Eight years ago, I embarked on a journey to explore an emerging industry and potential new career path. I was depressed and unfulfilled in my current situation, but floatation therapy was helping me gain the perspective needed to see what wasn’t working and a clarity that lead to prioritizing what was: a return to athletic competition, committing to my blooming yoga practice and spending more down time around my home.
In 2015 with goals set, I headed to Portland, OR for the annual Float Conference followed by an apprenticeship at a leading float center. A week later and goals exceeded, I returned home inspired by everything I learned and the amazing float community I met.
Then six years ago today (August 21, 2017) while the rest of the world was focused on the solar eclipse, we held the grand opening party for Float8 Deerfield Beach.
And today as I head home from Louisville, KY and my 9th Float Conference, that inspiration is still strong as I beam with excitement and anticipation as we near the opening of our 5th location in Delray Beach…and finally having a float tank convenient to me.
And although I walk this path of improving my community in honor of my mother and brother as well as all those who have supported me along the way, I’m happy to be living “the life that my own soul wants to live.”
I shared this podcast link earlier but took it down as I realized the significance of what this public conversation means to me.
My buddy Justin invited me on his podcast, and I obliged mostly because my affinity for “yes” but also because I’m growing more comfortable telling my story.
Today’s release is fitting as it’s also my late brother Ryan’s birthday (4/17). He would have been 42, and it’s hard to believe that it’s been eight years since his passing.
I planned to go fishing with my dad, but I spent the day installing float tanks into the new Float8 Delray Beach location. Although I missed seeing my dad, pursuing the Float8 mission is very much in Ryan’s honor therefore a fitting way to spend the day.
Those that know me well have probably heard most of what I said, but I also shared things that I’ve never said aloud before. Justin facilitated the most clear and concise telling of parts of my life that I don’t generally talk about.
Beyond the basics of floating, I discuss being an entrepreneur and the systems and community that support me. I also discuss family loss, my relationship with my father and a little about Destiny. What’s my death row meal? Find out!
I usually listen to podcasts while doing construction work, but I spent the busy day after listening to this one reflecting instead. In the moment, I was proud that I got through the interview without crying. A feat that wouldn’t have been possible not that long ago. I was not as successful during the listen.
I lost sleep the night before the interview and again last night knowing it would be shared with the world today. I have never enjoyed being in the spotlight and honestly don’t really like myself a lot of the time. Part of me thinks that you would find this hard to believe but another part suspects that a lot of you probably struggle with similar sentiments about yourselves. Jah bless those of you who don’t.
Although I dreaded listening to it, my biggest takeaway was that I actually liked the guy telling his story, and that feels pretty damn good.
If you care to learn more about me, my episode of The Justin Himmelbaum Show can be found on all streaming platforms and is linked in my bio.
Mother’s Day hits different for everyone.
For some, it’s all love and celebration.
For others, it’s layered: grief, gratitude, love, absence - and sometimes guilt or even resentment - maybe all at once.
Wherever you fall on that spectrum today, just know we see you, and we’re sending love your way 💙🧡🩵
This is my 22nd Mother’s Day without my mom (but who’s counting 😉).
She wasn’t here when Float8 came into my life, but in a lot of ways, she’s still the reason it exists.
She shaped who I am.
And through a bit of financial legacy, she helped make this possible.
But here’s the part I don’t talk about much…
It wasn’t until I found floating - about 10 years after she passed - that I finally slowed down enough to actually process it.
My healing didn’t really start until then.
That’s a big part of why this matters so much to me.
And why being in the center today, facilitating floats, is how I stay connected to her.
Because I know what it’s like to carry something for a long time without even realizing how much it’s still there.
And I know what it feels like to finally exhale.
I’ll be sharing a couple old photos of us today. Grateful for her. Always.
To the moms, thank you.
To those missing their moms, I’m right there with you.
And to anyone needing a little extra care today…consider this your reminder to take it.
If you want a peaceful reset, we might still have a couple floats open today.
And our Mother’s Day gift card special wraps up tonight.
Either way, sending Float8 vibes your way today.
💙🧡🩵
-Matt
Is anyone else as into Star Wars as me right now?
This Clone Wars arc with Yoda…
Maul: Shadow Lord finale tonight…
and The Mandalorian & Grogu hits theaters in a couple weeks.
Good time to be a fan.
One scene that floored me when I first saw it:
Deep in Clone Wars season 6, ~120 episodes into the series, Yoda uses a sensory deprivation chamber to quiet everything, go inward, and get clarity before a big decision.
Not exactly your typical Jedi move...but it makes a lot of sense.
When you remove the noise, things get clearer.
That’s the whole idea behind floating.
🎥 Yoda floating scene and
🫅Mother's Day Special links in bio
If you've never floated before and are ready to give it a try, shoot me/Float8 a DM, and we'll give you a galactic deal.
May the Force Be With You
-Matt & the Float8 Team8s
#MayThe4th #StarWars #Float8 #SensoryDeprivation #MothersDay #SelfCare #RelaxReset
Is anyone else as into Star Wars as me right now?
This Clone Wars arc with Yoda…
Maul: Shadow Lord finale tonight…
and The Mandalorian & Grogu hits theaters in a couple weeks.
Good time to be a fan.
One scene that floored me when I first saw it:
Deep in Clone Wars season 6, ~120 episodes into the series, Yoda uses a sensory deprivation chamber to quiet everything, go inward, and get clarity before a big decision.
Not exactly your typical Jedi move...but it makes a lot of sense.
When you remove the noise, things get clearer.
That’s the whole idea behind floating.
🎥 Yoda floating scene and
🫅Mother's Day Special links in bio
If you've never floated before and are ready to give it a try, shoot me/Float8 a DM, and we'll give you a galactic deal.
May the Force Be With You
-Matt & the Float8 Team8s
#MayThe4th #StarWars #Float8 #SensoryDeprivation #MothersDay #SelfCare #RelaxReset
@mattyblp of @float8ion is our Content and Education chair and also one of of the incredible folks planning the content for the Float Conference this year. One of our keynote speakers is Dr. Abby Morris of @mauicalm , former director of @iaffofficial . You can meet her tonight during our public webinar at 6 pm Eastern.
Link to join in bio! Don’t miss this one.
See her presentation at Float Conference in Norfolk, get your tickets today. 🌊
#floatconference #internationalfirefighters #floattherapy #internationalfirefightersassociation #ptsdawareness
Valentine’s Day is about connection — and that doesn’t have to mean material gifts or complex plans.
This season, give an experience that actually feels good.
✨ Buy 1 float, get the 2nd 50% off
✨ All float durations included (60-minute floats featured)
✨ Float together/same time, gift it, or use both for yourself
Most guests arrive together, float in their own private rooms, and reconnect afterward in the lounge. At select locations, XL Cabins are available for those who prefer to float side-by-side.
Valentine’s week is one of our busiest times of year, so booking early helps ensure your date unfolds just the way you imagine it. Floats are valid for 90 days, so there’s plenty of flexibility too.
Stillness > stuff
Presence > pressure
🌊 Book now through the link in bio
#FloatWithYourValentine #Float8 #ValentinesDayWellness #GiftAnExperience #SelfCareSeason #FloatTherapy #DelrayBeach #FortLauderdale #Orlando
This was hard.
Harder than we knew how to express at first given so much uncertainty.
A battery fire caused us to close #Float8FTL for nearly 3 weeks.
We paused memberships, cleaned, rebuilt and tried to just keep moving forward.
It took a toll - mentally, physically, spiritually...financially.
But we’re now back open and have some bandwidth to reflect.
And ask for help.
If floating/Float8 has had a positive affect on you, we’d be beyond grateful for your support as we continue our recovery.
We know it's a tight financial time for many so no pressure at all, but no contribution is too small.
If you have the means and feel inspired to do so, please consider purchasing a package/gift card, making a don8ion or contributing to our GoFundMe.
💧 Links in bio
We all float on.
What an incredible few days of making connections in the wellness industry, learning, and sharing about all things float. 🌊 stay salty.
#STAcon #staconlive #staconlive2025 #fta #floattherapy #wellness #smallbusinesssupport #floatcommunity
Our board member @mattyblp (Matt Beck) of @float8ion , is representing the FTA at STAcon hosted by @salttherapyassn in Orlando, FL. Building community and connections at events like these is one way we help our industry to thrive. 🧂
#staconlive #fta #industryexperts #buildingconnections #floattanks #wellness
