In this episode of Power Movers, I sit down with my good friend Max Munson—a serial entrepreneur, Wim Hof instructor, and world champion ice swimmer. Max shares his inspiring journey from moving to Prague in 1992 with nothing, to building seven restaurants, a brewing company, and an import/export business. We also explore his transition into wellness, how he became a competitive swimmer in his late 40s, and his journey into cold exposure and breathwork.
We talk about the power of mental resilience, navigating financial crises in business, and how entrepreneurs can use wellness practices to reduce stress and perform at their best. Max also shares insights from his Wim Hof instructor journey, his recent world championships in ice swimming, and his new book on cold exposure.
This is an episode packed with business lessons, personal transformation, and practical takeaways for anyone looking to thrive in both business and life.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Max’s Entrepreneurial Journey – How he built multiple businesses from scratch in Prague, overcame financial challenges, and pivoted when needed.
✅ Mindset & Resilience in Business – Lessons from financial crises and how Max kept his businesses alive when times got tough.
✅ Cold Exposure & Mental Strength – The science behind cold water immersion, how it builds resilience, and why it became a game-changer for Max.
✅ From Business to Wellness – Why he transitioned from the restaurant industry into breathwork and wellness coaching.
✅ Ice Swimming & World Championships – How he became a world champion in 50m and 100m freestyle ice swimming and the mental training behind it.
✅ Wim Hof Method & Breathwork – How breathwork can help business owners reduce stress, improve focus, and boost energy.
✅ Lessons for Entrepreneurs – The biggest takeaways for anyone wanting to start or scale a business.
Guest: Max Munson
🌍 Founder & Entrepreneur – Built 7+ restaurants and multiple businesses in Prague
🏆 World Champion Ice Swimmer – 50m & 100m freestyle gold medallist
🧊 Wim Hof Instructor & Cold Exposure Expert
📖 Author of ‘Diving Back In’ – A book about returning to sports as an adult
🍽️ Owner of Max’s Steakhouse, Prague – Known for top-quality dry-aged steaks and premium whiskey tastings
📍 Visit Max’s Steakhouse: Website
Episode Highlights & Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to Power Movers & Introduction to Max Munson
02:15 – Max’s journey: From the US to Prague with nothing
07:45 – Building a business in a foreign country & starting his first restaurant
15:20 – Facing financial crises & lessons from failures
22:00 – The importance of personal growth & work-life balance
27:40 – How swimming changed Max’s life & got him into competitive racing
33:10 – Cold exposure: Discovering the power of the cold during lockdown
39:55 – Training with the Wim Hof Method & breathwork benefits
46:15 – Competing in ice swimming: Becoming a world champion
52:00 – Max’s advice for entrepreneurs & mindset tips
57:30 – His upcoming book on cold exposure & mental toughness
01:02:00 – Where to find Max & closing thoughts
Resources & Links:
📘 Max’s Book – Diving Back In: Amazon
🍽️ Max’s Steakhouse in Prague: Website
🧊 Learn More Max on the Wim Hof Method Website: Wim Hof Website
📖 Max’s Upcoming Book on Cold Exposure (Coming Soon!)
Connect with Us:
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📩 Email Roy: roy@allthepower.co.uk
📲 LinkedIn: Roy Castleman
📸 Instagram: @roycastleman
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