The Dr. Josh Axe Show — Tim Tebow EXCLUSIVE: Health Secrets, Trafficking Crisis, & John 3:16 Miracle
Episode Date: November 3, 2025
Host: Dr. Josh Axe | Guest: Tim Tebow

EPISODE OVERVIEW

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Josh Axe sits down with NFL legend, author, philanthropist, and outspoken Christian Tim Tebow. Together, they explore the foundations of true identity, living with purpose, honoring God with our bodies, and responding to the crises of our time — notably the trafficking epidemic. Tim shares his personal journey of faith, vulnerability, and resilience, offering both spiritual and practical insights for those seeking meaning, health, and impact in their lives.

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & INSIGHTS

1. Opening Reflections & The John 3:16 Miracle

[00:09–02:36; 33:10–35:23]

• Game Recap: Tim recalls his playoff victory with the Denver Broncos, where his game stats (316 yards, 31.6 avg.) eerily matched John 3:16, leading to 90 million people Googling the Bible verse during the game.

• Rather than feeling triumph, Tim admits his first reaction was "shame and guilt" because he recognized he’d made it all about personal achievement, not about God.

  “I thought that night was about a game… and God in that moment was reminding me, no, it’s never just about a game.” — Tim Tebow [34:22]

• Dr. Axe reflects on the culture’s definition of greatness versus true spiritual perspective.

2. Finding True Identity in Christ

[03:25–12:32; recurring theme]

• Dr. Axe discusses how reading Tim’s book inspired him to seek a stronger sense of personal identity.

• Tim describes how his outspoken faith was shaped by his father’s boldness and how he, too, wrestled with embarrassment and misplaced priorities.

  “My greatest regrets… I was more worried about what people thought about me than what they knew about King Jesus.” — Tim Tebow [07:15]

• They reflect on Tozer’s quote: “The most important thing about you is your beliefs about God,” noting that a true and humble view of God reshapes our view of ourselves.

• Tim expounds on the Gospel: “What we have been saved from, who we have been saved by, what we have been saved for.” [09:45–10:55]

• Memorable anecdote: Tim’s story comparing Alexander the Great (who sacrificed his soldiers for power) to Jesus, who sacrifices himself for us.

  “When we have an accurate picture of who King Jesus is… it changes everything.” — Tim Tebow [12:17]

3. Fatherhood, Purpose, and Seeing Others as Royalty

[13:04–23:31]

• Both men discuss how becoming fathers deepened their sense of responsibility and compassion — not just for their own children, but for all humanity.

• Tim shares the conviction that “the way we view our children is the way God views all of humanity.” [15:13]

• Discussion on Mother Teresa’s stance about abortion being the “greatest destroyer of peace.” Tim shares his own story, being a “miracle baby” after his parents refused to abort him against medical advice.

  “I love getting to encourage people on the value of life, on the value of humanity, that every life was created in love, by love, and for love, on purpose and for a purpose.” — Tim Tebow [19:33]

• Tim’s Night to Shine event for people with special needs inspired deep reflection on what it means to be “made in the image of God” — not just functionally, but as a declaration of royal worth.

  “Royalty on board… that’s right, she’s royalty. She’s royalty to God.” — Tim Tebow [20:55]

4. Identity, Purpose, and Eternal Significance

[23:31–31:47]

• Using the story of builders working on a cathedral, both stress that perspective and purpose elevate everyday work into worship.

• Dr. Axe highlights how spiritual, emotional, and mental health — especially tied to identity and fatherlessness — are the most significant predictors of physical health issues.

• Tim reveals the intent behind his new book Look Again:

  “When you understand the truth about you and the value that you have to God… how challenging it will also be, because we are mandated to love God and love people.” — Tim Tebow [28:14]

• Both encourage listeners to recognize their God-given worth in order to live with confidence and purpose, referencing a study that up to 75% of people, including Christians, feel they lack clear purpose.

5. Resilience, Failure, and Spiritual Anchors

[35:23–41:16]

• They revisit Tim’s NFL career, discussing how external highs and lows should not define our identity.

  “If you do that, your life is going to be a roller coaster.” — Tim Tebow [37:16]

• Citing John 16:33 and Hebrews (hope as “an anchor for our soul”), Tim emphasizes maintaining joy and hope through circumstances by holding onto Christ.
• Tim celebrates his parents for prioritizing their children’s “spiritual birthdays” to anchor their identity in Christ.

6. Practical Steps for Discovering Purpose and Building Identity

[43:14–49:53]

Purpose

• Tim’s formula: “Mindset, Skillset, Heartset, Whereset” — consider what God has given you, where He placed you, and what breaks your heart.
• True compassion is “to care so much for someone you’re willing to suffer with them.”
• Discomfort and stepping into the needs of others are catalysts for discovering purpose:

  “God doesn’t often call people to major purpose while on Netflix.” — Tim Tebow [46:32]

Identity

• The transformative power of reading scripture, meditating on God’s promises, and spending time around virtuous people.
• A challenge to shift from seeking fleeting “likes” to lasting “respect” (i.e., from people-pleasing to living out Christlike character).

  “I constantly have to work on earning respect versus gaining likes…likes are fickle.” — Tim Tebow [52:11]

7. Responding to Crisis and Tragedy with Compassion

[53:55–58:47]

• Both discuss the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk and its personal impact, emphasizing the unshakeable value of every human regardless of opinion or background.

  “We should know that every single person has a worth and a value that is priceless… because God gave his life for you and for me.” — Tim Tebow [55:13]

• The call to respond to suffering — whether in the face of personal, national, or global tragedies — by drawing near to the brokenhearted.

8. Health, Stewardship, and Honoring God with Your Body

[60:55–66:24; 77:57–84:44]

• Tim’s nutrition philosophy has evolved from “carb loading” as an athlete to a high-protein, healthy fat, low-carb diet rich in clean and organic foods.
• Describes the critical role of stewardship:

  “We’re housekeeping, house managers. When the owner shows up, did we take care of the house?” — Tim Tebow [61:23]

• Avoids processed foods; hasn't had a soft drink since age 15.
• Rituals include red light therapy, infrared sauna, PEMF mats, IV therapy, supplementation (multivitamin, D, K2, creatine, glutathione, etc.), and cold plunges.
• Both express a belief that believers should set a higher standard in caring for their health as a means of being fully ready to serve God’s purposes.

9. Trafficking Crisis: Shining Light in Dark Places

[66:26–75:47]

• Tim explains the magnitude and horror of human trafficking and exploitation, both globally and in the U.S.:

  “This year there will be around 400 million people around the world that are abused or exploited…over 50 million people are trapped in human trafficking.” — Tim Tebow [67:13] “When it comes to buying live-stream rape of children, the U.S. is #1 in the world.” — [68:16]

• Tim’s organization fights on all fronts: policy, rescue, restoration, and technology.
• Calls for parents to understand the dangers their children face online and to not be bystanders.
• Inspiration for Look Again: When you grasp your worth in Christ, you'll recognize and respond to the value and suffering of others.

10. Practical Health Tips and Daily Habits

[78:09–84:44]

• Details Tim’s current diet:
  • Breakfast: Often 8+ eggs, clean meats, A2 dairy, Greek and Icelandic yogurts with honey and berries, bulletproof coffee with butter/ghee and protein.
  • When traveling to risky places: brings protein powder and ghee.
• Supplement routine includes multivitamin, vitamin D and K2, creatine, glutathione, IV therapy.
• Fitness: committed to continual learning, adaptation, and maximizing physical and mental performance for the sake of serving others.
• Emphasizes: “We should run the race, not simply walk or jog.”

NOTABLE QUOTES

• “Remember, you are not defined by your scars, you are defined by His scars.” — Tim Tebow [07:55]
• “The Gospel is the only thing that changes everything about everything.” — Tim Tebow [12:17]
• “We have to value life, because there's only one thing Jesus died for — people, life, to give us life and life abundantly.” — Tim Tebow [19:10]
• “When we see people with infinite value and worth, worth suffering, I will have to be compelled to do something.” — Tim Tebow [74:33]
• “What if we really did view people as more valuable, more important than the things that we hold precious, like a diamond ring?” — Tim Tebow [76:18]
• “Likes are fickle… earning respect lasts so much longer.” — Tim Tebow [52:11]

TIMESTAMPS FOR KEY SEGMENTS

• John 3:16 Miracle: [00:09–02:36], [33:10–35:23]
• Forming Spiritual Identity: [03:25–12:32]
• Fatherhood & Seeing Others’ Worth: [13:04–23:31]
• Mother Teresa, Value of Life, and Royalty in Christ: [16:40–23:31]
• Purpose and Perspective: [23:31–31:47], [43:14–49:53]
• Dealing with Failure & Anchoring in Christ: [35:23–41:16]
• Handling Suffering with Hope: [41:16–42:56]
• Practical Advice: Purpose & Identity: [43:14–49:53]
• Trafficking Crisis and Call to Action: [66:26–75:47]
• Daily Health Routine & Stewardship: [77:57–84:44]

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

• Tim movingly describes celebrating “spiritual birthdays” in his family, making faith the foundation of identity [39:45].
• The “Royalty on Board” bumper sticker at Night to Shine that reframed his understanding of Imago Dei [20:55].
• Honest admissions of personal struggles with people-pleasing and finding value outside of Christ [52:11].

TANGIBLE TAKEAWAYS

• Identity: Anchor your worth and identity in Christ and His completed work rather than achievements, failures, or others’ opinions.
• Purpose: Discover purpose by leaning into your God-given wiring, noticing whom your heart breaks for, and stepping into uncomfortable places of service.
• Health: Care for your body as an act of worship and stewardship, not just for performance or vanity.
• Compassion: True compassion requires proximity, discomfort, and personal action — especially in the face of injustice or exploitation.
• Influence: Shift from seeking “likes” to cultivating genuine respect rooted in eternal impact.
• Hope: Even in suffering, hope is found by fixing your eyes on Jesus, confident that He is not done writing your story.

HOW TO TAKE ACTION

• Examine where you’re placing your identity and reset it in Christ.
• Look for opportunities to serve, especially those “brokenhearted” or overlooked.
• Be vigilant in protecting children, both your own and in your community, from trafficking and exploitation.
• Protect and steward your health as an act of obedience.
• Support organizations fighting human trafficking.
• Pick up Tim’s new book Look Again for further guidance on worth, hope, and purpose.

Tim Tebow’s final encouragement:

“We are challenged to respond. How will we respond to those who are suffering? When you realize your worth—and their worth—how could you walk by?” [74:51]