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Session Replays
And the löyly lives on — if you missed a session, you can catch up on the replays below!
Kickoff Panel: Hot Takes from the Upper Bench with Walker Angell
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
Feb 14
The Upper Bench on Hot Topics in Sauna: More Than Just Heat: Unlocking the Depth of Finnish Sauna
Get ready for some "hot takes" with Eero Kilpi , Risto Rice , and Sam Wacha , co-hosts from the famed Upper Bench podcast. This session explores how Finnish-style sauna—a rich, multi-sensory cultural tradition—has been simplified in modern America into a one-dimensional, sweat-centric "hot box phenomenon." He traces its historical and cultural roots, emphasizing the essential elements—earth, air, water, and fire—that create an authentic sauna experience. Highlighting key feat
Feb 15, 2025
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