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BURNING MAN

Episode 7 - Burning Man

Language - English | Cast - Mikkel Aaland, Zack Robertson, Teresa Yung   |  Producers - Cassandra Jabola, Gina Leibrecht, Teresa Yung |  Director - Doug Pray

The Playa is a harsh landscape, with high temperatures that make sweat bathing seem unthinkable. But Mikkel and his guides, Teresa Yung and Zack Robertson, explore the growing community of sweat bathing lovers who make the annual trek to Burning Man. They road trip from Mikkel’s hometown of San Francisco, and establish their home base camp at Steam of Life. From there, they visit over 15 camps that include the Sauna Dome, Steam Bath Project, Art of Steam, and more. From learning the “John Payne method,” to attending a class that teaches Wim Hof breathing methods and combines steam and ice-cold showers, to relaxing in a banya made in the shape of an amethyst geode, Mikkel and his guides leave no sweat behind. There is an explosion of steam bathing on the Playa that combines the best of human imagination, invention, and art – and is the perfect, quirky culmination of the inaugural Perfect Sweat season.

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Featured Locations

Burning Man 2019: "Metamorphoses"

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Black Rock City, Nevada

Art of Steam Camp

Two unique Russian banyas where steam masters lead groups through steam ceremonies using traditional venik. Visitors are taken care of with herbal tea and a relaxing swing. Art of Steam Camp includes a mobile banya art car called the Amethyst.

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Black Rock City, Nevada

Steam of Life Camp

A Finnish sauna pavilion designed and built by Sauna on Fire collective and JKMM architects. An iconic, minimalistic, circular wooden art installation, focused on embracing ambient natural light and shade. The "home camp" for episode 7.

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Black Rock City, Nevada

The Steam Bath Project

The first sweat bathing experience offered at Burning Man, using an innovative water heating technique developed by John Payne, serving as the inspiration for others to create their own saunas over the years.

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Black Rock City, Nevada

The Hot Box at Illumination Village

A unique, portable, propane-fired steam room experience within Illumination Village, inspired by Burning Man traditions. Created by Berley Farber, it offers a communal space for cleansing and rejuvenation, featuring a vinegar foot bath and the best way to remove playa dust.

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Black Rock City, Nevada

Camp Contact

A wellness-focused camp within Anahasana Village, offering a variety of workshops, including a Wim Hof experience with cold exposure and a steam bath. Part of the largest wellness village on the playa, providing a space for personal growth and connection.

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Black Rock City, Nevada

Sauna Dome

A Finnish geodesic sauna at Burning Man with a fresh approach to creating heat. Uses a charcoal stove with an impressive 400 pounds of stones and the ability to heat up to 200ºF / 90ºC.

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Black Rock City, Nevada

8-Bit Bunny Camp

A camp featuring a popular steam sauna open to the public during specific hours. Offers a bar, a kitchen, and an air-conditioned cuddle space. Rabbit ears are encouraged.

Burning Man Location Stills

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