In this episode of Steam ’n’ Soul, I sit down with Karolina Jarzabek, the first female World Champion in Aufguss, for an honest and inspiring conversation about sauna as performance, emotional expression, and personal growth.

We talk about Karolina’s journey from her early days in Poland into the world of competitive Aufguss — and how becoming an Aufguss master is not just about technique, but about presence, energy, and learning how to truly entertain and connect with people in the sauna. Music plays a central role in her work, shaping rhythm, emotion, and atmosphere, and we explore how sound can completely transform the sauna experience.

This episode also dives deep into storytelling in competition: how personal experiences, emotions, and vulnerability can elevate an Aufguss far beyond a technical routine. Karolina shares insights into the pressure of world championships, the importance of mentorship and community, and why supportive environments are especially crucial for growth.

We also talk about live music in the sauna, our exchange about working with Lisa, and Karolina’s company Nature Steam, where the focus lies on creating meaningful, immersive experiences that connect heat, music, and emotion into one coherent ritual.

🔥 In this episode, we talked about:

• Becoming an entertainer in the sauna, not just a technician

• The role of music in creating emotion, flow, and atmosphere

• Storytelling as a powerful tool in competitions

• Mentorship, community, and pressure in the world of Aufguss championships

• Live music, Nature Steam, and designing unique sauna experiences

Sweat. Talk. Connect.

Best,

Matthias

In this episode of Steam ’n’ Soul, Matthias sits down with Grret van Bosstrateten, a sauna master from Belgium whose work goes far beyond heat, technique, and performance.

Grete shares how a personal life change led her into the world of sauna and wellness, and why she believes that steam can be a language of its own — spoken through rituals, herbs, aromas, care, and emotional presence. Together, they explore how herbal infusions, peeling sessions, and thoughtfully crafted rituals can create deep emotional connections and safe spaces for healing.

The conversation touches on respect for nature, the demanding process of harvesting herbs, the role of aromatherapy in evoking emotions, and the balance between spirituality, motherly care, and showmanship in sauna rituals. Grete also reflects on her experiences in herbal competitions like the Herbal Cup, working in duo constellations, and collaborating with others to continuously evolve her rituals.

They also talk about sauna culture as a space for learning — from teaching children to listen to their bodies, to normalizing nudity in a healthy and respectful way, and passing on values of trust, care, and emotional awareness through sauna experiences.

This episode is an invitation to slow down, feel, and reconnect — with yourself, with others, and with nature.

Enjoy listening and let the steam speak to you. 🔥💛

Sweat. Talk. Connect.

Best Matthias

In this episode of Steam ’n’ Soul, I sit down with Tauno & Björn, two absolute sauna originals from the Ostsee Therme – sauna masters, performers, competitors… and yes, sometimes two clowns on a rising Aufguss mission 😄🔥

We talk about how their journey into sauna culture began, what makes the Ostsee Therme such a special place (spoiler: Baltic Sea vibes included 🌊), and why Aufguss is so much more than heat, towels and essential oils.

This conversation dives deep into:

• emotional storytelling without words

• teamwork under pressure (and why that can get spicy)

• XXL Aufguss rounds that turn into pure joy

• the art of waving, timing and synchronization

• music, costumes, lighting – and why all of it matters

• classic Aufguss vs. modern classic competitions

• lessons learned at the world championship stage

Tauno and Björn share honest insights about preparation, creativity, dealing with judges’ feedback, and adapting performances to completely different sauna environments. We also talk about why emotion is a universal language, why sometimes you really don’t need any words, and how a “very special round” can stay with guests long after the sauna door closes.

It’s a mix of craft, performance, passion – and plenty of laughs along the way. Two sauna masters who take their work seriously, but not themselves too much. Exactly how we like it.

So lean back, turn up the volume, and step into a world where heat meets heart, towels meet rhythm, and sauna becomes connection.

See you on the benches.

Always.

Sweat.Talk.Connect. 🔥

Best

Matthias