The Weekend Intelligence: Sweating It Out

Britain is getting hot and steamy. From railway arches in Peckham to windswept beaches in Fife, public saunas are popping up across the country, promising warmth, connection and a break from that traditional British pastime of drinking alcohol.  On The Weekend Intelligence, Ibby Caputo sweats into Britain's booming sauna scene— where wellness culture meets genuine need. Inside the heat, she finds Gen Z ditching the pub for sober Saturday evenings, unpaid carers prescribed steam, and strangers bonding through sweat, silence and shared endurance. From the intimacy of the sauna bench to the icy shock of the North Sea, this is a story about bodies, belonging, and why Britain is learning to sweat together. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Music by Blue dot and Epidemic This podcast transcript is generated by third-party AI. It has not been reviewed prior to publication. We make no representations or warranties in relation to the transcript, its accuracy or its completeness, and we disclaim all liability regarding its receipt, content and use. If you have any concerns about the transcript, please email us at podcasts@economist.com. Read more about how we are using AI.