Chef Pete Evans on Health, Media, and the Power of Simple Solutions

In a world where health advice often feels like a maze of contradictions and media narratives seem designed to confuse rather than clarify, Chef Pete Evans stands out as a beacon of clarity. Known for his culinary expertise and his refreshingly straightforward approach to health and wellness, Pete recently sat down with me for a candid conversation. We talked about everything from the state of modern journalism to the importance of simplicity in solving our most pressing health challenges. And let me tell you, his insights are as practical as they are inspiring.

The Media’s Endless Fascination with Pete Evans

Pete Evans is no stranger to the spotlight. Even though he hasn’t appeared on Australian television in over five years, his name still manages to make headlines. “There’s this constant fascination with keeping my name in the news,” Pete muses with a chuckle. “During COVID, there was a reason for it, but even now, they still write about me every week or month.”

What fascinates Pete most is the polarising effect these stories have. “When they publish something about me, the comments section explodes. Hundreds, sometimes thousands of comments—some in favour, some against. It’s fascinating to watch. It creates debate, conversation, and awareness.”

For Pete, this attention is a double-edged sword. While the media often misrepresents his views, he believes the coverage ultimately works in his favour. “If they really didn’t want my message out there, they’d just ignore me. But by writing about me, they’re actually helping spread what I have to say.”

The Art of Baiting the Media

Pete isn’t just a passive participant in the media circus; he’s learned to play the game—and play it well. “I’ve developed a knack for baiting them,” he admits with a grin. He recalls a now-iconic photo of himself wearing a MAGA hat, holding a cigar and a celebratory drink. “I thought, ‘How can I create a moment they won’t be able to resist?’ So, I went for it. MAGA hat, cigar, celebratory drink, and no shirt. It was calculated, but it worked.”

For Pete, it’s not just about stirring the pot; it’s about challenging perceptions. “Tobacco, like cannabis, has been demonised, but it has properties that are beneficial. Why do we have to extract molecules from natural plants when we can use them as they are? It’s about respecting nature and enjoying it responsibly.”

Misrepresentation and the Decline of Journalism

One of Pete’s biggest frustrations is how often his words are twisted. “Even back when I was just a chef on TV, the media would get so many things wrong—factually wrong. They’d misspell my wife’s name, get my age wrong, and misquote me constantly.”

He attributes this to a broader decline in journalistic standards. “The industry has changed. It’s no longer about fact-checking or unbiased reporting. It’s about clicks, comments, and sensationalism. The mainstream media is haemorrhaging viewers because they’ve lost their integrity.”

Pete contrasts this with the rise of independent voices like Joe Rogan and Tucker Carlson. “The real news is coming from citizen journalists and independent platforms. Within minutes of a mainstream story being published, it’s debunked by people who actually care about the truth.”

A Simple Solution to Health Challenges

At the heart of Pete’s mission is a belief in simplicity. “I think there’s a simple solution to most of our health challenges,” he says. “It starts with education and inspiration.”

Pete recently pitched an idea to Bobby Kennedy Jr., who is now the U.S. Health Secretary. “I have thousands of professionally shot recipes that I own. I ask him, ‘Let’s create a government website or a ‘Make America Healthy Again’ portal. I’ll give you all the recipes for free.’”

The goal? To teach people how to cook nutritious, budget-friendly meals using whole, natural ingredients. “If we educate people on how to cook good-quality meat, seafood, and vegetables, we can reduce our reliance on the pharmaceutical and medical industries. It’s about empowering people to take control of their health.”

Beyond Food: The Pillars of Health

While food is a cornerstone of Pete’s philosophy, he emphasises that health is multifaceted. “You can eat the most beautiful, organic food in the world and still suffer from disease if your emotional beliefs are out of alignment,” he explains. “Our beliefs drive our actions. If we don’t feel safe, loved, or worthy, it will manifest in our health.”

Pete advocates for a holistic approach that includes time in nature, sun exposure, good sleep, and emotional healing. “Health isn’t just about what you eat. It’s about how you live, how you love, and how you play.”

Looking Ahead: Bitcoin, Skiing, and the Joy of Life

Pete’s passions extend far beyond the kitchen. He’s an avid skier, snowboarder, and water sports enthusiast. “I love sports that connect me with nature,” he says. “The ocean is my medicine. We’re here for fun, for play, for enjoyment.”

He’s also diving into the world of Bitcoin, seeing it as a tool for financial sovereignty. “Decentralised health, decentralised wealth—it’s all connected. The more we can step out of these systems, the freer we become.”

Final Thoughts: A Call to Simplicity

Pete Evans is a man on a mission—to inspire, educate, and simplify. Whether he’s talking about food, media, or the joy of skiing, his message is clear: the solutions to our biggest challenges are often the simplest ones. “We don’t need to overcomplicate things,” he says. “Let’s make health easy, fun, and approachable. Let’s empower people to thrive.”

As Pete continues to challenge the status quo, one thing is certain: his voice will continue to spark conversation, debate, and, most importantly, change.