Sauna Twins Podcast Episode #26: Rachael McGrath | Finnmark Sauna

On the newest episode of The Sauna Twins Podcast, we welcome the talented Rachael McGrath. Rachael is a pioneering sauna researcher and recent graduate of the London Interdisciplinary School, where she conducted the UK's first academic study exploring the impact of community saunas on health and well-being. Her groundbreaking mixed-methods research partnered with Community Sauna Baths in London, examining nearly 1,800 sauna bathers and developing innovative methodologies, including "Thermal Circles" - a novel participatory research approach combining fire pit sharing circles with communal aufguss rituals and body mapping.Rachael's work bridges the gap between Finland's well-established sauna research and the emerging UK sauna culture, providing crucial evidence for saunas as social prescriptions within the NHS framework. Her research demonstrates statistically significant improvements in well-being following sauna rituals and reveals important associations between sauna frequency and self-reported physical and mental health benefits. During this insightful conversation, Jake and Max discuss Rachael’s journey into the industry, some of her experiences in this growing wellness space, and her findings.Here is a taste of what we covered:

- What made Rachael leave her job and return to education and pursue sauna research?- How Rachael came across the Community Sauna Baths.- Founding the LIS Sauna Society - bringing sauna culture to university life.Rachael's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-mcgrath-lis/?originalSubdomain=ukJake and Max, Managing Directors at Finnmark Sauna, loved chatting about all things sauna, wellness and Rachel's exciting plans for 2026 and beyond.

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