HOT BOX CULTURE: SAUNAS, SWEAT LODGES, & HAMMAM | Mikkel Aaland - E110

Step into the steam and discover the power of sweat in this soul-stirring episode. Kristin welcomes legendary photographer, author, and sauna scholar Mikkel Aaland, whose five-decade journey through global sweat bathing traditions—from Finnish saunas to Russian banyas, Turkish hammams, and Native American sweat lodges—has redefined the meaning of heat therapy. Mikkel shares deep insights from his seminal book, Sweat, his groundbreaking docuseries, Perfect Sweat, and the life-changing impact of Sauna Aid, a global relief initiative bringing mobile saunas to war-torn and underserved regions. Get ready for history, humor, healing, and heat as we explore why the bathhouse might just be the key to saving the world—one sweat at a time. If you’re looking for the insight and motivation to live a healthy, happy life, this episode is for you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• How has sauna and sweat bathing culture evolved globally, and what makes each tradition unique?

• In what ways can sauna experiences foster deeper community, connection, and even diplomacy across cultures?

• How is Mikkel Aaland using sweat bathing as a tool for healing and humanitarian aid through initiatives like Sauna Aid?

KEY TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) - The global culture of sweat bathing

(01:30) - The origins and diversity of sauna traditions across the world

(04:00) - Perfect Sweat by Mikkel

(07:00) - The historical decline and modern revival of communal bathing

(10:00) - The American shower vs. global sweat bathing cultures

(13:00) - Benefits of sweat bathing

(16:30) - Aufguss explained

(21:00) - Finnish vs. German sauna practices

(33:00) - Gender dynamics in banya rituals

(38:00) - Sauna Aid: bringing healing heat to communities in crisis

MENTIONS:

Website: https://sauna-aid.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikkel.aaland/?hl=en 

KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED:

WELLPOWER, Kristin Weitzel, biohacking, health and wellness, women’s health, cold exposure, breathwork, scientific research, Sauna culture documentary, Global sweat bathing traditions, Mikkel Aaland Perfect Sweat, Sauna health benefits, Sauna Aid humanitarian project

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