Alex Fergus - Light Therapy Insiders

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What happens when you combine PEMF therapy with red light therapy? In this interview, Bart speaks with Andy Smith, founder of NewMed and creator of the Celler8 PEMF system, about how pulsed electromagnetic field therapy works and why the two therapies may complement each other.

Andy shares the personal health crisis that led him to discover PEMF therapy and explains its potential benefits for pain, inflammation, circulation, sleep, energy, and athletic recovery. He also covers important safety considerations, the differences between full-body and localized PEMF treatment, and what to look for when choosing a device.

Highlights

• How a serious health crisis led Andy Smith to discover PEMF therapy
• What PEMF therapy is and how it works
• The differences between PEMF and red light therapy
• Potential benefits for pain, inflammation, circulation, and sleep
• How PEMF may support athletic performance and recovery
• Full-body PEMF mats versus localized applicators
• Important contraindications and safety considerations
• Why PEMF and red light therapy may work well together
• The best time of day to use each therapy
• What to look for when choosing a PEMF device
• Low-intensity versus high-intensity PEMF
• Future plans for the Celler8 PEMF system

00:00 -  How PEMF Therapy Changed Andy’s Health
03:27  -  The Celler8 PEMF System
04:07 -  What Is PEMF Therapy and How Does It Work?
07:23  -  Benefits of PEMF Therapy
09:50 -  Full-Body vs. Localized PEMF Treatment
11:01   -  Athletic Recovery, Side Effects, and Safety
13:00 -  Combining PEMF With Red Light Therapy
17:56 -  The Best Time to Use PEMF and Red Light
18:55 -  What to Look for When Buying a PEMF Device
21:02 -  Celler8 and the Future of PEMF Therapy

Thanks for listening!

Disclaimer: Information shared is not medical advice.

For the latest discounts, please visit my website:  https://www.lighttherapyinsiders.com/red-light-therapy-discount-codes-deals-recommendations/

·       Check out my YouTube Channel for product reviews and all things red light therapy! 

·       Check out my website for research articles, reviews, and more on light therapy 

·       Join my Facebook group with almost 10K members; it's an interactive group sharing their experiences.

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Could red light therapy support fertility, postpartum recovery, period pain, menopause, and other important areas of women’s health?

In this episode of Alex Fergus – Light Therapy Insiders, Bart speaks with midwife and women’s health specialist Tracy Donegan about the emerging use of photobiomodulation for female reproductive health.

They explore the research, Tracy’s clinical experience, the devices she uses, and why targeted protocols matter. The conversation also covers male fertility, pregnancy precautions, C-section recovery, breastfeeding discomfort, pelvic pain, menopause, circadian health, and how long it may take to notice results.

Show Notes

Women have historically been underrepresented in medical research, and photobiomodulation is no exception. Although research into red light therapy for women’s health continues to grow, many questions remain unanswered.

Tracy explains how she uses targeted red light and laser therapy in her work with women experiencing fertility challenges, postpartum wounds, pelvic pain, menopausal symptoms, painful periods, and other intimate health concerns.

She also discusses why treatment must be individualized. The correct device, wavelength, dose, treatment location, and frequency can depend on the person and the condition being addressed. More power is not necessarily better—particularly when working around sensitive tissues or nerve pain.

Key Topics

Red Light Therapy for Women’s Health

Postpartum Healing and C-Section Recovery

Breastfeeding and Nipple Pain

Female and Male Fertility

Lasers Versus Red Light Panels

Pelvic Wands, Menopause and Vaginal Pain

Period Pain and Endometriosis

Sunlight, Circadian Health and Hormones

Pregnancy and Light Therapy

Safety and Side Effects

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

Thanks for listening!

Disclaimer: Information shared is not medical advice.

For the latest discounts, please visit my website:  https://www.lighttherapyinsiders.com/red-light-therapy-discount-codes-deals-recommendations/

·       Check out my YouTube Channel for product reviews and all things red light therapy! 

·       Check out my website for research articles, reviews, and more on light therapy 

·       Join my Facebook group with almost 10K members; it's an interactive group sharing their experiences.

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How do you know if a red light therapy device is actually delivering the wavelengths and power it claims? Can you trust irradiance numbers published by manufacturers? And why are some experts questioning the way many companies test their devices?

In this episode, Alex Fergus is joined by Mike Grather from Light Lab International, an independent optical testing laboratory specializing in photobiomodulation and red light therapy devices. Together, they take a deep dive into the science of light testing and explain why understanding these measurements is critical for comparing products fairly or making an informed purchasing decision.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why therapeutic red light devices are different from ordinary LEDs
• What irradiance actually measures—and its limitations
• Why wavelength accuracy matters for photobiomodulation
• The problems with using solar meters to test red light therapy devices
• Why average irradiance is often more meaningful than peak readings
• How light uniformity affects treatment quality
• What integrating sphere testing measures
• The difference between radiant flux and irradiance
• Why LEDs lose power as they heat up
• How wavelength peaks can shift during a treatment session
• What independent laboratory testing can reveal that manufacturer specifications often don't
• The biggest mistakes consumers make when comparing red light therapy panels

If you have questions for Mike or would like to hear a follow-up episode covering additional topics related to red light therapy testing, leave a comment and let us know what you'd like discussed next.

Thanks for listening!

Disclaimer: Information shared is not medical advice.

For the latest discounts, please visit my website:  https://www.lighttherapyinsiders.com/red-light-therapy-discount-codes-deals-recommendations/

·       Check out my YouTube Channel for product reviews and all things red light therapy! 

·       Check out my website for research articles, reviews, and more on light therapy 

·       Join my Facebook group with almost 10K members; it's an interactive group sharing their experiences.

·       Follow us on Instagram and TikTok. 

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Red light therapy has moved fast—from a fringe topic known only to researchers into a booming consumer industry. But according to Ari Whitten, much of the conversation has outpaced the science. In this episode of Light Therapy Insiders, Ari joins me, Bart Wolbers, to unpack how red and near-infrared light interact with human biology, why mitochondria are central to health and aging, and where common assumptions about dosing, heat, and device performance break down.

Ari is the author of The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy, recently released in a fully revised and expanded edition, co-authored with Dr. Michael Hamblin—one of the most-cited photobiomodulation researchers in the world. This conversation goes well beyond surface-level benefits and dives into the mechanisms, controversies, and the reasons humility matters in a field that’s still evolving.

Show Notes
In this episode, Ari Whitten shares how his early work on mitochondria led him to red and near-infrared light years before the consumer market exploded. We discuss why photobiomodulation can’t be reduced to a single mechanism, why many device claims are misleading, and how an evolutionary view of sunlight helps explain its role in modern health.

This conversation is ideal for listeners who already know the basics of red light therapy and want a deeper, more nuanced understanding—without hype.

Key Topics Discussed

Ari Whitten’s journey into red light therapy
From competitive athletics and bodybuilding to chronic fatigue after Epstein–Barr virus infection, Ari explains how his focus shifted toward energy metabolism and mitochondrial health—and why that led him to light biology.

Why mitochondria are central to health and aging
We explore how modern research reframes mitochondria as more than “cellular powerhouses,” highlighting their role in immune function, brain health, stress responses, and biological aging.

Red and near-infrared light in an evolutionary context
Humans evolved under the sun, and different wavelengths influence biology in distinct ways—circadian rhythm signaling, vitamin D synthesis, nitric oxide production, heat effects, and more. Red and near-infrared light stand out because human tissue is unusually transparent to these wavelengths.

Moving beyond the cytochrome c oxidase story
Once considered the primary mechanism of photobiomodulation, cytochrome c oxidase is now understood as just one piece of a larger puzzle that includes gene expression, growth factors, immune signaling, and systemic effects.

Heat, dosing, and the biggest PBM controversies
We break down the debate around whether photobiomodulation must be “non-thermal,” why mild tissue warming is often unavoidable, and where the real danger thresholds likely sit.

Systemic vs localized effects
Ari explains why red light therapy doesn’t always need to be applied directly to a target tissue to produce benefits—and how blood, immune, and signaling pathways may play a larger role than many people assume.

Pods vs panels: Is the price difference justified?
We discuss whether full-body red-light pods offer advantages over large-panel setups—and why the lack of direct comparative studies leaves this question open.

Industry transparency and misleading specs
A strong call for third-party testing, honest irradiance data, and higher standards in an industry where exaggerated claims remain common.

Thanks for listening!

Disclaimer: Information shared is not medical advice.

For the latest discounts, please visit my website:  https://www.lighttherapyinsiders.com/red-light-therapy-discount-codes-deals-recommendations/

·       Check out my YouTube Channel for product reviews and all things red light therapy! 

·       Check out my website for research articles, reviews, and more on light therapy 

·       Join my Facebook group with almost 10K members; it's an interactive group sharing their experiences.

·       Follow us on Instagram and TikTok. 

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Sleep is one of the biggest levers for your health—and one of the most overlooked. In this episode, we break down the latest science on the use of red light therapy to improve sleep quality, including deep sleep, recovery, and melatonin production. With over 10 studies now available, the evidence is stronger than ever—and some of the results are surprisingly powerful. 

Show Notes

This episode explores how red light therapy impacts sleep quality, from deep sleep and REM cycles to recovery and stress levels. We cover the latest research, including full-body treatments, targeted applications, and real-world protocols you can use immediately. You’ll also learn how red light therapy compares to other sleep optimization strategies and where it fits into a broader routine.

Key Topics

• What “Sleep Quality” Actually Means
  Deep sleep (non-REM stages 3–4), REM sleep, and overall sleep efficiency are the key markers that determine how restorative your sleep really is. 
• The Science: 10 Studies and Growing
  Recent research shows consistent improvements in sleep quality, HRV, stress, and even melatonin levels—with some studies reporting increases of 60–70%. 
• Full-Body vs Targeted Treatments
  Full-body red light therapy delivers the strongest results, including improved recovery and reduced sleep needs. Targeted areas (brain, neck, or blood flow) still help—but to a lesser extent. 
• Melatonin and Recovery Benefits
  Red light therapy boosts melatonin production and improves heart rate variability, indicating better relaxation and recovery. 
• Real-World Results (Athletes & Shift Workers)
  Athletes in one study needed ~40 minutes less sleep while improving recovery. Shift workers saw major reductions in insomnia, stress, and anxiety. 
• Effective Dosage & Wavelengths
  Most studies use 660nm and 850nm wavelengths with doses around 30–60 J/cm²—making even basic panels effective. 
• Alternative Low-Cost Protocols
  If you don’t have a full-body setup, you can still get benefits by targeting the neck, brain, or even blood flow (e.g., wrist or carotid area). 
• Don’t Ignore the Basics
  Red light therapy works best alongside fundamentals like blocking blue light at night, optimizing your environment, and improving lifestyle habits. 

Resources Discussed

✨ Download the sleep optimization ebook, which includes 50+ strategies for improving deep sleep, using this link: https://alexfergus.com

Thanks for listening!

Disclaimer: Information shared is not medical advice.

For the latest discounts, please visit my website:  https://www.lighttherapyinsiders.com/red-light-therapy-discount-codes-deals-recommendations/

·       Check out my YouTube Channel for product reviews and all things red light therapy! 

·       Check out my website for research articles, reviews, and more on light therapy 

·       Join my Facebook group with almost 10K members; it's an interactive group sharing their experiences.

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Red light therapy can be a real performance tool — not just something you do for “recovery.” This video breaks down what the latest research on exercise performance says about muscle endurance, strength, fatigue, inflammation, and VO₂ max.

The key takeaway is simple: timing matters. Most of the best results show up when red light therapy is used before your workout (often a few hours beforehand), and current evidence still points toward local treatment (targeting the muscle you’re about to train) over full-body sessions for measurable performance outcomes. Interestingly, full-body setups may still help sleep quality, which can indirectly support training and recovery over time.

Bart also explains why some results look mixed (especially for running), why older laser-based protocols don’t always translate cleanly to consumer LED devices, and how to choose the right device and dosing approach for the muscle group you’re training.

This episode is part of a free, science-driven red light therapy course designed to help you understand the foundations, cut through hype, and apply light therapy more intelligently over time.

Please sign up here to be notified when new course material is released. Some content cannot be posted publicly, but subscribers will receive an email when it becomes available.

Thanks for listening!

Disclaimer: Information shared is not medical advice.

For the latest discounts, please visit my website:  https://www.lighttherapyinsiders.com/red-light-therapy-discount-codes-deals-recommendations/

·       Check out my YouTube Channel for product reviews and all things red light therapy! 

·       Check out my website for research articles, reviews, and more on light therapy 

·       Join my Facebook group with almost 10K members; it's an interactive group sharing their experiences.

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Brain photobiomodulation is rapidly evolving from early-stage curiosity into a serious area of research. In this interview, Bart Wolbers speaks with Liam Pingree and Dr. Ramona von Leden to explore how light therapy is being used to improve cognitive function, support brain health, and potentially impact neurodegeneration.

Show Notes

This episode breaks down the current state of brain photobiomodulation, including new research on memory, attention, anxiety, and depression. We also explore why wavelength selection matters, how devices are evolving, and what the future holds for this fast-growing field.

Key Topics

Cognitive Benefits: Memory, Attention & Mood

Recent studies show improvements in:

• Attention and focus
• Memory and processing speed
• Mood and anxiety levels

There are also early signals suggesting potential effects on neurodegeneration markers, making this a key area of interest.

Why Dosage & Consistency Matter

One of the biggest challenges in the field is variability:

• Different wavelengths
• Different power outputs
• Different protocols

Standardizing these variables will be critical for future clinical adoption.

Key Study Insights

Several early studies show promising results:

• Improvements in brain fog and processing speed
• Better attention and reduced anxiety
• Positive changes in depression and sleep

While many studies are small, they serve as important proof of concept for larger trials.

1070nm Light & Deep Brain Penetration

A major focus of this discussion is the 1070nm wavelength:

• Deeper penetration into brain tissue
• Targets areas like the hippocampus
• Potential impact on neuroinflammation

Different wavelengths serve different purposes depending on the target area.

Helmet vs Whole-Body Light Therapy

• Whole-body therapy offers systemic effects
• Targeted brain devices are more practical and efficient

For cognitive outcomes, localized brain treatment may be sufficient.

Neurofeedback & Personalization

Combining light therapy with QEEG allows:

• Targeted treatment of specific brain regions
• Customized protocols
• Potentially faster results

This highlights the growing trend toward personalized brain optimization.

The Role of Data & AI

With thousands of users generating data:

• Protocols can be refined faster
• Patterns in response can be identified
• AI may help optimize treatments

User data is becoming a major driver of innovation.

Future of Brain Photobiomodulation

Over the next 5–10 years, expect:

• Larger clinical trials
• More consumer devices
• Integration with wearables
• Shift toward preventative brain health

The space is moving toward optimization, not just treatment.

Key Takeaways

• Photobiomodulation is entering a more mature research phase
• Individual responses vary significantly
• Wavelength and dosage are critical
• The next wave will focus on personalization and data-driven protocols

Thanks for listening!

Disclaimer: Information shared is not medical advice.

For the latest discounts, please visit my website:  https://www.lighttherapyinsiders.com/red-light-therapy-discount-codes-deals-recommendations/

·       Check out my YouTube Channel for product reviews and all things red light therapy! 

·       Check out my website for research articles, reviews, and more on light therapy 

·       Join my Facebook group with almost 10K members; it's an interactive group sharing their experiences.

·       Follow us on Instagram and TikTok. 

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Can red light actually help reduce belly fat, or is it just another fitness myth?

In this episode, Bart Wolbers breaks down what the science actually says about red and near-infrared light for fat loss. We look at human and animal studies, changes in waist and hip circumference, why weight often stays the same, and how red light may influence fat mobilization without traditional dieting.

You’ll learn why most studies show body recomposition rather than scale weight loss, why red wavelengths seem to outperform near-infrared for this goal, and how red light may fit into a broader fat-loss framework alongside exercise, sleep, circadian rhythm, and metabolic health.

This episode is part of a free, science-based red light therapy course designed to help you use light therapy more effectively without hype, gimmicks, or unrealistic promises.

Please sign up here to be notified when new course material is released. Some content cannot be posted publicly, but subscribers will receive an email when it becomes available.

Thanks for listening!

Disclaimer: Information shared is not medical advice.

For the latest discounts, please visit my website:  https://www.lighttherapyinsiders.com/red-light-therapy-discount-codes-deals-recommendations/

·       Check out my YouTube Channel for product reviews and all things red light therapy! 

·       Check out my website for research articles, reviews, and more on light therapy 

·       Join my Facebook group with almost 10K members; it's an interactive group sharing their experiences.

·       Follow us on Instagram and TikTok. 

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Worried that red light therapy could damage your eyes?

In this video, Bart Wolbers breaks down the real science behind red + near-infrared light and eye safety, including a conservative protocol (around 40–50 mW/cm²) and why that dose is tiny compared to what humans are exposed to outdoors. He also covers where blue light and UV fit in, what “safe exposure” really means, and practical tips if you’re using panels, tabletop devices, or handheld units near your face.

He also explains why more isn’t better, why too little can be a problem, and exactly how he arrived at my 40–50 mW/cm² eye protocol—a tiny dose compared to daily sunlight exposure, yet effective in studies.

Thanks for listening!

Disclaimer: Information shared is not medical advice.

For the latest discounts, please visit my website:  https://www.lighttherapyinsiders.com/red-light-therapy-discount-codes-deals-recommendations/

·       Check out my YouTube Channel for product reviews and all things red light therapy! 

·       Check out my website for research articles, reviews, and more on light therapy 

·       Join my Facebook group with almost 10K members; it's an interactive group sharing their experiences.

·       Follow us on Instagram and TikTok. 

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Red light therapy isn’t magic, but understanding how it works can change how you use it. In this science-focused episode, Bart explains the core mechanisms behind red light therapy and why understanding the “how and why” is crucial for achieving real-world results.

This video explores the three primary mechanisms of photobiomodulation supported by current research, including mitochondrial activation, growth factor stimulation, and modulation of cell membrane ion channels. You’ll learn why researchers don’t fully agree on everything yet, why different tissues respond differently to light, and how mechanisms help explain why red light works well for some conditions — and less so for others.

This episode is part of a free, science-driven red light therapy course designed to help you understand the foundations, cut through hype, and apply light therapy more intelligently over time.

Edit: Also SOME credit to Ari Whitten & Prof Arany's interviews on this topic for inspiration!

Please sign up here to be notified when new course material is released. Some content cannot be posted publicly, but subscribers will receive an email when it becomes available.

Thanks for listening!

Disclaimer: Information shared is not medical advice.

For the latest discounts, please visit my website:  https://www.lighttherapyinsiders.com/red-light-therapy-discount-codes-deals-recommendations/

·       Check out my YouTube Channel for product reviews and all things red light therapy! 

·       Check out my website for research articles, reviews, and more on light therapy 

·       Join my Facebook group with almost 10K members; it's an interactive group sharing their experiences.

·       Follow us on Instagram and TikTok.