Steam `n Soul - Sweat. Talk. Connect.

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 a...

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...

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...

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 ski...

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...

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 a...

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....

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....

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 h...

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...

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...

In this episode of Steam ’n’ Soul , we sit down with one of the most passionate and respected figures in the Aufguss world – Massimo Gelli from Italy. With nine consecutive appearances at the Aufguss World Championships and a World Champion title in 2022 , Massimo is more than just a competitor – he is a true ambassador of sauna culture and the art of Aufguss. We dive deep into his journey – from...

In this episode of Steam ’n’ Soul, we sit down with René Duits from the Netherlands — a passionate sauna Master and two-time Dutch Aufguss Champion. By day, René works as a Sales Manager, but his true calling unfolds in the heat of the sauna. Nearly ten years ago, he discovered his passion for Aufguss at Sauna Bussloo — and since then, he’s become a familiar face on the competition stage, known fo...

In this episode, Matthias sits down with Ivan Fermyn , a renowned sauna master from Belgium whose journey has taken him from being a regular sauna guest to becoming a celebrated champion and respected jury member at international competitions. Ivan shares how curiosity and dedication shaped his path, and how his passion for sauna rituals continues to inspire both peers and guests alike. With remar...

Direct from Verona! 🇮🇹 Today at the Show Aufguss World Championship 2025 in Aquardens, I sat down with - Jeremy Bissat - Sauna- & Pirts Master - Yves Heresner - Saunamaster and Guest - Thorsten Möller aka Aufgussthor - Sauna- & Pirtsmaster - Claudio Massa - Worldchampion in Sho Aufguss Team / Jury Member at Freestyle Masters and Trainer of Aufgussfusion - Mark Zipperle - Austira Single Cha...

The heat is on! 🔥 In this special episode of Steam ’n’ Soul , I’ll guide you through everything you need to know about the Show Aufguss World Championship 2025 at Aquardens, Verona, Italy . From the qualification pathway (nationals, playoffs, wildcards) to the judging criteria , quotas, and scoring system – you’ll learn exactly how the best Saunameisters in the world make it onto the global stage...

In Episode 13 of Steam ’n’ Soul , I sit down with Swiss Aufguss talent Yves Hersener . Yves may work in IT security by day, but his real passion lies in the sauna — performing, creating atmosphere, and connecting with people through Aufguss. We talk about how his journey began, the spark that drew him into this unique world, and what it felt like to step into his first competitions this year — bot...

For the very first time, Steam ’n’ Soul goes 2 full hours 🔥 — packed with stories, knowledge, and passion from the world of Aufguss. This episode features Kim P. Pedersen , founder of Sauna Academy, former President of the Danish Sauna Association, and one of the driving forces behind Sauna Aid . With years of experience as an international jury member, Kim plays an active role at the Aufguss Wor...

In this episode of  Steam ’n’ Soul , we welcome  Ashley and Gideon  from the Netherlands – crowned  2025 Dutch Show Aufguss Team Champions . We dive deep into their story as Aufguss artists, partners, and creative minds. You’ll get powerful insights into their journey, their inspiration, and their work on and off the bench. 🔹  In this episode, you’ll hear about: Part 1 🧖‍♀️ How Ashley & Gide...

In this episode of  Steam ’n’ Soul , we welcome  Ashley and Gideon  from the Netherlands – crowned  2025 Dutch Show Aufguss Team Champions . We dive deep into their story as Aufguss artists, partners, and creative minds. You’ll get powerful insights into their journey, their inspiration, and their work on and off the bench. 🔹  In this episode, you’ll hear about: 🧖‍♀️ How Ashley & Gideon disc...

In this special Steam ’n’ Soul episode, we capture the vibrant pulse of the Grand Aufguss Masters 2025 in Eibenstock ( https://www.instagram.com/badegaerten/ ) – one of the most creative and inspiring sauna gatherings of the year. Webseite: https://grand-aufguss-masters.com From the heart of the event, I spoke with key voices shaping today’s Aufguss culture: • Robert Heinevetter , founder of Aufgu...

In this energetic episode of  Steam ’n’ Soul , Matze is joined by  Alonso  – sauna director, Aufguss performer, and the very first  US Aufguss Champion . Alonso leads the sauna program at  The Bathhouse in New York City , one of the most progressive and design-forward wellness spaces in the US. With a background in the performing arts and a sharp creative mind, he blends performance, presence, and...

In this special two-part episode of  Steam ’n’ Soul , Matze welcomes  Eveline Temmermann  – a passionate  aromatherapist, herbalist , and educator from Belgium, who’s been working with essential oils and plant medicine for over 15 years. She’s working since three years for   Aromen and is a guiding voice in teaching how rituals, presence, and scent can transform how we live and connect. In Part 2...

In this special two-part episode of  Steam ’n’ Soul , Matze welcomes  Eveline Temmermann  – a passionate  aromatherapist, herbalist , and educator from Belgium, who’s been working with essential oils and plant medicine for over 15 years. She’s working since three years for   Aromen and is a guiding voice in teaching how rituals, presence, and scent can transform how we live and connect. Over the c...

🌟 Step into the warmth and wonder of “Elegance in the Steam” with the incomparable  Sarah Niederkofler ! A two-time Italian Aufguss champion and beloved sauna master, Sarah brings grace, passion, and flair to every infusion she leads. Originally from South Tyrol, she has been transforming sauna ceremonies for over ten years, delighting guests and setting standards at the prestigious  Andreus Golf...