Health & Fitness
246 episodes · 2018–2021 · 90 debates · 166 pieces of advice · 215 stories · 203 quotes
The Daily Talk Show — Australia’s daily podcast, hosted by Tommy Jackett and Josh Janssen — discussed health & fitness across 246 of its 1,022 daily episodes between 2018 and 2021. This page collects what was actually said: 203 verbatim quotes, 166 pieces of advice, 215 stories told on air, 90 on-air debates, each linked to the exact moment in the episode and on YouTube.
Where they stand
Moments where the table disagreed, straight from the transcripts.
The decision mainly stems from personal burnout, mental-health strain from feeling responsible for the business, a loss of focus from running two businesses at once, and a sense that unless there were huge uncontrollable wins, the stress would only continue or worsen.
The difficulty is that stopping something while it still shows external traction can look confusing, but if the internal metric (how it feels) isn't matching the external success, that's reason enough to stop; most people wait until both internal and external signs fail before quitting.
Thinks it's worth experimenting with because a YouTuber reported waking up refreshed after nasal breathing all night.
Dismisses it as 'the dumbest thing' and refuses to try it, worried about what could go wrong.
Prefers Trident, calling it his favourite cinnamon gum ever, partly because it's sugar-free unlike Big Red.
Likes Big Red for its chilli-spice heat/bite, but concedes Trident is better as an everyday gum because it avoids the 'sugar war zone' in the mouth.
Suggests that if scrolling social media gives no benefit yet people keep doing it, the same logic could apply to making the podcast itself — questioning whether it's addiction or something more valuable.
Distinguishes between shallow content consumption and the deeper value of long-form work like podcasts or books, which allow critical thinking and connecting ideas.
Feels generally 'triggered' by PTs, citing a history of awkward and dramatic encounters (Kickstarter pitches, CrossFit filming, injuries from kettlebell swings), and feels the common PT trope of 'making it fun' usually falls flat because PTs themselves often aren't fun people.
Acknowledges a common negative PT stereotype but argues there are genuinely good, analytical PTs (citing their friend Durham) who suit people who like tracking data, and that the mismatch is partly about pairing the wrong PT personality with Josh's awkwardness.
Jokes that he might be 'infamously awkward,' treating the label with self-deprecating humor.
Argues infamous technically means having a bad reputation, and pushes back that Tommy's reputation isn't actually bad, just notable.
Gyms should offer a cheaper 'no plan on coming back' membership tier for people who know they won't use it much, similar to an out-clause but ongoing.
Gyms can't logically offer that because everyone joins with the intention of using their membership, so rewarding non-attendance would undermine the business model.
Tommy
Finds the coverage deeply confusing, with different outlets reporting different numbers and unclear what it all means.
Josh
Questions whether outlets are even using the same underlying numbers, suggesting skepticism about the consistency of reporting.
Criticizes Josh for calling Grace 'petite' on air, calling it 'sleazy' and inappropriate.
Defends the word as simply meaning 'attractively small and dainty' and stands by using it, though admits he used it in the wrong context.
Says being called 'cute' or similarly small-related terms can feel like being spoken down to, even if not intended that way.
Favors a step-count or activity-tracking app approach similar to past Discord step challenges and Apple Watch activity competitions.
Prefers a simpler 'minutes moved' approach that doesn't require a specific app or activity type, just logging total minutes of movement.
Describes herself as an all-or-nothing person who can't moderate, so she either abstains completely or indulges fully, which she says makes dieting easier for her.
Relates to a similar all-or-nothing pattern with his own drinking, noting he lacks a consistent filter.
Views much of the pushback as short-sighted, selfish, or rooted in personal struggles leading to conspiracy thinking and extremism.
More sympathetic to differing views, framing them as people's own 'stance' based on their own information, while still noting some pushback stems from disbelief or mental health struggles.
Advice from the show
all 166pieces →What was actually said, attributed and linked to the moment.
What part of the body should you train to improve your golf swing?
Focus on leg and hip strength along with torso rotation and flexibility rather than arm strength, since power for golf (similar to boxing) comes from the legs, glutes, and hip rotation.
What can you try if you snore at night?
Try taping your mouth shut at night (using pharmacist-grade lip tape, not cheap eBay versions) to force nasal breathing, or use a chin/mouth strap or nasal insert stickers.
How do you cope with feeling burnt out or like you've disappointed people during a long-term project?
Accept that success isn't linear and that quick wins are often overvalued; view struggles over a long time horizon (e.g., a 10-year commitment) as still constituting a win, rather than measuring yourself against those who had quicker success.
What's the key lesson for a long remote road trip like driving to the Twelve Apostles?
Plan out exactly where you'll refuel in advance rather than assuming a petrol station will appear — remote stretches can go much longer than expected without services.
How should you set goals when the future is highly uncertain (e.g., during a pandemic)?
Frame goals around a process, practice, or identity statement that isn't dependent on a specific environment or circumstance—for example, 'do meaningful work with interesting people'—rather than tying your identity to a specific activity like coaching or speaking, so the goal remains achievable even if external circumstances change drastically.
What should you do when you wake up feeling low or melancholy?
Try to get fresh air—go for a walk or swim—even if it doesn't always immediately fix the feeling; sometimes you just have to accept it as a 'melancholy day' rather than forcing yourself to feel better.
How should you drink soft drinks to protect your teeth?
Don't sip acidic drinks like Coke, Pepsi Max or La Croix slowly throughout the day; drink them quickly or use a straw, since repeated sipping continually attacks tooth enamel.
How do I engage more critically with news instead of just skimming headlines?
Practice 'slow news' by researching the history and context behind a topic (e.g., Iran or the South China Sea) before forming an opinion, rather than reacting to headline-only 'sugar hit' media.
How can someone stay motivated when starting an exercise routine on a stationary bike?
Use an immersive screen/distraction (like a show or video) to make the time pass faster; as fitness improves, duration that once felt long (e.g., 20 minutes) will feel shorter, so building the routine around a distraction like TV helps sustain it.
When should I start a new habit or resolution?
Don't wait until January 1st — start in early December to build momentum and feel ahead of the curve rather than starting depleted after the holidays.
How should I handle diet over the Christmas period while trying to stay healthy?
You don't have to abstain entirely at Christmas parties; eat reasonable portions like turkey and vegetables rather than overindulging, instead of using 'it's Christmas' as an excuse to feel sick.
Should you wear underwear under running shorts that have a built-in liner?
Don't wear briefs under shorts with internal liners—'free ball' instead, since briefs clash with the liner's shape; treat the shorts like underwear and wash them frequently, especially if sweating during exercise.
How do you motivate yourself to start exercising again?
Find something that 'stings a little'—a bit of self-directed discomfort or embarrassment (like catching yourself in the mirror or an old pair of pants)—to tip you into making a change, while being careful not to let it tip into unhealthy obsession or vanity-driven mindsets.
What's the trick to making exercise feel fun rather than punishing when starting out?
Build a small base of fitness/strength first by training slowly and allowing rest between sets; trying to jump straight into high-intensity, 'fun' fast-paced workouts before you have a base will physically destroy a beginner and put them off continuing.
When is the best time to go to the gym to avoid crowds?
Off-peak hours (when everyone else is at work, like mid-morning) tend to be much quieter than early morning or after-work peak sessions, based on observed booking numbers.
How can a personal trainer or coach stand out in a saturated market?
Stop focusing on marketing gimmicks and instead be genuinely excellent and build a real relationship with clients — if you're great at what you do and people like being around you, they'll keep coming back.
How do you find the daily routine (diet, sleep, work habits) that works best for you?
Treat your life as ongoing trial and error on yourself to discover what actually works for your body and mind, rather than following generic prescriptions.
How do you cope with declining mental health during lockdown isolation?
Build a daily routine you know you can achieve, accept that some days won't be good and that's okay, and keep seeing a psychologist/doctor regularly rather than only reactively.
What should I watch if I'm bored of Netflix in lockdown?
Try Amazon Prime — specifically Jack Ryan for an action/CIA-thriller vibe, or Rihanna's Fenty fashion show for impressive, inclusive choreography.
How do you build a sustainable walking/fitness habit as a team?
Start with realistic, consistent step goals rather than overly ambitious ones, track progress via apps like Apple Health or Strava, and recruit a personal coach or motivator for accountability.
Should you push hard to achieve a big fitness goal all at once?
Ease into physical goals gradually rather than overdoing it immediately; Josh's prior attempt to walk a million steps in a month failed after three days because he pushed too hard without stretching or easing in.
How can a group stay active and healthy during lockdown without obsessing over weight?
Track total minutes of movement across the week rather than weighing yourself; you can break it into smaller chunks, like ten 5-minute blocks, and do any activity you want, anywhere.
How do you build a simple at-home exercise habit without overcomplicating it?
Don't worry about finding a perfect route; just do a short loop ('a blocky') multiple times a day instead of searching for a long scenic path.
How do I avoid undercounting calories when tracking macros for a diet?
Be careful to measure and track cooking oil, as it's easy to pour far more than intended (like half a cup) without realizing it adds significant calories; consider sticking to a strict measured amount.
Stories told on air
Josh recalls the first holiday he and Bree ever took together, a 2008 trip to Stanley, Tasmania with his parents, during which he vomited after eating a cheese kransky.
told by Josh
1,000-episode recap video
Ep 10009:51George Martin's edited video runs through stats and highlights across 1,000 episodes: total minutes/hours, guest counts, COVID remote shows, a 24-hour livestream, breakdowns, and milestone moments like meeting Seth Godin and building the studio.
told by George Martin (narrated by Mason Lauder)
Josh recounts a TikTok video of Gordon Ramsay's daughter performing a magic-trick-style stunt where she gets an egg into a bottle through a small hole, surprising her dad.
told by Josh Janssen
Josh describes going to the Twelve Apostles over the weekend as a high point, illustrating the emotional oscillation between highs and lows he's been experiencing.
told by Josh Janssen
Josh recounts filming comedic sketches with YouTuber Matt D'Avella and struggling badly with simple acting directions, such as pretending not to notice a camera or acting naturally on a fake FaceTime call, prompting D'Avella to laugh at how 'pantomime' his performance became.
told by Josh Janssen
Josh describes using the Apple Watch's 'dance' exercise category to win a fitness ring-closing competition against Jess, dancing around with a new torch in hand.
told by Josh Janssen
Josh mentions watching his friend's girlfriend, who has some naturopathic qualification, discuss on Instagram Stories how excessive yawning can indicate iron deficiency.
told by Josh Janssen
Tommy describes a vivid sensation during a workout (running, squats, pushups) where he felt he could physically sense an endorphin release in his head.
told by Tommy Jackett
Tommy describes decluttering during Melbourne's lockdown, packing items for donation and accidentally including his favourite purple exercise shorts on top of a donation bag, which got dropped off and lost.
told by Tommy Jackett
Tommy shows off a homemade vanilla protein mousse he's eating as a healthier Fat Friday treat after weeks of disciplined dieting and outdoor workouts, while Josh reacts with disgust at its appearance.
told by Tommy Jackett
Tommy describes shaving off his entire chest and stomach hair outside his house as a way to confront his appearance and motivate himself to train and eat better, comparing the hair to Chewbacca-style gorilla hair and joking about the mess it made.
told by Tommy
Tommy nearly dislocated his shoulder/injured his tricep slipping in a hotel bathroom shower in Geelong, with Bree present and shaken by the fall.
told by Tommy Jackett
Godin explains he hasn't napped since he started working from home in the mid-1980s, fearing that one nap would turn him into 'a napper' who gives up when things get hard.
told by Seth Godin
Josh recounts seeing a spark of light while changing his son Bodhi's nappy in a pitch-black room, then failing to reproduce it during a daytime test with his partner Amy, before seeing it again at night with Amy as a witness.
told by Josh Janssen
Josh and Tommy recall the all-you-can-eat Pizza Hut buffet with a soft serve ice cream bar at Dandenong as a childhood highlight.
told by Josh Janssen
While tracking macros for her diet, Jess made a large stir fry and poured in what she thought was a reasonable drizzle of oil, which turned out to be half a cup, adding about 1,000 calories to the dish.
told by Jess Lucas
While on a FaceTime call with Josh, Jess walked through a shopping centre without a mask; Josh spotted it on camera, she panicked about being late, and venue staff gave her a spare medical mask.
told by Josh Janssen and Jess Lucas
Josh describes drinking 9 cans of sparkling water in a day yet still feeling dehydrated, leading to a group debate about water absorption, diet, and morning urine color.
told by Josh Janssen
In their words
“For me, I think it's just a feeling of burnout that I have.”
“Whenever I hear someone say bad actor, can't help but think of Hollywood actors that are bad performers.”
“I can break it to you guys, Zoe doesn't know because you fucking can't get rid of herpes, dude.”
“It feels like we gave everything and we have given everything. We continue to give everything, but it wasn't enough. And there's something pretty depressing about thinking it wasn't enough or, yeah.”
“Nearly running out of petrol made the whole road trip, like, how grateful do you become for petrol when you nearly run out?”
“My goal really at the moment is to do meaningful work with interesting people”
“So either use a straw or skull that mofo.”
“It's the sugar, though. Like the news headlines that you get into, Jess, and the short articles is the sugar.”
“There's nothing that good happens after 1 AM.”
“There is definitely the power in the premise of don't wait till January 1st to start the thing that you wanna do.”
“Just free ball in them, son.”
“If a pope likes an Instagram model in the woods, did the— what's the, what's the saying? I can't remember.”
“It needs to sting a little to make change.”
“My dad gets paid by the hour and my dad's probably paying for him having a smoke, an extra long smoke.”
“How obnoxious for people who were struggling in that moment. If fucking Josh Jansen does one more Instagram Live where he dances like a fucking idiot, I'm done.”
“I knew if I took one nap, I would become a napper, and then I would just go to sleep and never wake up.”
“I go, be fucking awesome, the end.”
“Like as if there's this single truth. Like the thing is, there's no single truth.”