Shows
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CultureNordic Magic: Sauna Rituals, Wild Nature, and Finnish Culture with Moon Follower & Author, Meri MortWhat can sauna, darkness, and the wild Nordic landscape teach us about embodiment, ritual, and presence?In this episode of Badii Talk, I’m joined by Meri Mort — moon follower, author of Nordic Magic, yoga teacher trainer, and ritual practitioner — for a beautiful conversation on Finnish culture, sauna traditions, witchcraft, and living in rhythm with the cycles of nature.Together, we explore what “Nordic magic” can mean: a way of relating to the land, honoring cycles of light and dark, and reclaiming intuitive, ancestral knowledge through everyday rituals. Meri shares how Nordic nature has shaped her witchc...
2026-02-081h 08
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CultureSeason 1 Finale: Reflection, Ritual & Bathing Culture Around the WorldIn the Season One finale, we return to the heart of Badii Talk: global bathing culture. And why ritual, community, and cultural roots give sauna and bathing their soul.This special episode is a reflection on the traditions, stories, and global rituals we’ve explored this season. Thermal bathing is more than a wellness trend. It is an ancient practice shared across the globe, and as we enter another bathing renaissance, we explore how to keep the soul and heart of bathing alive through a respect for its cultural origins. Join us as we reflect on...
2025-12-071h 03
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CultureFrom Burnout to What Sustains Us: A "Truth Is" Podcast FeatureToday’s episode is a special one: I recently joined The Truth Is podcast with Kathryn Flaschner—an inspiring show all about honesty, clarity, and finding your way forward. Kathryn, who has also been a guest host on Badii Talk, creates a powerful space for deep conversation, self-awareness, and personal transformation.We’re sharing this episode here because we think you’ll love it. If you enjoy mindful storytelling, Kathryn’s podcast is full of insightful episodes and relatable guests who explore change, connection, and living more authentically.Listen to more of...
2025-11-231h 09
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CultureScottish Wild Saunas: Adventures from the Isles and BeyondOur guest today is Glasgow-based, Charlotte Belle. A freelance content creator and adventurer, Charlotte has experienced wild saunas all across Scotland, from Edinburgh to Glasgow to the Isle of Aran. I’m so happy to have her join us today to talk about the Scottish wild sauna scene, what makes a sauna a “wild sauna,” and share her most memorable Scottish sauna experiences.Follow along with Charlotte’s “mini adventures” into wild swimming and wild sauna on Instagram @chartlottescotland. What you’ll hear in the episodeDefining “wild sauna” and “...
2025-11-091h 04
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CultureFind Affordable Wellness in Maine with Frugal Portland METoday I’m joined by Jessica Spoto, the founder of Frugal Portland Maine—an Instagram community whose mission is to provide low-cost and free resources for the residents of Portland, Maine and nearby towns. Jessica shares budget-friendly adventures, hidden gems and useful resources to make Portland more fun, affordable, and accessible for all.What you’ll hear in the episode-Affordable wellness experiences in Portland and the Midcoast of Maine-The importance of community in bridging divides, combating loneliness, and sparking hope.- Practical resources for folks in Maine...
2025-11-0248 min
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CultureBetween Worlds: The Sauna Spirits of Finnish Folklore with Folklorist Dr. Victoria StewartToday’s episode is dedicated to Finnish folklore and the spirits of the sauna. I can think of no one better to have this conversation with than Dr. Victoria Stewart, Assistant Director of the Humanities Center at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. I learned so much talking to her and it’s really given me a renewed sense of respect and passion for both Finnish culture and sauna culture. If you’re listening to Badii Talk, I know you’ve gotta be a sauna nerd too, so I think you’re going to really enjoy this one! And if you’re...
2025-10-191h 23
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CultureWitch Way to the Sauna? A Spooky New England Wellness TourToday we have a spooky season bonus episode for you! We’re back with another wellness road trip. In the summer, my friend Jordan and I travelled across New England visiting some of the best spas, saunas, and bathhouses in the region. With only four days to our itinerary, we felt like we had so much more to see. Now, with the leaves changing, it’s sauna season… and spooky season. What better way to celebrate the temps dropping with a spooky road trip through the Northeast, stopping to experience unique wellness experiences along the way?Starting in Con...
2025-10-1250 min
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CultureConversations in Steam: Bathhouses and the Analog RevivalIn today’s episode, I sat down with Nell Waters, an expert in water, heat, and people. We explore why analog spaces like saunas and bathhouses matter more than ever, how design and etiquette create belonging, and where technology fits—or doesn’t—in the culture of bathing.What you’ll hear in the episode:What exactly is “bathing culture” and what “water + heat + people” have to do with itWhy analog, human-centered experiences still matter in a world obsessed with AIWhy bathing reveals something about place and community that...
2025-10-051h 09
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CultureNew England Spa & Sauna Road Trip, Part 2 (Reviews & Travel Tips)It’s sauna season, and we’re back for Part 2 of our spa and sauna road trip across New England. My friend Jordan and I traveled nearly 1,000 miles, exploring some of the best spas, saunas, and bathhouses across the Northeast. Along the way, we share where to soak, where to sweat, and of course, what to eat.What you’ll hear in Part 2 of our New England Spa & Sauna Road Trip:Spas & Saunas in New England: Highlights from Maine and Vermont, including our honest reviews.Where to Eat & Stay: Our fa...
2025-09-2147 min
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CultureWhat is a Nordic Spa? Exploring Community, Nature, and Wellness in MaineIn this special bonus episode, we sit down with Ashley Baldwin, co-owner of Waterstruck Wellness in Maine, to explore the world of Nordic spas. Ashley shares what defines a Nordic spa, how Waterstruck integrates nature and the four seasons into its design, and why creating inclusive community spaces for rest and wellness is at the heart of their mission.What you’ll learn in What is a Nordic Spa? Exploring Community, Nature, and Wellness in Maine:The history and origins of Nordic spas in North AmericaWhy rest, nature, and se...
2025-09-141h 02
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CultureNew England Spa & Sauna Road Trip, Part 1 (Reviews & Travel Tips)The temps are dropping in New England and the crisp fall air means one thing: sauna season. In this episode, my friend Jordan and I travel nearly 1,000 miles, exploring some of the best spas, saunas, and bathhouses across the Northeast. Along the way, we share where to soak, where to sweat, and of course, what to eat (including a lobster roll you don’t want to miss).What you’ll hear in Part 1 of our New England Spa & Sauna Road Trip:Spas & Saunas in New England: Highlights from Rhode Island and Maine, incl...
2025-09-0740 min
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CultureAufguss Comes to America: Inside the First-Ever U.S. National Championship at Bathhouse WilliamsburgIn this episode, we dive into the first-ever U.S. National Aufguss Championship, hosted at Bathhouse Williamsburg in New York City. I was lucky enough to attend this history-making sauna event, and I’m joined by my brother-in-law AJ, who shares his impressions of the competition and what it was like to spend six hours immersed in the world of Aufguss. We’ll also hear from Aufgussmaster and 2025 U.S. Solo Champion Alonzo Solórzano and Denver’s first sauna master, Alycia Wong.What you’ll learn in this episode:-What is Aufguss? Discover the German ar...
2025-08-241h 22
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CultureSomatic Aufguss with Denver’s First Sauna MasterWe’re joined by Alycia Wong—Denver’s first certified Sauna Master and a trained Somatic Aufguss practitioner. Alycia shares how she blends traditional Aufguss rituals with somatic breathwork to create deeply healing sauna experiences.Alycia left a 13-year corporate marketing career, moved to the mountains, and became Denver’s first Sauna Master. Alycia is a true pioneer in the somatic wellness space—and she’s here to talk all things healing, self-leadership, and rethinking self-care.What is somatic breathwork, and how does it work inside a sauna? Alycia breaks it do...
2025-08-101h 16
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CultureSojo Spa Club Review: Thermal Bathing Rituals, Hinoki Soaks, & Scorching Hot Volcanic Sand in NJCurious about Sojo Spa Club in Edgewater, NJ? In this episode, we give our listeners an honest review of one of the most popular day spas in the NYC area—known for its Korean-inspired bathing rituals, stunning skyline views, and unique treatments like the *scorching* hot Volcanic Sand Bath. Joining me are my sisters Angie and Michelle, who share their honest reactions to everything from the cedar Hinoki soaking pool to being buried in 130-degree sand (spoiler: it got intense).We talk about:-What to expect at Sojo Spa Club: thermal baths, sa...
2025-07-271h 00
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CultureThe Origins of Badii: Bringing Swiss Wellness Traditions to American ShoresIn this special episode, the mic is turned around as our host and founder, Sarah Spoto, sits down to share the story behind Badii — a Swiss-inspired wellness brand on a mission to grow American thermal bathing culture. Sarah is interviewed by Kathryn Flaschner, the host of The Truth Is podcast.Join us as we dive into where the idea for Badii came from, how the healing waters of Switzerland shaped the vision, and why bringing European bathing rituals like Aufguss to more people can help create deeper community and connection....
2025-07-131h 25
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CultureExploring Culture Through Thermal Bathing: The Power of Place, Heat & ReflectionAlisa Cardenas, founder of Howl at the Moon Sauna Co. and Good Heat Retreats, joins us to talk all things sauna, community, and ritual. From mobile sauna sessions in the Michigan woods to a new retreat series launching in NYC, we explore how thermal bathing can transform travel as a way to deeply understand places, deepen connection, and inspire reflection. Alisa also shares her journey as a “saunapreneur”—the highs, the challenges, and what’s next.Media that Alisa is following:-Culture of Bathing substack- S.P.A. substack-Th...
2025-06-2943 min
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CultureDiscovering Stillness and Calm Through Sound Bathing & HealingIn this episode, we’re joined by Samer Ghadry, a Brooklyn-based musician and sound meditation facilitator. We explore the practice of sound healing and sound bathing—what it entails and how you can use sound to invite stillness, calm, and clarity into your everyday life. Whether you're new to sound meditation (we were!) or curious about deepening your wellness rituals with sound, our conversation with Samer offers an introduction to the healing power of sound.Media that Samer is following:-Samer’s Lot Radio Show-LSD: My Problem Child by Albert...
2025-06-151h 08
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CulturePhones at the Spa? Reflecting on Tech, Etiquette & Inclusion in Bathing SpacesWe explore the intersection of spa culture, social media, and spa etiquette. Our guest, Olivier della Valle, Social Media Manager for Cadillac Europe and founder of the social media agency The Plot, joins us to unpack how phones and digital habits are reshaping the spa experience.We dive into questions like:-Should phones be allowed in wellness spaces? -How can we stay present in a hyper-connected world?-What does inclusive spa etiquette look like? How can bathing etiquette encourage more welcoming spaces for gender queer folks?
2025-06-0150 min
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CultureGuided River Meditation for Sauna Relaxation & Everyday Stress ReliefIn this special bonus episode, experience a guided meditation designed for the sauna or your daily relaxation practice. Let the soothing sounds of the River Limmat in Baden, Switzerland wash over you as you unwind, de-stress, and reconnect with calm. Whether you’re sitting in the sauna, at home, or on the go, this peaceful river meditation will help you slow down and reset.We’d love to hear your feedback—did this meditation help you relax? Would you like more guided sauna meditations and sound journeys in future episodes? Share your thoughts and let us...
2025-05-2513 min
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CultureHair Care at the Spa: Talking Rituals, Innovation & Inclusion with Dreme Flynt, Founder of THE CHAIRWe’re joined by JerDrema Flynt, M.Ed, MBA. Dreme is an educator and the founder and CEO of THE CHAIR. THE CHAIR is a Black and Brown centered tech platform dedicated to supporting people on their hair journey by providing the opportunity to design hairboards, connect to hairstylists, and share hair care tips for a more joyful and efficient process and experience. We talk about Dreme’s experiences bathing all over the world, how she protects and treats her hair before and after bathing, and we discuss how to make bathing spaces welcoming to more folks. Let’s dive i...
2025-05-1853 min
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CultureSauna on Wheels: Exploring the Rise of American Sauna Culture with Sisu Mobile Sauna Founder Katie MooreNo doubt you’ve seen more and more mobile saunas popping these days. Today we meet one of the entrepreneurs behind one of the hottest (pun in intended) bathing businesses. Katie Moore is the founder of Sisu Mobile Sauna in Livonia, MI. The idea for Sisu came to Katie in 2023 when she realized she craved community and wanted to find a way to intentionally create something bigger than herself. Katie’s 50% Finnish heritage and interest in wellness lead her to the idea of a sauna that would go to people's homes and to retreats. We dis...
2025-05-0433 min
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CultureProtecting Your Hair in the Sauna: Interview with Sierra Blake, Founder of Saint Lucie Sauna SerumWe’re joined by Sierra Blake, the founder and CEO of Saint Lucie sauna serum. Despite the benefits of sauna, Sierra noticed the practice taking a toll on something unexpected — her hair. After trying many different oils and conditioners (and always forgetting that dang hat), she started figuring out what didn’t work and what did. And thus, sauna serum was born! Sierra is also pursuing her master’s degree in mental health and studying the psychological effects of sauna and cold water immersion.We discuss such topics as:- Why she launched Saint Lucie and her...
2025-04-2052 min
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CulturePart 2: What is Aufguss? A Conversation with Aufgussmaster Alonzo SolórzanoWe welcome back Alonzo Solórzano, Head Aufgussmaster at Bathhouse for Part 2 of our conversation on the European sauna ceremony, Aufguss. Alonzo dives deep into the categories Aufguss (theater, Aufguss, anyone?) and discusses why he considers the practice a ceremony versus ritual. He describes how he designs his Aufguss ceremonies, shares his tips for first time sauna and Aufguss-goers, and discusses importance of Aufguss in America, including here to experience Aufguss in the StatesWe discuss such topics as:-Categories of Aufguss-“Ritual” versus “ceremony”-Designing an Aufguss ceremony -Tips fo...
2025-04-061h 18
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CultureWhat is a Finnish Sauna? Badii Talk Shorts Bonus EpisodeWelcome to Badii Talk Shorts! Short, bite-sized episodes focused on bathing culture education. Today we’re talking Finnish saunas. What exactly makes a sauna a Finnish sauna?Materials and Sources Listed in this episode, include:-unesco.org-https://finlandnaturally.com/about-us/-Nordic Magic by Meri Mort -The Book of Nordic Self Care by Elisabeth Carlsson-Sauna by from Cozy Publishing Music credit: Adobe PodcastFeatured water sounds: Water on the sauna stones in Suffield, Connecticut
2025-04-0314 min
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CulturePart 1: What is Aufguss? A Conversation with Aufgussmaster Alonzo SolórzanoWe’re joined by Head Aufgussmaster at Bathhouse, Alonzo Solórzano, who delves deep into Aufguss--that wacky European towel waving sauna ceremony we love so much. In Part 1 of this two-part series, Alonzo demystifies Aufguss, goes deep on the craft of towel waving, shares the cultural and historical origins of Aufguss, and tells us how he first got into the Aufguss practice. We discuss such topics as:-What is Aufguss?-The craft of towel waving-The cultural and historical origins of Aufguss-American Aufguss culture-A...
2025-03-2443 min
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CultureBathing Naked: Reflections & Cultural ObservationsTo be or not to be naked? With guest and Badii Community member, Alexandra Smedley, we discuss the pros and cons of bathing nude, whether that’s in a sauna or a thermal bath.We discuss such topics as:Cultural differences guiding naked bathing practicesSwiss and European bathing cultureTips for your first naked sauna experience, especially for womenScience behind having a naked bathing experience Deep dive on our naked sauna experience at Kulttuurisauna in Helsinki, FinlandThe magic that is the Sauna Boa...
2025-03-0945 min
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CultureWild Sauna on Edinburgh’s Seaside: Soul Water Sauna ReviewWe’re reviewing a wild sauna on Portobello Beach. Edinburgh, Scotland’s seaside. We’re joined by resident of Portobello, Edinburgh, Angie Spoto. Angie is an esteemed author who writes gothic fantasy deeply inspired by the Scottish coastline. Most recently, she’s published The Bone Diver, a novel inspired by the selkies of Scottish folklore.You’re not just going to hear a review of our sauna experience though. You’ll also learn a bit about the history of bathing in the UK and what makes a sauna a Finnish sauna. In this episode:- Badii’s r...
2025-02-1539 min
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CultureTop 3 Best Thermal Spas in SwitzerlandWe’re sharing our recommended top three best thermal spas in Switzerland. At Badii, we use a set of criteria--our Badii Bathing Framework-- to evaluate our spa experiences. You can be sure that every spa we recommend in today’s episode passes our evaluation with flying colors. Badii offers passionate and curious bathers and spa-goers access to news, education, and recommendations about global bathing culture. We share all this across many platforms, including: Website: www.badii.lifeEmail newsletterInstagram @badii.life
2025-01-3014 min
Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna CultureWelcome to Badii TalkToday we’re introducing you to Badii. What exactly is Badii and Badii Talk? Who’s behind it? We'll give you a quick intro to the Swiss bathing culture that inspired it and share what you can look forward to as Badii grows.Badii offers passionate and curious bathers and spa-goers access to news, education, and recommendations about global bathing culture. We share all this across many platforms, including: Website: www.badii.lifeEmail newsletterInstagram @badii.life
2024-12-3006 min
The Innovation ShowBusiness Experiments with Sarah Spoto and Vincent DucretIn the latest episode of the Corporate Explorer series, brought to you by Wazoku, we discuss the importance of balancing personal instincts with data and evidence in business decisions. Guests, Product Marketing Manager for Electric Vehicles & Customer Experience with Cadillac, Sarah Spoto and Vincent Ducret from ChangeLogic share their experiences of implementing experimental frameworks in China for General Motors. They emphasize the critical steps of assumption analysis, prioritizing hypotheses, and iterative experimentation, while also addressing challenges in corporate environments, such as maintaining cultural buy-in and celebrating failures as learning opportunities. Sponsored by Wazoku, the episode offers deep dives into innovation...
2024-07-1431 minThe Innovation ShowBusiness Experiments with Sarah Spoto and Vincent DucretIn the latest episode of the Corporate Explorer series, brought to you by Wazoku, we discuss the importance of balancing personal instincts with data and evidence in business decisions. Guests, Product Marketing Manager for Electric Vehicles & Customer Experience with Cadillac, Sarah Spoto and Vincent Ducret from ChangeLogic share their experiences of implementing experimental frameworks in China for General Motors. They emphasize the critical steps of assumption analysis, prioritizing hypotheses, and iterative experimentation, while also addressing challenges in corporate environments, such as maintaining cultural buy-in and celebrating failures as learning opportunities. Sponsored by Wazoku, the episode offers deep dives into innovation...
2024-07-1431 min
The Innovation ShowBusiness Experiments with Sarah Spoto and Vincent DucretIn the latest episode of the Corporate Explorer series, brought to you by Wazoku, we discuss the importance of balancing personal instincts with data and evidence in business decisions. Guests, Product Marketing Manager for Electric Vehicles & Customer Experience with Cadillac, Sarah Spoto and Vincent Ducret from ChangeLogic share their experiences of implementing experimental frameworks in China for General Motors. They emphasize the critical steps of assumption analysis, prioritizing hypotheses, and iterative experimentation, while also addressing challenges in corporate environments, such as maintaining cultural buy-in and celebrating failures as learning opportunities. Sponsored by Wazoku, the episode offers deep dives into...
2024-07-1431 min
SMArketingSarah Spoto: Product Marketing Manager @ CadillacWe recorded this episode with Sarah last spring and we're excited to share it with you! Sarah has a wildly interesting career path that has led her to Cadillac, where she presently focuses on electric vehicles.
2021-03-0424 min