Episode Details

For some reason, I've gotten a reputation as a guy who "shines light on his balls".

Perhaps it was this Men's Health magazine article, in which I discuss a form of light therapy called "photobiomodulation" as a way for guys to increase sexual performance, sperm count and testosterone.

Or perhaps it's because I've described on multiple podcasts how I pull down my pants for 20-30 minutes a day while I'm at my desk, and "bathe my balls" in red and near-infrared light, using a device called a "Joovv".

Turns out the benefits of photobiomodulation go far beyond your nether regions. Heck, this recent study even hinted at the fact that perhaps it should actually be banned as an illegal performance-enhancing drug! On today's podcast, I discuss photobiomodulation ins and outs with two experts in the field: Justin Strahan and Scott Nelson.

Not just any man can take his wife's dream and make it a reality. This is just one of the reasons why Justin is so special. Justin's affinity for process and extreme attention to detail is why we are lucky to have him as head of R&D. The two words we would to describe Justin are intuitive and thorough. Prior to inventing and developing the Joovv, he spent his career as an engineer managing design and development teams. He also has six children, and can apparently play drums and trumpet like it's nobody's business.  

Scott is the impetus, power, and energy that set Joovv in motion. As head of commercialization, his ability to metabolize information quickly makes him an irreplaceable asset. The two words we would use to describe Scott are efficient and personable. Prior to cofounding Joovv, he spent his entire professional career in leadership positions with some of the largest medical device companies in the world, including Medtronic, Covidien, Boston Scientific, and C.R. Bard.

  During our discussion, you'll discover:

-The intriguing history of photobiomodulation (PBM) and the JOOVV light...11:11

• All types of health benefits from a wide range of wavelengths.
  • Sunlight is optimal
  • Red (600-670 nanometers); near infrared (800-880 nanometers)
  • Visible Red light is considered near infrared.
  • Far infrared is useful for heating tissue (over 3000 nanometers); you can't see it.
• Comparing research between red and near-infrared light.
  •  Original PBM devices were lasers. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)
  • Difference between LED and lasers: light source itself. Laser is a specific wavelength. LED is tight range, but not a coherent beam.
  • Photo medicine is still a niche field. Most older academics say that it's based on laser therapy, younger professionals say with newer LED light, you can deliver the same level of intensity over a much broader treatment area.
• How is LED light different from sunlight?
  • Americans spend around 93% of their lifetime indoors due to their work and lifestyle.
  • PBM harnesses specific wavelengths; restores healthy function to offset stressors such as wifi, bluetooth, etc.
  • It's similar to supplementing our diets with a smoothie or multivitamin.
  • It doesn't contain the UVA or UVB, blue light, etc.

-The compelling research behind phototherapy for everything from testosterone to collagen to thyroid to muscular recovery and beyond...21:00

•  Wide-ranging benefits: skin healt