Interview with Bjørn Ekeberg
Bjørn Ekeberg is Co-founder & CEO of Recharge Health, creators of FlexBeam, the world's first targeted infrared therapy device. FlexBeam naturally accelerates recovery time for athletes, fitness and strength trainers, and works for all active individuals looking to heal injuries, muscular-skeletal pain or improve their physical energy. Bjørn has a highly unusual background. With a PhD in Philosophy of Science, his speaking engagements range from cosmology to health and recovery. He is an unorthodox thinker who likes to challenge the unquestionable and promote newer and better ways of understanding and living. The near-infrared technology used by FlexBeam was originally developed by NASA. In-house studies have shown it to deliver a 33% faster recovery after a muscle pull, 75% reduction in muscular-skeletal pain, 40% improvement in strength performance, and a 30% improvement in deep sleep. First launched on Indiegogo in October 2020, FlexBeam has done $5M+ in sales and has major brand ambassadors from the sports world, including Norwegian Tennis star Casper Ruud and Norwegian soccer player and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard. Quick recap The main topics discussed in this conversation are the potential of red light technology in health and sports tech, the development and marketing of the world's first wearable infrared therapy device, the importance of investing in research and development for innovation, the non-pharmaceutical approach to health, the benefits of natural remedies, the concept of viewing the body as a natural healing system, the role of light therapy in promoting natural healing, and the significance of personal health and wellness. Summary of the conversation Health, Entrepreneurship, and Technology Focus Michael and Bjørn discussed the focus of their upcoming conversation, agreeing to prioritize the health aspect. They touched on the possibility of including aspects of entrepreneurship and leadership, given Bjørn's personal experiences. Bjørn clarified that their conversation would be recorded in both video and audio formats. They were also set to discuss Bjørn's latest project, a health solution based on infrared technology. Red Light Technology: Health and Sports Tech Game-Changer Bjørn and Michael discussed the potential of red light technology in health and sports tech. Bjørn, who has been involved with this technology for about five years, explained that it is a game-changer that can improve health and shift perceptions about light and health. Michael agreed, noting the impact of sunlight on mood and mental health. Bjørn shared their journey, which began when they were introduced to this technology by friends who stumbled upon NASA research about the impact of near infrared and red light on the physiology of the body. Bjørn was surprised by the lack of awareness about this technology, given its decades-long research history. Innovative Wearable Therapy Device Discussion Bjørn shared about their team's journey in designing and marketing the world's first wearable infrared therapy device. They emphasized the importance of making such technology user-friendly and accessible, as part of a larger mission to raise awareness about the benefits of light therapy. Michael echoed Bjørn's sentiments, noting the tendency to undervalue and underutilize discoveries once they are made. They pointed out that there is a need to further explore the potential applications of such innovations, using the example of a new method to print a hip replacement without surgery. Innovation and Alternative Health Approaches Michael and Bjørn emphasized the importance of investing in research and development (R&D) for innovation. Bjørn highlighted the challenge of making these innovations accessible to the majority of people and raising awareness about them. They discussed a non-pharmaceutical approach to health, including the use of light therapy for pain relief and muscle repair, which is seen as a