From Surviving to Thriving: The Power of Cold Exposure with Wyatt Ewing

Entrepreneurship is often a journey of highs, lows, and unexpected moments. From launching a business to overcoming personal challenges, there’s never a shortage of obstacles and triumphs. But what happens when your business starts from a place of struggle, and you find a solution that transforms not only your career but your life? That’s the story of Wyatt Ewing, founder of Ice Barrel, who turned personal adversity into a thriving business that’s changing lives.

In this episode of High, Low, and Unexpected, Wyatt shares how his personal journey with anxiety, stress, and physical pain led him to create a product that’s making waves in the wellness community. And it all started with a cold shower.

Here are the takeaways from my conversation with Wyatt:

1. Embrace the Lows, They'll Teach You the Most
Wyatt's story starts with a traumatic experience. His father was rear-ended by a drunk driver, leaving him with severe brain damage. Wyatt, at just nine years old, took on the responsibility of supporting his family. From that moment, he developed a strong survival mindset, but also a crippling anxiety that followed him into adulthood. His corporate career, fueled by the hustle culture, only amplified this anxiety, leading to physical symptoms like chronic bronchitis. It wasn't until a stranger recommended a cold shower that Wyatt experienced a physical and mental shift that would change his life forever. 

The moment he took that cold shower, Wyatt felt a sense of peace he hadn’t experienced in years. It was in that moment of discomfort that he found clarity. That’s where Ice Barrel was born — from a low, a breaking point, but also a realization that he could help others who were going through similar struggles. Cold exposure became his way out of survival mode, and it’s now a cornerstone of his personal and business life.

2. You Can Turn Pain into Purpose
One of Wyatt's most powerful insights was about turning pain into purpose. When he launched Ice Barrel, it wasn't just about creating a product—it was about offering people a tool to heal. He's seen it firsthand: from people dealing with chronic pain, to parents struggling with anxiety and depression, cold exposure helps them all in different ways. What started as a personal remedy for anxiety became a business that helps people feel better physically, emotionally, and mentally.

The beauty of cold exposure is that it helps you become present. It’s not just about the physical benefits of reducing inflammation and improving circulation (though those are huge), it’s about the mental peace that comes with enduring something hard and realizing you can handle it. As Wyatt shared, "If you can get colder, you can feel better." This simple truth has become the foundation of Ice Barrel’s mission — to provide people with a tool to face their struggles, whether mental or physical, head-on.

3. The Unexpected Gift of Mentorship
As entrepreneurs, we often feel isolated, especially in the early stages of building our businesses. For Wyatt, that loneliness was alleviated in the most unexpected way. After a cold call from a stranger named Andy, Wyatt gained a mentor who not only invested his time in Wyatt's business but also in his personal growth. For a year, Andy dedicated hours every single day to helping Wyatt grow Ice Barrel. This mentorship, done out of sheer generosity, was a game-changer for Wyatt.

Andy’s selflessness is a reminder that the right relationships can change everything. The mentorship Wyatt received wasn’t just about business strategies or sales tactics, it was about learning how to approach life and entrepreneurship with intention, purpose, and grace. Wyatt’s story proves that mentorship can come from the most unexpected places, and it can make all the difference in your journey.

4. Health Isn't Just About Physical Strength, It's About Mental Resilience
Ice Barrel is more than just a product; it's a movement. Wyatt and his team are passionate about helping people build mental resilience through cold exposure. It's not about enduring pain for pain's sake—it's about showing up for yourself, pushing through discomfort, and coming out stronger on the other side. Whether it's reducing anxiety, recovering from physical injury, or just mentally preparing for the day ahead, Ice Barrel is a tool that encourages personal growth and strength on all fronts. 

For Wyatt, the true success of Ice Barrel isn't measured by revenue or market share. It’s measured by the impact it has on people’s lives. From athletes using it for recovery to parents who’ve found calm through cold, Ice Barrel is proving that mental strength is just as important as physical strength.

Wyatt’s story is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship often begins in the lowest of lows. But those lows are the fertile ground where the seeds of growth, purpose, and success are planted. If you’re in the thick of it, struggling with anxiety, or just feeling stuck, remember that the path to peace and success may come from the most unexpected places.

Want to listen to our entire conversation?
Check out this podcast episode on High, Low, and Unexpected 🎙