This episode is a deep dive into the fascinating, often misunderstood world of light, and how profoundly it shapes our biology, energy, and overall health. I reconnect with Matt Maruca, founder and CEO of Ra Optics (@ra_optics), to trace the unlikely origin story of his work and explore how his thinking around light, sunglasses, and circadian biology has evolved over the years.
We unpack why not all blue light is created equal, how modern artificial lighting disrupts hormones and stress responses, and why context, timing, and spectrum matter far more than simplistic “good vs. bad” narratives. Matt breaks down the difference between damaging short-wavelength blue light and the beneficial blue light that helps regulate circadian rhythms, while explaining why even helpful light can become harmful when it’s out of balance or stripped of near-infrared wavelengths.
From forest canopies and chlorophyll to sunglasses, sunrise exposure, and next-generation lens technology, this conversation reframes how we think about light exposure in the modern world. If you want a more grounded, practical understanding of how to protect your eyes, support your nervous system, and work with your biology instead of against it, this episode delivers.
🎙 (00:00:00) How a Chance Meeting Sparked a Movement Around Light & Health
🎙 (00:18:51) Light Toxicity, Blue Light Myths, and the “Right Dose” of Sun
🎙 (00:45:24) Sunrise as a “Pre-Conditioner” and Why Cities Hit Different
🎙 (00:55:59) The “Circadian Cult,” Blue Sync Backlash, and the Skill of Changing Your Mind
🎙 (01:28:21) The Indoor Light Problem: Windows, Cars, and the “Sun You’re Not Getting”
🎙 (01:45:20) Why “Natural Light” Isn’t Always Natural
🔗 lukestorey.com/maruca
#TheLifeStylist #LukeStorey #CircadianRhythm #BlueLight #LightTherapy #Biohacking
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