Podcast Title: The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka
Episode: 181. Dr. Jonathan Leary: Why Cold Plunge & Sauna Social Clubs Are The Future of Wellness Communities
Release Date: July 8, 2025
Host: Gary Brecka
Guest: Dr. Jonathan Leary

I. Introduction to Dr. Jonathan Leary and Remedy Place

In this enlightening episode, Gary Brecka welcomes Dr. Jonathan Leary, the visionary founder of Remedy Place, to discuss the burgeoning concept of social wellness and its integration into modern communities. Dr. Leary, with a rich background in functional medicine and alternative healthcare, shares his journey from traditional medical aspirations to pioneering wellness communities that emphasize both physiological enhancement and meaningful human connections.

II. Dr. Leary's Journey and the Birth of Remedy Place

Dr. Leary recounts his initial ambition to become a conventional doctor during his undergraduate studies. However, volunteering in hospital settings made him question the traditional medical environment and its alignment with his vision of patient care.

Dr. Leary (04:43): "I quickly realized this isn't the environment I imagined for my career. By the time a couple of years passed, I decided to create my own type of practice."

Dissatisfied with the limitations of conventional medicine—particularly the inability to prescribe medications or perform surgeries—he ventured into alternative medicine. This path led him to establish Remedy Place in Los Angeles in 2022, aiming to merge hospitality with advanced wellness practices like cold plunges and saunas.

III. The Concept of Social Wellness

Remedy Place isn't merely a sanctuary for self-care but a reimagined social hub where wellness and community intersect. Dr. Leary emphasizes the importance of creating spaces that foster genuine human connections without the reliance on alcohol or superficial interactions.

Dr. Leary (06:00): "The number one complaint was, 'My problem's gone, but these lifestyle changes are ruining my social life.' That realization led to Remedy—a place offering a healthier substitution for traditional socializing."

IV. Integrating Functional Medicine into Social Spaces

A standout feature of Remedy Place is its incorporation of functional medicine. Dr. Leary explains how functional medicine provides a comprehensive understanding of an individual's biochemistry, enabling tailored wellness interventions.

Dr. Leary (04:43): "Functional medicine can analyze everything, giving a full understanding of the biochemistry puzzle you need to solve to enhance your health naturally."

By regularly assessing clients' health through detailed screenings, Remedy Place ensures that wellness practices are not just trendy but scientifically grounded and personalized.

V. Building Communities Through Unique Wellness Experiences

Remedy Place has successfully transformed corporate events and social gatherings by infusing wellness practices into them. High-profile brands like Saint Laurent and Nike have partnered with Remedy Place to host events that prioritize employee well-being over traditional social activities like drinking.

Dr. Leary (22:36): "Every single industry is trying to figure out what their wellness edge is... partnering with companies like Kohler allows us to add significant value beyond the health industry."

These partnerships highlight a shift towards valuing health as a tool for maximizing success and fostering stronger, more connected communities within corporate environments.

VI. The Decline of Genuine Human Connection in the Digital Age

Both Gary and Dr. Leary express concern over the increasing isolation exacerbated by electronic media. They draw parallels with Blue Zones research, which underscores the non-exchangeable value of community and purpose in longevity.

Dr. Leary (19:42): "Isolation doesn't mean solitary confinement. It means lacking connection, community, and purpose, accelerating us towards the grave."

Remedy Place addresses this by creating environments where individuals can engage in meaningful interactions while simultaneously enhancing their physiological health.

VII. Functional Medicine Panels and Future Integrations

Dr. Leary elaborates on the depth of functional medicine services offered at Remedy Place. Unlike standard medical panels that merely diagnose diseases, functional panels assess detailed biochemical and nutritional statuses to preemptively address health issues.

Dr. Leary (46:31): "Functional medicine looks at everything—organ health, deficiencies, toxicities—to understand the biochemistry puzzle and address it naturally."

This proactive approach not only treats existing conditions but also fosters long-term wellness by empowering individuals with knowledge about their bodies.

VIII. Emphasizing Foundational Health Pillars

The conversation delves into the fundamental aspects of health that often get overshadowed by modern conveniences. Dr. Leary stresses the importance of sleep, hydration, movement, and human connection as the bedrock of a thriving life.

Dr. Leary (43:18): "It's that simple: sunlight, grounding, breath, work, movement, sleep. We've drifted so far from these basics."

By focusing on these pillars, Remedy Place ensures that clients receive a holistic wellness experience that goes beyond temporary fixes.

IX. The Future of Wellness Communities and Being the Ultimate Human

In wrapping up, Dr. Leary shares his vision for the future of wellness communities. He believes that as society becomes more aware of the importance of holistic health and genuine connections, establishments like Remedy Place will play a pivotal role in fostering healthier, more resilient communities.

Dr. Leary (51:01): "To be an ultimate human is to constantly pursue change, challenge, and growth, allowing your uniqueness to add value to the world."

Gary and Dr. Leary agree that the pursuit of optimal health and meaningful relationships is essential for personal fulfillment and societal well-being.

Key Takeaways:

• Social Wellness as a Pillar of Health: Remedy Place exemplifies how wellness practices can be seamlessly integrated into social settings, providing healthier alternatives to traditional forms of socializing.

• Functional Medicine's Comprehensive Approach: Detailed biochemical assessments empower individuals to understand and optimize their health beyond symptomatic treatments.

• Building Resilient Communities: By fostering genuine human connections and prioritizing holistic health, wellness communities like Remedy Place contribute to longer, more fulfilling lives.

• Foundational Health Practices: Emphasizing the basics—movement, sleep, hydration, and connection—lays the groundwork for sustained health and resilience against the stresses of modern life.

For more insights and transformative wellness practices, tune into The Ultimate Human podcast and explore the intersection of health, longevity, and meaningful human connections.