The Upper Bench: Recent Episodes
The Upper Bench Sauna Podcast
Experience The Upper Bench for unique sauna expeditions. Immerse in Finnish sauna traditions, embrace the allure of hot-cold bathing, and relish wood-burning sauna tales. Ignite your passion for sauna culture as we cover topics like sauna tech, wellness, and others. Join Eero, Risto, and Sam on a global quest for the authentic warmth of saunas. Unleash the sauna adventurer within - subscribe now! 🧖🏻‍♂️
heat #steam #coldplunge #thermal #sweatbathing #finnishculture #health
In this episode of "The Upper Bench," we dive into the experience of sauna bathing, washing in the sauna, and how these traditions are still very much alive in Finland. Join us as we discuss the differences between wood-burning and electric saunas, the best way to keep clean in the sauna, and unique setups in Finnish apartments. Whether you’re throwing water onto the rocks or stepping into the rain post-sauna, we cover the full spectrum of authentic sauna life.Don’t forget to check out our sponsor Kreamy Soaps for the best pine tar soap experience!www.KreamySoaps.com, discount code "upperbench"
CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction
02:19 The tradition of washing in the sauna
10:25 HOW to bathe in your sauna
12:39 Eero's conditioner tip
13:27 Kreamy Pine Tar Soap Sponsor
17:30 The evolution of sauna bathing in Finland
18:42 Tour of Eero's apartment sauna in Helsinki
21:43 Sauna with your neighbors
25:06 Door gaps and ventilation
33:52 Unique LED light at Eero's sauna
Global Sauna Culture: Insights and Innovations with Nikita Miltiadou from AustraliaJoin us as we explore the unique and evolving world of sauna culture with our special guest from Australia, Nikita. Dive deep into the influence of the Finnish sauna tradition, proper sauna etiquette, and the technical challenges of building an authentic sauna experience. Discover how Australia's first dedicated public sauna facility champions traditional practices while advocating for inclusivity and wellness. Learn about the differences between sauna cultures in North America and Australia, the importance of education in transforming preconceptions, and Nikita's insights on creating high-quality sauna experiences globally. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on international collaboration, the role of nudity in sauna, and the future aspirations for sauna communities around the world.
PublicSaunaCohttps://www.instagram.com/publicsauna.co/SPONSORKreamy Soapswww.KreamySoaps.com25% discount code "upperbench"CONTENT00:00 Introduction and Weather Update01:29 Introducing the Guest: Nikita from Australian Sauna Society02:50 Nikita's Sauna Pilgrimage and Collection04:53 Launching the First European-Style Public Sauna in Australia17:22 Challenges and Iterations in Building a Commercial Sauna24:43 Ventilation and Technical Aspects of Sauna Building29:49 Advocating for Authentic Sauna Culture in Australia37:09 Infrared Cabins and Steam Rooms: Not True Saunas37:56 Building a Strong Sauna Culture in Australia39:43 Nudity in Sauna: Embracing Body Positivity42:56 Sauna Etiquette and Community Engagement45:06 Sauna Rounds and Proper Usage47:32 Innovative Sauna Designs and Techniques01:01:56 Challenges and Aspirations for Sauna Culture01:14:47 Final Thoughts and Future Plans
Julie and "Risto" Rice are grilled by Sam and Eero.Stay tuned for a special announcement at the end of the episode.LINKShttps://www.theupperbench.comhttps://www.thesaunatrail.comEPISODE SPONSORhttps://kreamysoaps.comTOPICSsauna adventuresauna and the outdoorsconnection and communityToronto Meetup 2024CONTENT00:00:00 Introductions and announcements00:07:09 How Julie and Risto first discovered sauna00:17:04 Using their first real Finnish sauna00:21:46 Sauna facilitates deep personal connection00:26:41 Minimum sauna requirements; their first experience in an electric heated barrel sauna00:31:05 A foolproof method for converting people to sauna00:34:48 Community and sauna00:38:03 You can't learn how to sauna by reading about sauna00:41:05 Crazy sauna adventures00:44:04 Barrel sauna, mobile sauna, and two-story sauna build00:49:58 Get out there and have your own sauna adventure!
Haley and Cody Goodreau, from Logbook Stories, join us to talk about unique saunas in the U.P., their sauna build, and Haley's sauna book.Stay tuned for a special announcement at the end of the episode.LINKShttps://www.theupperbench.comhttps://www.logbook-stories.comhttps://www.instagram.com/logbook_stories/CONTENT00:00:00 Introductions00:04:15 Haley and Cody's sauna build and experience with sauna00:17:51 Hunting camp saunas in the U.P.00:24:00 Haley's photography and sauna book00:37:12 More on their sauna build00:40:07 The book they consulted for their build00:46:35 Unique sauna builds in the U.P.00:49:39 The broad spectrum of sauna builds00:53:13 Musings on ventilation00:58:13 Special announcement
Join us in this enlightening episode as hosts Sam, Eero, and Risto sit down with Scott, the newly appointed President of the North American Sauna Society. Dive deep into the rich traditions of sauna bathing, its cultural significance, and the future of Scott's plans for NASS.CONTENT00:00:00 Introductions00:06:36 Scott’s sauna journey00:09:10 Sauna spark from Finland00:11:26 Why bathing in the sauna?00:13:24 How to use cold plunge with sauna00:15:35 What is sauna bathing? What chemicals to avoid?00:29:16 Sauna process back in the day 00:31:51 Scott’s next steps00:32:53 The current sauna boom00:36:58 Sauna maintenance education00:43:06 Where to anchor sauna for understanding00:44:49 How are traditions passed on?00:49:55 NATO and sauna, learning curve00:50:34 Final questions for Scott00:53:58 Sauna Ambassador Network with the Finlandia Foundation00:55:50 Upper Bench get together!
The Upper Bench - Episode 36
Sam, Risto, and Eero respond to Matt Justice's video.His original video:https://youtu.be/IbcE0b4X99Y
CONTENT
00:00:00 Introduction
00:02:38 Matt Justice's video
00:16:15 Different motives to sauna
00:17:52 Modern shortcuts vs old-school sauna
00:24:05 Our experiences using infrared
Risto shows Sam and Eero more Yooper saunas.
(03:52) Sauna 1
(08:50) Sauna 2
(11:55) Sauna 3
(14:45) Sauna 4
(17:21) Sauna 5
(19:29) Sauna 6
(21:34) Sauna 7
(23:10) Sauna 8
(25:46) Sauna 9
(29:17) Sauna 10
(34:24) Sauna 11
(35:43) Outro
Bullseye Sauna 034: Aiming for a robust sauna practice while making the most out of what you have; why the law of löyly isn't the most important law of sauna; is saunaing naked a requirement? building a sauna community
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Eero's in Finland!
(04:30) Sauna vs. hot box
(11:25) Don’t pour water on the rocks!
(14:57) Engage your physical body
(21:11) The Law of Löyly (steam)
(23:05) Building a sauna community
(26:03) Sauna as a product vs. sauna as an experience
(27:38) Bathing robed on the way to sauna
(30:24) It’s not about nakedness
(33:09) Enjoy what you have, but try to include something new
(35:03) Final words, support us if you can
The Upper Bench welcome Markus Raty to the show. Find Markus https://www.saunaist.comhttps://www.instagram.com/thesaunaistHauliwood Vampires - Sauna Songhttps://youtu.be/7nFqPpdW-SQ
TIMESTAMPS
{00:00:00} Introductions
{00:03:30} Markus’s electric sauna
{00:06:53} Markus’s story
{00:11:31} Childhood saunas and the Hotpert heater
{00:16:09} World’s hottest sauna?
{00:20:20} Soft vs sharp steam
{00:26:10} Lack of steam in North America?
{00:34:12} The dry sauna approach?
{00:40:04} Sauna in Toronto
{00:45:04} Differences between banya and sauna
{00:46:57} Generational learning in a sauna
{00:48:23} Kangas sauna and other sauna stories
{00:55:52} Sauna in the wild
{00:58:03} Sauna ambassador network
{01:03:55} Unlearn to learn sauna?
{01:09:12} Final thoughts and human happiness
The Upper Bench 032: Dr. Mark Timmerman joins us to share his experience of growing up with sauna and his current practice. He also fields our health questions about detoxing, inflammation, cold plunging, and more.
https://www.patreon.com/TheUpperBench
Hosts Eero Kilpi (Saunner), Sam Wacha (Saunner), Christopher (Risto) Rice (also a Saunner)
Theme Music: Conga Se Menne "Guess Who's Coming to Sauna"
TIMESTAMPS
{00:00:00} Introductions
{00:04:14} Mark’s credentials
{00:05:50} Sauna and health as a discussion topic
{00:08:43} Inflammation and a good night’s sleep
{00:09:13} Sauna as a stress inducer
{00:10:34} Should various sauna practices be separated by gained health benefits
{00:17:04} Body’s response to heat
{00:21:08} And cold plunge (rheumatoid arthritis)
{00:22:52} Inflammation and depression (mood)
{00:24:05} Sauna and community (social aspects of sauna)
{00:25:26} (Sauna with dogs)
{00:30:18} Mark’s personal saunas
{00:34:08} How can you tell you are gaining health benefits
{00:35:04} Ideal sauna routine/ protocol
{00:41:48} Sauna and health risks
{00:44:57} Future paths of sauna medical research
{00:49:08} Would you sauna if it was unhealthy
{00:51:51} Sauna is like exercise (in certain aspects)
{00:52:56} Sauna and toxins
{00:57:43} Sauna and viral infections
{00:58:49} Bacteria inside a sauna
{01:00:47} Final words
{01:01:56} Does sauna cure something
Repost of Finlandia Foundation's Sauna Week presentation - Four Generations of Finnish Sauna
Panel: Eero Kilpi, Sam Wacha, Christopher (Risto) Rice, Lassi Liikkanen
Finlandia Foundation
https://finlandiafoundation.org
Other Sauna Week Videos
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLg...
Saunalogia
https://saunologia.fi
Screenshot of Slides
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Td8S...
TIMESTAMPS
{00:00:00} Introductions
{00:16:20} First Generation
{00:18:54} Second Generation
{00:27:40} Third Generation
{00:44:48} Fourth Generation
The Upper Bench 030: The Upper Bench's three hosts Sam, Eero, and Risto are joined by three sauna and inipi enthusiasts in North Dakota--Aaron, Bobby, and Neal. We discuss how to carefully learn from traditions and foster a vibrant local sauna and inipi community. Our apologies for the rough sound in this episode.
Dakota Media Access interview
https://reflect-dakotamediaaccess.cablecast.tv/CablecastPublicSite/show/10652
TIMESTAMPS
{00:00:00} Intro
{00:02:44} Meeting the panel
{00:04:22} The origins of sauna and inipi
{00:06:26} Similarities between sauna and inipi
{00:09:24} Differences between sauna and inipi
{00:10:50} Extras, like plants, etc used in the inipi tradition
{00:15:09} How often people use inipi
{00:17:24} Amount of rocks in inipi
{00:18:11} Splashing water in inipi
{00:19:29} Temperature in inipi
{00:20:20} Are inipis close to water?
{00:22:49} The sauna that was used while recording this episode
{00:24:28} Dakota Media Access radio interview
{00:26:00} Sauna and the outdoors
{00:27:24} Inipi and people, learning from others
{00:33:01} Sweat bathing, spirituality and communality
{00:34:07} Sauna stories for a robust practice
{00:37:32} A newbie’s perspective on sauna
{00:40:11} Spirituality revisited and mental positivity with sauna
{00:42:57} Wrap up
The Upper Bench 029: Lauren and Sean from Plunj join us to discuss the history and current state of sauna culture in Utah.
LINKS
Plunj - https://www.plunj.co
The Sauna Experience Video - https://vimeo.com/151736393
The Finnish Way book - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36722041-the-finnish-way
The Upper Bench website - https://www.theupperbench.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/upper.bench.podcast/
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheUpperBench
TIMESTAMPS
{00:00:00} Introductions
{00:03:58} Sauna in Utah
{00:10:20} The Sauna Experience video
{00:11:12} Family histories
{00:14:14} Who brought sauna to Utah?
{00:15:00} Sauna tradition in Utah
{00:17:23} Utah style sauna
{00:20:10} Cold and hot
{00:22:36} The Finnish Way book
{00:28:21} Cold and hot while pregnant, Lauren’s experience
{00:29:16} Cold plunge culture
{00:32:03} Early steps as a business
{00:40:11} The ideal cold plunge water temperature
{00:41:20} Timing cold and hot exposure
{00:44:56} Super cold salinated water
{00:49:02} Food and drink
{00:50:36} Listening to your body
{00:52:16} Future plans for Plunj
{00:53:19} A vintage Utah sauna, it’s a VW and Finns in Utah!
The Upper Bench 028: Justin from Cedar and Stone joins us to share his experience of growing up with sauna, the history of sauna in Duluth, and starting a sauna company.
https://www.patreon.com/TheUpperBench
https://cedarandstonesauna.com
Hosts Eero Kilpi (Saunner), Sam Wacha (Saunner), Christopher (Risto) Rice (also a Saunner)
Theme Music: Conga Se Menne "Guess Who's Coming to Sauna"
TIMESTAMPS(00:00:00) Intro
(00:05:29) Justin’s sauna company
(00:09:46) Justin’s background with sauna
(00:13:19) Sauna community and family
(00:15:41) “Story shock proteins”
(00:16:34) Sauna is more than a protocol
(00:19:39) Justin’s carpentry and work tasks
(00:22:51) Finns and the history of American sauna
(00:31:04) Americans appreciate quality sauna
(00:32:20) Duluth, Minnesota
(00:40:54) Other forms of thermal therapy
(00:47:35) Sauna as a place vs. practice
(00:52:19) Saunas and drains
(00:54:45) Floating saunas
(01:00:46) Wrap up
The Upper Bench 027: Terhi and Anna from Terhen join us to discuss Finnish sauna treatments and traditions, and the difference between how men and women approach sauna.
https://www.TheUpperBench.com
https://terhen.fi/en/frontpage
Hosts Eero Kilpi (Saunner), Sam Wacha (Saunner), Christopher (Risto) Rice (also a Saunner)
Theme Music: Conga Se Menne "Guess Who's Coming to Sauna"
TIMESTAMPS(00:00:00) Introductions
(00:02:10) Motivation to start a sauna business
(00:04:17) Women’s role in classic and modern sauna
(00:07:19) Sauna therapy, and a balancing act
(00:12:05) Sauna and nature
(00:14:17) Sauna treatments and lifestyle
(00:18:15) Ice cold foot bath, alternative temperature treatments, those new to sauna
(00:21:16) Sauna and healing
(00:22:11) Where are your customers from?
(00:24:01) Finnish sauna culture, more than the hot room!
(00:27:40) Wellness comes second
(00:28:44) Community around sauna
(00:30:24) Salt and honey scrub
(00:33:35) Sauna and happiness
(00:34:50) More women involved with sauna
(00:40:48) What’s your favorite sauna in Helsinki and in Finland
(00:43:12) Terhi’s book, Terhen sauna Instagram
(00:44:33) Sauna bathers at work
(00:46:13) Closing thoughts
The Upper Bench 026: Random ShowHosts Eero Kilpi (Saunner), Sam Wacha (Saunner), Christopher (Risto) Rice (The Sauna Trail)Theme Music: Conga Se Menne "Guess Who's Coming to Sauna"TIMESTAMPS(00:00:00) Introductions, Risto’s sauna project, public saunas(00:04:06) Sauna bathing time in a public sauna(00:06:33) Sauna bias(00:09:46) Robust sauna experience, time spent in a sauna in general(00:13:06) Sauna and sleep(00:15:35) Sauna is substance alternative(00:16:15) Sauna and the social connection(00:17:10) Sauna food(00:20:21) Fulfilling sauna experience(00:21:20) How to get involved with the Upper Bench(00:25:10) Tell us about your own sauna clubs/ get togethers
Hosts Eero Kilpi (Saunner), Sam Wacha (Saunner), Christopher (Risto) Rice (also a Saunner)
Theme Music: Conga Se Menne "Guess Who's Coming to Sauna"
TIMESTAMPS(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:30) Therme Introduction
(00:06:06) U.S. bathing culture and Therme’s role as an access point
(00:08:30) Ways to do sauna, health and fun
(00:10:27) Sauna and aufguss
(00:14:00) Authentic sauna vs infrared therapy
(00:16:35) Smoke sauna
(00:18:20) American consumer and sauna
(00:23:29) Therme's approach
(00:34:50) Finnish sauna experience vs North American
(00:42:52) Therme’s potential locations
The Upper Bench 024: Bryon MacWilliams joins us to discuss the Russian banya and his book With Light Steam.https://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9780875807089/with-light-steam/bryonmac@gmail.comHosts Eero Kilpi (North American Sauna Society), Sam Wacha (Saunner), Christopher (Risto) Rice (Sauna Digest)Theme Music: Conga Se Menne "Guess Who's Coming to Sauna"TIMESTAMPS(00:00:00) Introduction(00:02:13) The story behind Bryon's book on banya(00:12:50) What is a banya? Where did it come from? (00:21:20) Russian banya stoves and "light steam"(00:30:17) Steam in the Finnish savusauna(00:34:15) Making good steam at home(00:38:30) Differences in banya structures(00:39:16) Ventilation(00:44:55) Essential oils and scents(00:59:23) Future topics for discussion(01:01:56) Bryon's Saturday steams
The Upper Bench 023 Emma O'Kelly joins us to discuss her new book Sauna The Power of Deep Heat.
https://linktr.ee/saunabook
Hosts Eero Kilpi (North American Sauna Society), Sam Wacha (Saunner), Christopher (Risto) Rice (Sauna Digest)
Theme Music: Conga Se Menne "Guess Who's Coming to Sauna"
TIMESTAMPS
(00:02:57) Her first sauna
(00:04:35) What to look for in a good sauna
(00:06:59) Explaining sauna culture
(00:10:15) Is a bad sauna better than no sauna?
(00:15:00) Rise of steam in Japan
(00:18:20) Putting it all together
(00:22:04) Future sauna book ideas
(00:25:52) Stumbling blocks to entry
(00:29:36) Body image
(00:31:36) Tech free zone
(00:32:53) Personal sauna build
(00:35:02) Health benefits of sausage and beer
(00:41:03) Criteria of experiences for her book
(00:44:43) 50 saunas in 11 countries
(00:44:45) Finnish sauna in North America
(00:51:19) The importance of nature
(00:53:00) Sauna The Power of Deep Heat book
The Upper Bench 022 Juha Ruokangas joins us to share his love of sauna and give us a tour of his backyard garden sauna.Hosts Eero Kilpi (North American Sauna Society), Sam Wacha (Saunner), Christopher (Risto) Rice (Sauna Digest)Ruokangas Guitarshttps://ruokangas.comTheme Music: Conga Se Menne "Guess Who's Coming to Sauna"TIMESTAMPS
(00:01:13) Tour of Juha's sauna(00:04:26) Juha's history with sauna and guitar(00:15:43) His favorite type of sauna(00:18:48) Aitokiuas heaters(00:21:52) Sauna kit from Estonia(00:30:49) Rock tower style heaters(00:37:30) Hot room environment (small vs big, ventilation)(00:44:00) How to use a sauna thermometer(00:50:21) Conception of sauna worldwide (sex and sauna)(00:56:20) How sauna is viewed in Finland(01:00:00) Hosting sauna guests, multiple rounds(01:05:14) Sauna vocabulary - löyly, kiuas(01:09:25) The connection between sauna and Native American sweat lodge(01:13:32) Juha's future sauna plans(01:15:40) Finland's secret to happiness
The Upper Bench 021: Am I doing sauna wrong?
Hosts: Eero Kilpi (North American Sauna Society), Sam Wacha (Saunner), Christopher (Risto) Rice (Sauna Digest)
TIMESTAMPS (00:00:00) Catching up, what's new? (00:02:44) Is it ok to burn pine? (00:07:28) Taking a break from social media (00:09:49) Wherever people are there is drama (00:12:02) Radiant vs convective debate (00:23:19) Understanding sauna is complicated; there are many variables (00:27:38) Sauna criticisms online (00:29:18) Live and let live, but there are consequences (00:31:18) Heat in public banyaS (00:32:43) Multi-round sauna practice vs infrared and cucumbers (00:37:04) Let's give each other the benefit of the doubt (00:38:36) Rigid traditionalism vs constructive feedback
Leontina Piccardi from Peterzen's Marina joins us to discuss sauna and sailing in Finland. Hosts Eero Kilpi (North American Sauna Society), Sam Wacha (Saunner extraordinaire), Christopher (Risto) Rice (Sauna Digest)
TOPICS
Sauna and sailing
Nakedness
Social sauna
LINKS
https://www.peterzens.fi/
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Leontina and Peterzen's marina in Finland
04:40 Sailing and sauna
06:08 Over 30,000 islands in the Archipelago!
08:20 The saunas at Peterzens
15:00 Saunas on islands
16:50 Savusauna (smoke sauna)
18:20 Vihtas
21:00 Sauna and nakedness
23:45 The social aspects of sauna
26:18 Getting to Peterzens
27:30 Leontina's Italian family and sauna
28:26 Are there boats with saunas?
The Upper Bench 019: Random Show
Eero's going to Finland!
Theme Music: Conga Se Menne "Guess Who's Coming to Sauna"
The Upper Bench 018: Sauna in the Summer
Hosts: Eero Kilpi (North American Sauna Society), Sam Wacha (Sauna subreddit), Christopher (Risto) Rice (Sauna Digest)
TIMESTAMPS
(00:00:00) Why sauna in the hot summer weather?
(00:03:30) Every season is great for sauna
(00:06:20) Using a fan to cool your down
(00:07:07) Cold contrast in the summer
(00:09:05) Thermoregulatory benefits of saunas in hot weather
(00:13:58) People tend to like the season when they were first introduced to sauna
(00:14:49) Combating summer humidity
(00:16:54) Sauna in the rain
(00:17:24) Sauna in the great outdoors
(00:22:48) Winter vs summer sauna
Theme Music: Conga Se Menne "Guess Who's Coming to Sauna"
The Upper Bench 017: Sauna in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
We recommend watching the video podcast for this episode. https://youtu.be/4bWtEYpKzAg
Hosts: Eero Kilpi (North American Sauna Society), Sam Wacha (Sauna subreddit), Christopher (Risto) Rice (Sauna Digest)
Topics: DIY sauna, sauna in the "buckle", sauna priorities, sauna bathing, ILO sauna stoves
Theme Music: Conga Se Menne "Guess Who's Coming to Sauna"
Jeff Pyzyk joins us to talk about his sauna and cold plunge practice. He likes his sauna HOT 🥵 and his plunge COLD 🥶
Hosts Eero Kilpi (North American Sauna Society), Sam Wacha (Sauna subreddit), Christopher (Risto) Rice (Sauna Digest)
Jeff's sauna story on Sauna Digest
https://saunadigest.com/my-sauna-journey-ad4580ad37de
DIY Cold Plunge Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/chestfreezercoldplunge
Theme Music: Conga Se Menne "Guess Who's Coming to Sauna"
Nils Shenholm and Devin Colman join us to discuss sauna in Vermont. Hosts Eero Kilpi (North American Sauna Society), Sam Wacha (Sauna subreddit), Christopher (Risto) Rice (Sauna Digest)
Links
Solhem Sauna
http://www.saunavermont.com
https://www.vermontlogsauna.com
Devin Colman
https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-col...
Woodstock Inn
https://www.woodstockinn.com
Savu sauna
https://www.savu.cc/experience
Theme Music: Conga Se Menne "Guess Who's Coming to Sauna"
TIMESTAMPS
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:31) Meeting Nils (first sauna and starting a sauna company)
(00:03:23) Meeting Devin (how he got into sauna, Architectural research project, personal sauna)
(00:07:08) Camp du Nord in Ely, Minnesota
(00:10:19) Nils' start of Solhem Sauna and involvement with North American Sauna Society
(00:16:04) Old saunas project
(00:26:47) Vermont public sauna scene today
(00:30:14) Vermont projects in the works
(00:31:50) Sauna and wellness, community, is sauna a fad?
(00:35:43) Countercultural, back-to-the-land movement
(00:37:38) The beauty of log saunas, sustainability, wood-burning sauna
(00:45:35) Slow sauna and the culture of immediacy
(00:48:43) "Sauna has changed the way we do everything"
(00:50:30) Poolside and gym saunas, YMCA in Burlington
We interview one of our own--Eero Kilpi. He tells us about growing up with sauna and becoming the president of the North American Sauna Society.NASS: https://www.saunasociety.org/Audio podcast version: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-upper-benchTheme Music: Conga Se Menne "Guess Who's Coming to Sauna"
TIMESTAMPS
(00:00:00) Eero's early sauna years
(00:04:46) High school & college years
(00:12:36) Working and family years
(00:15:27) Process of sauna bathing at the cabin
(00:22:28) The penthouse sauna in Helsinki
(00:24:30) Coming to America & the birth of NASS
(00:29:47) Sauna "lifestyle" and the event of sauna
(00:31:40) Eero's favorite sauna in North America?
(00:36:53) Sauna Ambassadors program
Dr. Lassi "Al" Liikkanen is an Adjunct Professor of Human-centered product design at Aalto University in Finland. He has published over 80 peer-reviewed journal articles and conference proceedings in the fields of product design, interactive technology, music psychology and cognitive neuroscience - and naturally sauna.At present he works full-time in the Finnish industry around digital transformation and interaction design. As a hobby he collects, creates, digitalizes and disseminates sauna-related knowledge through Saunologia.fi website accessed annually by over 400,000 Finnish visitors. In 2019, he authored a book, Secrets of Finnish Sauna Design, available also in English since 2021.Lassi’s ambition is to help improve the quality of Finnish style saunas from Earth to Mars. To this end, his research interests focus on sauna technology and design, although he remains widely interested in history, culture and health aspects of sauna.
TIMESTAMPS
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:03:55) How can American sauna culture be expanded?
(00:08:14) Can I use hardwoods in my sauna?
(00:14:26) Passive ventilation vs mechanical ventilation for electric sauna?
(00:28:03) Collecting vs buying sauna rocks
(00:29:29) What's the best sauna you've been in?
(00:42:00) Are barrel saunas really saunas?
(00:45:51) What are your experiences with tent saunas?
(00:58:42) Should health benefits be a motivating factor for sauna use?
(01:06:18) What are your two favorite sauna books?
(01:10:33) What stove would you use in a tent sauna?
(01:14:24) Thoughts on infrared?
Sam's sauna, firewood, rocks
Test run for our reddit AMA with Lassi Liikkanen this coming Sunday
The Upper Bench 011: Sauna Topics - How well does A.I. understand sauna?We test ChatGPT from @OpenAI Hosts: Eero Kilpi (North American Sauna Society), Sam Wacha (Sauna subreddit), Risto Rice (Sauna Digest)Theme Music: Conga Se Menne "Guess Who's Coming to Sauna"00:00 Introducing A.I. and ChatGPT08:11 Asking "What is good sauna?"09:36 The tendency for ChatGPT to make things up11:02 How will A.I. affect our sauna builds?17:18 "What's the best size for sauna?"20:16 "What is good sauna ventilation?" (carbon monoxide vs dioxide)28:52 "What should I consider when building an indoor sauna?" (infrared)32:30 "What are some softwoods besides cedar that can be used?"32:50 "How well would red pine work?"40:50 "How can our podcast serve the sauna community?"
Garrett Conover and Rick Meagher join us to discuss sauna in Maine. Hosts Eero Kilpi (North American Sauna Society), Sam Wacha (Sauna subreddit), Christopher (Risto) Rice (Sauna Digest)https://maineauthorspublishing.com/sauna-magic/https://twitter.com/RickSaunahttps://www.cedargrovesauna.comhttps://www.driftlesssaunas.comTheme Music: Conga Se Menne "Guess Who's Coming to Sauna"
TIMESTAMPS
(00:00:00) Introducing our guests(00:01:00) Finnish influence on sauna in Maine(00:04:55) Garrett's introduction to sauna and sweat lodge(00:09:51) Rick's introduction to something beyond gym sauna(00:11:29) Difference between gym saunas and Finnish saunas(00:13:30) Electric vs wood-burning(00:20:00) Eero's savusauna (smoke sauna) experience(00:22:00) Introducing people to sauna(00:25:03) Sauna happenings in Maine(00:27:41) Sauna traditions(00:29:28) Garrett's book: Sauna Magic(00:31:34) Sauna photography (Canon EOS Mark III)(00:34:38) Rick's Sauna Fun on Twitter(00:38:20) Solo sauna in silence(00:41:12) Sauna community(00:48:48) How can we spread sauna?
Repost of Finlandia's Sauna Week panel discussion - Why Americans Compromise on Sauna QualityPanel: Eero Kilpi, Sam Wacha, Christopher (Risto) Rice, Scott Räisänenhttps://finlandiafoundation.org/programs/national-sauna-week/
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgbPg6jjsQ3QJICAS0Tkw8L4iTL3nwBrj
The Upper Bench 008: Sauna Topics - Why Sauna
Hosts: Eero Kilpi (North American Sauna Society), Sam Wacha (Sauna subreddit), Christopher (Risto) Rice (Sauna Digest)
Theme Music: Conga Se Menne "Guess Who's Coming to Sauna"
0:00 Introduction
1:13 Health motivations
4:37 Sauna the Finnish way
5:26 Better sleep
6:00 Fitness: Warm up and recovery
8:52 Why does Eero sauna?
11:33 Sam's reasons
13:03 Risto's motivations
15:00 Solo sauna as therapy
17:00 Many reasons why people sauna
18:03 Trees and breeze
19:06 Risto's favorite sauna in North America
The Upper Bench 007: Sauna Topics - Sauna Etiquette
Hosts: Eero Kilpi (North American Sauna Society), Sam Wacha (Sauna subreddit), Christopher (Risto) Rice (Sauna Digest)
Topics: Sauna hosting, etiquette as a guest, showering, sitting on a towel, sauna nudity...
Theme Music: Conga Se Menne "Guess Who's Coming to Sauna"
We interview one of our own--Sam Wacha. He tells us how he got into sauna and what things are like on the sauna subreddit.
Sauna subreddit
Youtube video version
Theme Music: Conga Se Menne "Guess Who's Coming to Sauna"
The Upper Bench 005: Trumpkin's Sauna Notes with Walker Angell
Walker Angell shares the story of how he created Trumpkin's Sauna Notes. Hosts Eero Kilpi (North American Sauna Society), Sam Wacha (Sauna subreddit), Christopher (Risto) Rice (Sauna Digest)
Topics: 0:00 Walker's history with sauna and his first sauna build, 2:47 Finnish sauna practice vs "sauna looking objects", 5:49 Sauna enjoyment vs sauna for health, 11:20 An American approach to sauna, 13:53 Radiant vs Convective heat, 18:39 What are Trumpkin's Sauna Notes?, 21:11 Barrel saunas (heat stratification, ventilation, longevity), 27:01 Infrared 'sauna' vs sauna as an event, 33:07 Sauna ventilation, high carbon dioxide, fresh air, 41:00 Walker's sauna practice, 42:39 Advice for sauna manufacturers, 48:46 Rest area, changing room, 50:49 Sauna 2.0, Walker's ideal sauna build
Theme Music: Conga Se Menne "Guess Who's Coming to Sauna"
Cheryl J Fish, who writes about sauna in poetry and fiction, joins hosts Eero Kilpi (North American Sauna Society), Sam Wacha (Sauna subreddit), Christopher (Risto) Rice (Sauna Digest)Â
Theme Music: Conga Se Menne "Guess Who's Coming to Sauna"
Sam and Risto interview Eero about Finnish Christmas sauna tradition.
Hosts: Eero Kilpi (North American Sauna Society), Sam Wacha (Sauna subreddit), Christopher (Risto) Rice (Sauna Digest)
Theme Music:Â Conga Se Menne "Guess Who's Coming to Sauna"
Lassi Liikkanen, author of The Secrets of Finnish Sauna Design and creator of Saunologia joins hosts: Eero Kilpi (North American Sauna Society), Sam Wacha (Sauna subreddit), Christopher Rice (sauna hound)
Theme Music:Â Conga Se Menne "Guess Who's Coming to Sauna"
Welcome to The Upper Bench podcast. Eero Kilpi, Sam Wacha, and Christopher Rice discuss the world of Finnish sauna.