Episode 399 - Ryan Duey - Cold Water and The Power of Confronting Hardship - Cleared Hot - Powered By BRCC

Transcript

A (0:01)

Okay, I got the red smoke. Sun runs north and south west of the smoke. West of the smoke. Okay, copy.

B (0:10)

West of the smoke. I'm looking at danger close now.

A (0:13)

Oh, wait a minute. Give it to me. I mean, it cleared. Hot coffee. Clear.

B (0:17)

Not. I had a buddy who said at one time he had four continuous miles of lights in storage, but was making six figures a year because people would rent the lights. So storage unit the rest of the year, put them up, take them down, and he'd have them on this package of just this repeating package every year.

A (0:37)

Like recurring rev.

B (0:38)

Yeah. Which is amazing. Also, four miles of string lights. This sounds like a nightmare because I can handle four feet and it still loses a light bulb. So it doesn't work. Today's episode is brought to you by AG1. How much time do you have in your life? I believe we all have the same 24 hours, regardless of a couple weird social media influencers saying that they can create three days out of one. But that's a different story and a different topic. The point is this. Are you trying to do more with your time or are you trying to spend your time in a less efficient manner, doing a variety of different things, all working towards the same goal? I'm going towards the former, trying to save time. AG1, why do I take a scoop of this every day in my water? Well, one, it helps me hydrate something that I actually struggle with. I just don't get enough water. But two, it's. It helps me tackle the macro and the micro at the same time. We're talking multivitamins and minerals, pre and probiotics, green superfoods, stress adaptogens, immune support, cognitive support, all in one scoop. Could you get all those individually? Sure. Would it take you more time? I mean, probably not an incredible amount more time, but over time, adding that up, a small number multiplied by a big number is gonna end up in a lot of wasted time. It's convenient. They have travel packs. It goes with my hydration goal, my optimization goals for 20, 25 and beyond, when it comes to health and wellness, couldn't be easier. Tastes good. Comes with a convenient AG1 measure shaker. You can do both. There's milliliters on one side for psychos who use that system and ounces on the other side for those of you who are truly refined. And the next time I do an ad read for them, they're gonna have a new product. I'm not allowed to talk about it yet, but I've been testing it. It's quite good. But That'll be next time. For now, AG1 is offering new subscribers a free $76 gift. When you sign up, you're gonna get a welcome kit, a bottle of D3K, two essential vitamins, and five free travel packs in your first box so you don'. Larger container. You can take some travel packs with you on the road, so make sure to check out drinkag1.com ClearedHot to get that offer. That is drinkag1.com Clearedhot to continue your year on a healthier note. Direct link is in the show. Notes below. Back to the show. Yeah, but that's my son. And then he's like, day trading every morning. He will set his. He's in there. He's got special computer glasses that I don't think do anything. He's got his headset for white noise, and he's just studying and he has all this stuff. It's an emotional roller coaster.

Summary

Cleared Hot - Episode 399: Ryan Duey on Cold Water and The Power of Confronting Hardship

Introduction

In Episode 399 of Cleared Hot, host Andy Stumpf sits down with Ryan Duey, a multifaceted individual whose journey spans military service, jet piloting, mountain climbing, fitness training, gym ownership, and entrepreneurial endeavors. Ryan shares his insights on confronting discomfort, building resilience, and the profound impact of cold water immersion and saunas on personal and professional growth. Released on August 1, 2025, this episode delves deep into the intersections of hardship, wellness, and entrepreneurship.

Personal Stories and Resilience

Ryan begins by discussing his son's early foray into day trading, highlighting the emotional challenges and financial setbacks he faced. Despite being nine grand down, Ryan's son exhibited remarkable resilience, refusing to let losses deter his passion.

“He admitted to my wife and I that he got down somewhere between eight to nine grand, which for him, I'm surprised he wasn't in the hospital with, like, a heart attack. But he worked his way out of it.” [03:22]

This story sets the tone for the episode, emphasizing the importance of facing challenges head-on and the role of resilience in overcoming adversity.

Entrepreneurial Journey and Building Plunge

Ryan recounts his transition from managing a float tank and sauna business during the COVID-19 pandemic to co-founding Plunge, a company dedicated to making cold plunges and saunas accessible for home use. The decision was spurred by a market need and a passion for wellness.

“Within six weeks we were first paid. First page ranking on Google.” [61:08]

He explains the technical and logistical hurdles they overcame, such as sourcing reliable chillers from Active Aqua and designing aesthetically pleasing units that fit seamlessly into home environments.

The Science and Benefits of Cold Plunging and Saunas

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the physiological and psychological benefits of cold plunging and sauna use. Ryan emphasizes the importance of moderation and proper technique to maximize benefits while minimizing risks.

“We recommend people go a lot less crazy than what we've seen out in the world. Start with 55 degrees for two to three minutes.” [37:36]

Ryan critiques extreme approaches, advocating for personalized protocols that align with individual health goals. He highlights ongoing studies, including partnerships with the University of South Carolina Medical Center, investigating the effects of cold plunges on neurodegenerative diseases and overall cognitive health.

“Cold is probably the greatest onset of norepinephrine that you can put into your body.” [82:58]

Balancing Technology and Personal Well-being

Both Andy and Ryan discuss the challenges of integrating technology into daily wellness routines. They share personal experiences with wearables that track metrics like heart rate variability (HRV) and how constant data can sometimes lead to anxiety rather than improvement.

“Use the tool, don't let the tool use you.” [24:40]

They advocate for mindfulness and self-awareness, encouraging listeners to prioritize personal well-being over incessant metric tracking. Ryan shares his company's efforts to develop smart technology that complements rather than controls user experience.

Overcoming Psychological Barriers

Ryan delves into the psychological aspects of adopting cold plunges and saunas, acknowledging the mental barriers that often prevent individuals from embracing these practices. He shares anecdotes about initial discomfort and the subsequent sense of achievement and rejuvenation.

“It's like stepping into a ritual where you're doing something hard and then feeling great after. It's a transformation from feeling a certain way to feeling refreshed.” [77:19]

Future Directions and Innovations

Looking ahead, Ryan outlines Plunge's vision for expanding their product line and enhancing user experience through technology integration. They aim to create a comprehensive home wellness system that seamlessly combines cold plunges, saunas, and smart features to support long-term health and resilience.

“We want to be your one-stop shop for your home spa, your home health and wellness—all connected to one simple system.” [82:58]

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

In closing, Ryan offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, surrounding oneself with the right people, and focusing on controllable aspects of business.

“Have some self-awareness into what you want to go start. Surround yourself with people who have the skills and entrepreneurial spirit you aspire to.” [87:42]

He underscores the necessity of balancing ambition with practical action, encouraging entrepreneurs to prioritize personal growth alongside business objectives.

Notable Quotes

“Use the tool, don't let the tool use you.” — Ryan Duey [24:40]
“We recommend people go a lot less crazy than what we've seen out in the world. Start with 55 degrees for two to three minutes.” — Ryan Duey [37:36]
“Have some self-awareness into what you want to go start. Surround yourself with people who have the skills and entrepreneurial spirit you aspire to.” — Ryan Duey [87:42]

Conclusion

Episode 399 of Cleared Hot provides a comprehensive exploration of resilience, wellness, and entrepreneurship through Ryan Duey's experiences and insights. Listeners are encouraged to embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth, utilize wellness tools intelligently, and cultivate supportive networks to navigate the challenges of building a successful business. By balancing technological aids with personal mindfulness, Ryan and Andy underscore the importance of intentional living and continuous self-improvement.