On the Bench with Mika and Wendy | Sauna Talk Episode 109

Today on Sauna Talk, we welcome back Mika Meskanen and Wendy Liu. Mika, originally from Finland, and Wendy, with roots in China, now call London home. We recorded this conversation together on the sauna bench in my backyard sauna in Minneapolis—just the way Sauna Talk is meant to happen. This is our second conversation, following Episode #54, and as always, something special happens when we settle into the heat and let the discussion unfold naturally. Mika and Wendy are a dynamic duo in the sauna world. They lead sauna travel experiences to Finland, helping others connect with authentic sauna culture at its source. Along the way, they've become thoughtful observers—and contributors—to how sauna is evolving beyond Finland, particularly in the UK. In this episode, we talk about: Their origin story and how sauna became central to their lives What makes Finnish sauna culture distinct—and how it translates abroad The growing sauna scene in Britain The philosophy that "the stove should always win" Wendy's role as a connector and advocate through Sauna Aid This is a relaxed, honest conversation—less about conclusions, more about shared experience, perspective, and the subtle things that make sauna meaningful. From the backyard sauna bench in Minneapolis, please welcome Mika and Wendy.