We caught up with the brilliant and insightful John Wetzel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
John, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
My mission to connect Las Vegas to biohacking, longevity, and a healthier way of living comes from a deeply personal journey—one that’s been shaped by challenges, discoveries, and a relentless drive to help others live better. It all started when I was just 4 years old, back in 1978, undergoing critical heart surgery. I didn’t know it then, but that experience set the course for my life, teaching me early on how to balance health with an active lifestyle. Fast forward to 1992, I graduated high school and, by January 1993, I was in US Navy Boot Camp. After training, I found myself stationed in Hawaii on a Nuclear Fast Attack Submarine. The lifestyle there was anything but healthy—constant training, unstable conditions, and little sleep took a toll on my body, just like it does for so many in the military.
When I left the Navy and settled in Florida, I became a photographer and magazine owner, spending time with athletes and former athletes. I started noticing something troubling: these folks, still young, were dealing with injuries that were robbing them of their quality of life. It hit me hard—they deserved better. That realization stuck with me as I moved to Colorado to dive into the medical side of the cannabis industry and CBD. There, I discovered the power of natural healing without the side effects, which opened my eyes to new possibilities.
In 2017, a longtime friend introduced me to Osteostrong, and that’s when my biohacking journey truly began. I was hooked on the idea of strengthening the body naturally, without chemicals, especially as we age. By 2018, I’d moved to Las Vegas, home to one of the original Osteostrong franchises. With my marketing background, I teamed up with the owners to help grow this incredible brand. Then Covid hit in 2019, shutting everything down. Instead of giving up, we doubled down, opening a new location in February 2022 with space for game-changing modalities like Red Light and Biocharger. These biohacks accelerate recovery and play a huge role in longevity, and I saw the community light up with interest.
Still, I wanted more than just a business—I wanted a movement. I started attending networking events to find others passionate about health, wellness, and biohacking, but I kept leaving disappointed. So, I took matters into my own hands and founded Biohacking Las Vegas. My goal was simple: get health-minded people in a room to talk, share, and learn. The first meeting was rough—six people, including me. But I’m stubborn, and I had a vision. I kept at it, and slowly, the meetings grew. Today, we’re pulling in over 40 people, with 20-plus businesses, from doctors and functional medicine experts to biohackers and inventors. I’ve made lifelong friends through these gatherings, and our Biohacking Las Vegas family is thriving.
My mission is clearer than ever: connect Las Vegas to biohacking, longevity, and a lifestyle that prioritizes quality of life. It’s meaningful to me because I’ve lived the struggle—heart surgery as a kid, the grind of military life, and seeing athletes lose their spark too soon. I know what’s at stake, and I’ve seen how biohacking can change lives. This isn’t just about health; it’s about giving people the tools and community to thrive, no matter their age or challenges. I’m all in, and I’ll keep pushing to make Las Vegas a hub for this life-changing movement.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is John Wetzel, and I’m the founder of Biohacking Las Vegas, a passionate advocate for health, longevity, and biohacking. My journey into this space has been a winding road of personal challenges, diverse experiences, and a relentless drive to help others live their best lives. Based in Las Vegas, I’m building a community and a movement around biohacking, wellness, and sustainable health practices. Let me share how I got here, what I do, and why it’s so meaningful to me.
How I Got Here
My story begins in 1978 when, at just 4 years old, I underwent critical heart surgery. That experience shaped my life, teaching me early on the importance of balancing health with an active lifestyle. Growing up, I stayed active but always had to be mindful of my body. After graduating high school in 1992, I joined the US Navy in January 1993, eventually serving on a Nuclear Fast Attack Submarine in Hawaii. The military life was grueling—lack of sleep, constant training, and unstable conditions took a toll on my body, just as they do for so many in high-stress roles. It showed me how demanding environments can wear people down, planting a seed for my later work in health and recovery.
After leaving the Navy, I settled in Florida, where I became a photographer and magazine owner. I spent time with athletes and former athletes, and I started noticing something troubling: many were dealing with injuries that diminished their quality of life far too young. It felt unfair, and I wanted to find solutions. This curiosity led me to Colorado in the mid-2010s, where I dove into the medical cannabis industry and learned about CBD’s potential for natural healing without harsh side effects. That was my first step into alternative health solutions.
In 2017, a longtime friend introduced me to Osteostrong, a system that strengthens bones and muscles naturally through osteogenic loading. I was hooked—it was my introduction to biohacking, the practice of using science, technology, and lifestyle changes to optimize health and performance. By 2018, I’d moved to Las Vegas, home to one of Osteostrong’s original franchises. With my marketing background, I partnered with the owners to help grow the brand. When Covid hit in 2019, we didn’t let it stop us. We opened a new location in February 2022, adding cutting-edge biohacking tools like Red Light therapy and Biocharger to enhance recovery and longevity.
In July 2022, a friend introduced me to B3 Sciences BFR (Blood Flow Restriction) bands, and it was a game-changer. These bands, which partially restrict blood flow during low-intensity exercise to mimic the effects of heavy lifting, became one of my favorite biohacks. Paired with full-body vibration training, BFR bands have been a key component in transforming my physical shape and overall health. Without them, I wouldn’t be in the condition I’m in today. They’ve delivered incredible results, boosting muscle growth, strength, and recovery in a way that’s sustainable and efficient.
Around this time, I realized I wanted to do more than run a business—I wanted to create a community. I attended networking events to connect with others passionate about health and biohacking, but I often left disappointed. So, I founded Biohacking Las Vegas, a monthly meetup to bring wellness enthusiasts together. The first meeting in 2022 was small—just six people, including me—but I kept at it. Today, our meetings draw over 40 attendees, including doctors, functional medicine practitioners, business owners, biohackers, and inventors. It’s become a thriving hub for collaboration, and I’ve made lifelong friends along the way.
What I Do
Through Biohacking Las Vegas and my work with Osteostrong, I provide services and community-driven initiatives focused on health optimization, recovery, and longevity. Here’s what that looks like:
Osteostrong Services: At our Las Vegas Osteostrong location, we offer a science-backed program that strengthens bones, muscles, and joints using osteogenic loading—a quick, non-invasive method to improve skeletal health. We also provide biohacking modalities like Red Light therapy, which promotes tissue repair and reduces inflammation, and Biocharger, a device that uses frequencies to enhance cellular energy and recovery. These tools are designed for everyone, from athletes to seniors, who want to stay strong and resilient.
BFR and Vibration Training: I advocate for and use B3 Sciences BFR bands, combined with full-body vibration platforms, to maximize strength, muscle growth, and recovery. This combo is a cornerstone of my personal routine and something I share with clients looking for efficient, high-impact results without heavy weights or long workouts.
Biohacking Las Vegas Community: Our monthly meetups are the heart of my mission. They’re a space for health professionals, biohackers, and wellness enthusiasts to share knowledge, demo cutting-edge technologies like BFR bands or Red Light therapy, and build connections. We host discussions, guest speakers, and hands-on experiences. It’s free to attend, and my goal is to make Las Vegas a hub for health innovation.
Education and Advocacy: I’m passionate about spreading the word on biohacking and longevity. Through speaking engagements, social media, or one-on-one conversations, I educate people on practical, science-backed tools like BFR, Osteostrong, and other modalities to take control of their health. I also connect businesses and practitioners in the wellness space to amplify their impact.
Problems I Solve
My work tackles several key challenges:
Aging and Physical Decline: Many people think pain and weakness are inevitable with age. Through Osteostrong, BFR, and other biohacks, I help clients build stronger bodies, improve mobility, and reduce the risk of osteoporosis or injury, so they can stay active and independent.
Recovery and Performance: Athletes, veterans, and those with demanding lifestyles often struggle with recovery. Modalities like BFR bands, Red Light, and Biocharger speed up healing, reduce inflammation, and boost energy, helping clients perform at their best.
Lack of Community: The wellness world can feel fragmented, especially for niche fields like biohacking. Biohacking Las Vegas creates a space where people can connect, learn, and collaborate, fostering a sense of belonging.
Time and Efficiency: People want results without spending hours in the gym. BFR bands and Osteostrong offer fast, effective solutions that fit busy schedules, delivering big gains in minimal time.
Misinformation in Health: With so many fads out there, I focus on science-backed solutions. I cut through the noise to provide clear, practical tools that work.
What Sets Me Apart
What makes my work unique is its roots in real experience and persistence. I’ve lived through health challenges—heart surgery as a kid, the physical grind of the Navy, and seeing athletes lose their spark too soon. Those moments drive me. Here’s what else sets me apart:
Personal Transformation: My own results with BFR bands and vibration training show what’s possible. I’m not just preaching—I’m living proof of how biohacking can transform your body and health.
Community-First Approach: Biohacking Las Vegas isn’t about profit—it’s about connection. I’m building a space where people grow together, which is rare in today’s transactional world.
Holistic and Accessible Solutions: From BFR to Osteostrong, our services are quick, non-invasive, and designed for everyone. Biohacking doesn’t have to be complex or costly, and I’m committed to making it approachable.
Resilience Through Adversity: From a six-person meetup to a thriving community, from Covid shutdowns to a new Osteostrong location, I don’t quit. That grit shapes how I support my clients and community.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m incredibly proud of Biohacking Las Vegas’s growth—seeing 40-plus people come together monthly, sharing ideas and building friendships, is a dream come true. I’m also proud of the impact we’re making at Osteostrong and with tools like BFR bands—clients who walk in with pain or weakness and leave stronger, with renewed confidence, are why I do this. On a personal level, I’m proud of my own transformation using BFR and vibration training. It’s a testament to the power of biohacking and fuels my passion to share it. Every step, from the Navy to Colorado to Las Vegas, has built this vision, and I’m honored to see it thrive.
What I Want You to Know
If you’re reading this, here’s what I want you to take away about me and my work:
I’m Here to Empower You: Whether you’re an athlete, a retiree, or just want to feel better, I’m here to give you tools like BFR, Osteostrong, and community support to take control of your health. Biohacking is practical and life-changing.
You’re Welcome in Our Community: Biohacking Las Vegas is open to all—beginners, pros, and everyone in between. Come to a meeting, try out BFR bands, or learn about Red Light therapy. Ask questions and see what’s possible.
Health Is About Quality of Life: My mission isn’t just about living longer—it’s about living better. Stronger bones, faster recovery, more energy, and a supportive community add up to a life you love.
Let’s Connect: If you’re in Las Vegas or beyond, reach out. Visit our Osteostrong location, join a Biohacking Las Vegas meetup, or follow us on social media. I’m always excited to talk about health, biohacking, and how we can make a difference together.
My brand is about resilience, connection, and real results. I’ve seen what’s possible when you combine science, community, and determination—BFR bands and Biohacking Las Vegas are proof of that. I’m on a mission to share this with as many people as I can, and I’d love for you to join me in building a healthier, stronger future.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the “No Pain, No Gain” mentality—the idea that you have to push your body to the brink of exhaustion to see results. This belief shaped my approach to fitness in my 20s, and while it got me some results, it came at a cost. The backstory starts in 2003, when I was 29 years old and weighed 240 pounds. I decided I wanted to be in the best shape of my life by the time I hit 30, so I walked into Gold’s Gym in Florida, ready to transform.
At Gold’s, I was immersed in the hardcore gym culture. My routine was brutal: an hour and a half lifting weights, followed by another hour and a half on the elliptical, six to seven days a week. On top of that, I was juggling school, a job, and a home business. Sleep? That was optional, and I often got by on just a few hours. I was relentless, driven by the mantra that more pain equaled more progress. In eight months, I dropped to 180 pounds. I’d peeled off the weight, but I wasn’t healthy—I was scrawny, depleted, and unaware of how much I was harming my body. Nutrition wasn’t even part of the conversation; no one at the gym talked about what I should eat to fuel my transformation. It was all about grinding harder.
Fast forward to my 40s, when I discovered biohacking, and everything changed. I had to unlearn that punishing mindset and rebuild my approach to health from the ground up. Biohacking taught me that working smarter, not harder, is the key to sustainable results. Nutrition became a cornerstone—learning how to fuel my body with the right foods was a game-changer. Recovery, which I’d once ignored, became just as important as the workouts themselves. I started prioritizing sleep and incorporated tools like Red Light therapy, full-body vibration, compression boots, and PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy to support my body’s healing and resilience.
The real breakthrough came in July 2022, when a friend introduced me to B3 Sciences BFR (Blood Flow Restriction) bands. These bands, combined with full-body vibration, revolutionized my workouts. BFR allows me to achieve incredible strength and muscle gains with short, low-intensity sessions—far more effective than the grueling hours I used to spend in the gym. The results speak for themselves: at 50, I’m stronger, healthier, and in better shape than I was at 30. Unlearning “No Pain, No Gain” wasn’t just about changing my routine; it was about embracing a smarter, science-backed approach that prioritizes longevity and quality of life. That lesson has shaped my mission to help others avoid the same mistakes and discover the power of biohacking for themselves.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
This is a simple answer, I’m genuine, and passionate. People see it, and gravitate towards me. I’ve always had these gifts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://biohackinglasvegas.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biohackinglasvegas/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnXDB3
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwetzel247/
- Twitter: https://x.com/TheJohnXD
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BiohackingLV
