Sauna Twins Podcast Episode #6: Mikkel Aaland (Author of 'Sweat') | Finnmark Sauna

In our sixth Sauna Twins podcast episode we have the pleasure of sitting down for an in-depth conversation with photographer and "the Godfather" of sweat bathing Mikkel Aaland. Mikkel is the author of the book 'Sweat', which illustrates a tour of international bathing culture and community bathing culture as it grew to it's first real peak in the 70's. Mikkel also hosts the seven part documentary series “Perfect Sweat.”  

We discuss sweat bathing cultures from around the world and Mikkel explains how his pioneering book 'Sweat - The Illustrated History and Description of the Finnish Sauna, Russian Bania, Islamic Hammam, Japanese Mushi-Buro, Mexican Temescal, and American Indian & Eskimo Sweatlodge' was one of the first pieces of writing to bring together the oral traditions of sweat bathing from across the world and put this into writing.

Mikkel is also a driving force behind Sauna Aid, a charity designed to help deprived communities access community bathing facilities. We ask the questions of what this is and how it works, as well as how this is supporting communities across the world. Following the podcast we made a donation to Sauna Aid to help support this excellent cause, and you can too here: Sauna-aid.com

You can find Mikkel on his website mikkelaaland.com and follow him on Instagram @mikkel.aaland and @sauna.aid

Finnmark Sauna are the UK’s authentic sauna specialists. We understand the range of nuances to sauna bathing and sauna cultures in Finland and across the Baltic region, and pride ourselves for being the experts in the field. We specialise in bespoke sauna installations, modular sauna cabins and sauna equipment to ensure the best possible sauna experience tailored to your specific needs.   

The Sauna Twins Podcast – Sauna specialists share their expertise on everything sauna to enjoy an authentic experience and how to sauna the right way.   

Podcast Audio  

The Sauna Twins podcast is also available in podcast audio-only format on Spotify:   

Sauna Twins Podcast Episode #6 Mikkel Aaland (Author of 'Sweat') | Spotify