A lecture about Sauna in North America.

“Sauna Lost in Translation: Restoring Finnishness to a Global Tradition,” explores the history of global bathing cultures, from Lakota sweat lodges to Japanese onsen. Eero delves into how Finnish traditions can reclaim their central role in sauna culture in the United States, offering a thought-provoking journey through the past and future of this cherished practice.

Sauna is gaining momentum particularly in the US right now, but the experience is sometimes still lacking behind. There are a lot of compromises being made and buyers don’t always receive what they were asking for. Eero suggests a model on how to explain a sauna experience and the elements it consists of to newbies. Further, The North American Sauna Society is working closely with the Finlandia Foundation National with several sauna related programs. One of which is the Sauna Ambassador program. People with knowledge of the good thing are ready to help spreading unbiased, peer reviewed information of the proven sauna practices.

Presenter Bio: As a founding member and chairman of the North American Sauna Society, Eero has dedicated over two decades to championing the Finnish sauna tradition. His insights have been featured in prominent outlets such as The New York Times, Forbes and the Economist, underscoring his commitment to promoting the wellness and cultural benefits of sauna.

Eero currently serves as President of the Finlandia Foundation New York Metropolitan Chapter, where he leads efforts to preserve and celebrate Finnish culture in the United States. He also co-hosts The Upper Bench podcast, exploring the art, science, and cultural significance of sauna alongside industry experts and enthusiasts.