Podcast Summary: Founder's Story Episode: You Can’t Outwork Hormones: The Hidden Science Behind Burnout | Ep 236 with Justin Hai, Co-Founder of Alastin Skincare and Rebalance Health
Release Date: June 26, 2025
Host: IBH Media

Introduction: Understanding Cortisol and Burnout

In this enlightening episode of Founder's Story, host Daniel welcomes Justin Hai, the Co-Founder of Alastin Skincare and Rebalance Health, to discuss the profound impact of stress hormones, particularly cortisol, on burnout and overall well-being.

Justin Hai begins by emphasizing the severe consequences of unmanaged cortisol levels:
"You will wake up in the worst possible state that you could imagine. I'm tired, I'm lethargic, I have no energy, I have no strength, I have brain fog, I have no libido, no desire, no motivation. It's just… it's all-consuming and it leaves you completely exhausted." [00:33]

The Critical Role of Sleep

A significant portion of the conversation delves into the indispensable role of sleep in regulating cortisol and maintaining hormonal balance. Justin stresses the necessity of 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep for optimal hormone production and overall health.

Justin Hai explains:
"You have to maniacally protect sleep. It is fundamentally the most important thing you can do next to eating and drinking water." [01:12]

He further elaborates on how insufficient sleep disrupts hormone production, leading to diminished well-being:
"You make all your sex hormones in your sleep. Simple as that. If you don't sleep, you don't make them. You don't feel very good the next day." [02:29]

The Impact of Technology on Sleep and Stress

The conversation shifts to the disruption of natural circadian rhythms due to modern technology. Justin highlights how constant access to screens and 24/7 content has created a "stress pandemic," adversely affecting sleep quality and increasing cortisol levels.

Justin Hai shares insights from his upcoming book, Stress Nation:
"This has disrupted our natural circadian rhythm in such a way that it's actually a true pandemic. This stress pandemic that's going on worldwide is causing such a disruption in the way that we function as human beings by simply interrupting our sleep." [03:07]

He discusses the relentless nature of modern digital interactions and their role in perpetuating stress:
"Our cortisol levels, which is the master hormone, almost every molecule in the human body has a cortisol receptor unlike any other hormone." [04:00]

Societal Shifts and Human Connection in the Digital Age

Daniel and Justin explore how technology, especially AI and social media, has altered human relationships and intimacy. Justin observes a decline in genuine human interactions, attributing it to the pervasive use of devices.

Justin Hai comments:
"Intimacy isn't in the younger generation. Well, I'm going to take that back. It is. I see a trend going back towards that, but for a good amount of time, especially through Covid and through the last four or five years, it's definitely been that way." [10:41]

He emphasizes the importance of physical connections in lowering cortisol levels:
"Nothing lowers your cortisol than physical touch. It could be your pet, it could be your dog, it could be a cat, a human being. But physical connection actually has been scientifically proven to lower cortisol." [19:25]

The Role of Supplements: Introducing Rebalance Health

Transitioning to solutions, Justin introduces Rebalance Health, his venture focused on addressing elevated cortisol levels through scientifically-backed supplements. He critiques the ineffective supplement market and presents his company's innovative approach.

Justin Hai explains:
"We went after a very interesting angle. We didn't want to just duplicate a multivitamin or come up with something that was out there. And there's tons of studies, literally, literally hundreds and hundreds, if not thousands, Studies, proving that 95% of supplements don't even get absorbed by the body and you urinate them out." [12:23]

Formulation and Benefits of Rebalance Health Supplements

Delving into the specifics, Justin details the formulation of Rebalance Health’s flagship product—a proprietary blend of 21 ingredients inspired by Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, designed to regulate cortisol and support overall health.

Justin Hai describes the product:
"It’s a lozenge. So just like a cough, sweet or a mint, you put it in your mouth and you suck on it. What's inside of it? We have about 21 different ingredients. So it's a proprietary blend that we came up with and we tested not just in the lab, but we had independent double blind placebo studies, IRB clinical studies and published in medical journals." [17:20]

He highlights key ingredients like ashwagandha, maca, ginseng, and L-theanine, which collectively help calm the nervous system and maintain natural cortisol rhythms:
"It's about bringing cortisol levels down into normal ranges throughout the day, so that you can fall asleep and stay asleep." [05:07]

Personal Routines and Lifestyle Recommendations

Justin shares his disciplined daily routine, underscoring the importance of physical activity, regular breaks from technology, and maintaining a structured evening to ensure quality sleep.

Justin Hai outlines his day:
"I wake up at 4:30 every morning, I'm at the gym by 5. I work out, I do whatever I do at the gym, come home, I have breakfast, high protein breakfast. I work throughout the day. I get up every few hours and go for a 10 minute walk or 15 minute walk just to again disconnect from all the screens and technology, get some sunlight and keep my steps up and keep moving." [06:05]

Addressing Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

The discussion also covers hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and its limitations, particularly regarding cortisol management. Justin advocates for natural cortisol regulation over pharmaceutical interventions.

Justin Hai states:
"HRT is a great tool but remember it's just a tool. Cortisol isn't being addressed. And so Rebalance Health has a line of mints… to help calm people's cortisol levels and nervous systems down so you can actually fall asleep and stay asleep." [16:51]

Future Directions and Resources

As the conversation concludes, Justin promotes his forthcoming book, Stress Nation, and provides information on where listeners can purchase Rebalance Health products.

Justin Hai shares:
"The book is called Stress Nation, has been published by Wiley and Sons out of New York and will be available for presale today on Amazon, or it'll be in the stores on the shelves September 16th and you can find our products@rebalancehealth.com." [20:55]

Conclusion: Embracing a Balanced Lifestyle

Daniel expresses his gratitude and eagerness to implement the discussed strategies, highlighting the transformative potential of Justin’s insights and products in combating burnout and enhancing quality of life.

Daniel concludes:
"Justin, I super appreciate you being here today. I can't wait to try Rebalance. Let's talk again in like 90 days. And I'm going to fill in on the magical difference I'm sure I'm going to have by combining all of these tools that you mentioned today." [21:14]

Justin Hai responds with appreciation, reinforcing the mission to help others achieve balanced health:
"Thank you." [21:41]

Key Takeaways

• Cortisol Management: Essential for preventing burnout and maintaining overall health.
• Sleep Hygiene: Prioritize 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep to regulate hormone production.
• Technology's Impact: Excessive screen time disrupts circadian rhythms and elevates stress levels.
• Physical Connections: Crucial for lowering cortisol and enhancing well-being.
• Rebalance Health Supplements: A scientifically-formulated solution to manage cortisol naturally.
• Lifestyle Discipline: Incorporate regular exercise, breaks from technology, and structured evening routines.

For more information on Justin Hai’s work and to purchase Rebalance Health products, visit rebalancehealth.com. To pre-order Justin’s book, Stress Nation, available on Amazon starting September 16th.