Richmond is Slowing Down: Inside Pyre’s Sauna & Cold Plunge Community #045

Got thoughts? Throw them at us by sending a text hereLearn more and book a session:https://pyresauna.comUse code VERAHOUSE for 15% offFollow Pyre on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/pyre_saunaIn this episode, we sit down with Julien Robert and Wes McLaughlin, founders of Pyre Sauna — a new social wellness concept in Richmond, Virginia built around wood-fired sauna, cold plunge, and intentional community.Pyre is not a traditional gym or spa. It’s a tech-free space designed to help people slow down, disconnect, and reconnect — with themselves and with others.We talk about the rapid growth of Richmond, how modern life has made people more disconnected than ever, and why spaces like Pyre are starting to emerge as a response.Julien and Wes share the origin story behind Pyre, from a sauna experience in Charlottesville to traveling internationally and studying bathhouse culture across Europe. They explain how ancient sauna traditions are being adapted into a modern, community-driven experience here in Richmond.We also get into the real benefits of sauna and cold plunge — not just physical recovery, but mental clarity, emotional regulation, and what they call “capacity building.”This episode covers:Why Richmond is craving more intentional third spacesThe difference between social connection and being around peopleHow sauna and cold plunge impact dopamine, stress, and overall wellbeingWhy productivity culture is working against usThe role of breathwork and guided sessionsThe history of sauna and why this is not a trendHow Pyre is building a social wellness club in RichmondPyre is officially open including sauna sessions, cold plunges, guided classes, and social events.Quick interjection to invite you to Vera House Studios. If you are a local Richmond business, entrepreneur, brand owner, or service provider—and you know you need to create better content to get your products and services in front of the right people—we can help.Support the showGet more info about our studio here.This podcast is produced by Vera House — a creative club and premium media studio based in Richmond, Virginia. Our studio exists to champion local brands, creative expression, rva culture, and produce high-impact content for founders, makers, and modern businesses.Follow the movement:instagram.com/verahouse.coyoutube.com/@verahousepodverahouse.coHosted by Myke Metzger & Perri Young:instagram.com/mykemetzgerinstagram.com/planetperri