In this episode of Steam ’n’ Soul, we explore touch as a living craft — beyond titles, trends and fixed routines.

My guest works independently in the field of skincare and bodywork, developing her own facial treatments, massages and peelings through years of hands-on experience. Rather than following standardized concepts, her work is guided by intuition, presence and a deep understanding of skin health and texture.

Alongside her skincare practice, she also works with traditional Hammam rituals, where foam applications, rhythm and movement create a space for care, connection and slowing down. We talk about the difference between wellness treatments and real rituals, about touch as a form of communication, and about why presence often matters more than technique.

This conversation moves between skincare, massage, Hammam culture and ritual work, but at its core it is about human connection. We reflect on learning by doing, developing one’s own methods, and creating treatments that feel honest, grounded and deeply human.

If you are interested in skincare, bodywork, Hammam rituals, touch, presence and mindful care, this episode invites you to slow down and listen closely.

sweat. talk. connect.

Best,

Matze

Hello Everyone,

This is not a Christmas episode.It’s a quiet year-end message.A moment to pause, breathe and look back at a year full of heat, conversations and connection.Steam ’n’ Soul was never about numbers or perfection.It’s about people, cultures, stories and the shared passion for sauna.In this short episode, I want to say thank you —to the guests who shared their stories,to the sauna community for its openness,and to everyone listening, supporting and being part of this journey.Looking ahead, the next year won’t be louder.It will be deeper.More stories.More cultures.More soul in the steam.If you feel like it, send me a message or let me know who you’d love to hear on Steam ’n’ Soul next.Thank you for being here.

Best

Matze

#steamandsoul#saunaculture#saunapodcast#wellnessculture#yearendmessage#community#authentictalk#podcastcommunity#saunaworld#slowcontent

In this inspiring episode, Matze sits down with Sandrine Bastille, a Canadian-born sauna master whose journey took her from a law degree in Canada to the heart of Germany’s vibrant Aufguss culture. With a background in dance and yoga, Sandrine brings a unique blend of creativity, mindfulness, and movement to the sauna — especially in her favorite style: Freestyle.

Together, they explore how yoga and sauna rituals complement each other, why essential oils matter in the guest experience, and what it really takes to mentally and physically prepare for competitions. Sandrine opens up about career change, the importance of collaboration in the sauna community, and the mindset required to grow as a performer: embracing failure, managing expectations, and finding contentment in every outcome.

This episode dives deep into modern classic and freestyle techniques, music in performance, and the joy of creating moments for guests. Whether you’re a sauna enthusiast or a wellness professional, Sandrine’s story is packed with motivation, embodiment, and authentic passion.

Topics include:

• Moving from Canada to Germany for a career in sauna

• Dance, yoga & the foundations of her Freestyle Aufguss

• Training essentials: etiquette, oils, mindset

• Mental readiness for competition & dealing with pressure

Breathing Techniques:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7lR4jC90jef8ivbXEfOdYP?si=YqIFnxmRT76ku5Hke5-8xg

• The role of music in modern sauna performance

• Balancing creativity, guest experience & personal growth

• Why “every dropped towel” brings you closer to success

• The blend of mindfulness, wellness & heat

• And why those who aren’t satisfied with a little, won’t be satisfied with anything

A warm, energetic talk about finding purpose, embracing creativity — and trusting the process.

Sweat. Talk. Connect.

Best

Matze

In this new episode of Steam ’n’ Soul, Matze sits down with Anders Hage, one of Denmark’s most respected sauna masters, Danish Saunagus Champion of 2015, international performer, educator, and founder of Nordic Health & Living.

The conversation explores a core theme in Anders’ artistic approach: the tension between artistic integrity and the judging standards that shape competitive Aufguss. Anders reflects on the challenges artists face when deciding whether to adapt their performances to official criteria or to stay fully true to their creative identity. For him, the answer is clear — authenticity and emotional expression always come first.

From there, the episode dives into his creative process: how he designs multisensory sauna “journeys,” how his medical and body–mind background informs his work, and what role intention, presence, and connection play in delivering meaningful experiences. Anders also shares insights into the history and spirit of Nordic sauna culture and talks about the vision behind the Danish Gusmester education program.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of:

– How artists balance creativity with competition rules

– Why pushing boundaries matters in the evolution of Aufguss

– How personal philosophy shapes the craft of sauna performance

– The unique qualities of the Nordic approach to sweating, healing, and community

– Anders’ motivations in teaching, mentoring, and building Nordic Health & Living

⁠⁠https://nordichealthliving.com/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://gusmesteruddannelse.dk/⁠⁠

This is an inspiring conversation about creativity, courage, and staying true to one’s artistic path — inside the sauna and far beyond it.

Best

Matze

In this new episode of Steam ’n’ Soul, Matze sits down with Anders Hage, one of Denmark’s most respected sauna masters, Danish Saunagus Champion of 2015, international performer, educator, and founder of Nordic Health & Living.

The conversation explores a core theme in Anders’ artistic approach: the tension between artistic integrity and the judging standards that shape competitive Aufguss. Anders reflects on the challenges artists face when deciding whether to adapt their performances to official criteria or to stay fully true to their creative identity. For him, the answer is clear — authenticity and emotional expression always come first.

From there, the episode dives into his creative process: how he designs multisensory sauna “journeys,” how his medical and body–mind background informs his work, and what role intention, presence, and connection play in delivering meaningful experiences. Anders also shares insights into the history and spirit of Nordic sauna culture and talks about the vision behind the Danish Gusmester education program.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of:

– How artists balance creativity with competition rules

– Why pushing boundaries matters in the evolution of Aufguss

– How personal philosophy shapes the craft of sauna performance

– The unique qualities of the Nordic approach to sweating, healing, and community

– Anders’ motivations in teaching, mentoring, and building Nordic Health & Living

⁠https://nordichealthliving.com/⁠

⁠https://gusmesteruddannelse.dk/⁠

This is an inspiring conversation about creativity, courage, and staying true to one’s artistic path — inside the sauna and far beyond it.

Best

Matze

In this powerful episode of Steam ’n’ Soul, host Matthias Gottwald talks with Florian König — a passionate sauna master known for his creative energy, precision, and deep emotional connection to the sauna experience.

Together, they dive into what makes sauna ceremonies more than just heat and water — exploring how emotion, rhythm, and technique merge into an art form.

🔥 In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The fine balance of temperature, timing, and aroma for a perfect infusion

• Competition insights from the Therme Cup in Therme Erding, where Florian achieved an impressive second place

• The unique atmosphere and community spirit at sauna festivals across Europe

• The emotional depth of show ceremonies and how waving techniques can tell stories

• The special energy of the Keltenthron, where creativity and passion come alive

• How continuous learning and connecting with others shape the journey of every sauna master

It’s a conversation about more than sauna — it’s about growth, flow, and the soul of the craft. 🌿

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, three-time Aufguss World Champion Robert Zidek opens up about what it truly means to master both your emotions and your craft.

We talk about his journey through the Aufguss World Championships, the artistry behind his World Champion performances, and the intense emotional rollercoaster of this year’s team performance with Barbora and Gabor — the very act that earned them the 2025 world title.

Robert shares the raw truth behind the teamwork, the conflict, and the chaos of feelings that defined their path — from moments of frustration and misunderstanding to connection, trust, and triumph.

But the conversation goes far beyond competition.

Robert reflects on the lessons of emotional intelligence, relationships, and personal growth — how even messy, complex situations can become a mirror for self-discovery and transformation.

We also dive into SaunaSkillers, a powerhouse collective of top Aufguss Masters from across Europe. Together, they’re reshaping sauna culture through advanced training, mentorship, and their own innovative wedeltuch (whisk towel) — a symbol of skill, precision, and passion.

This talk is a blend of honesty, inspiration, and deep insight into what it takes to perform, connect, and evolve — on and off the sauna stage.

💬 Key Topics & Takeaways:

• Behind the scenes of a World Championship Aufguss performance

• The emotional dynamics and teamwork between Robert, Barbora, and Gabor

• How conflict and vulnerability can lead to growth and trust

• The philosophy and vision behind SaunaSkillers

• The importance of practice, self-belief, and patience in mastering any skill

• Why true mastery starts within

  
  

  Best Matze

🎙️ Hosted by Matze – Steam ’n’ Soul: sweat. talk. connect.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Amazon Music and YouTube.

Welcome to a brand‐new episode of Steam & Soul! 🎙️

This time I’m thrilled to bring you an in‐depth conversation with Felix Reschke of Aromen – the Belgian company specialising in essential oils, incense and smoke rituals, and professional training for sauna & wellness staff.

I had the pleasure of joining him here in the beautiful Badegärten Eibenstock, just after his Level 1 training in essential oils and smoke rituals, and we spent almost two hours diving into his journey – from his early days as a sauna master, to his current role as Sales Manager & Trainer at Aromen.

In this episode we explore:

• How Felix discovered his passion for sauna rituals and essential oils, and how that led him into the training world.

• The story behind Aromen: how the company came about, their philosophy and their focus on natural, high‐quality products and rituals.

• Practical, behind‐the‐scenes tips that Felix shares for sauna professionals and wellness practitioners: how to create better Aufguss (infusion) sessions, how to optimise essential oil usage and dosing, how to match scent, evaporation rate and guest mood.

• What participants learn in the Level 1 course at Aromen: from plant chemistry of essential oils, harvest and distillation methods, through to the practical preparation and delivery of infused sauna sessions.

• Felix’s advice on savings and sustainability: how to make your oils go further, how to design scent journeys for your guests, and how to elevate the ritual experience.

• A look at the “smoke ritual” element: what it really means, how it’s integrated in wellness and sauna environments, and how Aromen trains professionals to bring authenticity and impact.

• Reflections on the wellness industry, the importance of sensory experience, and how you as a guest or practitioner can deepen your connection with ritual, scent and environment.

https://www.aromen.be/de

Whether you’re a sauna master, wellness operator, or simply passionate about scent, ritual and wellbeing — this conversation offers insights, inspiration and actionable take-aways. Tune in to hear Felix’s story, his expertise, and ideas that might just transform your next session.

Enjoy the show, and thank you for being part of the Steam & Soul community.

Sweat. Talk Connect.

Mattia