Therabody: Jason Wersland

In this episode, host Guy Raz talks with Jason Wursland, the co-founder of Therabody and inventor of Theragun. Wursland recounts his journey from being a flooring salesman to becoming a chiropractor, and how a motorcycle accident inspired him to invent the Theragun, a massaging device that uses percussive energy to relieve pain.

After experiencing constant pain from his injuries, Wursland first experimented with a jigsaw as a makeshift massager. With belief in its benefits, he started helping others with a crude version of the device. After years of refining the idea and overcoming setbacks, Wursland partnered with his brother and others to produce the first official Theragun. By leveraging his network in the sports industry, the product gained traction among professional athletes.

Wursland discusses the pivotal moments, including a standout incident when Kyrie Irving used the Theragun during the NBA finals, resulting in significant sales boosts. Despite copying concerns from competitors, Wursland's dedication to innovation led to the development of numerous patents. The partnership with business colleague Ben Nazarian allowed for further expansion and strategic growth, alongside a focus on consumer wellbeing. The episode emphasizes perseverance and the influence of passion and purpose in entrepreneurial success.