Welcome to In Conversation with… where Melaina, our wellness and travel editor, connects with thought leaders, vision seekers and changemakers in the wellness industry to lean into all of the feelings, emotions and memories that come with understanding our core wants in needs through different healing modalities. From learning about Human Design to the benefits of cold plunges, Melaina meets with folks who are changing the landscape for the better. Read on, for here are there stories.
Meet Nick, Co-Founder of Unbounded
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of human resilience, community, and nature. My journey has taken me from athletics to entrepreneurship, but the through-line has always been about helping people feel more alive. Together with my partner Lisa, and 2 other friends, we created Unbounded to be more than just a wellness brand – it’s a movement built on the belief that nervous system regulation is the foundation of a vibrant life.
At Unbounded, we design experiences, spaces, and communities that remind people what their bodies already know: that connection, nature, and shared struggle can shift us in profound ways. From immersive retreats to workshops and large-scale events, our work sits at the crossroads of science, ritual, and play. Whether it’s a quiet moment in the sauna, a plunge into icy water, or a collective breath with hundreds of people, what drives me is seeing that spark in someone’s eyes when they remember their own strength.
Photo provided by Unbounded
Unbounded invites people to reconnect with themselves in nature in such an invigorating way. Tell us a little bit about the rewilding experiences you offer.
When we talk about rewilding at Unbounded, we don’t just mean disappearing into the woods for days at a time – we mean creating moments of nature connection even in the heart of the city. Our experiences, based in science, weave elemental forces – heat, cold, breath, and sound – into settings where people might least expect it: on a downtown rooftop, in a converted industrial space, or by the shoreline of an urban lake.
We design environments that soften the edges of city life and remind people of something primal within themselves. One moment you might be sharing a sauna with strangers who quickly feel like friends, the next you’re plunging into cold water and looking up at the skyline with a renewed sense of awe. Whether in an urban setting or a forest retreat, the goal is the same: to awaken the senses, reset the nervous system, and reintroduce people to the simple, restorative power of nature, even when it’s just steps from where they live and work.
What have you noticed shifts most quickly in people when they take their first lake plunge?
The first thing that shifts is the breath. People often gasp, tense up, or fight against the cold – then, within seconds, they realize they can soften, exhale, and find control in the discomfort. That moment is powerful. It’s a lived reminder that stress doesn’t have to own us; we can meet it, breathe through it, and come out stronger on the other side.
After that, it’s energy and expression. You see people emerge from the water laughing, shouting, hugging strangers – it’s like watching someone come back to life.
Photo provided by Unbounded
You keep breaking records for the largest cold plunge…congrats! My dad and I used to participate in Brainfreeze and it was so cold and so fun! Share your vision for continuing to break barriers/records, planning, and energy that vibrates through the community on plunge day.
Thank you! Plunge day is electric and it’s not just about the cold, it’s about the collective courage in the air. Thousands of people lining up at the shoreline, all facing the same fear, and then running into the water together, it’s unforgettable.
Our vision is to keep scaling that energy in ways that feel both record-breaking and deeply meaningful. It’s not just about “the biggest plunge,” it’s about creating a ripple effect -showing people what’s possible when community gathers with intention. The planning involves months of logistics, safety protocols, and partnerships, but the magic comes from the people: their joy, and their willingness to step into something uncomfortable together. Each year, we want the plunge to be a beacon for resilience, belonging, and fun.
What’s one tip you can offer someone who is new to an Unbounded experience?
Come with curiosity, not expectations. You don’t need to be the fittest, bravest, or most “zen” person in the room – just willing to show up as you are. Whether it’s a plunge, a sauna session, or a retreat, the experience will meet you where you’re at. Trust your body, lean into the community around you, and let yourself be surprised by how much you’re capable of.
