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.