Sauna, Stand-Up, adn Sub-Zero Dips: New York Comedy Festival Heats Up with Wellness Fusion
A unique event at Othership in Flatiron blended the thrill of live comedy with the invigorating practice of contrast therapy, offering a novel take on New York nightlife.
On Tuesday night, four comedians traded the traditional stage for the steps of a sauna at othership, delivering a performance that was both hilarious and refreshingly different as part of the 2025 New York Comedy Festival. Guests swapped sweat for shivers, alternating between punchlines and plunges into icy pools, embracing a fusion of comedy and contrast therapy – a rapidly growing trend in the wellness world.
The Toronto-founded social schvitz has quickly cultivated a devoted following in both Canada and New York. The concept originated during the pandemic, when founder Robbie Bent noticed a surge in interest for spaces offering “the transformative powers of hot, cold and community,” as he previously described to The Post. Bent and his co-founders transformed a three-car garage setup into the thriving brand known as Othership, catering to a desire for both physical warmth and social connection.
Today, Othership curates a diverse calendar of alcohol-free events designed to reimagine nightlife through a wellness lens, including sober DJ sets, live music, singles mixers, and, as evidenced this week, comedy performances.
The evening began in a cozy lounge, centered around a fireplace, where attendees mingled while sipping steaming chamomile tea in their bathing suits. The atmosphere was surprisingly energized for a Tuesday night at 9:30 p.m. Soon, the group moved to the cold plunge room, bracing themselves for three 30-second dips in pools ranging from 32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Guides rotated groups to maintain momentum, encouraging participants throughout the experience.
Cold plunges have been increasingly linked to a range of physical and mental health benefits. Immersed in the icy water, participants followed guided breathwork exercises. A sense of camaraderie quickly developed, with individuals counting down the seconds and offering encouragement to those around them. The experience was further enhanced by the rhythmic pounding of a drum and the vibrations of a tuning fork circulating through the room.
Beyond the thrill, participants were reminded that research suggests cold plunges can boost circulation, metabolism, and mood, while simultaneously lowering stress and inflammation. shivering and invigorated, the group then transitioned to the sauna, heated to between 165 and 185 degrees Fahrenheit for social events.
Host Andrew Packer welcomed guests before introducing the first comedian of the night, Mark Normand, who delivered a set packed with sauna-inspired humor while towel-clad. “Sauna Comedy brings that perfect mix of sweat, laughter and energy we live for,” stated Emilio Savone, owner of the New York Comedy Club, which partnered with Othership for the event.
SavoneS assessment proved accurate. Despite being largely strangers, attendees felt an unexpected sense of connection, a communal bond reminiscent of the centuries-old tradition of communal sweating in saunas. Research further supports this feeling, suggesting that saunas can improve heart health, alleviate pain, and promote calmness, while laughter itself is a powerful stress reducer and mood enhancer.
Normand’s 10-minute set was followed by a cheeky performance from Juan Nicolon, enjoyed while sipping iced tea. Despite a long workday, the author felt surprisingly energized and present, a stark contrast to the earlier desire to simply head home. The group returned to the cold plunge for another round before Sienna Hubert-Ross and Gabe Rodriguez-Tossas closed out the night with rousing sets.
In the final half hour, guests were free to explore the space, with some opting for a third plunge while others relaxed in the tea room or sauna, continuing to chat and unwind.
Having experienced countless comedy shows in New York, few compare to the genuine happiness felt after this unique event. The comedians were undoubtedly talented, but the overall experience – the combination of sweat, shivers, laughter, and shared energy – elevated it beyond a typical night out. Even more remarkably, the author fell asleep immediately upon returning home, a rare feat for someone who typically struggles with insomnia and relies on sleep aids.
