If you’ve ever wished your self-care routine came with side effects like glowing skin, a calmer nervous system, and better sleep (without adding more to your plate), this one’s for you.

In this episode of the FASTer Way podcast, our CEO Amanda Tress sits down with Connie Zack—Co-founder of the world-renowned Sunlighten infrared sauna—for a powerful convo about biohacking your wellness with the healing power of heat and light.

Spoiler: It’s not just hype. It’s science.

From Family Emergency to Global Wellness Brand

Sunlighten wasn’t born in a lab. It started with a health scare. Connie’s brother was diagnosed with mercury toxicity, and traditional medicine didn’t have a clear solution. 

It wasn’t until he discovered infrared sauna therapy that his symptoms dramatically improved—and it sparked a mission that led Connie and her husband to leave their corporate jobs and launch what’s now one of the most trusted names in the wellness space. 

Over 27 years later, Sunlighten is helping people detox, de-stress, and feel amazing in over 17 countries.

So… What Is an Infrared Sauna Anyway?

Think: all the healing benefits of sunlight, minus the harmful UV rays.

Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air around you, infrared saunas use specific light wavelengths to penetrate your body directly—stimulating cellular repair, detoxification, and blood flow from the inside out. It’s like turning your body into a self-cleaning, inflammation-fighting, hormone-supporting powerhouse.

And the best part? It feels like a warm, cozy hug for your nervous system. Not an oppressive blast of heat.

Top Benefits of Infrared Sauna Use

Here’s just a taste of what infrared can do:

• Detoxification: Research shows sweat from infrared saunas eliminates more heavy metals than sweat from traditional saunas—especially key for women with genetic detox limitations.
  
  
• Better Sleep: Infrared helps rebalance your circadian rhythm and ease your body into deep, restorative rest.
  
  
• Hormone Harmony: Infrared lowers cortisol, boosts circulation, and improves mitochondrial function—great news for women in perimenopause or menopause.
  
  
• Youthful Skin: Increased collagen production and circulation = radiant skin that glows from the inside out.
  
  
• Workout Recovery: It helps reduce inflammation, improve flexibility, and support muscle repair post-sweat sesh.

Amanda swears by it for calming down after a high-energy day running a fast-growing company and wrangling five kids. Yes, it really is part of her nightly routine.

Stacking Habits Without the Overwhelm

What’s even better than sweating in a sauna? Pairing it with other low-lift wellness habits. Amanda shares how she stacks her infrared sessions with:

• Red light therapy
• Hydration + electrolytes
• Dry brushing
• Castor oil packs
• Intentional breathing (OK, sometimes Netflix too…)

The key? You don’t have to do it perfectly. Just consistently.

Not All Saunas Are Created Equal

Amanda and Connie dive into what makes Sunlighten stand out—from its six customized settings (like “pain relief,” “anti-aging,” or “cardio”) to its spectrum of light therapies that go beyond heat.

Even better? Sunlighten offers multiple models and price points, so you can find the fit that works for your lifestyle—even if you’re not quite ready to put a three-person sauna in your living room.

Curious But Not Ready to Commit?

Start small. Many studios and wellness spas offer Sunlighten sessions so you can try before you buy. As Connie says, “We’ll meet you where you are in your wellness journey.”

Want the Full Story?

From infrared science and skin wins to stress relief and the surprising inspiration behind Sunlighten, this episode is packed with tools to help you glow from the inside out.

Hit play to learn:

• The science behind sauna detox (and why sweat matters)
• The best ways to use your sauna—morning vs. evening?
• Amanda’s top habit-stacking hacks for busy women
• Connie’s experience being featured in the documentary Longevity Hackers

Whether you’re already a wellness junkie or just sauna-curious, you’ll walk away inspired and empowered to make your recovery routine work harder for you.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on the FASTer Way Podcast.

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Listen to the full episode here on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or on your favorite platform—and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

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Related Resources:

• 3 Spring Detox Biohacks to Decrease Bloat, Fire Up Your Metabolism & Feel Leaner Ready for Summer
• Detox Biohacks for Women: Coffee Enemas, Castor Oil Packs, Intermittent Fasting & More
• Simple At-Home Detox Methods for Overall Wellness

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