Shows
Sauna TalkSauna Talk #114: Oslo Sauna AssociationToday on the sauna bench, we head to Oslo, Norway, and visit with the folks at Oslo Badstuforening, (Oslo Sauna Association). This is my second trip to Norway in as many years. They say that you never step into the same river twice, and I'll contend that we never sit on the same sauna bench twice. For last year, I took many saunas in the Oslo Harbour, as well as published a Sauna Talk with the Oslo Sauna Association team – and you can listen to that episode which is #99. And this year, I get right back into th...
2025-07-1849 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #110: Culture of Bathing PanelWelcome to this special episode of Sauna Talk. We welcome Adam from Thermé USA, who led the panel discussion with three public sauna operators from North America. This episode is a "two-fer" in that as introduction, we get to hear from the group as they talk about the gathering and their panel discussion. Then, we move over to the panel discussion as it happened live, amongst almost 100 people in attendance at the Culture of Bathing gathering in New York City, January, 2025 Let's welcome Annette from Tampa Bay, Florida, Kelly from Hudson Bay, New York and Stephanie, from Mon...
2025-04-051h 26Sauna TalkSauna Talk #109: Mika and Wendy 2.0Today on Sauna Talk, we welcome Mika Meskanen and Wendy Liu. Mika is Finnish, and partner Wendy is Chinese. They live in London, and we met for this Sauna Talk on the bench in my backyard sauna in Minneapolis. This is our second podcast episode together, the first being episode #54. And, as you know, I much prefer Sauna Talk on the sauna bench, where so much magic in conversation and connection usually happens. A few nuggets Sauna Travel: Leading sauna tours to Finland. Dynamic Duo Origin Story Sauna culture in Britain Mika's...
2025-03-141h 00Sauna TalkSauna Talk #107: Jon Sabes 2.0Today on Sauna Talk we re-welcome Jon Sabes. Jon is a returning Sauna Talk guest, first being episode #061, and we rejoin together again, on the same bench for this second episode. Jon spends most of his time with his wife and family in Los Angeles and also in Baja Mexico. He was back to Minneapolis for a winter weekend, and we met for a cross country ski at his Lake Minnetonka house as the sauna was idling its way up to serving temperature. I love interviewing authors. And for a handful of reasons. One is that I k...
2025-03-0534 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #106: Building Saunas at the West Coast Sauna SummitGreetings! We recorded this episode as part of the sauna building seminar at the West Coast Sauna Summit, January, 2025, Loon Lake Resort outside Vancouver, BC Canada. Let's Sauna Talk: building saunas! Sauna Talk podcast all about building saunas I moderate a panel discussion with, on my left, Andrew from Saunabuilder and on my right, Josh from Theraluxe. These two are Western Canadian sauna builders who left their finish nailer behind in order to come to the West Coast Sauna Summit this past month just outside Vancouver, BC Canada. I really enjoyed our time together. You'll hear...
2025-02-1339 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #105: West Coast Sauna Summit Fireside ChatIt was impromptu, and it was fun. It was completely unrehearsed, and it rambled in places (when I was unable to hold the microphone). This episode holds some wonderful gems of free thinking. This is Sauna Talk, and this is what I love about Sauna Talk. Like good sauna, Sauna Talk has few rules. This was the spirit at this fireside chat at the West Coast Sauna Summit. While some sauna'ed and others slept, most of the attendees, 25-30 of us came together for fireside chat Sauna Talk. It was later in the evening on night #2. Imagine sev...
2025-02-0834 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #104: Culture of Bathing Gathering This Sauna Talk episode was recorded in New York City at the Recent Culture of Bathing Gathering, mid January 2025. Shelby, Artist, Painter, Thermé Group: Bringing artists and design into the Thermé bathing facilities. Dimitri Shapiro, Co-owner, The Russian and Turkish Baths: "You'll see a very diverse group. Our clientele has become younger.. and more diverse." 5 hot rooms. Rock is heated by gas over night. "A lost art. It takes up a lot of space." The stove is 130 years old. Don Genders, Founder, Design for Leisure: "We provide everything that makes you hot, wet, and c...
2025-01-241h 09Sauna TalkSauna Talk #103: Parade Of Saunas"What a great event" proclaimed Gayle Myers who, with her partner Gary, partook in the recent backyard sauna tour through 10 saunas built by homeowners in backyards in Minneapolis for the Parade of Saunas event. Parade of Saunas 2024 raised $1,500 for charity. "I had a constant stream through my space of curious folk, ranging from seasoned sauna pros to those just starting to daydream about their own backyard sauna retreat." Let's check in with a few of the saunas as part of Parade of Saunas 2024: Ryan's Fulton Sauna A serene backyard re...
2024-12-191h 10Sauna TalkSauna Talk #102: Ashley MasonToday on the Sauna Talk podcast we welcome Ashley Mason. Ashley Mason, earned her PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Arizona. She is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry in the Weill Institute for Neurosciences and the UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Health. Ashley is a clinical psychologist and directs behavioral treatment for insomnia at the UCSF Osher Center Clinic. She is Director of the UCSF Sleep, Affect, and Eating (SEA) Lab. Ashley is the Co-Director of the UCSF Center for Obesity Assessment, Study, and Treatment (COAST). She is primarily a researcher but also treats patients f...
2024-10-121h 13Sauna TalkSauna Talk #101: Earric LeeToday on the Sauna Talk podcast, i'm pleased to present Earric Lee, who is a leading researcher surrounding the health benefits of sauna. As you listen along, you'll hear the background noise of the busy-ness and hustle and bustle of London streets. As, instead of on the sauna bench, we capture this episode outside a London hotel. Earric and I converged for the recent British Sauna Society Sauna Summit. And it was here, in London, where I was able to capture Earric. And share with you his exhaustive yet budding effort to help bring sauna re...
2024-09-0936 minSauna TalkSauna Talk: 100 Episodes!This is episode #100 of Sauna Talk. Do you want to know the Sauna Talk origin story? Well, when I started this podcast in 2016, 8 years ago, the idea was to help capture a bit of what felt like on the sauna bench. That's a place where deep, collaborative conversations can happen. It's often a place of untangling the wires in our heads, where our minds can open up to creative thinking, and problem solving. It's a fun place. Sauna Talk is described here as: Sauna talk is a different kind of talk. It is ca...
2024-08-1646 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #099: Ragna Marie FjeldToday on Sauna Talk, we welcome Ragna Marie Fjeld, General Secretary, Oslo Badstuforening. What does Badstuforening translate to in English? Sauna Association. So, let me tell you a bit about the Oslo Sauna Association. Founded in 2016, the same year as the 612 Sauna Society in Minneapolis, Minnesota. But the difference start here. Where 612 has one sauna, and granted it is the original sauna with the same work horse original sauna stove, benches, walls, and spiritual patina abound, Oslo Badstuforening's inaugural first sauna seeds were planted in much more fertile soil. The soil along the harbor of...
2024-07-2738 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #098: Alan JalasjaaToday on Sauna Talk, we welcome Alan Jalasjja who shares with us "The Spirit of Sauna." Alan is an evangelist who is with us to help promote the experience. Growing up with sauna his whole life, as a Finnish Canadian, we get the perspective of what sauna spirit means to him. World Sauna Forum 2024 The growth of the event compared to 2022 Globe and Mail article I encourage you to click through the link towards his Op Ed opinion piece that recently appeared in the Globe and Mail, which discusses "en...
2024-06-2757 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #097: Lasse Eriksen 2.0A lot has happened with Lasse Eriksen, 2.0, from our first Sauna Talk just a little over two years ago. This meeting took place on the beach in front of Farris Bad resort, south of Oslo, Norway. FarrisBad Here Lasse is the Development Manager for this top notch resort set along the shore of Norweigen's majestic coastline. Development Manager means that Lasse is given a lot of reign to help steward sauna (bastu in Norwegian) as both a noun – the place we go, as well as the verb – the thing we do inside the hot ro...
2024-06-161h 10Sauna TalkSauna Talk #096: Homecraft FamilyToday on the sauna talk bench we are joined by Stew and his sons David and Kyle Wilson, from the Homecraft sauna heater family. Who is Homecraft? Homecraft is one of Canada's longest running sauna manufacturers, this multigenerational, family-owned business has steadily grown in the shadows of towering old-growth cedar trees outside Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. We gather on my sauna bench, the three of them lined up for interrogation as I manage the steam and the microphone from down low. Yes, those in the sauna industry from Canada are well aware that the Wilson's a...
2024-05-181h 08Sauna TalkSauna Talk #095: Sauna Days 2024As we look back upon Sauna Days 2024, walking from one sauna to the next, pretty much all of us were comfortably numb. About 200 guest converged for the fourth Sauna Days event at Larsmont Cottages, North of Duluth, Minnesota, this past weekend. Some came from near, and many came from far. All were able to enjoy the multitude of saunas, speakers, nature, and locally crafted food, beverages, and live entertainment.\ The recipe for a comfortably numb sauna gathering is much like a basic chocolate chip cookie recipe. We don't need too many ingredients to make something...
2024-05-1753 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #094: Jake NewportToday on the actual sauna bench, we are joined and talk with Jake Newport from Finnmark. Jake makes the journey from Northern England to join me on the Larsmont Cottages sauna bench in Northern Minnesota, by the cold, clear clean water shores of Lake Superior. You can also check out my podcast with Jake and Brother Max from 2020 here. During this episode, we learn more from Jake about the thermal bathing ecosystem in the UK and globally. From career path change to multi pronged sauna business. Investing and reinvesting in the culture and the company....
2024-05-1755 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #093: Community Sauna Baths with CharlieToday on Sauna Talk we welcome Charlie from Community Sauna Baths in England. Who is Community Sauna Baths? Well, they are Community Interest Company, a CIC, who is dedicated to providing affordable sauna sessions to the communities they serve. Currently with four locations, including their flagship locale in Hackney, East London. Here is where we catch up with Charlie, one of the directors at Community Sauna Baths for this podcast. Currently Community Sauna Baths are serving thousands of customers from the area. Local Londoners as well as a lot of visitors from abroad. Ir...
2024-04-1843 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #092: Tom CarlsonToday on Sauna Talk, we welcome Tom Carlson, a sauna enthusiast and a SaunaTimes public sauna map supporter. Tom caught the sauna bug in Germany, and brought home his love and appreciation for good heat. And, like many of us, Tom recognizes how good sauna is like a candle that lights another candle. And with this, there are really good saunas dotted all over the world. Several years ago, we built the SaunaTimes Public Sauna Map. With over 200 entries and counting, there's a good chance that as you arrive in a new town, you'll be a...
2024-03-3035 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #091: Healing HeroesToday on the Sauna Talk bench, we welcome three guests who are aligned to helping veterans through sauna as a means of healing our heroes. Their stories are heartfelt, their passions are clear. And for those of us who know sauna, we know that their purpose is meaningful and their success rate undeniable. (ie sauna is good for us!)! Who is Healing Heroes Saunas? The co-founders, Mike and Josh: as introduction: Mike Lotzer On the right side of the bench we have, Mike Lotzer. Mike is the Lead Pastor of Mercy...
2024-03-071h 22Sauna TalkSauna Talk #090: Sauna VillageToday from any one of 22 saunas, we Sauna Talk from the Great Northern Sauna Village, Malcolm Yards, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. "The Great Northern Sauna Village is a social and therapeutic experience hosted at Malcolm Yards. Visitors can immerse themselves in sauna culture by interacting with various Thermaculture traditions. And connecting with local sauna companies and builders. During 60-90- minute Steam Sessions, guests can explore various types of traditional wood-fired sauns. These include barrel, mobile, and backyard units; tent and floatings saunas. And a new shipping container event sauna for 20+ people. All this, while experiencing multiple forms o...
2024-02-021h 19Sauna TalkSauna Talk #090: Sauna VillageToday from any one of 22 saunas, we Sauna Talk from the Great Northern Sauna Village, Malcolm Yards, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. “The Great Northern Sauna Village is a social and therapeutic experience hosted at Malcolm Yards. Visitors can immerse themselves in sauna culture by interacting with various Thermaculture traditions. And connecting with local sauna companies and builders. During 60-90- minute Steam Sessions, guests can explore various types of traditional wood-fired sauns. These include barrel, mobile, and backyard units; tent and floatings saunas. And a new shipping container event sauna for 20+ people. All this, while experiencing multiple forms of...
2024-01-291h 192024-01-081h 14Sauna TalkSauna Talk #088: Dr. Charles Raison - Part 2Today we welcome back Dr. Charles Raison to this Sauna Talk podcast part 2. I encourage you to check in with Part one, where Chuck and i work from the starting block about Sauna health benefits and research surrounding hypethermia and hot/cold contrast therapy. In this episode, by design we go deeper. We unpack hot cold therapy as a novel treatment for mental health. 101.3 101.3 isn't just the radio frequency for a hit music station in the Twin Cities. We have foundational research surrounding the effects on the body and the mind...
2024-01-0539 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #087: Jarmo HiltunenToday on the virtual smoke sauna bench, please welcome my friend Jarmo Hiltunen. Author of the brand new book: Building a Traditional Finnish Smoke Sauna. I am overjoyed that for many, Jarmo will be your voice to the introduction to the wonderfulness of smoke sauna. Jarmo is a builder, but I would call him more of an artisan. Also, he is also a smoke sauna spiritual evangelist. His book is now available on Amazon As we type the words "smoke sauna" into the Amazon search bar, we have to sift our way through i...
2023-12-1143 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #086: Nick FoxWelcome to this Sauna Talk podcast episode with Nick Fox: Minnesota's first Wim Hof certified instructor and baker of amazing homemade bread. We communed in heat, cold plunge and nature in my backyard sauna recently and you'll hear my interview with Nick in just a moment. But before then, I'd like to take you back to a dark and cold February night in Minnesota a few years ago when Nick first sat down to watch the VICE documentary on Wim Hof, the Ice Man. Inspired by the science and adventures in the cold with minimal clothing, Nick be...
2023-12-011h 21Sauna TalkSauna Talk #085: Charles RaisonToday we welcome a very special guest to Sauna Talk: Dr. Charles Raison. His biography is as follows: Dr. Raison is a the Mary Sue and Mike Shannon Chair for Healthy Minds, Children & Families in the School of Human Ecology and a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Dr. Raison received his medical degree from Washington University in St Louis, Missouri, where he was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha and won the Missouri State Medical Association Award. He completed residency training at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital in Los Angeles. In...
2023-11-0643 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #084: From the World's Largest SaunaWelcome to this mini Sauna Talk episode from inside and around the World's Largest Sauna. The sauna was constructed as part of the RunningMan festival outside of Atlanta Georgia, this past weekend, mid October 2023. I'll try to connect the dots to how the World's Largest Sauna came about. And it started with the folks at Embrace North, building a few saunas for the All Day Running organization. And as All Day Running began planning for the RunningMan festival, well, their experience with good heat and creative right brain thinking on the bench fostered a way to "scale" s...
2023-10-2436 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #083: Todd FurneauxToday on the bench, we welcome Todd Furneaux who is spearheading the building of the World's Largest Sauna. The sauna is being constructed as part of Running Man, a three day festival happening outside of Atlanta Georgia this mid October 2023. During this episode, you'll hear about Todd's company and cohorts, All Day Running. And how the idea of building the World's Largest Sauna was surely fostered on the sauna bench or in the cold plunge. As with endorphins running and community spiriting, this is the environment for Sauna Talk and crazy out there thinking. Atlanta st...
2023-10-0142 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #082: Emma O'KellyToday on the virtual sauna bench, i'm pleased to bring you Sauna Talk: Emma O'Kelly, author of the new book Sauna: The Power of Deep Heat. We join Emma from her home in North London. And, we hear from Emma how the idea for this book was seeded through the pandemic. Plus, how the health benefits of sauna helped make the book happen. In the book, Emma does a great job outlining the reported health benefits of sauna, and we touch upon a few of these during our interview. You wil be transported...
2023-09-0559 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #081: Mikkel AalandToday on the global sauna bench, we Sauna Talk with Mikkel Aaland from inside and just back from war torn Ukraine. Introduction from Minnesota Before we dive into this episode, I'd like to paint a picture of where I am sitting and what i'm thinking about. I am speaking to you while sitting on my deck at our island cabin in Northern Minnesota. I can see about 8 miles to the East, along a shoreline dotted with islands and outcroppings of birch and pine. It's a crystal clear day with light puffy clouds across the horizon. I'm in...
2023-08-1147 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #080: Jackie from Cedar Grove SaunasToday on the virtual sauna bench, we Sauna Talk with Jackie from Cedar Grove Saunas in Northern Maine. Jackie is just back from her sif week sauna pilgrimage to four countries in Northern Europe. Jackie has built her own saunas, and is four years into hosting guests traveling far and wide to Cedar Grove Saunas. We are kindred spirits of good heat. We share an interest and passion towards the Latvian Pirtus tradition, spearheaded by Biruté and Rimus from the Lithuanian Bath Academy. Are you interested in bringing plants and herbs into your sauna practice? Jac...
2023-07-1340 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #079: Marishi MochidaToday on the virtual Sauna Talk bench, we join Marishi Morchida 持田 摩利支, from the Japan Sauna Institute 日本サウナ総研. Marishi joins us from his apartment in Washington, DC. During this episode, we learn about the active Japan sauna culture. How thermal bathing is intertwined into Japanese culture. You'll learn some key differences between Japanese sauna culture vs. North American in particular. Like many of us, Marishi is a serious sauna enthusiast. Not so much frown serious, but super into it passionate serious. Marishi shared with me that he was a bit nervous to be on Sauna Talk, but I think you'll agree, he comes off just fine...
2023-06-1740 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #078: Sauna Days 2023Today from many of the 12 or so sauna benches, we hear from guests attending Sauna Days 2023 at Larsmont Cottages, Two Harbors, Minnesota. The stories are from their hearts. We get to tap into their motivations and ambitions to make their way to Northern Minnesota for the third Sauna Days festival this early chilly May weekend. Though upwards of 200 people were in attendance, we hear from a fraction of the attendees. Most were on other benches or experiencing the world's largest cold plunge in Lake Superior. Yet with the voices on this episode, you'll be able to get an...
2023-05-261h 09Sauna TalkSauna Talk #077: David DragsethToday on the bench, we are joined with David Dragseth, Lutheran paster and CEO of Superior Saunas. Let's consider for a moment, the Venn Diagram overlap of A: Lutheran Pastors and B: Sauna business CEOs. To my knowledge, the overlap is a body of one: David Dragseth. Also of note, if we consider the Venn Diagram overlap of A: Lutheran Pastors and B: Guests to the podcast Sauna Talk, well, i'm happy to report that David Dragseth is joined with Lutheran Pastor Dave Pearson. For those looking for some good spiritual sauna continuity, I encourage yo...
2023-05-051h 23Sauna TalkSauna Talk #076: Anya and DanToday on the Sauna Talk bench, we visit with Anya and Dan Bondarenko from the Banya House. Dan is Latvian, with Ukrainian family heritage. Anya is 100% Ukrainian. Her town has been completely destroyed from the Putin invasion. Anya is a nutritionist, with a focus on plant medicine. We gather in their outdoor backyard sauna….. er.. banya. The Banya House, Prior Lake, Minnesota. The design, size, and structure is comparable to the 612 Sauna Society Sauna, a sauna that I had a big hand in building. So, I was very comfortable in the Banya House. The heat is kick ass...
2023-04-251h 03Sauna TalkSauna Talk #075: Brian from Austin, TXToday on the sauna bench we sit with Brian who is perhaps the most researched yet least experienced sauna aficionado in the world. Connecting through consulting services One of the things I do in the world of sauna is offer consultation services. I don't offer this service to make money, but more to help others realize their authentic sauna dreams. And the other reason is that though I do love to help, my entire day may get sucked up by answering questions and helping guide. I get to meet some great people through Sa...
2023-04-1847 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #074: Kirk JensenSauna Talk: Kirk Jensen is a host of a thousand saunas (and more). Kirk is one of the lead hosts at the 612 Sauna Society sauna, Minneapolis Minnesota USA. This episode may be especially interesting for those considering starting a sauna business. Or for those who have attended a "butts on the bench public sauna" and want to know more about how sauna host manages the comings and goings of sauna guests.
2023-03-291h 10Sauna TalkSauna Talk #073: Shaelyn, Justus, and David This episode was recorded in January 2023 from the Sauna Village, Malcolm Yards, Minneapolis Minnesota, as part of the Great Northern Festival. It was a cold well below freezing day outside. As the Saunapreneurs began firing up their sauna stoves outside, inside we were able to sit down and visit with Shaelyn and her brother Justus, and then David Dragseth, CEO of Superior Saunas. The history and brain child of a Sauna Village in Minneapolis goes back quite a few years. Subject for another podcast for another day, but in summary, the serendipity meeting...
2023-02-2852 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #072: Bruce OreckToday on Sauna Talk, we are pleased to welcome Bruce Oreck, who joins us from his off grid home in Baja Mexico. During this episode, we talk about sauna, Finnish sauna, and his experiences being hosted and welcomed by Finns all over the country. As US Ambassador to Finland during the Obama administration, his tenure was unique in that he served for a long period, from 2009 – 2015, which he says with a wink "was made possible because when they called from Washington looking for me, I told my secretary to tell them that I was out of my office." ...
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Sauna TalkSauna Talk #071: Summer SaunaToday on Sauna Talk, we are joined by several different summer guests to my island cabin sauna in Northern Minnesota. This episode features guests from literally all over the world who have all found themselves on my sauna bench which I co built in 1996 and is still humming along strong. The sauna is 3.5 hours North of Minneapolis, MN close to the Boundary Waters Canoe area on Lake Vermilion, one of the largest lakes in Minnesota. Stretching 26 miles East to West, our cabin sits on the largest of 365 islands, Pine Island. There are no roads or cars on 7...
2022-11-161h 59Sauna TalkSauna Talk #070: Lewis JenkinsonToday's Sauna Talk podcast episode is with Lewis Jenkinson, who shares with us his heart and soul of good sauna. Today on the bench we welcome Lewis Jenkinson from the absolute midpoint of England, just North of Manchester. With the rise in interest of sauna – real sauna – (not lightbulbs, toaster ovens, or other minimally ventilated fragmentations), it's interesting to learn how others have become impassioned with and driven towards advancing the authentic sauna experience in their lives. It's a simple formula, really. And In Lewis' case, his drive towards authentic sauna was propelled through his resonating positivity of c...
2022-09-181h 13Sauna TalkSauna Talk #069: George CoryToday on Sauna Talk, we meet with photographer George Cory, who is documenting the British sauna movement. George Cory is reporting in from Folkestone on the Southeast Coast of England. He is a current master's student studying photography and is an avid sauna enthusiast. We catch up with George in his hometown in Great Britain. He is one of the first photographers in the UK to immerse himself in this emerging culture and has so far documented the owners, builders, and users of authentic saunas in the UK. Reflecting the passion of those involved, George takes the...
2022-08-0843 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #068: Yana KaiserGreetings from Sompasauna in Helsinki. Today we visit with Yana who takes us through her deep connection to sauna, from Aufguss at the large public saunas in Germany, to the Danish Sauna Association, and now with her employment with Studio Puisto, a Helsinki based architectural firm that focuses on sustainable hospitality and sauna design. Here we have a look at their new commercial sauna project Saunaravintola, Northeast of Tampere, Finland. Sompasauna To be able to Sauna Talk is one thing, and to be able to Sauna Talk on the bench is another. And today, it was...
2022-06-1451 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #067: Sauna Days 2022Today on the bench we hear from several guests attending Sauna Days 2022 at Larsmont Cottages. What a great time we had, sharing our collective and individual passions about sauna. We came from all over, but are united in spirit! Let's here from: 1. Katy, Sisu & Löyly, Grand Rapids, MN. Who has a sauna by the Lake Superior shoreline, build and converted from an old Fish House on site. 2. Eric, Voyageur Saunas. A big fan of the sauna tribe, and sauna builder from Twin Cities, Minnesota. 3. Dan from the The Banya House in Burnsville, Min...
2022-05-2650 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #066: Dr. Jonathan BrickerDr. Jonathan Bricker is a Professor of Public Health Science at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and University of Washington in Seattle. A recipient of over $25 million dollars in research funding, and author of over 110 scientific publications, Dr. Bricker's research focuses on developing and testing health habits that prevent cancer. He has been enjoying sauna since his first exposure in 1991 as an exchange student in Oulu, Finland. He now enjoys his backyard sauna which he constructed with his family and friends. It's always a great treat to Sauna Talk on the sauna bench...
2022-04-031h 31Sauna TalkSauna Talk #065: Lasse EriksonWhy are there no saunas in elderly homes?" "I work with infrared, but it is more of a treatment… Infrared is not connected to the Norwegian culture of badstu (sauna)." Today on Sauna Talk, we visit with Lasse Erikson, reporting in from the outskirts of Oslo, Norway. Lasse is a Sweat enthusiast with a mission to bring more sauna and sweat experiences to the world. He is head of Norges Badstulaug, a Board member of International Sauna Association, and VP Aufguss WM group. Aufguss: "We are story tellers. That's who we ar...
2022-02-261h 28Sauna TalkSauna Talk #064: Mindstrong Harvey"The feeling I get with wood fired (sauna) is so much deeper than any kind of heat I've every experienced. I feel human when I get out of a wood fired sauna." Today on the sauna bench, we are joined by Mindstrong Harvey, founder, CEO, of The Mindstrong Project. Many of us may not have heard of the Mindstrong Project, but if you were a pro athlete talking about performance, breath work, contrast therapy, sauna, Wim Hof, or any combination of any of these, I can pretty much guarantee you that you would be well t...
2022-01-2647 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #063: Alex BlyashukPlease welcome Alex Blyashuk to the Sauna Talk podcast. Though sauna in Belarus is quite popular, Alex, a native of Belarus, didn't grow up with sauna (or banya as it is called in his home country) but discovered the Russian style sauna experience through several road trips from his hometown in Buffalo, NY up to Toronto, Canada. Alex and his buddies would pack up their car, often on Fridays, head over the Peace Bridge, through Fort Erie, Ontario and up the QE Parkway to experience the heat, steam, and venik treatment action at a public banya in Toronto.
2021-12-271h 08Sauna TalkSauna Talk #062: Finns On The StreetToday on Sauna Talk, we welcome a random, spontaneous, non rehearsed or edited collection of Finns, talking about sauna. I didn't make a big deal about this interview process. I simply approached a few Finns on the street today, in Helsinki. I didn't stick my microphone in people's faces, but tried to be respectful in approaching a few people who didn't seem to be hurried, or appeared to have an idle minute or two in their day. I'm happy to say that every guest I approached was kind and respectful to me. As you will hear, all...
2021-11-1920 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #061: Jon SabesToday on the bench we welcome Jon Sabes to Sauna Talk. Jon is a successful entrepreneur, founding multiple companies in the health and insurance industries. Jon is a high performing athlete, completing several marathons and triathlons, events that just thinking about their rigor makes me want to hit the "no thanks" button and take the short tour to the sauna bench and cold plunge, and hear about the pain later. Foxo Technologies During our chat, we learn more about his current company, Foxo Technologies and their work in the scientific field of epigenetics. Epigenetics is cutting edge science...
2021-11-0448 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #060: John RichterHi John, welcome to saunatimes. I thought I'd start by having you share how and when you first got started with the WHM and cold water exposure. Most of my life I've had a terrible relationship to the cold. I hated cold water and if it dropped below 60F I would bundle up like I was preparing for an Arctic adventure. In 2013, when a friend let me know about a Wim Hof workshop that was being held in Austin, all I saw was a picture of Wim sitting in a barrel of ice and though "No way...
2021-10-091h 06Sauna TalkSauna Talk #059: Daryl LamppaI'm pleased to present my second Sauna Talk podcast interview with Daryl Lamppa. Who is Daryl Lamppa? A third generation sauna stove builder, born and bread in Tower, Minnesota. 100% Finn, and married to a Finn, Cheryl. After marriage, as a young man, Daryl and his father in law built their newlywed house, and milled lumber for the build from Norway pines on their property. Daryl and Cheryl have lived in this house their entire lives. She a former schoolteacher in town, and he a welder of the Vapor Fire wood burning home furnace and Kuuma wood burning sauna stove...
2021-08-221h 10Sauna TalkSauna Talk #058: Lassi A. LiikkanenToday on Sauna Talk, we're pleased to welcome Lassi A. Liikkanen, author of "The Secrets of Finnish Sauna Design". The book is just now being released, end of April 2021. We start our conversation in a good place, with Lassi's early beginnings of sauna (before he could walk). And we transition into the definition of sauna, which for listeners new to sauna, is a great place for understanding. We layout what is a sauna from a design perspective. For example, the sauna heater is usually visible, and a center point of the sauna. We...
2021-05-011h 29Sauna TalkSauna Talk #057: Eero KipiLet's welcome Eero Kipi to Sauna Talk! President of North American Sauna Society. The time we are living is very exciting. More and more people are becoming interested in and aware of the authentic sauna practice. In this episode, we get an understanding from Eero about his upbringing with sauna. And this experience is most likely not much different from most all Finns. A country of "more saunas than cars" and a country where many start taking saunas before they are old enough to start walking. Eero understands good sauna. The North America S...
2021-04-031h 23Sauna TalkSauna Talk #056: Sauna SherpaSauna Talk global series continues. Today we welcome Sauna Sherpa to Sauna Talk. His real name is Kimmo Raitio, but he's known around many of the many saunas in Finland as Sauna Sherpa. He is a Sauna Sherpa guide to Finnish sauna. Like many Finns, (all Finns?) Kimmo grew up with sauna. Like many Finns (all Finns?) Kimmo takes good heat seriously, and welcomes those interested in learning more about sauna with a clear and open mind and discussion. And this is what you will hear in this episode. More and more tourists and business...
2021-02-2728 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #055: Dr. Colin ZestcottOn this episode of Sauna Talk, we are able to visit with Dr. Zestcott about a current study under way regarding sauna mental health studies for the Sauna Research Institute. This is a survey based study analyzing the mental health benefits to sauna. The link to the sauna mental health studies work is here. It's particularly interesting to learn how Colin has a keen experience and understanding of what we know of as "good sauna." The real sauna with good heat and proper cool downs which can include a range of coldness including a lake swim, cold plu...
2021-02-1348 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #054: Mika and WendyThe Sauna Talk global cross continent series continues We are pleased to welcome Mika Meskanen and his partner Wendy Liu to this joint podcast. We are publishing this episode on Sauna Talk as well as on their new podcast. Mika and Wendy are fresh on the beginnings of their enterprise entitled: Saunawave where they look to be "hosting meetings with remarkable heat seekers and embark on secret journeys to explore the new wave of global sauna culture". As a designer and an architect they are also keen to craft sauna experiences that are both innovative and true...
2021-01-161h 45Sauna TalkSauna Talk #053: Travis SkinnerWe are pleased to welcome Travis Skinner to Sauna Talk! We've been following Travis' work since 2017, starting with his Snail Shell sauna project. This sauna build project is a creative nod to the Fibonacci Sequence, one of the most famous formulas in mathematics. In this episode you'll hear from Travis about the origins of this sauna, using a yurt frame as a foundation for building this sauna. And let's not forget the Steam Roller sauna. Here is a link that describes and illustrates the Steam Roller sauna build project. A really unique shape. A canted...
2020-12-231h 10Sauna TalkSauna Talk #052: Max ValadzkoSeason 4 of Sauna Talk in the time of corona has been produced, like most all podcasts, via Zoom and teleconferencing. Yet this episode breaks that mold, where two people are gathered, once again, on the sauna bench to, er… sauna talk. Both Max and Glenn have been under pretty strict distancing: Glenn returning from 5 months on his island in Northeast Minnesota and Max running a tight ship, with his wife due in December with their third child. (eg. no messing around). So, this episode is a return to Sauna Talk on the bench Max comes to...
2020-11-1841 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #051: Mike NordskogAs we celebrate the 10 year anniversary of sauna book "The Opposite of Cold", we are pleased to visit with author Mike Nordskog, Mike was close to between sauna rounds at his home in Southwest Wisconsin. Glenn was Zoomed up from his island lake cabin in Northeast Minnesota.The sauna building journey vs. destination The iterative process of sauna building allows us to create a sauna that works for us, individually. The story behind "the Opposite of Cold" A resurgence and interest in authentic sauna, particularly in the Upper Midwest. DIY
2020-11-021h 28Sauna TalkSauna Talk #050: Jesse CoomerCold & Heat It's interesting how many come to appreciate sauna from the cold, and conversely how many come to appreciate the cold from sauna. Whichever the point of introduction, Jesse and I agree that with cold plunge and sauna, 1+1=3. You'll hear from Jesse why this is. We will hear about his personal journey towards the powerful goodness of breath work and cold exposure. For most all Finns and sauna owners in Nordic regions of Europe and similar climates in North America, we refer to a few sauna round and a jump into a nICE cold l...
2020-10-101h 18Sauna TalkSauna Talk #049: Mikkel AalandAnyone lucky enough to have a hard copy of Mikkel Aaland's 1978 book Sweat can page through his journey into the various sweat bathing practices and traditions from all over the World. Throughout his book, we enter with Mikkel into a Mayan Temescal, a Russian Banya, a Japanese Mushu-buru, a Native American Sweatlodge, and of course a Finnish sauna, amongst other cultural sweat tradition practices. Throughout his global journey, Mikkel gained an understanding of the common human experience. The communal experience and the experience of getting clean, and in my words, the ability to feel and say "aaaahhh" wh...
2020-09-041h 07Sauna TalkSauna Talk #048: The Sauna TwinsToday on the bench, we hear from kindred spirits from across the big pond: Jake and Max Newport. As testament to our mutual love of authentic sauna, though this episode has been in the works for month, it was put together within minutes. I sent Jake an email, heard back right away, and we jumped on a Zoom call. We got right into the chatter, as mutual lovers of good sauna tend to do, and so it was easy to hit record and just make it happen. Doers vs. dreamers We hear the...
2020-07-171h 49Sauna TalkSauna Talk #047: Scott CarneyI first learned of Scott Carney as he was writing his 2016 book, What Doesn't Kill Us, the story of Scott being commissioned by Playboy Magazine to write an article debunking the cold water deep breathing "iceman" Wim Hof. Scott went to Wim's training center in Poland. His intention was to get into the depths of Wim's cold water immersion therapy and deep breathing methods, to reveal the cracks and fallacies of the practice. And this was Scott's specialty. He was on the heels of his 2015 book The Enlightenment Trap, (then entitled under the title A Death on Diamond Mountain...
2020-06-161h 15Sauna TalkSauna Talk #046: Jess from Löyly PortlandToday on the bench, we are pleased to welcome Jessica Kelso, founder, owner, and proprietor of Löyly in Portland Oregon, which today comprises two public sauna facilities. Growing up in Oregon, Jess first encountered sauna as part of "a bit of the hippy culture of the area" but she, like many sauna enthusiasts, became hooked on sauna from her time spent experiencing the public sauna scene in Europe. We get to hear from her voice, the pivotal moment when she committed herself to opening a public sauna in Portland. And after opening h...
2020-05-3042 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #045: Mindstrong ProjectToday on the bench, we are seated between pro football player Brian Peters and Mindstrong project founder Harvey Martin. "Chasing the edge" is an easy concept. Athletes sustain performance via an aggregation of marginal gains. From 1-10, how developed is sauna therapy with pro athletes? Harvey rates it a 5, and Brian rates it a 3 or 4. It is slowly creeping its way into professional sports. It is knocking on the door. Saunas in NFL locker rooms are large, like 10'x10′. Harrison Smith would hit the cold plunge and then the sauna. Click here to re...
2020-04-031h 14Sauna TalkSauna Talk #044: Rod BuhrsmithToday on the bench was the day the coronavirus became front and center in the United States. We visit with Rod Buhrsmith His Father in Law had a brain aneurysm, and he really leaned into assisting with this family emergency. Stokeyard Outfitters Activating two sauna locations: Hewing Hotel and The Village, 4700 Nicollet Ave. S. "Mobile is kind of our thing." The use of mobile assets (mobile sauna) has allowed Stokeyard Outfitters to activate in Minneapolis. The Village is only 5 blocks from Rod's house. There are...
2020-03-201h 23Sauna TalkSauna Talk #043: Cedar And Stone Nordic SaunaWelcome to a dream come true: a new community sauna for Duluth, Minnesota. Setting up for Winter/Spring residency, right next to Lake Superior, partnering with The Inn on Lake Superior, Canal Park, Duluth, MN. Justin Juntunen's history of sauna Meet My friend Justin. He grew up with sauna, just a toddler on the floor in a bucket like father and grandfather before him. Sauna has been an integral part to his family culture. Growing up in Esko, Minnesota, a small Finnish community twenty minutes south of Duluth. Justin says, "I believe my...
2020-02-221h 09Sauna TalkSauna Talk #042: Carrie from Wise WellnessLet's welcome Carrie Drinkwine to Sauna Talk. We start our sauna rounds with wet hair. The oils of your own hair are healthy. Carrie's medical history Dietetics and Nutrition Science major. Masters in Holistic Nutrition. Aligned with beliefs. Practicing as a nutritionists. Became ill with chronic problems. Lupis. Antibodies over 481. Hashimoto: an autoimmune disease where the body is attacking its own tissue. 6 years ago. Could not move from laying down to sitting up. Chronic pain. Everything was amplified. Chronic anxiety and depression. Could not sleep. She took Western medicine to "get through the...
2020-02-071h 18Sauna TalkSauna Talk #041: Jasper PääkkönenHe may be most recognized as "The bad guy" in Spike Lee's American Clansman movie, but those that know Jasper Pääkkönen, know him as anything but a bad guy. Acting is being little kids again. Every Finnish family has pretty much similar experience growing up with sauna. Creates a certain bond. Naked removes the taboos. Strips away all the things that are so uncomfortable with nudity. In reality, nudity is our natural state of being. When you are stripped away from your clothes, you are stripped away from your barriers and rol...
2019-12-161h 03Sauna TalkSauna Talk #040: Kimmo HelistöToday on sauna talk, i'm pleased to bring you Kimmo Helistö, leading operator and pioneer in urban public sauna. We are seated at his latest project, Uusi Sauna, a stylish contemporary public sauna in the "new downtown" area of Helsinki. Uusi offers 3 saunas and a bar and a kitchen. One sauna for men, one sauna for women, and one private sauna, electric for private functions. the birth of Uusi Sauna In 2010, there was an International competition to help define what city planner would win the competition to help define the neighborhood. Kimmo was contacted to help make t...
2019-12-131h 06Sauna TalkSauna Talk #039: Sauna TimoThe story is known by just about everyone in Finland, and for that matter, also well known in Russia and all other countries where sauna is more popular than here in USA. It was the 2010 Sauna World Championships. The two finalists had worked their way through 130 other contestants, two days of grueling single elimination "who can outlast the other on the sauna bench" brackets. And only two men were left standing: Russia's Vladimir Ladyzhenskiy and Finland's Timo Kaukonen, soon to be known everywhere as Sauna Timo. To set the stage of the final round, rules...
2019-11-1736 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #038: Founder of Kaurilan SaunaToday on Sauna Talk, we are warmed to welcome Saara Lehtonen, founder and lead proprietor of Kaurilan Sauna in Helsinki, Finland. In Finland, those well familiar to sauna, which includes just about everyone, will tell you that "every sauna has its own soul." And for those not convinced, or those who may be at all suspect to this fact, I encourage you to get to Helsinki and pay a visit to Kaurilan Sauna. Before we get started, I'd like to extend a big thank you to Samuli, owner of Iki Stoves, who brought me to...
2019-11-121h 01Sauna TalkSauna Talk #037: Tea Lindberg and AnnieHave you ever met somebody and wonder how they can accomplish so many ambitious projects? Well this is Tea Lindberg, founder and owner of Time for Tea Catering, as well as Saunat, a sauna rental and hosting business, where she manages 12 different sauna properties. If all this isn't enough, Tea has two small children who stay with her as she manages phone reservations and catering inquires, while putting together an awesome wholesome lunch for me and Samuli, from Iki sauna stoves. We take a tour of Tea's latest project, where she bought an old farmhouse by the s...
2019-10-0335 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #036: Export Manager of Narvi Sauna StovesThe Factory tour Lets talk a little bit about Narvi. Of the bigger sauna heater manufacturers, we are the only one designing and manufacturing all our products in Finland. With about 70 employees, Narvi grows by sticking to their plan. Narvi is very proud of their enameled heaters that are extremely durable and easy to take care of. And Narvi is an innovator. For example the smoke channels of the Narvi NC make the heater the most eco-friendly in the world. VTT tests the heaters in Finland, and Narvi NC 16 scored 0.07 % in carbon monoxide emissions, when the minimum l...
2019-09-171h 33Sauna TalkSauna Talk #035: Harvia World HeadquartersWe didn't Sauna Talk together while taking a sauna, but we did Sauna Talk on the sauna bench with Kimmo Riuttanen Product Manager & Sami Linna, Marketing Director from Harvia. Wood species for saunas Red Cedar is something that can be found only in North America, not Europe. It equals to Elder in terms of structure, is the closest wood species. "oh, it smells like a pencil!" The color appears much like Elder. Spruce: Easy to get, easy to work with. Light e...
2019-09-1018 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #034: Sauna from FinlandIt is day 4 into Glenn's 50 saunas in 12 days in Finland journey. This evening we are visiting with Satu Freyberg, Head of International Marking and Carita Harju, Founder and Executive Director, of Sauna from Finland. We have gathered for Sauna from Finland's 10 year anniversary. And what better spot than Savutuvanapaya, a lakeside resort featuring multiple saunas by the shoreline, in the heart of Finland's Lake Country, central Finland. What is Sauna From Finland? Well, in my words, Sauna from Finland is a commercial sales and marketing company. They are all about promoting the authentic sauna experience...
2019-07-2738 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #033: VarjolaWhen traveling around North America, have you ever stayed at a place and thought: "wow, this would be a great place for a sauna." Well, how about visiting a place with 7 saunas? Welcome to Varjola Resort! Day 4 of Finland trip. After a busy travel day 3 and interview with Dr. Jari Laukkanen, world leader in sauna research, Glenn checks in to the Varjola resort, with all eyes on one of the smoke saunas along the shoreline, heated and ready for action. He is entertained by 5th generation owner Marcus, who offers a few savu sauna instructions for this...
2019-07-051h 06Sauna TalkSauna Talk #032: Dr. Jari LaukkanenWhat a pleasure to sit down with Dr. Jari Laukkanen on this early June 2019 afternoon in Jyväskylä , a city and municipality in Finland in the western part of the Finnish Lakeland, some 130 km north-east from Tampere. You may not know his name, but as a fellow sauna enthusiast, I guarantee that you know of his work, especially if you have read about the reported sauna health benefits in the New York Times, Time Magazine, Mayo Clinic Proceedings, NPR, and pretty much every area of broadcast media in the past year or so. Sauna is a...
2019-06-1748 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #031: Risto ElomaaToday we learn about the International Sauna Association. Risto has been taking sauna since one month old. He has always been interested in taking good saunas. His wife tells him that he is "married to sauna." He built two saunas in Zambia. Jijijjimjilbang was very popular in Korea, but they are disappearing as a public bathing place. The definition of sauna: "Sauna is a room, wood paneled, where you have a stove and stones, temperature measured at shoulder level, 80-100 degrees (175 – 212 degrees f). Relatively low humidity, which is controlled by...
2019-06-081h 51Sauna TalkSauna Talk #030: Jarmo LehtonaI first had the pleasure meeting Jarmo Lehtona, then President of Finnish Sauna Society, about four years ago at Mikkel Aaland's Sweat Summit in San Francisco. Mikkel Aaland's Sauna Talk podcast episode is here. Yet today, i'm overjoyed to share with you my conversation with Jarmo Lehtona, who greeted me at the Helsinki airport upon my arrival to Finland. He was my guide during my first day, whisking me off for a day of sauna. Jarmo's guide work is well tuned. He effortlessly walked me onto Metro trains, trams, busses, and around corners...
2019-05-2957 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #029: Daniel interviews GlennDaniel has a great media mind. He's a great interviewer and a curious person, who helped unpack Glenn's sauna marathon in Finland. The trip was a balance of planning and spontaneity. A lot of planning through connections made, then emails and correspondences up to departure. Endurance: I got on my sauna game. There is no judgement with sauna. When you are hot you leave, when you are cold, you go back into the hot room. Sauna: whatever works for the individual. What feels right, you do. Every sauna has its own...
2019-05-2051 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #028: "Sauna Days" Contest Winners Jamie and Will were ready to put winter behind us, and head up to the shores of the World's largest freshwater lake. In this episode of Sauna Talk, we hear from the winners of the free weekend package to Larsmont Cottage's Sauna Days! What they won Their very own free weekend package to Sauna Days! $504.00 value. 2- NIGHT FREE LODGING AT LARSMONT COTTAGES LAKESIDE SUITE Room & Tax Charges Included King Bed Gas Fireplace Microwave & Mini Fridge Flatscreen TV Private Bath w/ Whirlpool Tub Balcony with Lake...
2019-05-0633 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #027: Ben HugusThe Sauna Talk Craft Brewery Series continues. We first interviewed Omar Ansari, founder of Surly Brewing, inside his wood fired sauna, episode here. Today, we head up to Duluth, Minnesota to Sauna Talk with Ben Hugus, co founder of Ursula Brewing. You will hear similarities with these conversations as there is a parallel to the craft brewing industry and sauna. In this episode of Sauna Talk, Ben Hugus, co founder of Ursula Minor Brewing, talks about the camaraderie and collaboration involved with starting Duluth's 8th craft brewery. "We all get along. W...
2019-04-2929 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #026: John MungerRecently, I had the pleasure of sitting on the bench with Omar Ansari, founder of Surly Brewing. You can listen to our Sauna Talk Episode here. Today on the bench, I have the pleasure of visiting with another enterprising icon in the Twin Cities. Today we welcome John Munger, Executive Director, Loppet Foundation. John and Omar have a few similarities Both John and Omar know each other from way back. Surly was an early sponsor of the Loppet Foundation. That relationship is still strong today. Their beginnings: John with the Loppet and Omar with Surly, e...
2019-04-0556 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #025: Steve FriedricksI want to introduce you to a close friend of mine. I Got know Steve about 20 years ago. Steve has embraced the authentic sauna experience at my island cabin sauna up north through multiple "boys weekends" at least 20 of them in total. Some of the cabin visits have been in winter but most often in the fall when we close up, and in the spring when we open up. Steve has always been a great help and supporter of that process. Cabin maintenance can be a pain in the neck, but with a guy like Steve it's a...
2019-03-251h 40Sauna TalkSauna Talk #024: John BreitingerToday the bench we visit with John Breitinger. John is a Minneapolis resident and commercial real estate developer who has been in this field for a while. Currently, John is doing some major consulting work for a large bank. He has a cabin about two hours north east of Minneapolis Saint Paul, Minnesota. This cabin is a very old-school cabin with a few outbuildings. As you will hear described in this episode, one of the buildings on his property is a garage. Built in the 1930s with a lot of character, he got to scratching his head...
2019-03-171h 25Sauna TalkSauna Talk #023: Founders of The Solar Egg SaunaI am excited to share with you this interview with both the founders and the builders of the living, breathing, functioning art sauna project called The Solar Egg Sauna. There are two separate interviews within this episode. First, we hear from the artists and creators behind the Solar Egg Sauna. They are a pair of Swedish artists, known as Bigert and Bergström. During the second part of this podcast, we hear from the two builders. They flew to Minneapolis with the sauna from Sweden. As we sat on the sauna bench, we discover interesting details regarding t...
2019-03-0947 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #022: Omar AnsariWelcome to this episode of Sauna Talk. Today on the bench we are joined by Omar Ansari, founder and owner of Surly Brewing Company. For those not in Minnesota, Surly Brewing, as of 2018, is reported to be the third largest brewery in Minnesota. Producing 93,000 barrels per year. Surly brewing made the list of top 50 brewers in the United States, and will be knocking their way down on that list, I'm sure. The Surly beer hall and garden, located between downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul is a, well, a very large facility that packs them in and has quic...
2019-02-2341 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #021: Daniel WilsonToday on the bench we have Daniel Wilson. We met in Minneapolis Minnesota in a very cool kind of way. My wife and I were at a coffee shop and Dan popped up and said: "are you Glenn from Sauna Times?" I felt a bit humbled in a movie star kind of way, but he was very gracious about introducing himself and we talked about what an influence Sauna Times has had on his efforts towards building his own backyard sauna in Minneapolis Minnesota USA. Dan and his roommate did a lot of research and learned how...
2019-02-0453 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #020: John PedersonWe first heard John on Sauna Talk from the bench at my cabin sauna, as we were in Northern Minnesota to celebrate Sauna Day 2016. Then, we heard from John along with fellow 612 Sauna Society Steering Committee members through a separate Sauna Talk episode here. At that time, we were gathered at JP's apartment to talk through what a member operated sauna co op in Minneapolis can look like and means to each of us. I am happy to welcome John back to Sauna Talk for part 1 of this two part series. Sauna Talk on the bench...
2019-01-0748 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #019: Vladimir von Tsurikov"When you go out of the heat an into the extreme cool, and back from the extreme cool and into the hot, there is something that happens inside your body that is just so satisfying" – Vladimir von Tsurikov. Sauna Talk is pleased to welcome Vladimir von Tsurikov. Director of The Museum of Russian Art (TMORA) in Minneapolis, MN. Vladimir has brought with him a passion for the advancement of Russian Art and Culture, and a strong record of international collaboration. Over the last ten years he co-organized and co-curated several exhibitions with Russian institutions in Moscow, S...
2018-01-151h 02Sauna TalkSauna Talk #018: Wim Hof, the Iceman"You bring 100 people together and they are all strangers, but in the sauna, you open up because your body is opening up. And then your mind follows." "Heat and cold are our great teachers." -Wim Hof (The "Iceman) Wim Hof, A Fest, November 2017 I started Saunatimes about 10 years ago, with a vague yet committed intent to share the goodness of authentic sauna with others. I started Sauna Talk podcast a year or so ago. At that time, I created an "intention" to host three specific guests to Sauna Talk. I'm very...
2017-12-0551 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #017: Nate FochtIn this episode of Sauna Talk, we get a behind the scenes view of Wisdom Woods, Spooner Wisconsin from Managing Partner Nate Focht. "Sitting on the sauna bench, everything that comes out of your mind is pure." – Nate Focht, Managing Partner, Wisdom Woods. Ever wondered what a $100,000 sauna looks like? Well, how about we add another zero to that number and double it. That's what we experience while taking a sauna at Wisdom Woods. The hot room is symmetric and generously sized 12'x12.' Thankfully, we made the ceiling 7′ such that the wood burning sto...
2017-11-1633 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #016: Dave and Judy Pearson"If you haven't experienced the sauna, you have to do it, because it is a wonderful cleansing, spiritual way of life." -Paster Dave Pearson We hadn't yet tossed water on the sauna rocks, when I asked him the question: "So, doing the math, as a Lutheran paster for over 40 years, that's about 2,000 sermons." "that's about right." "Have you ever mentioned sauna in one of your sermons?" "Well, I'm sure I have mentioned sauna in a few of my sermons. But I will say this: I have composed m...
2017-07-3047 minSauna TalkSauna Talk #015: Risto Sivula and Jouko SipalaImaging checking out from your day job to hit the road with a mobile sauna. Imagine being able to: Share the appreciation of sauna with others. Take a sauna when you want to. See the country. This is the journey native Finn's Risto Sivula and Jouko Sipala will be undertaking soon to help celebrate the centennial year of Finland's independence. Risto and Jouko are well suited for this duty, and we get to hear why in this episode of Sauna Talk. Jouko (left) and Risto chilling out between rounds during our Sauna Talk podcast Folks...
2016-12-041h 11Sauna TalkSauna Talk #012: Bill TrotterAs Saunatimes expands into the realm of public sweat bathing, there is no better place to start the journey than in Chicago at Chicago Sweatlodge. This is a well thought out facility offering an authentic banya experience via two hot rooms: the wet sauna and the dry sauna. The stoves are top notch. 5,000 pounds of rocks in each. Matter of fact, in summer, Chicago Sweatlodge switches out the rocks once a year. It takes four days for the rocks to cool down, and even then gloves are needed to take out the old rocks. Imagine the sweat the wo...
2016-10-261h 00Sauna TalkSauna Talk #003: Danny SigelmanMusic for the heat: Danny Sigelman reporting COULD BE SAID MID TEMPO IS THE WAY TO GO WHEN IT COMES TO A SAUNA. Every genre has some slow jams. even the most aggressive music, be it The Clash, Hold Steady or Fela Kuti can turn their angst or knack for protest into a groove that goes well with clearing the mind. In the end, a center is met when the two are mixed, just like a hot and cold rinse. With The Clash it's easy to find a more traditional approach to groove, be...
2016-04-201h 04Sauna TalkSauna Talk #001: Tom RolandoI couldn't be happier to share this inaugural episode of Sauna Talk. We are joined on the bench today with Tom Rolando. Tom is best known as Chief Operating Officer for Wisdom Adhesives. During this episode we Sauna Talk about topics including: How to manage 2,000 customers in your Iphone. "Get with it, get on with the task." The Iron Range: 218 natural history and culture. Sauna is what you did. International Falls: Frostbite Falls. Pooner: Tom's father and example of "Do what you love, and you'll be great at it." Daryl Lamppa and the Kuuma Stove. The magic of...
2016-04-201h 05