Ep 079 World Sauna Group with Mark Raisanen

In this episode of the Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast, hosts Mike and Trey Farley from Farley Pool Designs talk with Mark Raisanen, Vice President of Retail Programs at Bathing Brands Inc. Mark shares his extensive experience in the sauna industry, discusses the evolution of saunas, and provides insights into different types of saunas including traditional Finnish and infrared. He highlights the many health benefits associated with regular sauna use, citing studies that demonstrate improvements in cardiovascular health, reduction in inflammation, and detoxification. Mark also touches on the trends in outdoor and indoor sauna designs, the importance of proper ventilation, and the appeal of hybrid saunas. He discusses common misconceptions and emphasizes the importance of quality construction and proper usage. The episode concludes with a lighthearted Q&A segment where Mark shares his personal interests and inspirations.   https://www.worldsaunagroup.com/ https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/ https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/ https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/poolzila/   00:00 Welcome to Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast 03:04 Mark's Journey in the Sauna Industry 04:46 Evolution of the Sauna Industry 07:27 Sauna vs. Steam Bath: Key Differences 09:29 Innovations in Sauna Technology 10:42 Outdoor Living and Barbecue Bits 15:55 Sauna Basics and Benefits 22:29 Health Benefits of Sauna Use 27:31 Sauna Design and Maintenance 40:12 Choosing the Right Sauna Size 42:30 Exploring Sauna Sizes and Designs 44:38 The Role of Glass in Sauna Construction 46:45 Comparing Sauna Heaters: Electric, Wood Burning, and Infrared 49:57 Aromatherapy in Saunas: Benefits and Precautions 55:27 Essential Elements for a Quality Sauna 01:00:34 The Sauna Market Boom Post-COVID 01:03:00 Company Overview and Product Range 01:08:24 Addressing Misconceptions and True Crime Stories 01:16:26 Final Thoughts and Personal Insights