HEALTH

Laughing in the Heat: A Unique Night of Comedy and Wellness

New York, USAThu Nov 13 2025

In the heart of New York City, a unique event took place at Othership, a popular bathhouse known for its blend of wellness and socializing. This time, it was not just about relaxing in the sauna or taking a cold plunge; it was about laughter, connection, and a bit of sweat. The night featured four stand-up comedians performing in the sauna, creating an atmosphere that was both hilarious and invigorating.

An Unconventional Comedy Show

The event was part of the New York Comedy Festival, but it was far from your typical comedy show. Guests were encouraged to wear their bathing suits, making the experience more intimate and less formal. Before the comedy began, attendees enjoyed steaming chamomile tea in a cozy lounge, setting a relaxed tone for the evening.

Comedy in the Sauna

The main attraction was the comedy in the sauna. The heat, combined with the comedians' jokes, created an electric atmosphere. The first comic, Mark Normand, kicked off the night with a set filled with humor inspired by the sauna experience. The audience laughed, sweated, and felt a sense of camaraderie that is often missing from typical comedy shows.

Wellness Practices

After the sauna, guests took a plunge into icy pools, a practice known as contrast therapy. This alternation between heat and cold is believed to boost circulation, metabolism, and mood while reducing stress and inflammation. The guides led the group through breathwork exercises, adding to the overall sense of well-being.

A Night of Laughter and Connection

The night continued with more comedy, more cold plunges, and more laughter. The final comedians, Sienna Hubert-Ross and Gabe Rodriguez-Tossas, closed the show with rousing sets that kept the energy high. Guests were then free to explore the space, with some opting for another cold plunge and others lingering in the tea room or sauna.

The Special Blend

What made this night special was the combination of laughter, wellness, and human connection. It was a reminder that comedy can be more than just entertainment; it can be a shared experience that brings people together. The event also highlighted the benefits of wellness practices like saunas and cold plunges, which have been shown to improve heart health, ease pain, and promote calm.

questions

    What if the comedians started their sets by asking the audience to put on more clothes instead of less?
    What are the long-term effects of regular participation in sauna comedy shows on mental and physical health?
    How would the comedy show go if the sauna was accidentally set to freezing temperatures and the cold plunge to boiling?

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