The Upper Bench

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.

CHAPTERS

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 Australia

PublicSaunaCo

Julie and "Risto" Rice are grilled by Sam and Eero.

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.

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.

The Upper Bench - Episode 36

Sam, Risto, and Eero respond to Matt Justice's video.

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.

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