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 World Championships, where his passion for sauna culture and respect for sauna continues to inspire and shape the global sauna community.

We met during the WM Playoffs at Satama and sat down to talk about:

✨ Kim’s personal sauna journey, from childhood memories to becoming an international figure.

✨ His work in Denmark with Saunagus and education around sauna rituals.

✨ The unique role of a jury member at the Show-Aufguss World Championships — how the jury works, what their responsibilities are, and what it means to evaluate performances.

✨ Together we went through the official six judging categories step by step, exploring what they mean and how they shape the competition.

🔗 You can find the official evaluation catalogue here: https://aufguss-wm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aufguss_wm_jury_catalog_a3_2025_final.pdf

YouTube: ⁠Aufguss WM - Jury Evaluation Catalogue 2025YouTube · Aufguss WM25.12.2024⁠

Aufguss WM: https://aufguss-wm.com

Aufguss Roots: https://shop.aufgussroots.de/

Sauna Aid: https://sauna-aid.com/who-we-are/

Aromen: https://www.aromen.be/de

⚠️ Important note: this episode is not a “how to win gold” guide. Instead, it highlights the framework set by the jury — a framework within which sauna masters can (and should) push boundaries, test limits, and fuel the development of Aufguss culture worldwide.

💡 Expect authentic insights, behind-the-scenes perspectives, and a personal look at the people who keep the Aufguss stage fair, inspiring, and evolving.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, AMAZOn Music and YouTube.

#sweattalkconnect #SteamNSoul #AufgussWM #saunaculture

Best

Matze

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 & Gideon discovered the world of Aufguss – and how they met

• 🏛 Their connection to the Thermen Group (including Bussloo and Soesterberg)

• 🎭 Ashley’s creative process for developing sauna shows: from idea to execution

  
  

  Part 2

• 🇪🇪 Their role in coaching and building up the first Estonian Aufguss Championship

• 🌍 Their team performance for the Aufguss World Championship 2025

• ❗ A sneak peek into their new collective: Aufguss Bastards (no spoilers!)

Ashley gives us a look behind the curtain of sauna storytelling – showing how a concept becomes an immersive experience. Meanwhile, Gideon shares his perspective on collaboration, coaching, and the international Aufguss movement.

🔥 A must-listen for everyone who loves creativity, connection, and sauna culture.

Let the steam rise — and enjoy Episode 10 of Steam ’n’ Soul.

Best

Matze

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 discovered the world of Aufguss – and how they met

• 🏛 Their connection to the Thermen Group (Bussloo and Soesterberg)

• 🎭 Ashley’s creative process for developing sauna shows: from idea to execution

• 🇪🇪 Their role in coaching and building up the first Estonian Aufguss Championship

• 🌍 Their team performance for the Aufguss World Championship 2025

• ❗ A sneak peek into their new collective: AufgussBastards (no spoilers!)

Ashley gives us a look behind the curtain of sauna storytelling – showing how a concept becomes an immersive experience. Meanwhile, Gideon shares his perspective on collaboration, coaching, and the international Aufguss movement.

🔥 A must-listen for everyone who loves creativity, connection, and sauna culture.

Let the steam rise — and enjoy Episode 10 of Steam ’n’ Soul.

Best

Matze

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 AufgussRoots and the Grand Aufguss Masters / https://www.instagram.com/robert_heinevetter/

• Manuel Müller, head trainer at AufgussRoots / https://www.instagram.com/aufguss.manu/

• Barbora Brožová, Aufguss master from the Czech Republic, Freestyle World Champion 2023, 5th Place Show WM 2024 / https://www.instagram.com/b.brozova/

• René Duits, Aufguss master from the Netherlands, national Champion in Show Aufguss / https://www.instagram.com/reneduitsie/

• Nora Harik, Aufguss master from Estonia, National Champion Single Show Aufguss Competition 2025 / https://www.instagram.com/norakatreen/

• Brecht, event photographer and videographer capturing the magic on camera / https://www.instagram.com/helsingtonlifestyle/ and https://www.instagram.com/helsington_photography/

Together, they share their quick impressions, personal highlights, and what makes the Aufguss community so unique – from breathtaking towel performances and inventive aroma blends to the deep sense of connection inside the sauna.

Step in, feel the heat, and connect with the stories behind the steam.

Enjoy

Matze

#sweattalkconnect #SteamnSoul

Playlist Grand Aufguss Master 2025

https://www.badegaerten.de/neuigkeiten.php?id=262

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 precision into every ritual he creates.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Alonso transitioned from stage to steam

• What it means to design a sauna experience for a diverse NYC audience

• How timing, breath, and energy shape a powerful Aufguss

• His take on international competition and artistic freedom

• What inspires him to keep innovating in the global sauna movement

This is a bold and personal conversation with one of the scene’s true originals – grounded, artistic, and always connected to the heat.

🎧 Hit play – and get inspired.

sweat. talk. connect.

Links:

https://thegreatnorthernfestival.com

https://www.instagram.com/aufgussmaster.alonzo/

https://www.tiktok.com/@aufgussmaster.alonzo

https://www.abathhouse.com

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 of this two-part episode, Matze and Eveline Temmerman go deeper into the lived experience of scent, plants, and presence.

This follow-up shifts from roots and philosophy to real-life application:

🌿 How do we smell essential oils consciously?

🌿 What’s the role of intuition when choosing a blend?

🌿 How do we store and handle oils with care?

🌿 And how can scent support us emotionally, in everyday life and in ritual work?

Eveline shares practical tips and touching reflections from her years as an aromatherapist, herbalist, and educator.

She also talks about guiding spaces – both in sauna and beyond – and what it takes to truly listen to plants, people, and moments of silence.

This episode is grounded, sensory, and full of insight – for anyone who works with scent, loves it, or wants to deepen their connection to it.

🎧 Tune in to Part 2 now – and revisit Part 1 if you missed it.

Follow Steam ’n’ Soul to stay in the loop –

and as always:

sweat. talk. connect.

Matze

Here are the promised credits:

www.stefmintiens.com

www.eyneakker.be

www.aromen.be www.jurgendemeester.be

www.therme.ro

www.instagram.com/wellness.ambassador_cosmin.n

www.instagram.com/manosdesolbyag - Amairani Guzman

www.instagram.com/temazcaljicuri

www.instagram.com/aufgussart - Niedermair Michael

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 course of nearly two hours, Matze and Eveline dive deep into the soulful side of sauna culture and the power of plants. This is Part 1, and it lays the foundation of their wide-ranging conversation:

🌿 What does it truly mean to be a herbalist today?

🌿 How can we create meaningful rituals – alone or in community?

🌿 What is the mission behind Aromen – and what role does Eveline play in it?

🌿 What are Inspiring Sessions – and how are they connected to wellness and sauna practice?

Evelyn speaks with wisdom, clarity and heart – about slowing down, listening to the plants, and allowing scent to open doors within us.

This episode is for anyone who feels drawn to natural healing, intentional spaces, and the deeper layers of sauna, ceremony, and self-care.

✨ Part 2 drops soon – where we’ll go even further into practical blends, the emotional side of aromas, and Eveline‘s favorite plant allies.

Follow Steam ’n’ Soul to stay in the loop – and as always:

sweat. talk. connect.

Here are the promised credits:

www.stefmintiens.com

www.eyneakker.be

www.aromen.be www.jurgendemeester.be

www.therme.ro

www.instagram.com/wellness.ambassador_cosmin.n

www.instagram.com/manosdesolbyag - Amairani Guzman

www.instagram.com/temazcaljicuri

www.instagram.com/aufgussart - Niedermair Michael

🌟 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 & Spa Resort, a 5-star haven nestled in the heart of the Passeier Valley near Merano  .

Join us for a radiant conversation as we:

• Trace Sarah’s uplifting journey from her first sauna session to national and international championships 🏆

• Relive her electrifying Aufguss performances—especially the 2022 win and her breathtaking routines leading up to the 2025 World Championships ()

• Learn about her role at Andreus, where she blends fitness training with sauna artistry in an alpine-luxury setting

• Discover what drives her creativity, what values guide her work, and what exciting new projects she dreams of for the future

Perfectly balancing elegance and energy, Sarah invites us to find moments of stillness and inspiration—whether steaming in the Dome event sauna or pursuing excellence behind the scenes. This episode is a celebration of beauty, discipline, and boundless enthusiasm for the world of sauna and wellness.

🔥 Tune in, get inspired, and let Sarah’s passion infuse your spirit! 🔥

Sweat. Talk. Connect.

Best

Matze