Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna

Today’s episode is smokin’ — literally! That’s because we’re talking about the original Finnish sauna: the smoke sauna, or “savusauna” as it’s known in Finland.While the modern saunas we’re familiar with today have only been around for the last 100 years, smoke saunas date back to the 9th century — over 1,000 years ago.So what exactly is a smoke sauna and where can you find one? To answer these questions and more, we’re joined by Saija Silen, a smoke sauna historian and chair of the Finnish Sauna Culture Association. Saija tells us about the origin of smoke saunas, how they work and the incredibly multi-faceted role they’ve played in Finnish life — and in Finnish spiritual beliefs — for centuries.She also talks about her important work preserving the 24 historical smoke saunas at Sauna Village in Jämsä, where visitors can enjoy an authentic smoke sauna experience for themselves. We promise we’re not just blowing smoke — it’s a fascinating episode and you don’t want to miss it!**********Mentioned in this episode:Sauna Village in Jämsä, Finland**********Did you enjoy this episode? If so, we’d love it if you could leave us a rating/review, and share it with your sauna-loving friends!And be sure to subscribe if you haven’t done so already!Want to stay on top of all things Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna? Sign up for our newsletter at kivia.ca. (Don’t worry, we only send occasional emails and will never spam you.)Have a question, comment or an idea for a future episode? Email us at alan@kivia.ca.

A sweat-bathing renaissance is underway in Ireland and Northern Ireland, with saunas popping up from Dublin and Belfast to Cork and the Causeway Coast.How did all this happen? During Alan’s Irish sauna travels last year, one name kept coming up: Shirley Fitzpatrick. As the owner of Bosca Beatha — the first mobile sauna in Ireland back in 2012 — Shirley has been at the forefront of the Irish sauna movement for over a decade, touring the countryside and bringing her passion for sauna directly to the people. In this episode, we speak with Shirley about how Bosca Beatha came to be, the growing popularity of sauna on the Emerald Isle, and the unique vantage point sauna gives us to connect with nature and each other.**********Mentioned in this episode:Bosca BeathaLithuanian Plants & Sauna Camp (June 3-7, 2024)**********Did you enjoy this episode? If so, we’d love it if you could leave us a rating/review, and share it with your sauna-loving friends!And be sure to subscribe if you haven’t done so already!Want to stay on top of all things Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna? Sign up for our newsletter at kivia.ca. (Don’t worry, we only send occasional emails and will never spam you.)Have a question, comment or an idea for a future episode? Email us at alan@kivia.ca.

Can you imagine being naked in a sauna with strangers? Or maybe you can’t imagine it any other way? Nudity in the sauna is a polarizing topic. For some, the idea of going “au naturel” is unthinkable, while for others, “textile-free” is the only way to go. Why the divide? To get to the, ahem, bottom of the issue, we’re speaking with Dr. Ruth Barcan, a professor in the Gender and Cultural Studies department at the University of Sydney, and the author of Nudity: A Cultural Anatomy.In this episode, Dr. Barcan shares:Where some of our hang-ups with nudity come fromWhy so many people today equate nudity with sexualityHer advice for people who want to try going nude in the sauna for the first timeWhy, when it comes to nudity in the sauna, one approach doesn’t fit all**********Mentioned in this episode:Book: Nudity: A Cultural Anatomy (Bloomsbury)Article: "The Naked Truth on Nudity" (The Conversation)**********Did you enjoy this episode? If so, we’d love it if you could leave us a rating/review, and share it with your sauna-loving friends! And be sure to subscribe if you haven’t done so already, so you never miss an episode.Want to stay on top of all things Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna? Sign up for our newsletter at kivia.ca. (Don’t worry, we only send occasional emails and will never spam you.)Have a question, comment or an idea for a future episode? Email us at alan@kivia.ca.

It’s taken the European sauna world by storm, and it’s starting to make waves in North America, too. Aufguss is the art of using rhythmic towel movements to circulate heat, air and essential oils in the sauna, creating a thermal experience like no other.While aufguss can be calm and meditative, it can have a huge performance aspect as well — with music, lights, costumes, singing, choreography and even smoke machines used for theatrical effect.To find out more, we’re speaking with Jade Coulombe, a Canadian “aufgussier” and past winner of the “Battle of the Gladiators” at the World Aufguss Cup Freestyle Championships.In this episode, Jade shares how she first got involved with aufguss, her aufguss experiences in saunas and competitions across Europe, and her future plans to make aufguss more accessible in Canada and beyond.**********Mentioned in this episode:Jade CoulombeAufguss World Cup FreestyleRob Keijzer**********Did you enjoy this episode? If so, we’d love it if you could leave us a rating/review, and share it with your sauna-loving friends! And be sure to subscribe if you haven’t done so already, so you never miss an episode.Want to stay on top of all things Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna? Sign up for our newsletter at kivia.ca. (Don’t worry, we only send occasional emails and will never spam you.)Have a question, comment or an idea for a future episode? Email us at alan@kivia.ca.

Christopher and Julie Rice were at a low point in their relationship. After 10 years of marriage and four kids, the Minnesota couple had lost their spark, and were increasingly growing apart. Then they discovered sauna — and everything changed.In this episode, we’re speaking to Christopher and Julie about how their shared love of sauna helped reignite their love for each other — and how they went from complete sauna newbies to sauna evangelists, sharing their passion for sweat on Chris’s blog, SaunaDigest.com, and Facebook group, Wood-Burning Sauna, which has attracted over 6,500 members to date. **********Mentioned in this episode:SaunaDigest.comWood-Burning Sauna (Facebook group)**********Did you enjoy this episode? If so, we’d love it if you could leave us a rating/review, and share it with your sauna-loving friends! And be sure to subscribe if you haven’t done so already, so you never miss an episode.Want to stay on top of all things Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna? Sign up for our newsletter at kivia.ca. (Don’t worry, we only send occasional emails and will never spam you.)Have a question, comment or an idea for a future episode? Email us at alan@kivia.ca.

We’re BACK! The Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna podcast returns for Season 3 — with hosts Alan Jalasjaa and Elissa Lansdell bringing you 12 new episodes packed with sauna hot topics, expert guests and so much more.Where in the world have we been, you ask?Well, Alan has been travelling the globe, checking off his sauna bucket list, and on today’s episode, he’s spilling the tea on all his adventures — from Finland and Ireland to Germany, Western Canada and more. Discover:Why the World Sauna Forum in Finland is “the world’s most relaxing business event”Whether a Finnish movie star’s sauna and restaurant complex on the Baltic Sea lived up to the hype (spoiler alert: IT DID)How Ireland is fast-becoming one of Europe’s sauna capitals — think seaside mobile saunas and whiskey barrel cold plungesThe art of “aufguss” — using rhythmic towel movements to circulate heat, air and essential oils in the saunaAlan’s “textile-free” sauna experiences in Germany with our Berlin-based sound engineer, Mike Shannon Why the Lost Faucet Sauna on Vancouver Island is definitely worth finding Why you shouldn’t invite Alan to your sauna unless you mean it — because he WILL show up…and so much more!**********Mentioned in this episode:Carita HarjuSauna from FinlandWorld Sauna ForumJake & Max Newport, aka The Sauna TwinsFinnmark SaunaJasper PääkkönenLöyly in HelsinkiHotBox Sea Sauna in Northern IrelandMike ShannonVabali Spa in BerlinThe Lost Faucet Sauna House on Vancouver IslandKamu Sauna in British Columbia**********Be sure to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share with your sauna friends if you liked this episode!Want to stay on top of all things Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna? Sign up for our newsletter at kivia.ca. (Don’t worry, we only send occasional emails and will never spam you.)Have a question, comment or an idea for a future episode? Email us at alan@kivia.ca.

During this episode of Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna, Alan and Elissa get to do more than just talk about sauna... For this, our special season two finale, Alan takes Elissa to one of his favourite local sauna houses: KW Sauna in Kitchener for an afternoon of sweat bathing bliss. KW Sauna describes itself as a place for visitors to "relax, rejuvenate and re-energize," and they deliver! Although unassuming from the outside, just wait until you walk through the doors! You'll find a beautiful, warm, and welcoming facility. Stepping out of the changing rooms is like stepping into a small village nestled in a faraway forest. Wooden doors, features and accent pieces bring a sense of the outdoors into the sauna house, delivering indescribable warmth and calm. In the communal area, just out of the splash range and near the cold barrel are numerous Adirondack chairs ready for bathers to rest & rehydrate post sauna.  Sweat bathers can alternate between the large steam room, dry sauna, Russian Banya and an infrared heat cabinet. The Banya and dry sauna are built with premium, knot-free cedar for even heat distribution. There are eucalyptus stems and stalks in the steam room, gently releasing their relaxing scent into the air. This sauna house is both decadent and down-to-earth at the same time.  It's no wonder why Alan loves this public sauna (and you will too)!  Join us as Alan and Elissa spend time exploring KW Sauna and find out if Elissa can take the literal plunge into the cold barrel. Our hope is that you learn more about what to expect when visiting public saunas like this one.A big thank you to Victoria at KW Sauna for making special arrangements to host Alan and Elissa prior to regularly scheduled opening hours. To learn more about KW Sauna in Kitchener, please visit KWSauna.com, and follow them on Instagram @KW_Sauna.  Feel free to reach out at kwsauna@gmail.com. Special Kivia Alert! We are taking a short break between seasons while Alan travels to Finland to attend the World Sauna Forum organized by Sauna from Finland.  You can bet he is going to be sauna-hopping and checking places off his sauna bucket list while there.  When he returns, he’ll be sharing all the experiences with us! Until then, please go back and listen to the episodes again, and take a moment to rate, review and share episodes with other heat-lovers, sweat-bathers, and those who may be curious to see what this sauna thing is all about. As always, visit Kivia.ca for all of your sauna needs, and follow Alan's sauna adventures on Instagram @kiviasauna. Alan is always happy to answer any sauna related questions, so feel free to reach out directly at Alan@kivia.ca.   Thank you for your ongoing support and please look for us this fall! In the meantime, happy sauna-ing!

During this episode of Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna, your hosts Alan Jalasjaa and Elissa Lansdell are thrilled to take a virtual sauna with co-founders of Hamam: The Magazine of Letting Go, Editor-in-Chief Ekin Balcıoğlu and Steve Weiner. Hamam: The Magazine of Letting Go, is dedicated to the "bathing obsessed," and is all about giving into the essence of what sweat bathing represents. Within its pages are stunning images, breathtaking artwork and beautifully written pieces including prose and poetry all of which offer a window into aligned practices, concepts and experiences sure to intrigue public bathing enthusiasts. At its core is the idea of 'letting go;' letting one's body relax, while the mind drifts away... Each edition is its own work of art. Each one is a stand-alone publication, or you are welcome to collect them all sequentially.  The magazine exists only in physical, tangible form. It is meant to be held by the reader during their soak, sauna or steam. It is substantial in content, as it is meant to be enough. A regular contributor is a photographer, artist, writer and the world's leading authority on sweat bathing cultures, Mikkel Aaland. If you missed Episode 22 of Kivia with Mikkel as our guest, please click here.In this episode of the podcast, we'll learn more about the driving inspiration behind Hamam, and how a Russian banya in San Francisco brought Ekin & Steve together. Please remember to rate and review our podcast and share widely! Visit Kivia.ca for all your sauna needs and reach out to Alan directly with any sauna-related questions at Alan@kivia.ca. You can also follow us on social media @kiviasauna on Instagram and Facebook.To order your copies of Hamam: The Magazine of Letting Go, please visit HamamMag.com, and follow them on Instagram @hamammagazine. #HamamMag#LettingGo#BathingObsessed

"Sauna satisfies the social, spiritual, and physical under one roof.  There aren't a lot of things that do that." - Mikkel Aaland In this episode of Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna, your hosts Alan Jalasjaa and Elissa Lansdell are taking a virtual sauna with a man who has traveled the world researching, experiencing, and learning about sweat bathing and bathing cultures.  He is known worldwide as a leading authority on the subject and is an advocate of public bathing practices. He is also an iconic photographer, artist, and author of numerous best-selling books, including & most notably for sauna and bathing enthusiasts, the 1978 classic: Sweat. Your hosts are beyond excited to share a virtual sauna with the one and only, Mikkel Aaland. Mikkel spent three years investigating and experiencing sweat bathing practices all around the world, which are documented in Sweat: The illustrated history and description of the Finnish Sauna, Russian Bania, Islamic Hammam, Japanese Mushi-bur, Mexican Temescal, and American Indian & Inuit Sweatlodge.  This work in particular has become iconic among sweat bathing enthusiasts, and it continues to inspire to this day!  Forty years later, Mikkel found himself retracing his global sweat bathing journey for an upcoming docu-series inspired by Sweat, entitled Perfect Sweat.  Please check out the trailer and watch for it! Hear Mikkel's fascinating insights on sauna and sweat bathing, and what it means to him, learn why he believes that bathing culture can reveal a lot about a culture and its people.  Mikkel shares how the act of sweat bathing is enjoying a renaissance, and why that is so important.  Find out why Mikkel wants to see the idea of public bathing reframed and embraced. Of course, Alan and Mikkel discuss the search for the perfect heat and what that means. Try to keep up with Mikkel by following him on Instagram @Mikkel.Aaland and visit his website mikkelaaland.com to find out where you can get a digital copy of the iconic cook Sweat and his other publications, and keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming docu-series Perfect Sweat. Follow us on Instagram @kiviaSauna and as always reach out to Alan with any and all of your sauna-related questions. You can DM him on Instagram, or you can reach out via email at Alan@kivia.ca.  Please check out the website Kivia.ca and take a moment to rate, review and share this podcast.   #PerfectSweat #MikkelAaland #Sweat #saunafulness #SweatBathingIsLife

We are thrilled to take a virtual sauna with Lisa Jaster! A self-described Heat Seeker, and the founder of The Lost Faucet Sauna House located in Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada.Join your hosts Alan Jalasjaa and Elissa Lansdell as they learn more about Lisa's passion for sauna and how following this love of heat brought her to more than 80 spas and hot springs in 13 countries. Lisa's need for heat was the inspiration behind The Lost Faucet Sauna House.  The Lost Faucet Sauna House is described as a contemporary bathhouse in an industrial area, offering a fusion of elements from Finnish and Eastern European public saunas.  There is also a complimentary Aufguss service where aroma-infused ice is placed on the rocks, while the Aufgussmeister expertly moves the heat and scents throughout the air. Plus, you can really treat yourself with facial masks, foot soaks, and body scrubs.  If you are looking for the perfect gift for the hard-to-shop-for sauna lover, the shop boasts various products and accessories including luxury flip flops. The Lost Faucet Sauna House is high up on Alan's World Sauna Bucket List Tour, and we are certain hearing Lisa's passion for sauna will fuel your inner heat seeker to find the lost faucet... Visit The Lost Faucet Sauna House website, and make sure you follow them on Instagram @thelostfaucet. Remember to rate, review and share our podcast as we strive to grow a prosperous sauna community. Visit Kivia.ca for all of your sauna needs and feel free to reach out to Alan with sauna-related questions at Alan@kivia.ca. Follow us on social media @Kiviasauna. 

We are honoured to have the Sauna Superwoman joining us on this episode of Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna.  Your hosts Alan Jalasjaa and Elissa Lansdell take a virtual sauna with Carita Harju, the founder and Executive Director of Sauna from Finland. She is also the author of three books on the subject,  The Soul of Sauna, Sauna: The Way of Finnish Life, and most recently Saunafulness. Join us as Carita shares some of her many efforts to promote the authentic Finish sauna experience around the globe. Learn more about the Finnish Sauna Experience Quality Handbook, and how saunas can become certified. Spoiler alert, an authentic sauna experience starts well before you step inside! As you'll hear, the best sauna experiences uphold the core values outlined in the guide to create a complete and perfect sauna... or what Carita has coined, "saunafulness."Sauna from Finland is also behind the World Sauna Forum, an annual international networking event for companies and innovators to come together and talk sauna-shop.  Click here for more on why the World Sauna Forum calls itself "the most relaxing business event in the world," and to book your tickets.  If you're wondering, yes, Alan will be there. Please take a moment to rate, review and share our podcast as we strive to create a robust sauna community. Please check out our website at Kivia.ca for all of your sauna needs, and reach out to Alan at Alan@kivia.ca with any questions. Follow Sauna from Finland on Instagram @saunafromfinland, or find them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Linkedin.  You can also follow Carita Harju on Instagram @saunafulness.#saunafulness#saunafromfinland#kiviasauna #thespiritofsauna

Dave Inglis and Tim Muza began Secret Sauna as a way to bring the authentic sauna experience to people in southwestern Ontario. Secret Sauna was available for rent and delivery and was a great way for many to have their first sauna experience in the safety and privacy of their own backyard.  At times, the beautiful barrel sauna would be ordered by couples who wanted a relaxing retreat delivered to them for an evening. Other times it would be ordered by housemates or bubbles of close friends celebrating a special occasion. In a time when the pandemic closed public saunas, this safe alternative was especially popular.  It couldn't replace the community aspect of a public sauna, but it did bring the heat. Of course, something this special doesn't remain secret for long.  Join us for this episode of Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna as your hosts, Alan Jalasjaa and Elissa Lansdell talk Secret Sauna with Dave Inglis and Tim Muza. Hear about how a secret sauna could have such a profound impact on those who experienced it and find out what Dave and Tim have in store for the sauna-loving community. Please take a moment to rate, review and share our podcast. Follow us on our social media platforms @kiviasauna, check out Kivia.ca and reach out for all your sauna needs at Alan@kivia.ca. Follow Secret Sauna @thesecretsauna. 

Welcome to the second half of the two-part 'everything you need to know' when building, buying, or installing a residential sauna episode! Previously, we focused on the outdoor sauna, and now we turn our sights indoors.In this episode of Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna, our expert Alan Jalasjaa is at your service.  With an abundance of experience, he knows what to consider, what to avoid, and what to do when it comes to the addition of a residential sauna or infrared cabinet. Before you take a hammer to that nook under the stairs, or you run out and buy a unit, spend this time with Alan and Elissa and arm yourself with some invaluable intel. Elissa is going to lob a slew of questions at Alan, and we are certain that by the end of this episode, you'll feel confident about adding an indoor sauna to your home. You'll learn how to choose between infrared units and electric, what options there are when it comes to DIY kits, pre-fabricated units, custom design, and so much more! If you choose to DIY, Alan is at the ready with the insight you'll need! For example, which construction materials require some sourcing, and which you can pick up at your local hardware store. Alan has been in this business long enough to know that there is a lot of truth in the old adage: measure twice, cut once.  Of course, if you still have questions or want to run something by the expert, email Alan at Alan@kivia.ca.  Please take a minute to rate and review the podcast, and if you know an enthusiast or someone who is sauna curious, please share our podcast and help us grow this community of heat-lovers!  Take some time and explore Kivia.ca, and follow us on Instagram @kiviasauna.Happy Sauna-ing.  

To fear the unknown is normal, but if it is preventing you from enjoying the sauna, then Alan has a big problem with that. This episode of Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna is dedicated to squashing those fears by answering all of your frequently asked questions! Join your hosts, Alan Jalaasja and Elissa Lansdell as they take on all of your burning sauna queries.  Alan is more than happy to provide the knowledge you need to step into the sauna with confidence. His goal is to ensure nothing stands in your way of embracing the sauna.This episode is about what to expect, what to consider, what to bring, do, know, wear and what not to wear,  in both public and private saunas.  For example,  is it a good idea to remove jewellery including wedding rings prior to a sauna session? Should you keep your flip-flops on in a public sauna? Can I toss water on the rocks in all types of sauna?  What if my bathing suit is adorned with metal accent pieces? Where can I get one of those cute sauna hats or accessories? (Spoiler Alert: VERY SOON at Kivia.ca).  After this, you'll feel confident that you can take a sauna worry-free.  For those of you who are interested in building or installing a home-sauna, and have questions about the logistics and considerations, not to worry! Alan is devoting two full episodes to guide you. One episode will address everything you need to know to build or install an outdoor sauna, and the next will focus on everything you need to know to build or install an indoor sauna.  Of course, and as always, if you have any sauna-related questions, reach out to Alan directly at Alan@kivia.ca.  For sauna accessory needs, keep an eye on Kivia.ca. Please take a minute to rate, review and share this podcast, we'd appreciate it! Never miss out on all things sauna by following us on social media, our handle is @KiviaSauna.#SaunaLife #SaunaCulture #SaunaQuestions #Kivia #KiviaSauna #KiviaTheSpiritOfSauna

 To sauna is to sweat, and to sweat, as we'll learn, is fundamentally human... and yet, most of us know very little about it.   What is sweat,  why do our bodies do it, and why do we spend a collective fortune on products to hide or prevent it, but gravitate toward activities like sauna, where we openly sweat together?  In this episode of Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna,  your hosts Alan Jalasjaa and Elissa Lansdell take a virtual sauna with the author of The Joy of Sweat: The Strange Science of Perspiration, science journalist Sarah Everts.  While researching and investigating all things sweat, she certainly found herself on some unusual adventures! She had her armpits professionally sniffed, her sweat glans counted, her sweat analyzed, and she rated sweaty t-shirts in an effort to find a romantic match.  Sarah even found herself in a massive sauna, with two hundred other naked spectators cheering on competitors vying to come out on top at the World Aufguss Championships. All this and more, in the name of sweat! Now, most sauna enthusiasts will be happy to know that not all sweat or sweat glands are the same... meaning, your sauna sheen is less stink, and more glow.  She'll also set the record straight about what is actually happening to us physically during sauna sessions. Listen in, and develop a passion for perspiration!  Plus, find out why it is a really bad idea to take a sauna with a seal. The book is The Joy of Sweat: The Strange Science of Perspiration by science journalist Sarah Everts, and it is on shelves now, make sure you pick up or order a copy today! To learn more about Sarah and the book visit SarahEverts.com, and click here to read more about the book. As always, please take a moment to rate, review and share Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna.  Follow us @kiviasauna on Instagram or find us on Facebook and Twitter.  Please visit our website at Kivia.ca. Sauna questions can be sent directly to Alan at Alan@kivia.ca.   Happy Sauna-ing!  

Welcome to Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna!Joining our hosts, Alan Jalasjaa and Elissa Lansdell, from Finnmark Sauna, the UK's sole official distributor of the world's leading Finnish sauna brands, are two instrumental brothers in the promotion of authentic sauna experience, Jake and Max Newport! To say these guys are sauna enthusiasts is an understatement.Together, Jake and Max have worked tirelessly to share the good news about sauna, through education and quality products.  They promote education and want everyone to get the highest quality product to get the most out of a sauna lifestyle.  Jake and Max are also known as the Sauna Twins, and have a podcast by the same name, growing out of their desire to share and spread information about authentic sauna. Sauna from Finland recently named Jake Newport as the official  Sauna Ambassador in recognition of his effort of promoting sauna culture and is the second non-Finn ever to receive this award.  He has also spoken at the World Sauna Forum. During this episode, Jake and Max provide insight into sauna culture in the United Kingdom and what they are doing to share the "good news" as they like to put it.  Jake also shares a hilariously cringe-worthy experience involving a public sauna, a handful of honey, and a lot of shouting... Kick back, relax and enjoy a virtual sauna with Alan, Elissa, Jake, and Max! You can find us at Kivia.ca, and our social media handle is @Kiviasauna. Reach out to Alan directly with any sauna-related questions at Alan@kivia.ca.  Please remember to rate, review and share this podcast.  Remember to visit Finnmark Sauna and check out Sauna Twins Podcast by Finnmark Sauna.  You can follow Finnmark Sauna on Instagram @Finnmarkltd. Happy sauna-ing! 

We are back with our second season of Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna, and things are really heating up!  Helping to kick off season two, all the way from Helsinki Finland is our very special guest, award-winning, internationally acclaimed actor, conservationist, environmentalist, entrepreneur, fly fisherman, and sauna enthusiast, Jasper Pääkkönen.You can catch Jasper playing the role of Halfdan the Black in the historical drama Vikings, or starring in Spike Lee's Academy Award Winning film, The Blackkklansman, or as we will learn, you could bump into him fly fishing or enjoying the Löyly at a public sauna near you... Jasper has recently opened Löyly Helsinki, a stunning eco-friendly public sauna in the capital of Finland.  The structure itself is a thing of beauty designed to compliment the shores of the Baltic sea on which it is perched.  Within the FSC certified structure, are stunning wood-burning saunas,  a restaurant offering responsibly fished dishes, a rooftop terrace overlooking the breathtaking horizon, and a cozy fireplace lounge.  As a passionate conservationist and environmentalist, Jasper went above and beyond to ensure Löyly Helsinki became recognized as the new standard in eco-conscious design and materials.  See for yourself by visiting loylihelsinki.fi, or on Instagram @loylyhelsinki.  It's no wonder that Time Magazine named Löyly Helsinki one of the 100 greatest places in the world! Now, for the fans and the movie buffs who want to know ... YES, Director Spike Lee has been a guest at Löyly Helsinki. YES, Jasper and co-star, Jonathan Majors were sauna buddies during the shooting of  Spike Lee's  Da 5 Bloods.YES, you'll have to listen to find out more! Oh... and Jasper has some pretty big news! So, sit back and relax with  Alan, Elissa and Jasper in the virtual sauna.#LoylyHelsinki#Aitosauna#JasperPaakkonen

Is Elissa all talk or, can she take the heat!? Alan Jalasjaa and Elissa Lansdell are taking their hosting duties offline, and into the sauna for this very special episode of Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna.  And not just any old sauna either! Elissa will be travelling to Alan's home, where she'll be treated to the full Alan sauna experience - with one exception: there will be swimsuits worn! What's the plan?  With the sauna ready and waiting, all Elissa needs to do is follow Alan's lead and share the experience with us.  Despite the sauna bath itself getting all the credit, the truth is, the mere thought of stepping into the sauna conjures feelings of relaxation. Before even setting eyes on the structure, we are greeted by the comforting scent of cedar in the air.  The cedar sauna looks like a tiny cabin and stands against a backdrop of tall trees. It is a warm golden colour, and with its little chimney, it looks like it belongs in a fairytale.  Just 30 short paces away is a crystal clear swimming pool brimming with frigid water for the cold plunges. Alan has the vihta soaking in a bucket of water infused with a special scent. Another bucket will be brought into the sauna, which is filled with fresh water to be tossed on the rocks to create the loyly.  To keep them hydrated, there is a jug of refreshing freshly brewed iced tea within arms reach of the sauna.  All that is left to do, is to set the Makkaraputki on the rocks.The entire scene offers a sense of relaxation. Elissa points that out immediately upon her arrival. This is where the episode begins. Listen in, and enjoy the ritual of Alan's home sauna. Help us promote sauna culture and build a sauna community, by sharing this podcast with others.  Visit us at Kivia.ca and follow us on Social Media @kiviasauna. Alan is always happy to answer your sauna questions or to talk sauna, so feel free to reach out at Alan@kivia.ca. Happy Sauna-ing! 

If you thought Alan was a sauna enthusiast, wait until you meet our next guest...Roman Moiseenko is a member of the Sauna and Steam Bath Association of Canada and the owner/operator of Steamul Sauna in Mississauga.  From Russia originally, Roman knows first hand the importance of Russian Bathhouses and their role in bringing people together. For Roman and for so many others, the Russian Bathhouse is a place for relaxation while enjoying time with friends and family.That is why in 2010 Roman opened Steamul Sauna in Mississauga.During this episode of Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna, Roman joins your hosts Alan and Elissa to share everything you need to know about Steamul Sauna in Mississauga. Whether you are new to saunas and banyas, a seasoned saunaer, or looking for a new experience to share with the family, this bathhouse should be top of the list! Steamul has something for everyone. Apart from the two Russian Banyas heated by wood-burning stoves, there are two Finnish Saunas, a steam room, hot tub, cold water plunge pool, and a Himalayan Salt  Palace offering halotherapy also known as salt therapy.  Within the Salt Palace's beautiful pink walls, you can treat yourself to the most decadent experiences like a body exfoliating salt scrub,  a massage, or enjoy a salt yoga class. If you rather, you can simply sit back in a zero-gravity chair and relax. Check the website for details! Visitors who work up an appetite can enjoy traditional Eastern European meals and beverages at Steamul's restaurant! Indulge in favourites like Perogies, fish soups, Borsh, sauerkraut, Russian meat salad, Cheburek, Sloyanka with meat, Cabbage Rolls, Herring Salad, ice-cold Russian beers, and various refreshing non-alcoholic beverages. As always, visit us at Kivia.ca and you can always reach Alan to chat about all-things sauna at Alan@kivia.ca. Follow us on social media on FB @kiviasauna or Instagram @kiviasauna.

Has anyone ever told you to apply heat to a pulled or sore muscle? Have you noticed that quite a few gyms are equipped with saunas? Well, it is no coincidence! Physical fitness and heat have a long history together. Today's special guest is going to elaborate on just some of the reasons sauna lifestyle and physical fitness are a winning combination.  In this episode of Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna, our hosts Alan Jalasjaa and Elissa Lansdell, are joined by fitness coach and co-owner of The Fit Club by Price Health in Waterloo, Bryan Richardson.   As a former triple-A hockey player and University Varsity football player, who has dedicated much of his life to physical fitness, he has a lot to say about the benefits of heat.  Apparently, sauna can help reduce chronic inflammation and in some extreme cases, be a substitute for exercise.  Bryan brings his expertise and his life experience to the table! After this episode, we're positive you'll feel motivated to hit the gym, take a sauna or, be inspired to travel to Asia to experience a Korean jimjilbang steam room!  Please remember to visit Kivia.ca and follow us on social media @kiviasauna. Learn more about The Fit Club by Price Health in Waterloo.Help us build a strong sauna community and promote sauna culture by sharing this podcast. As always, Alan is happy to answer any sauna-related questions you may have, so reach out directly at Alan@Kivia.ca.