Sauna Talk: John Pederson, founder, 612 Sauna Society and other Societal Ventures

We first heard John on Sauna Talk from the bench at my cabin sauna, as we were in Northern Minnesota to celebrate Sauna Day 2016.  Then, we heard from John along with fellow 612 Sauna Society Steering Committee members through a separate Sauna Talk episode here.   At that time, we were gathered at JP’s apartment to talk through what a member operated sauna co op in Minneapolis can look like and means to each of us.

I am happy to welcome John back to Sauna Talk for part 1 of this two part series.

Sauna Talk on the bench inside the 612 Sauna Society Sauna

This entire episode of Sauna Talk was recorded on the sauna bench inside the 612 Sauna Society Mobile Sauna, which has an extended residency outside The Trailhead, Theodore Wirth Park, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Whether you live in Minneapolis or are visiting, imagine lacing up the cross country skis and trekking through groomed heavily wooded old growth trails, a vibe more akin to 218 (Northern Minnesota area code) vs. 612 (Minneapolis area code).  Yet as you make your way around a turn and look up, BAM you are faced with a breathtaking view of the Minneapolis skyline.

I’ve been left breathless by this.  Probably because i’m not in the best ski shape, but I like to think more breathless because I know of nowhere in the United States that offers such natural beauty and such urban ness all in one vista.  So, back at the Trailhead, I lean my skis against the 612 Mobile Sauna, strip down to my Troxers, then dump a bucket of cold water over my head, and meet up with John in the sauna changing room.

No formal hello is needed.  I’ve known John for many years.  A kindred spirit on so many levels, we talk through our first meeting, how I helped him build his first mobile sauna.  We talk through the origins of the 612 Sauna Society and his deep passion for brining the benefits of sauna to more people (note: same passion as me!).

JP has taken sauna dreaming to sauna doing.

In the podcast, JP mentions taking a sauna with Stephen Jenkinson.  Link to Stephen’s website here.

So, anyone interested in learning more about how the sauna experience is gaining steam here in North America need look no further than JP.

Let’s welcome JP to Sauna Talk.  JP, a guy who has realized a dream.  I’m proud to share his dream.

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