Welcome to "The Naked Truth," a captivating profile series that delves into the intimate world of self-care and bathing habits. Nowadays, it’s more important than ever to carve out moments of tranquility and rejuvenation as we navigate the complexities of modern life. Modern bathroom rituals are more than just practical. They can be deeply personal and therapeutic.
In this series, we embark on a journey of exploration, delving into the rituals, routines, and revelations of individuals behind bathroom doors. Join us as we peel back the layers and uncover the naked truth.
Greg Foley, Creative Director
Today, we’re so excited to welcome Esker’s Creative Director (and Shannon’s husband!), Greg Foley, to share the Naked Truth. The award-winning author-illustrator and former creative director at Visionaire, V Magazine and VMAN is no stranger to the importance of sticking to a process. Whether he’s meticulously designing body tools like the Allover Roller or the Body Plane or strictly adhering to his 20-minute wellness soak, Greg embodies taking time to take care. We sat down to talk through his favorite bathtime rituals and how the bathroom could be everyone's daily sanctuary.
Walk us through your bathing routine.
Q: How do you set up your bath? Temperature, bath salts, bubbles, oils?
A: Our kids almost always require bubbles, foam, or a bath bomb of some sort. If it's just me, I like a deep tub with the temperature really warm – just hot enough to break a sweat. Especially if I'm trying to recover from something like a workout or the flu. And I always like some form of salts as opposed to bubbles or oil.
Q: How long do you typically stay in the tub?
A: Usually I like to stay in a hot tub for at least 20 minutes – to get the full benefit of the soak. If time is an issue I can hop in and out, using way less water. But if I've got all the time in the world to relax, I'll stay until the water cools down.
Q: What’s your favorite form of entertainment in the bath?
A: Once upon a time I'd bring a book or magazine, but nowadays I don't want to worry about keeping my fingers dry, so I'll have my phone handy in case I'm listening to a podcast or in the middle of streaming something. But often I don't end up touching my device, and I just treat floating in the water as it's own form of entertainment.
Q: What is your bathing beverage of choice?
A: A cold can of sparkling water or a mug of herbal tea if I'm really relaxing.
Q: Name a few songs on your perfect bath playlist.
A: This will sound so basic, but I pull up Spotify's "Morning Classical" or "Relaxing Classical" playlists, scroll randomly into them and let it be a mood.
Q: What are your post-bath essentials?
A: After a good hot soak, I'm still perspiring and like to have a large bath sheet (or robe) handy so I can lay and cool down without getting anything wet.
Q: How often do you soak? Are you a religious bather or is it more of a special treat?
A: Regardless of the season I fluctuate between both. There are times when I get in the tub daily, and others that I can only soak when I'm coming down with something.
Let’s dive into the naked truth.
Q: Has working on a bodycare and bath brand impacted your bodycare routine at all? Has Esker made you think differently about self-care as wellness?
A: It has definitely informed me and made me more aware! My wife Shannon is an ideal combination of curious, expert researcher, and crusader. So I pick up a lot of history and info from working on Esker with Shannon.
Q: If you could take a bath anywhere in the world, where would you?
A: Once I had the opportunity to visit a traditional hot spring (onsen) and experience a ryokan outside Tokyo. I'd love to revisit with our family and see the picturesque Kurokawa Onsen.
Q: From what we know about bathing, it seems like you’re a unicorn. A man who bathes. Do you have any ideas on why it seems that men are less likely to take old fashioned baths? Or do we have it all wrong and more men bathe than we think?
A: While I'm more than happy to be a unicorn, I believe there are plenty more men who bathe and appreciate the benefits of hot or cold soaking. For the times I shower I still adopt a "bath attitude" treating it like self-care with my favorite body wash or a shower steamer. Look at it this way – the bathroom could be everyone's daily sanctuary.
