Wilks
Online Platforms:
The Game Changers Movie Official Website
The Game Changers Institute
FȲTA
Guest Bio
James Wilks is a film producer, vegan activist, and former professional mixed martial artist. He is best known for directing and starring in The Game Changers, a documentary that has been seen by over 200 million people and is arguably the most-watched documentary of all time. According to Google Trends, interest in plant-based diets tripled within a week of the movie being released on Netflix.
As an MMA fighter, James made his professional debut in the UFC in 2009 and was crowned welterweight champion. Extensive injuries eventually caught up with him, and he retired from professional MMA in 2012.
Setting off on a path of physical recovery, James researched how diet might help him train faster and better. He came across a study on the original Roman gladiators and found their diets were predominantly vegetarian. This sparked his decision to follow a plant-based diet himself.
The Game Changers followed James through his recovery and adoption of a vegan diet. James experienced huge benefits, including increased physical stamina and improved health markers. In the documentary, James discussed his findings with other elite athletes who follow plant-based diets, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lewis Hamilton, and Dotsie Bausch. The show also looked at the potential environmental benefits of decreased meat consumption.
In November 2019, Joe Rogan addressed the documentary on his podcast with paleolithic diet proponent Chris Kresser. Both harshly criticized it. A month later, Rogan invited James on his show alongside Kresser to debate the topic. The resulting four-hour discussion caused Rogan to change some of his own views. “James knocked it out of the park and defended himself and the film quite spectacularly,” Rogan said.
James is also the founder of FȲTA, an innovative plant-based protein company that uses whole ground lupin bean and upcycled barley protein to deliver best-in-class nutrition.
Follow @thehealthfeast on IG and YT for more. The Health Feast is available wherever you get podcasts and at thehealthfeast.com.
Level up your health journey! Learn how to work with Dr. Rak 1:1 or join a health coaching Tribe for a transformative health journey. Limited spots available! Visit us at https://www.rakyourlife.com
Disclaimer: The Health Feast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. As with any changes affecting your health, we recommend and encourage you to consult your medical doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals before making lifestyle changes. The opinions expressed are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of our employers.
James Wilks is on a Mission to Change the World