The Dylan Gemelli Podcast: Episode #45 ft. Jonathan Otto

The Light Therapy Episode – Exploring the Power of Red Light Therapy
Date: August 22, 2025

Episode Overview

Dylan Gemelli welcomes investigative health journalist and red light therapy innovator Jonathan Otto for a deep dive into red and blue light therapies, their roles in healing, and their impact on cellular health. The conversation ranges from Jonathan’s inspirational background, the science and clinical studies behind light therapies, the importance of specific wavelengths, and practical guidance for listeners seeking effective, evidence-based biohacks.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Jonathan Otto’s Background & Mission (03:34 - 09:05)

• Childhood Inspiration: Jonathan describes witnessing famine on TV as a child, which drove his lifelong desire to alleviate human suffering.
• Quote:

  “You put suffering up against fame or money...my motivation becomes so weird. There’s so much meaning and purpose [in helping others] and that’s where the happiness is found.” (04:10, Jonathan)

• Professional Path:
  • Became World Vision youth ambassador and received awards for humanitarian work.
  • Pursued journalism to uncover health solutions, especially for chronic and misunderstood diseases.
  • Producer for “Truth About Cancer” docuseries, now consults globally with health clinics.

Discovery and Science of Red Light Therapy (10:10 - 16:15)

• Brand & Philosophy:
  • Otto’s “Red Life” aims to make validated, clinically-studied light therapies accessible—not a luxury reserved for the wealthy.
  • Devices incorporate a range of effective wavelengths found in peer-reviewed scientific literature.
• History of Red Light Therapy:
  • Nobel Prize in 1903 for using light therapy to reverse lupus vulgaris (Niels Ryberg Finsen).
  • Used in sanitariums in early 1900s.

What Makes Good Red Light Therapy (22:41 - 37:22)

• Red Flags in the Market:
  • Many devices are poorly made or falsely marketed—irradiance (power delivered), correct wavelength, and device quality are key.
• Core Science:
  • Irradiance: Measured in milliwatts per cm²; sufficient power is crucial for effective therapy.
  • Wavelengths: The “optical window” (600-1100nm) crucially determines tissue penetration.
  • Cellular Effect: Enhances mitochondrial function and oxygenation, which is central for cellular repair and health.
• Notable Quote:

  “Cells breathe. And what you do with light is you’re shooting straight into the cell, helping them to breathe.” (24:12, Jonathan)

• Safety & Efficacy:
  • Devices must avoid high EMF emissions and flicker.
  • MyRedLight offers user-adjustable settings, FDA Class 2 certification, and longevity.

Clinical Studies & Real-Life Results (17:50 - 21:51, 55:06 - 63:26)

• Double-Blind vs. Case Studies:
  • Otto clarifies the distinction and shares several clinical trials showing significant remission rates for conditions like prostate cancer and thyroid disease.
• Notable Results:
  • Prostate Cancer:

    “Red light therapy: 49% remission in two years vs. 13.5% in control (standard treatment alone).” (18:41, Jonathan)

  • Autoimmune Thyroiditis:

    “47% didn’t need any more thyroid medication at 9-month follow-up after 10 red light sessions.” (18:58, Jonathan)

  • Graves’ Disease Anecdote: Former athlete with hyperthyroidism ran the Boston Marathon after less than three weeks of daily red light therapy (20:44).

Practical Guidance on Usage (38:05 - 51:39)

• Red Light vs. Sunlight:
  • Sun exposure and red light therapy are complementary; optimal is both.
  • Morning and evening (when sunlight is reddish) are "natural" times for exposure; however, even brief sessions (1-20 minutes daily) show strong cellular benefits.
• Optimizing Sessions:
  • Frequency & duration: Even once every two days can be effective; perfectionism discouraged.
  • Eye safety: Studies suggest short exposures can benefit eyes and brain function, but users should decide on protection.
• Too Much Exposure?
  • No evidence that up to an hour/day is harmful; 20 minutes/day is practical and beneficial.

Effects of Blue Light & Biohacking Myths (42:39 - 46:35)

• Day vs Night Exposure:
  • Blue light is essential in daytime for proper circadian rhythm; should be avoided at night.
  • Blue light glasses: Over-blocking can harm sleep patterns and overall health.
  • Notable Quote:

    “If all blue light was bad, then no one look at a rainbow, it’ll hurt you, the blue, right?” (42:50, Jonathan)

Detailed Q&A: Efficacy for Conditions (55:06 - 63:31)

Skin Disorders

• Psoriasis, Eczema, Acne, Rosacea, Lupus:
  • Repeated strong anecdotal and clinical evidence of improvement.
  • Pigmentation Issues: 590nm wavelength is especially helpful for hyperpigmentation.

Brain & Neurological Health

• Brain Fog, Mental Clarity:
  • Full remission of symptoms in clinical studies involving long COVID and cognitive deficits.
  • Notable Quote:

    “All 62 participants [in a European Society of Medicine study] had complete remission of all symptoms within a single week.” (58:44, Jonathan)

Hormones & Internal Health

• Testosterone & Thyroid:
  • Red light triggers natural hormone production (similar results to successful thyroid protocols).
  • Supporting Testosterone:

    “There are great studies showing significant improvement in testosterone…through mitochondrial stimulation.” (52:19, Jonathan)

• NAD & Cellular Energy:
  • Mitochondrial upregulation supports NAD production and general cellular function.

Cancer

• Remission/Support:
  • Strong evidence for both case study and clinical settings, especially with specific protocols and adjunctive agents (e.g., methylene blue).
  • Lung Cancer: "87% showed significant response and improved quality of life" (63:09).

Heart Health & Inflammation (66:28 - 73:33)

• Post-Viral/Inflammatory Cardiac Issues:
  • Dylan shares his personal post-COVID heart inflammation; Jonathan prescribes red light therapy combined with nicotine patches (to compete on critical cell receptors), chlorine dioxide for oxygenation, and (optionally) urine therapy.
  • Mechanism: Red light denatures toxins, boosts mitochondrial "voltage" to heal tissue.
  • Notable Quote:

    “Red light helps denature these toxins, and gives you the energy—the voltage—to regenerate and heal.” (72:07, Jonathan)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Purpose:

  “It’s a crown and a cross at the same time…What about all the guys that didn’t get to have that conversation, didn’t get to know that?” (30:08, Jonathan)

• On Biohacking Fads:

  “If you don’t have that type of reason to resonate with people and explain it, I cannot take you serious that you actually care or that there’s a purpose behind it.” (11:43, Dylan)

• On Blue Light Hysteria:

  “You proved my point…these assumptions that all blue light is bad is harming us.” (45:31, Jonathan)

• On Accessibility of Healing:

  “Everyone can do this…and no reorder needed. No cartridges to fill again. This is a one and done.” (46:40, Jonathan)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Jonathan’s Childhood Story & Humanitarian Roots: 03:58 – 09:05
• First Learning About Red Light Therapy: 13:05 – 16:15
• Market Red Flags & What to Look for: 22:41 – 27:51
• Science & Wavelength Deep Dive: 33:23 – 37:22
• Practical Usage Tips: 38:05 – 51:39
• Handling Blue Light and Sleep: 42:39 – 46:35
• Specific Evidence: Skin, Brain, Hormones: 55:06 – 60:03
• Cancer Studies & Anecdotes: 60:10 – 63:31
• Post-viral Heart Health Protocol: 66:28 – 73:33

Resources & Next Steps

• Jonathan Otto’s Website: myredlight.com – Devices, research, educational materials.
• Discount Code: “Dylan” for 10% off (73:33)
• Studies Mentioned: Look up referenced studies on PubMed with terms like “photobiomodulation prostate cancer”, “red light therapy thyroiditis”, etc.

This summary has omitted advertisements and non-content segments as requested. For in-depth science or further follow-up, refer to the full episode and provided links.