Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing and Sauna Culture

Sarah Spoto
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Biweekly

At Badii Talk, we bring you spa and sauna recommendations, so you can plan your next bathing adventure or get inspired to give sauna or thermal bathing a try. We also feature interviews with experts and professionals in the bathing world and dive deep into your questions about bathing rituals and cultural experiences. Like: What makes a sauna a Finnish sauna? What’s with all the towel waving in an Aufguss? And how cold does a cold plunge really need to be? Our name, Badii, is inspired by the Swiss German word for pools and bathing. Substack: badiitalk.substack.com Instagram ⁠@badii.life

  1. Aug 9

    Collective Sauna Rituals as a Powerful Practice for Wellbeing: What the Research Says with Rachael McGrath and Sierra Blake

    We're joined by two guest experts who go inside the first published research study on collective sauna rituals. They break down the psychology behind why sauna is such a powerful tool for wellbeing. In this episode: Inside the first published research study on collective sauna rituals The psychology of collective ritual and why emotional synchrony matters The real science behind sauna's mental health benefits Why collective ritual, not just enjoying the heat alone, contributes to wellbeing in particular Sauna social prescribing and the path forward in the UK and US Community and access in the growing sauna world The rise of Aufguss and what’s driving the growth Featured Guest Experts: Rachael McGrath is Research Affiliate at the London Interdisciplinary School and co-author of "Sauna culture improves physical and mental wellbeing in the UK through social connection and ritual" (Social Science & Medicine, 2026). She designed and led the first UK evaluation of a sauna social prescribing programme with Community Sauna Baths CIC, and leads the Sauna Bathing Research Collective, an international network of sauna researchers and practitioners. She writes and speaks about sauna, wellbeing, and social prescribing as That Sauna Girl. You can learn more about Rachael and get in touch with her at rachaelmcgrath.com. Follow her on Instagram @thatsaunagirl. Sierra Blake, MPS, is a psychotherapist, researcher and bathhouse consultant focused on the future of bathing experiences in the United States. Through her work with bathhouses, hospitality brands, and wellness companies, she helps organizations understand emerging sauna trends, design intentional rituals, and develop products and experiences that deepen guest connection. She is the founder of Saint Lucie Sauna Rituals, a natural skincare brand created to elevate the sauna experience. Connect with Sierra at www.sierrablake.co and Www.shopsaintlucie.com.Find her on Instagram at @itssierrablake and @shopsaintlucie. In this episode, I share my recommended sauna master training available here in the States. That’s Ritual Heat, run by three distinguished sauna masters, Alycia Wong, Grace Edmunds, and Nate Daubert. Ritual Heat’s next training is in Denver from Sept 5-7, so if you’re thinking of becoming a sauna master, the time is now! Use code BADII at checkout to receive $100 off your booking. Explore the research.  This episode was edited by Lila Woodbridge. If you loved today’s episode, share it with someone you would bring along to an Aufguss ritual. Badii Talk has a Substack! Join us where wellness meets travel. We explore global bathing traditions, sauna rituals, and spa culture through the lens of place and community. ⁠Subscribe⁠⁠ to our companion Substack today and support an independently produced and funded podcast. The sauna and bathing industry in the US and UK is growing fast. Where there’s growth, money and big companies will follow. If you want to see a bathing culture that isn’t just led by the folks with the most cash, support a platform that is run from a grassroots level. A platform that can authentically prioritize a respect for culture, science, and community.  Badii offers passionate and curious bathers and spa-goers access to news, education, and recommendations about global bathing culture. Explore more bathing culture: Website:⁠ www.badii.life⁠ Instagram:⁠ @badii.life Today’s shout out to all our paid Substack subscribers. Your support is so appreciated and you make what we do at Badii Talk possible!

    Collective Sauna Rituals as a Powerful Practice for Wellbeing: What the Research Says with Rachael McGrath and Sierra Blake

  2. Jul 26

    Doing Ritual Right: Sauna Safety, Training, and the Business Case for Aufguss

    Today’s episode was made for any bathhouse or sauna owner who currently offers or plans to offer sauna rituals and programming. As well as ritual practitioners--both experienced and aspiring. Sauna rituals are gaining popularity across the US and UK. Rituals like Aufguss, Pirtis, and Saunotus are more than just engaging programming for your guests. When done right, they're a safety practice, a craft, and a real driver of business value.  My hope is that you’ll end the episode with a strong understanding of how sauna rituals, like Aufguss, can add real value for your guests and contribute to a sustainable business model. And that conducting them in the right way—with standards that center safety, training, and quality—is worth the effort. Featured guest experts: MacKenzie Boling, Esq is an active attorney, former massage therapist and recent sauna master. She uses a proprietary risk architecture framework to help thermal bathing businesses build durable trust infrastructure. Grace Edmunds is an internationally trained sauna master guiding Aufguss and Baltic sauna rituals and is the founder of Northern Kin Sauna and Vermont Sauna Fest.  Alycia Wong is Colorado's first sauna master, internationally certified in breathwork, thermalist practices, and somatic disciplines.  Nate Daubert is the first American fully certified as a Sauna-Meister by the Deutsche Sauna Akademie Neveah Chansouk is the Assistant Manager at Hideout in Stamford, CT. She’s also Connecticut’s second Aufguss master Who to follow in the sauna ritual world: Alonzo Solórzano, Director of Aufguss at BATHHOUSE NYC. He’s my Aufguss mentor and has assisted me with towel-waving training. If you’re interested in connecting with Alonzo to learn how he can support your Aufguss journey, he welcomes DMs via Instagram.  Sigrid at Aufguss Creations for quality towel-waving and fanning instructional videos. Barbora Brožová, founder of Sauna Wings and decorated Aufguss champion. Jade Coulombe, acclaimed Aufguss master based in Canada.  Aromen Aromatherapy the top essential oil brand for Aufguss masters globally Aufguss Roots US for training and education resources Aufguss USA is the organizing body responsible for bringing the Aufguss competitions to America. Follow them on Instagram for the latest news on the competitionsDeborah Carr from Ananda and Aufguss UK Resources for current and aspiring sauna and Aufguss masters: Subscribe to Badii Talk on Substack for articles and guides. Send Sarah a DM on Instagram at @badii.life if you’d like learn more about her Aufguss and business advisory services or you can visit our website badii.life. We’ve just launched a consolidated list of resources for sauna ritual practitioners in the US and UK in partnership with Ange Cameron of Sauna Culture UK. A consolidated resource list for Norther American and UK sauna opportunities like courses, trainings, and conferences. Ritual Heat’s next training is in Denver from Sept 5-7. Use code BADII at checkout to receive $100 off your booking. Sources: Newson, M., McGrath, R., Mosina, I., Reason, G., & Peitz, L. (2026). Sauna culture improves physical and mental wellbeing in the UK through social connection and ritual. Social Science & Medicine, 394, Article 119061. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2026.119061 Cleveland Clinic. (2023, September 21). Aromatherapy. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/aromatherapy This episode was edited by Lila Woodbridge. Today’s member shout out goes to youcanfindt from the US. Thank you for supporting Badii Talk! Listen to more episodes of Badii Talk and follow along at badii.life and on Instagram @badii.life. 💧For more sauna and bathhouse founder features and resources for sauna-preneurs and bathing enthusiasts alike, check out our posts on Substack by becoming a subscriber.

    Doing Ritual Right: Sauna Safety, Training, and the Business Case for Aufguss

  3. Jul 12

    Building DRYYP: A Connecticut Urban Sauna with an Irish Soul

    If you’re a current or aspiring sauna-preneur, I think you’re really going to enjoy today’s episode. We’ve brought Meg and Mike Garrow on the show to talk about founding DRYYP sauna in New Haven, Connecticut. The founders were inspired by Irish sauna culture when they decided to bring DRYYP to life, so we also talk about the rise of modern sauna culture in Ireland in addition to their journey to sauna-entrepreneurship. Accessibility and community partnerships is a key part of our conversation too, so you don’t want to miss this interview.  DRYYP is a wood-fired sauna experience based at Wellness Park, a new community wellness venture in New Haven, Connecticut, created by Jess and Jamal Robinson. Inspired by the Irish sauna culture Mike and Meg experienced abroad, DRYYP is built around small-group sessions that bring people together through heat, rest, and social connection. For Mike, that inspiration started while living in Dublin and playing basketball for UCD Marian, where post-practice sauna became as much about community as it was about recovery. After seeing Ireland’s mobile and coastal sauna scene continue to grow, Mike and Meg brought that feeling home to Connecticut. Through DRYYP’s home at Wellness Park, they are helping create a shared space for sauna, movement, recovery, and community in New Haven. In this episode, we cover: Irish sauna culture— its origins, why it's exploding right now with mobile and coastal saunas, and  what American sauna culture can learn from it Meg & Mike’s journey to sauna entrepreneurship Building an accessible sauna culture in Connecticut  How collaborations and community partnerships can foster growth for new sauna businesses  For any aspiring sauna-preneur, you’ll be inspired by Mike and Meg’s entrepreneurship journey. And you’ll learn some great advice on building a sauna model that works— one that is sustainable, accessible, and engages actively with the community and local partners.  This episode also features: Rachael McGrath, Research Affiliate at The London Interdisciplinary School and a published author in Social Science & Medicine (Newson et al., 2026) Ian Whelan, Chief Operating Officer at Fad Saoil Saunas Book your sauna session at DRYYP here! Follow along for the last events and programming at DRYYP and Wellness Park’s Instagram pages. This episode was edited by Lila Woodbridge. 🔥If you loved today’s episode, share it with someone you would take with you to a wood-fired sauna. 💧Badii Talk has a Substack! For more sauna and bathhouse founder features and resources for sauna-preneurs and bathing enthusiasts alike, check out our posts on Substack by becoming a subscriber.  💙⁠ ⁠Subscribe⁠⁠ today and support an independently produced and funded podcast. The sauna and bathing industry in the US and UK is growing fast. Where there’s growth, money and big companies will follow. If you want to see a bathing culture that isn’t just led by the folks with the most cash, support a platform that is run from a grassroots level. A platform that can authentically prioritize a respect for culture, science, and community.  Badii offers passionate and curious bathers and spa-goers access to news, education, and recommendations about global bathing culture. Explore more bathing culture: Website:⁠ www.badii.life⁠ Instagram:⁠ @badii.life Today’s member shout out goes to Ryan C from the US. Thank you for supporting Badii Talk, Ryan! P.S. The Lab is back! Join Nell Waters and me for an 8-week virtual bathing culture lab—The Business of Sweat. Registration is now open for our fall cohort. Learn more. On July 21st, we’re hosting a free Q&A session so you can meet us and get your questions answered. Register here.

    Building DRYYP: A Connecticut Urban Sauna with an Irish Soul

  4. Jun 28

    Aufguss in America: Behind the Scenes of the 2026 US Competition

    Are you ready to go behind the scenes of the biggest Aufguss event in American history? In this special episode we cover…  What is Aufguss? I’ll walk you through the traditional ritual What is an Aufguss Competition? Yes, we’re judged on a lot more than towel-waving. Behind-the-scenes from a competitor POV—from application to the post-performance daze Hear from competitors, staff, and sponsors Highlights of the best performances of the week Last year, I covered the US Aufguss national competition as a spectator and this year I returned…as a competitor. You might have caught my behind-the-scenes take on the competition on Substack already. But in today’s podcast episode, I hope to transport you to the competition. You're going to hear voices of competitors, staff, and sponsors. And you’ll hear the sounds of the sauna, the crowds, the energy. You’ll only be missing the heat. The competition took place in May in New York City, hosted once again by BATHHOUSE—this time at their very new Downtown Brooklyn location on Atlantic Ave. This was the second year in a row that the US has held a national Aufguss competition— and the second year in a row that BATHHOUSE has hosted. America is still new to Aufguss but the community is growing fast and what’s being built is shaping the American sauna culture.  I competed alongside my teammate Alycia Wong in the Team Show category—we essentially put on a theater show in the sauna. Yes we were in full costume. Wigs and all. Our performance was an Aufguss adaptation of  Heated Rivalry—and I'll leave it at that for now. You'll hear about it soon. But before we get there, I want to make sure you actually understand what an Aufguss competition is because even in sauna circles, it's still not widely known (yet). It’s a niche within a niche. So I'm going to walk you through a traditional Aufguss ritual from start to finish. And then I'll break down the competition categories, how they differ from a traditional ritual, and what the judges are actually looking for. And then we'll get into the competition itself — including our Heated Rivalry romance in the sauna. Think of today’s episode as  your Aufguss competition field guide and your front bench seat to the US nationals. Let's get into it. The following sauna masters were featured in today’s episode. Give them a follow to show your support! Mamiko Nakatsugava Erica Caruso Devin Richey Alexi Irvine & Joli Irvine Travis Talmadge  Grace Edmunds Alycia Wong Tovi Wayne We also hear from Don Genders and Cassandra Cavanah of Aufguss USA and Design for Leisure. For more sauna master and Aufguss master resources, check out our other posts on Substack.  Photo credit to Annie Wu: https://www.anniewu.photography/  Audio / video credit (for the interview with Alycia and me) goes to Katharine Doyle. This episode was edited by Lila Woodbridge. 🔥If you loved today’s episode, share it with someone you would bring along to an Aufguss ritual. 💧Badii Talk has a Substack! Join us where wellness meets travel. We explore global bathing traditions, sauna rituals, and spa culture through the lens of place and community. 💙⁠ ⁠Subscribe⁠⁠ today and support an independently produced and funded podcast. The sauna and bathing industry in the US and UK is growing fast. Where there’s growth, money and big companies will follow. If you want to see a bathing culture that isn’t just led by the folks with the most cash, support a platform that is run from a grassroots level. A platform that can authentically prioritize a respect for culture, science, and community.  Badii offers passionate and curious bathers and spa-goers access to news, education, and recommendations about global bathing culture. Explore more bathing culture: Website:⁠ www.badii.life⁠ Instagram:⁠ @badii.life Today’s member shout out goes to Haley S. from the US. Thank you for supporting Badii Talk, Haley!

    Aufguss in America: Behind the Scenes of the 2026 US Competition

  5. Jun 14

    The Hot and the Cold of it: Aufguss and Sauna Culture in Ireland

    Ireland's sauna scene is quickly growing and it's rooted in something ancient. Over 200 independent saunas have opened across Ireland, most since 2020. Many of these spaces are deeply connected to the landscape and sea. For sauna in Ireland, this isn't a wellness trend. It's a return to the teach allais — Ireland's centuries-old stone sweat house.. In this episode of our Celtic Bathing Series, I sit down with Ryan and Danielle Bradley of Northern Ireland. What started as a garden sauna during Covid has grown into a full sauna lifestyle: Ryan is now a certified freelance Aufguss master traveling sauna-to-sauna across Northern Ireland, and their backyard sauna was purpose-built as a space to develop and host Aufguss rituals. Ryan and I trained together last fall through Anada's sauna master certification program in the UK. In this conversation we cover the freelance Aufguss life, ritual design, and what it takes to bring ceremony to new communities. Danielle shares what it means to build and share that space as a couple and how they found their way to sauna. Follow their journey at @thehotandthecoldofit Topics include:  Irish sauna culture—defining it today and its recent rise Freelance Aufgussing in Northern Ireland Tips for freelance Aufguss and sauna masters Building a backyard sauna made for Aufguss rituals The future of Irish sauna culture Resources: Anada Sauna Master Training (UK-based) Ritual Heat Sauna Master Training (US based. The next training is July 11 - 12  2026 at Bathe in Austin, TX) Soul Water Sauna in Edinburgh, Scotland periodically hosts whisking workshops and experiences.  Irish saunas to explore: Hot Box, Fad Saoil, Helios (including Ireland’s first floating sauna) Sweat House by Rosanna Cooney From Sweathouse to Shoreline: The Rise of Sauna Culture in Ireland The Sauna Boom in Ireland This episode was edited by Lila Woodbridge. 💧Badii Talk has a Substack! Join us where wellness meets travel. We explore global bathing traditions, sauna rituals, and spa culture through the lens of place and community. 💙⁠ ⁠Subscribe⁠⁠ today and support an independently produced and funded podcast. The sauna and bathing industry in the US and UK is growing fast. Where there’s growth, money and big companies will follow. If you want to see a bathing culture that isn’t just led by the folks with the most cash, support a platform that is run from a grassroots level. A platform that can authentically prioritize a respect for culture, science, and community.  Badii offers passionate and curious bathers and spa-goers access to news, education, and recommendations about global bathing culture. Explore more bathing culture: Website:⁠ www.badii.life⁠ Instagram:⁠ @badii.life

    The Hot and the Cold of it: Aufguss and Sauna Culture in Ireland

  6. May 31

    Celtic Magic: Faeries, Thin Places, and Rituals of Nature (Part 1)

    In this first episode of a two-part Celtic Magic series, sauna ritual practitioner and host Sarah Spoto is joined by Scottish author Lyndsey Croal to explore the folklore, mythology, and nature rituals of Scotland — and how they might inspire your own bathing practice. Lyndsey is a Scottish Book Trust New Writers Awardee, Shirley Jackson Award and British Fantasy Award finalist, and author of works rooted in Scottish landscape and eco-themes. Together they explore faeries, thin places, and the ancient traditions of the Celtic world. This episode is for the ritual practitioners, the sauna stewards, the keepers of the steam. Part 2 will bring in a practitioner to deepen the conversation. Find Lyndsey on Bluesky and Instagram @lyndseycroal or at lyndseycroal.co.uk. Topics include:  Celtic folklore Scottish mythology Nature rituals Celtic holidays and traditions Thin places Faeries Bathing culture Ritual practice Wild Swimming in Scotland This episode was edited by Lila Woodbridge. Resources & mentions from this episode: Daughter of Fire & Water: An Audio Drama Dark Crescent Literally Lyndsey (newsletter) Further Reading on Scottish Folklore. Lyndsey’s full list is available in the Bibliography section of Dark Crescent.  Cunning Folk Magazine: www.cunning-folk.com Druidry: www.druidry.org Folklore Thursday: folklorethursday.com Breslin, Teresa (2012). An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales, Floris Books Dougles, Ronald Macdonald (1982). Scottish Lore and Folklore, Crown Publishers Westwood & Kingshill (2011). The Lore of Scotland: A guide to Scottish legends, Random House Books. Winsham, Willow (2022). Magpies & Red Skies--The Enchanting Origins of 100 Superstitions, Wellbeck.  Learn more about:  Scottish “guising” Turnip carving (photo credit for image above) Ancient wells (photo credit for image above) Iceland is calling. Alisa, a former guest of Badii Talk podcast and the founder of Howl at the Moon Sauna Co, has built something incredible out in Michigan. And now she’s partnering with Your Wandering Roots on a sauna + thermal bathing journey through Iceland.  Join Alisa and Anna for a curated 7-day bathing adventure immersing yourself in Iceland’s rich thermal bathing culture. Expect excursions, a private chef, and an inspiring community of women. Happening November 2–8, 2026 and Limited to 10 spots. Use code BADII for 10% off your deposit. Learn more. At Badii, we’re very intentional about who we partner with. You can trust that we only bring you recommendations that we feel confident and proud to support. Recommendations that center respect for culture, curiosity, and education. And of course thermal bathing. 💧Badii Talk has a Substack! Join us where wellness meets travel. We explore global bathing traditions, sauna rituals, and spa culture through the lens of place and community. 💙⁠ ⁠Subscribe⁠⁠ today and support an independently produced and funded podcast. The sauna and bathing industry in the US and UK is growing fast. Where there’s growth, money and big companies will follow. If you want to see a bathing culture that isn’t just led by the folks with the most cash, support a platform that is run from a grassroots level. A platform that can authentically prioritize a respect for culture, science, and community.  Badii offers passionate and curious bathers and spa-goers access to news, education, and recommendations about global bathing culture. Explore more bathing culture: Website:⁠ www.badii.life⁠Instagram:⁠ @badii.life

    Celtic Magic: Faeries, Thin Places, and Rituals of Nature (Part 1)

  7. May 17

    Inside BATHHOUSE with Co-Founder Travis Talmadge: Aufguss and the Future of American Sauna Culture

    We’re taking a quick break from our Celtic bathing series to head back to New York City for a conversation about the future of American sauna culture. This episode features Travis Talmadge, co-founder of BATHHOUSE and a decorated Aufguss master. We talk about building a category-defining wellness brand, the rise of communal bathing in the US, and how Aufguss is shaping modern sauna culture. We also dive into Travis’s personal approach to ritual, hospitality, and his vision for expanding Aufguss across America. This conversation comes just ahead of the 2026 US Aufguss National Competition at BATHHOUSE in NYC. And this year, I’ll be returning not as a spectator, but as a competitor. If you’ve been curious about the evolution of sauna culture in America, this episode is for you. Photos courtesy of Adrian Gaut and Emily Andrews. This episode was edited by Lila Woodbridge. Badii Talk is going LIVE! Introducing live virtual conversations on the business, culture, and ritual of the thermal bathing & sauna world. Join us on June 3rd at 6pm ET for a live webinar dedicated to building a content strategy for your business. Content is one of the most powerful tools for growing a modern wellness business. But it can also feel overwhelming and time consuming. In this session, we’ll break down how to approach content more strategically, so it actually supports your business without feeling like another cumbersome task on your do list. Learn more on our website, here.  Paid Badii Talk Substack subscribers receive a discount off all Badii Talk Live sessions. Check out this post for the code.  💧Badii Talk has a Substack! Join us where wellness meets travel. We explore global bathing traditions, sauna rituals, and spa culture through the lens of place and community. 💙⁠ ⁠Subscribe⁠⁠ today and support an independently produced and funded podcast. The sauna and bathing industry in the US and UK is growing fast. Where there’s growth, money and big companies will follow. If you want to see a bathing culture that isn’t just led by the folks with the most cash, support a platform that is run from a grassroots level. A platform that can authentically prioritize a respect for culture, science, and community.  Badii offers passionate and curious bathers and spa-goers access to news, education, and recommendations about global bathing culture. Explore more bathing culture: Website:⁠ www.badii.life⁠ Instagram:⁠ @badii.life

    Inside BATHHOUSE with Co-Founder Travis Talmadge: Aufguss and the Future of American Sauna Culture

  8. Trailer

    Introducing Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing & Sauna Culture Podcast

    Hoi zäme and welcome to Badii Talk podcast. Born from a love of Swiss bathing culture, our name (B-A-D-I-I), is inspired by the Swiss German word for pools and public baths.  Have you ever found yourself…  Sweating like crazy on the top bench of an Aufguss ritual Letting out a squeal as you jump into a cold sea Smelling the warmth of the oak leaves in a banya Taking in the mountain view from a mineral rich hot spring Or simply enjoying a soak in your own tub? Then you’ve experienced bathing culture. And I have good news for you—there’s so many more bathing experiences to explore.  I’m Sarah Spoto, your host, a certified Sauna Aufguss Master, former corporate burnout, and founder of Badii. And this podcast is about exploring global thermal bathing and sauna traditions from around the world. We believe that bathing is an especially unique lens through which we can experience culture and place.  This podcast is all about… Soaking, Swimming, and Sweating Immersing yourself in Nature Finding Connection & Community through shared spaces and rituals Prioritizing Quality Design Seeking Wellbeing  Generating respect and curiosity for Culture And you can always count on a little bit of Magic too. New episodes drop every Sunday. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. And follow along on BadiiTalk.Substack.com.  Shall we dive in?

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At Badii Talk, we bring you spa and sauna recommendations, so you can plan your next bathing adventure or get inspired to give sauna or thermal bathing a try. We also feature interviews with experts and professionals in the bathing world and dive deep into your questions about bathing rituals and cultural experiences. Like: What makes a sauna a Finnish sauna? What’s with all the towel waving in an Aufguss? And how cold does a cold plunge really need to be? Our name, Badii, is inspired by the Swiss German word for pools and bathing. Substack: badiitalk.substack.com Instagram ⁠@badii.life

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