Session Replays

Welcome to National Sauna Week’s kickoff panel, featuring the Upper Bench Podcast team in a lively, no-holds-barred conversation with Walker Angell, author of Trumpkin’s Sauna Notes. In this hot-takes–style discussion, the panel dives into why sauna has struggled to take hold in North America compared to other parts of the world. Topics include what truly defines sauna, how language and cultural misunderstandings have shaped North American perceptions, and the rise of “McSaun

Justin Juntunen is on a mission to invite one million people to build resilience through sauna. Speaking at National Sauna Week 2026, he will explore sauna through the lenses of culture, wellness, and design, reflecting on how thoughtful principles shape both structure and experience. As the founder of Cedar & Stone Nordic Sauna, Justin has led and contributed to some of North America’s most ambitious public sauna builds—from floating saunas to brick-and-mortar facilities to

Join us for a special conversation with five key voices from the floating sauna world across the U.S. and Europe—including perspectives connected to Oslo, often called the floating sauna capital, and Oulu, Europe’s Capital of Culture 2026. The panel brings together sauna operators alongside individuals deeply embedded in directing projects, stewarding movements, and shaping floating sauna culture more broadly. Together, they’ll explore the mechanics of building, operating, an

Bathing connoisseur Mikkel Aaland invites us to explore the global renaissance of sauna and sweat-bathing cultures through decades of observation, personal insights, and his evocative, diverse photography. Throughout his explorations, Aaland uncovers a myriad of bathing rituals, each rich in cultural significance and therapeutic benefits. His narrative is both informative and inspiring, offering readers practical insights and pathways to a more enriched, health-focused lifes

This presentation by Dalva Lamminmäki and Maaria Alén explores the Finnish sauna whisk, known as vihta or vasta (using vihta here). A symbol of Finnish folklore, the vihta plays a vital role in folk healing rituals, functioning both as a tool for divination and a method of plant-based medicine. Its use creates a multisensory experience, enhancing both physical and mental well-being. Learn about the cultural significance, traditional practices, and the various ways to inco

Saija Silen , Cultural Heritage Specialist, and Head of Jämsä Sauna Village, who runs a sauna village in Jämsä, Finland, introduces the Sauna Route, a new initiative connecting European sauna culture. Starting in Jämsä and expanding to Sweden, Estonia, Norway, and beyond, the Sauna Route allows travelers to experience saunas across Europe, from historical sites to modern facilities. The route showcases sauna heritage through public saunas, local traditions, museums, arts, and