1. Can you introduce yourself and share some background on your journey?
Of course! My name is Captain Bingo, and yes, it’s really my name. Growing up in Venice Beach, a colorful and vibrant place, I saw a lot of excitement but also a lot of people chasing satisfaction and not finding peace. That made me realize there had to be more to life than just running around. One of the most impactful moments in my youth came when a family friend said, “Enjoy your life now because, as an adult, you won’t have time.” That stuck with me. I made a contract with myself to always chase what brought me happiness—connecting with nature and keeping my mind, body, and soul healthy.
2. How did this approach lead you to where you are today?
I was fortunate to grow up in an environment full of energy, but it wasn’t necessarily healthy energy. I saw a lot of people using their energy to avoid finding real peace or health. That made me determined to follow a different path. At first, I sought balance through fitness, experimenting with diets and yoga. But I soon realized it wasn’t just about feeling good physically. True happiness comes from sharing those experiences with others—building community and fostering joy together. So my mission became figuring out how to live in the moment and enjoy life fully, rather than waiting for some distant reward.
3. How did Bali and Yama fit into that mission?
Nature has been my guide, and that’s what brought me to Bali. I surfed the tsunami of 2011 away from the radiation of Fukushima to the island of Bali. Bali offers a slower pace of life, particularly in Balian, which helps people enjoy the present and find balance. Yama, created by my friends who share similar values, became a natural extension of that mission. We’ve built an incredible space that focuses on wellness and connection, offering yoga, meditation, and, most recently, ice bath and sauna experiences.
4. Tell us more about the philosophy behind the ice bath and sauna program.
The program at Yama is more than just ticking an item off a bucket list—it’s about making peace with discomfort. Life can be uncomfortable, and instead of running from it, we teach people to embrace it, whether through the cold of the ice bath or the heat of the sauna. The idea is to use breathwork and mindfulness to navigate these challenges, making discomfort a friend rather than an enemy. In our sessions, we go through multiple rounds of the ice bath and sauna, focusing on how the experience impacts both body and mind. Knowing the long-term benefits, like reduced inflammation and better sleep, helps people see the value in discomfort.
5. What do you hope people take away from their experience at Yama?
I hope they leave Yama feeling more connected to themselves, nature, and others. Yama is a space where life slows down, and we can focus on what really matters—meaningful conversations, shared meals, and personal reflection. By immersing ourselves in nature, we find balance. The sense of community and the power of slowing down are key elements that contribute to overall well-being. At Yama, it’s not just about the physical retreat; it’s about creating a space where people can reconnect with the essentials of life and appreciate the moment.
6. What message would you like to leave people with?
My wish is that everyone who visits Yama leaves with a deeper sense of peace and joy. The world moves fast, but at Yama, we learn to slow down, savor the present, and live with intention. Our focus is on helping people rediscover themselves, heal through nature, and embrace the discomfort that life inevitably brings. It’s about building a life of quality, where we fully appreciate our time here and make it count.
Aside from the interview, you can join us at Yama Balian for a guided ice bath and sauna session with Captain Bingo. Book your stay with us or simply come to enjoy our new wellness installations. We would love to share this experience with you and help you find balance and joy in nature.