The Iceman Speaks: Wim Hof on His Method and His Mission

by Wim Hof

Meet the Man Who Redefines the Impossible

He’s shattered world records. He’s climbed the highest and coldest mountains wearing nothing but shorts. Most of all, he’s shown us that these feats are not superhuman―but that each of us has the ability to be healthier, stronger, and happier than we’ve ever imagined. Now you’re invited to hear Wim Hof tell the story of his incredible journey in his own words with The Iceman Speaks .

A Personal Encounter with a Trailblazer of Human Potential

Who is “The Iceman”? What inspired him to create his revolutionary method for reclaiming our human potential, and to attempt feats of endurance and self-mastery that were thought to be medically impossible? In these audio sessions, recorded with Wim at his home in the Netherlands, you’ll experience his odyssey of discovery,

• Wim’s lifelong relationship with the majestic power of the cold
• Love, heartbreak, and joy―moving stories from Wim’s family life
• How nature, intuition, and rigorous testing led Wim to develop his revolutionary method
• Turning skeptics into believers―how Wim astonished researchers in trial after trial
• Shattering records―Wim explores what drives him to keep pushing the limits of possibility
• Man on a mission―the spiritual implications of Wim’s method for ourselves and our world
• Insights for anyone using the Wim Hof Method to get the most out of their practice

When listening to Wim Hof, you can’t help but feel the energy, passion, and optimism that have made him such a compelling figure. Yet as Wim says, “I am no superhero. I am no genetic freak. Anything I can do, you can do just as well.” The truly exceptional gift Wim possesses is his refusal to accept limitations―and when you listen to The Iceman Speaks , you’ll realize that gift is also within your grasp.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Memoir, Self Help

Audio CD

Published October 20, 2020

Reviews

[Tessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. Wim Hof is a very engaging speaker (he narrates the audiobook). I wanted to know more about the Wim Hof Method, and this did give me more information but a lot of it seems so far-fetched that I am left skeptical.

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed it. But towards the end of the book he keeps repeating the same stuff over and over again, which I personally dislike. Also reads more like a train of thought and would benefit from some more structure/editing i.m.o

[Rodion Kryuchkov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps the closest you can shoot to the new Bible for the XXI century. It has everything: mind over matter, (scientifically grounded) miracles, a promise of eternal life, discovering and controlling the subconscious, untangling the mysteries of the universe. And, most importantly, a charismatic messiah who truly believes in his mission: to make the world a better place.

[Doug · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a solid read, and probably worthwhile to anyone open to different ideas for ways to improve your life.

On the positive side, I've taken cold showers and done breathing techniques and have definitely felt better.

On the negative side, Wim Hof clearly is trying to fill this book with more information -- maybe the publisher required a certain length for the book or something. It _feels_ forced and contrived, though I'm sure Mr. Hof believes everything he wrote. For example, he starts by explaining that he was a squatter during his younger years, that he dropped out of school, etc, etc. Then he goes on to explain how he's read a TON of books and has all these things that are explained by science. Then goes on to describe all the yoga books he's read. Honestly, when I put it all together, it feels like he doesn't actually understand the scientific method enough to understand why science has not taken the information that has been collected on his method and "made a thing" that makes the world a better place. He complains about science "taking too long."

There is a reason that medicine requires testing to prove a thing isn't a placebo. It's because the placebo effect is real and it's difficult to tell whether a pill or treatment actually did anything or whether it was just the power of someone's mind that made them feel better. Or their natural immune system kicking in.

He explained several studies that sounded super interesting, but at the end of the day, it's possible that his method is not as universal as he seems to believe. It doesn't have to be universal to be good, though, so I am advocating for people that I know to try cold showers and breathing techniques to see if it makes them feel better. Give yourself just a little pain in order to gain a ton extra out of life -- this is how I live my own life and this is just another method to add to my arsenal.

That said, I would have likely preferred to just hear the method without all the fluff around it. It just makes me feel the unnecessary "oh, that Wim Hof is just a crazy person" feeling when I think he's actually got something worthwhile. I'm still skeptical, but interested.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational. Simply a kind hearted, soulful teacher here to show us what our bodies have forgotten with all the tech and useless clothing (well, kind of) and what it can do.

He tells us in no uncertain terms that the power of the mind unlocks the power and strength of the body.

This isn't mumbo jumbo. This is science backed by factual life changing practices.
It's not evolution, we've always endured the cold. The cold does things to our body to keep us alive and practicing this only makes it more strong and easy to access.

The man himself is just such a calming influence and also a man that can turn you into a powerhouse at any moment. Truly a great man

5 Ice cold stars.

[Jeroen Veen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audiobook: This wasn't really a book read out, it felt more as listening to a spontaneous podcast

[Augusto Bernardi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sure a lot of this book has great material of his actual method and some other practical skills from his philosophy, but there is one major problem with this book and also the audiobook. Either it wasn't edited at all or someone did a extremely or job editing. English is definitely not Wim Hof's first language and the recording of the audiobook seemed to be full of grammatical mistakes and simply incorrect use of words. Why was this not checked and corrected. That's why it's a recording. But Wim doesn't seem like a guy that cares. Doesn't care about a lot of things actually which the conservative Vietnam veteran with a buzz cut inside of me absolutely hates. The book itself though was extremely messy too. Wim is just jumping around from idea to idea and thought and sound and repeating words, that it was just chaos.
Sometimes less is more. I realized today that I actually don't want to get to know my guru. Just give me your wisdom and methods.

Which is why I'm switching to another one of his books in hopes of better luck.

[Ala · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version of "The Iceman Speaks" by Wim Hof. Initially, Wim's Dutch accent and quirky sense of humor felt charming. However, it soon became apparent that this was more akin to listening to an extended podcast.

Wim delves into his childhood, expressing his love for his mother, recounting his first cold dip, and sharing personal experiences like having children and losing his partner. He also enthusiastically discusses the researchers he has collaborated with and their fascinating findings.

The benefits of cold dips and his breathing techniques for mental and physiological health are well-documented. However, I'm skeptical about the claims of these practices altering generational DNA.

Overall, it’s an enjoyable listen, though it could have been improved by being shorter, more concise, and better structured.

[Liam Moclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook
Interesting and insightful stuff directly from Wim Hof where he talks over 10 chapters about his journey and the development of his method of Cold exposure and breathwork. I knew a lot of this before as I’ve been in course and been doing it for a few years but to get it straight from the horse’s mouth was well worth the listen. I’m no evangelist about anything but if there was one topic I had to do that for it would be the Wim Hof Method, it’s completely changed my life and given me the energy and mindset to tackle massive growth within so many spheres of my life and come out on top. I also quite like the face that Wim is batshit-crazy but in a loveable way and I hope his learnings can get spread further now that there’s scientific proof behind them 💚

[Emily Mellow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Four stars would have been generous for a book that at times gets repetitive, and certainly didn't undergo scrutiny by an impartial editor, but I was tempted. Though it feels a little like joining a cult, I've started doing cold plunging and cold showers, as well as his daily breathing exercise. His evidence is compelling, and of course I'll try anything that promises better sleep and perfect health.
I'm hoping his other book is a little more polished, and less like a series of increasingly esoteric lectures by a cult guru. In the meantime, I'll be chilling in the water or breathing until I'm dizzy on my couch.

[James Biser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of a Northern European man who has learned that occasionally exposing himself to frigid conditions improves his life. He takes cold showers and even lies down naked in the ice. His experiences have been studied by medical professionals and found to be valid. The book is excellent because it is good to learn of the experience from the person who personally discovered it. He considers himself a type of missionary to show the world this new truth.

[Deb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely a listen because you get to hear the man himself. I really liked the ideas, but got so bored and over his stream of consciousness and random anecdotes and philosophies. Just watch one of his YouTube videos if you want to see what he’s like.

So in the end I didn’t finish and borrowed the “wim hof method” book so I can skim the practical steps and details on the breathing and cold plunges.

[Oana Florea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting breathing technique and explanation of baths in cold water, worth trying the method presented, but the book is too long for what it covers, so after half the book repeats the same concepts formulated in other words.


Interesanta tehnica de respiratie si explicatia bailor in apa rece, merita incercata metoda prezentata, insa cartea este prea lunga pentru ceea ce trateaza, de aceea dupa jumatatea cartii se repeta aceleasi concepte formulate cu alte cuvinte.

[Beth Staples · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've got pretty into exploring Wim Hof's method recently, and find some of the studies around it absolutely fascinating! However this book was an odd one. I did generally enjoy it, and parts of it I would have rated a full 5 stars, but overall it was strangely structured, very repetitive, and some of the claims seemed inflated. That being said, he's a pretty incredible and engaging guy, and I think what he stands for is awesome.

[Daniel Mossop · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mean it’s great, very interesting stuff. The guy is mad and has such a fascinating life. It’s uplifting and I think more research should be done into it what he is talking about. I would say he does repeat Himself lot possibly could of done with some editing, however the messages he is giving are always sounds so hearing them more often isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

[Phillip · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a Wim Hof fan but I found this a bit repetitive and a bit patronising in the middle.

It’s very difficult to hear him say that his method would cure diseases which listeners may have or are present in their family.

The beginning and end are very good, but be prepared if anyone in your circle has any ailments or have passed away from disease.

[Agris Fakingsons · Rating 4 out of 5]

..kad iesāku šo klausīties, likās, ka tā ir angļu versija latviskotai grāmatai, jo stāsts jau tas pats vien ir. tomēr šī ir cita grāmata, kaut saturiski tāda pati iedvesmas bomba. bija forši klausīties dullajā autora lasījumā, kas brīžiem bija tik kliedzošs (pamudinošs), ka sagribējās ieiet aukstā dušā. smējos vienmēr, kad viņš teica "elpo, motherfucker", sakot, ka tas ir franciski, ha. | 3,5*

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars is massively generous, mainly because I am following the Wim Hof method, I like his ideas and if this book had a proper editor, it would have been enjoyable. Around 50% of the book needed to be cut. Some sections were just pure waffle and repetition.

[Kris Cuneo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Appreciate the content but a challenging read. Very redundant; however, it does challenge modern thinking and provides validating research and personal narratives. Ready to try the 20 day challenge!

[Luke Wiest · Rating 1 out of 5]

Where was the editor for this book? I listened to the audiobook read by the author. This is like hours and hours of free association. The author repeats himself ad nauseum, not only within chapters but across chapters. This book could have been way shorter.

[Alison Lyons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I follow the Wim Hof breathing and cold exposure protocols, this audiobook was very long and rambling. It was narrated by Wim, which was fun, but the repetition and philosophical tangents made the listener lose focus.

[Jordan Chicano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great audio narrated by Wim Hof himself. TLDR: Breath and Cold Showers daily.

[Lori Bush · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, the method... interesting. The author...a bit arrogant and repetitive.

[Penny O’Loughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love ‘The Method’ -& am trialling it at the moment. 25 days in and it IS addictive.
Wim is so charismatic.
Audiobook got a bit repetitive though.

[Joe Renck · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF Couldn't get through 2 chapters.

[Shona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wim’s voice and personality made this book for me. It was so much to read. No nonsense, facts, real life. Will 💯 read again.

[Blake Gadbury]

2.85

[Reuben Chadwick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't take it anymore.
The rambling is enraging me
I like Wim, just not this book

[Veli-Pekka Suuronen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very difficult to score this one, as listening to Wim speaking was very captivating. This is not a book read by Wim, but actual sessions of him speaking. There were a lot of interesting things, though, some of which I'm a bit doubtful, but he believes in his cause and has a passion that is contagious. Sadly, the speeches were starting to be quite repetitive towards the end and maybe it would have worked better listenig to a session at a time with considerable intervals in between, but the repetition of the themes started to get to me when listening to it for hours at a time.

[Agustin Whittaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!
Listening to the man tell his story is priceless. Don't wanna spoil it but do a favor to yourself and listen to this one.