The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka

201. Sam Maxwell & Kyle Ponton: Does Cold Plunging Really Work? Here’s the Science!

32 snips
Sep 16, 2025
Kyle Ponton and Sam Maxwell, co-founders of Cold Life, dive into the transformative power of cold plunging. They share their journey from DIY ice barrels to building a wellness company focused on resilience and community. Exploring the science behind cold exposure, they discuss its mental health benefits, including stress relief and enhanced clarity. Their personal stories reveal how cold plunging fosters connections in alcohol-free environments, promoting holistic well-being. Plus, they offer practical tips for starting your cold therapy adventure!
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ANECDOTE

Cold Plunge Replaced Adderall

  • Sam Maxwell used daily ice baths to quit Adderall and calls cold plunging his "drug of choice."
  • He bought a plastic barrel, did it every day for 14 days, and stopped craving the medication.
ADVICE

Design From Customer Feedback

  • Build products around direct customer feedback rather than assumptions to reduce failure rates.
  • Sam and Kyle emphasize American manufacturing and simple robust engineering to avoid frequent breakdowns.
ANECDOTE

From Morning Dips To Community

  • Kyle Ponton started cold plunging after joining friends at an early-morning lake/pool event and felt immediately addicted to the clarity it gave him.
  • Weekly groups grew from five people to hundreds, forming the community foundation for their company.
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