Episode 304 - Getting REAL About Resilience with Michaela Schell

In this powerful episode of Circle Up & Get Real, host Jodi Bach reconnects with entrepreneur Michaela Schell, founder of Immersion Sauna and Cold Plunge Studio in South Fargo, to explore the transformative power of resilience through intentional discomfort. Michaela shares her journey from a traditional corporate role to becoming a 'saunapreneur,' driven by personal experience with sauna and cold plunge therapy that dramatically improved her mental and physical well-being. She reveals how her business has become a sanctuary for people seeking to rebuild resilience—especially those struggling with anxiety, burnout, and perimenopause—by offering a simple yet profound ritual: 15 minutes in a sauna followed by a 2-minute cold plunge. These practices, rooted in centuries-old traditions, offer measurable benefits including reduced cortisol, improved cardiovascular health, and enhanced mental clarity. The conversation deepens into a broader cultural critique: modern life’s constant distractions have eroded our ability to sit with discomfort, weakening our resilience. Michaela argues that enduring short-term discomfort—like stepping into icy water—builds mental muscle that ripples into every area of life, from parenting to leadership. The episode culminates in a rich discussion on the dangers of rigid thinking, the value of curiosity, and the importance of reconnecting with people across differences through authentic, judgment-free dialogue—using the walk-and-talk format as a living example of how movement and presence foster deeper connection. Jodi and Michaela reflect on how their own reconnection sparked a renewed sense of possibility, underscoring the episode’s core message: true growth begins not with grand goals, but with small, consistent acts of courage. Michaela’s new 'Hot Mom’s Club' for women navigating menopause exemplifies community-driven resilience, while her vision for a 'Hot Men’s Club' highlights the universal need for male-led spaces of vulnerability and strength. The episode closes with a call to action: reclaim time, embrace discomfort, and prioritize human connection over digital noise. It’s a timely reminder that resilience isn’t about enduring hardship—it’s about choosing to show up, again and again, for yourself and others.