When you hear the words Alzheimer's disease, what do you think of? The truth is, the picture most of us have of the disease is incomplete. Alzheimer's disease doesn't start when someone starts to lose their memory. It actually starts years – sometimes decades – earlier. The Rethinking Alzheimer's Disease Podcast is an engaging, narrative-style podcast miniseries for those curious or motivated to learn about Alzheimer’s disease. Perhaps you have a family member with Alzheimer’s disease, or ca ...
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Content provided by Biohacker's Podcast. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Biohacker's Podcast or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
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The Science of Light with Matt Maruca
Manage episode 525084996 series 115652
Content provided by Biohacker's Podcast. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Biohacker's Podcast or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.
In this episode of the Biohacker's Podcast, Teemu Arina speaks with Matt Maruca, founder and CEO of Ra Optics, to examine the critical role light plays in human biology.
Matt reframes light as a primary biological input that regulates circadian rhythm, hormone production, mitochondrial efficiency, and sleep quality. He explains how excessive exposure to artificial blue light (especially after sunset!) disrupts melatonin release and contributes to metabolic dysfunction, poor recovery, and chronic fatigue. Ra Optics was founded to address these challenges through scientifically engineered eyewear that selectively filters harmful wavelengths while preserving beneficial light.
The discussion moves beyond blue light fear-mongering into practical circadian strategy. Matt emphasizes the importance of bright, full-spectrum light exposure during the day to anchor biological timing, while advocating warm, low-intensity lighting in the evening to support sleep. He highlights the role of red and near-infrared light in mitochondrial energy production and recovery, and cautions against low-quality lenses that distort vision or block indiscriminately.
Looking forward, Matt envisions a future where personalized light environments - integrated with sleep and performance data - become central to health optimization. The episode concludes with a shared message: improving light hygiene is one of the highest-leverage, lowest-effort interventions available in modern biohacking.
Learn more about Ra Optics at https://raoptics.com and follow Matt on Instagram: @thelightdiet!
This conversation was recorded in October 2025.
Check https://hololifesummit.com for upcoming events & tickets! Devices, supplements, guides, books & quality online courses for supporting your health & performance: https://hololifecenter.com
Key moments and takeaways:
00:00 – Introduction by Teemu Arina
01:10 - Matt Maruca and the story of Raw Optics
02:25 - Matt’s early health struggles
04:00 - The impact of artificial light on health and well-being
05:30 - The importance of aligning with natural circadian rhythms
06:50 - Overview of the unique lenses produced by Ra Optics
08:30 - Matt reflects on his experience at the 2018 Biohacker Summit
10:20 - How mitochondrial dysfunction became a central focus for Matt
12:15 - The limitations of Western medicine
14:00 - Epigenetics and the relationship between diet, environment, and health
16:00 - Mitochondrial function: the basis for energy production and health
18:45 - How light frequency affects our biology and promotes healing
20:30 - Matt’s collaboration with Dr. Jack Cruz and other luminaries in the field
22:45 - The role of blue light in circadian rhythm regulation
25:00 - Blue light as a form of environmental toxin and its consequences
27:15 - Insights from Dr. Alexander Wunsch on photobiology and light effects
30:00 - The dynamics of melatonin production and its health implications
32:30 - Differentiating between blue light protection and traditional eye care
34:15 - Understanding the types of blue light blocking lenses: sunset and daylight
37:30 - The science behind Ra Optics’ lenses and their effectiveness
40:00 - Testimonials from professional athletes using the eyewear
42:45 - Discussion on emerging products: BlueSync lenses and their features
45:15 - How lifestyle adaptations enhance wellness beyond dietary changes
48:00 - The importance of community and collaboration in the biohacking field
50:00 - Stylish designs of Ra Optics and celebrity collaborations
52:15 - Viewer testimonials and personal experiences with the products
55:00 - Conclusion and where to find more information on Ra Optics
79 episodes
Share
Manage episode 525084996 series 115652
Content provided by Biohacker's Podcast. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Biohacker's Podcast or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.
In this episode of the Biohacker's Podcast, Teemu Arina speaks with Matt Maruca, founder and CEO of Ra Optics, to examine the critical role light plays in human biology.
Matt reframes light as a primary biological input that regulates circadian rhythm, hormone production, mitochondrial efficiency, and sleep quality. He explains how excessive exposure to artificial blue light (especially after sunset!) disrupts melatonin release and contributes to metabolic dysfunction, poor recovery, and chronic fatigue. Ra Optics was founded to address these challenges through scientifically engineered eyewear that selectively filters harmful wavelengths while preserving beneficial light.
The discussion moves beyond blue light fear-mongering into practical circadian strategy. Matt emphasizes the importance of bright, full-spectrum light exposure during the day to anchor biological timing, while advocating warm, low-intensity lighting in the evening to support sleep. He highlights the role of red and near-infrared light in mitochondrial energy production and recovery, and cautions against low-quality lenses that distort vision or block indiscriminately.
Looking forward, Matt envisions a future where personalized light environments - integrated with sleep and performance data - become central to health optimization. The episode concludes with a shared message: improving light hygiene is one of the highest-leverage, lowest-effort interventions available in modern biohacking.
Learn more about Ra Optics at https://raoptics.com and follow Matt on Instagram: @thelightdiet!
This conversation was recorded in October 2025.
Check https://hololifesummit.com for upcoming events & tickets! Devices, supplements, guides, books & quality online courses for supporting your health & performance: https://hololifecenter.com
Key moments and takeaways:
00:00 – Introduction by Teemu Arina
01:10 - Matt Maruca and the story of Raw Optics
02:25 - Matt’s early health struggles
04:00 - The impact of artificial light on health and well-being
05:30 - The importance of aligning with natural circadian rhythms
06:50 - Overview of the unique lenses produced by Ra Optics
08:30 - Matt reflects on his experience at the 2018 Biohacker Summit
10:20 - How mitochondrial dysfunction became a central focus for Matt
12:15 - The limitations of Western medicine
14:00 - Epigenetics and the relationship between diet, environment, and health
16:00 - Mitochondrial function: the basis for energy production and health
18:45 - How light frequency affects our biology and promotes healing
20:30 - Matt’s collaboration with Dr. Jack Cruz and other luminaries in the field
22:45 - The role of blue light in circadian rhythm regulation
25:00 - Blue light as a form of environmental toxin and its consequences
27:15 - Insights from Dr. Alexander Wunsch on photobiology and light effects
30:00 - The dynamics of melatonin production and its health implications
32:30 - Differentiating between blue light protection and traditional eye care
34:15 - Understanding the types of blue light blocking lenses: sunset and daylight
37:30 - The science behind Ra Optics’ lenses and their effectiveness
40:00 - Testimonials from professional athletes using the eyewear
42:45 - Discussion on emerging products: BlueSync lenses and their features
45:15 - How lifestyle adaptations enhance wellness beyond dietary changes
48:00 - The importance of community and collaboration in the biohacking field
50:00 - Stylish designs of Ra Optics and celebrity collaborations
52:15 - Viewer testimonials and personal experiences with the products
55:00 - Conclusion and where to find more information on Ra Optics
79 episodes
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Similar to Biohacker's Podcast
When you hear the words Alzheimer's disease, what do you think of? The truth is, the picture most of us have of the disease is incomplete. Alzheimer's disease doesn't start when someone starts to lose their memory. It actually starts years – sometimes decades – earlier. The Rethinking Alzheimer's Disease Podcast is an engaging, narrative-style podcast miniseries for those curious or motivated to learn about Alzheimer’s disease. Perhaps you have a family member with Alzheimer’s disease, or ca ...
…
continue reading
How many organs could you donate and remain alive? How many planet Earths could fit inside the Sun? How high is a giraffe's blood pressure? Why is the sea blue? To find out, Ask The Naked Scientists!
…
continue reading
A myriad of AI, science, and technology experts explore the real challenges and enormous opportunities facing entrepreneurs who are building the future of health. Raising Health, a podcast by a16z Bio + Health, dives deep into the heart of biotechnology and healthcare innovation. Join veteran company builders, operators, and investors Vineeta Agarwala, Julie Yoo, and Jorge Conde, along with distinguished guests like Mark Cuban, Greg Verdine, Fei-Fei Li, and Suchi Saria, as they explore the i ...
…
continue reading
All In The Mind is ABC RN's weekly podcast looking into the mental universe, the mind, brain and behaviour — everything from addiction to artificial intelligence.
…
continue reading
Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn Grant is a different kind of nature show about the human drama of saving animals. From a paleoanthropologist who hunts fossils in conflict zones to someone who helped save an endangered species while in prison, in season four we will hear from real-life heroes and nature advocates with widely different expertise and life experiences that led them to be champions for the natural world. Wildlife biologist and host Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant has been studying wild animals i ...
…
continue reading
Join expert voices from Barbell Logic and others from the world of strength for resources to help you get strong for life. Get coaching options and more educational content at barbell-logic.com.
…
continue reading
We take a critter’s eye view to explore how animal behavior parallels humans. Join comedians and science-lovers as we get inside the minds of animals
…
continue reading
Get cutting-edge insights from world-class leaders in health, fitness, longevity, entrepreneurship, music and brain science. In-depth interviews with 400+ world-renowned experts including James Clear, Dr. Casey Means, Dr. Shawn Baker, Dr. Mark Hyman, Robb Wolf, Dr. Jack Kruse, Nir Eyal, Tony Horton, Dr. John Gray, Tim Ferriss, Lewis Howes, JP Sears, and many more. Originally launched in 2012 with the tongue-in-cheek title, The Fat-Burning Man Show, this podcast hit #1 in Health in 8 countrie ...
…
continue reading
Unexplainable takes listeners right up to the edge of what we know…and then keeps on going. The Unexplainable team — Noam Hassenfeld, Julia Longoria, Byrd Pinkerton, and Meradith Hoddinott — tackles scientific mysteries, unanswered questions, and everything we learn diving into the unknown. New episodes Mondays and Wednesdays. From Vox and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
…
continue reading
Flash Forward is a show about possible (and not so possible) future scenarios. What would the warranty on a sex robot look like? How would diplomacy work if we couldn’t lie? Could there ever be a fecal transplant black market? (Complicated, it wouldn’t, and yes, respectively, in case you’re curious.) Hosted and produced by award winning science journalist Rose Eveleth, each episode combines audio drama and journalism to go deep on potential tomorrows, and uncovers what those futures might re ...
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continue reading
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