Environmental activist and big wave surfer Kyle Thiermann joins the podcast to discuss topics such as organizing the Motherfucker Awards, sobriety and reflections on aging, the song 'Breadcrumbs' by Amongster, their lack of knowledge in popular culture, exploring arranged marriages and mail order brides, choosing a path and making decisions, and the difference between surfing big waves and small waves.
Experiencing different cultures may lead to a perpetual sense of what's missing, hindering contentment.
Living in confinement during the pandemic emphasized the importance of confining oneself to a craft and how limitations can lead to personal growth.
Taking risks and embracing new experiences without seeking perfection can lead to countless compatible possibilities in life.
Deep dives
Living in the Moment and Appreciating the Journey
Surfing big waves gives a feeling of velocity and excitement that makes smaller waves less appealing. The experience of riding perfect waves can ruin the enjoyment of lesser waves for a while. However, living in Los Angeles and being exposed to diverse cultures and industries has provided a broader perspective and appreciation for the surfing experience.
The Power of Confinement and Focus
The COVID-19 pandemic and the confinement it brought allowed for a deep focus on practicing and honing skills. Living in an RV and writing extensively during this time led to new opportunities and the decision to move to LA. The experience emphasized the importance of confining oneself to a craft and how limitations can lead to personal growth.
The Trade-Off of Broadening Perspectives
While broadening perspectives by experiencing different worlds is enriching, it can also have its drawbacks. Constant exposure to diverse cultures and experiences may lead to a perpetual sense of what's missing in any given place, potentially hindering contentment.
The Power of Camaraderie and Connection
The speaker highlights the incredible feeling of camaraderie and connection that comes from shared experiences with others. They describe the exhilaration and fear of surfing massive waves alongside friends from around the world. Afterward, they all gather at a surfers bar, feeling a deep sense of connection and love for these individuals they barely know. The speaker reflects on the rarity of such a profound bond in modern society, comparing it to the deep connections formed in experiences like war or firefighting.
Choosing a Path and Embracing Opportunities
The discussion explores the significance of choosing a path in life and the fear of making wrong decisions. The speaker emphasizes the importance of embracing new experiences without overthinking or constantly seeking perfection. They mention that often, the idea of finding the perfect individual or situation is overrated, as there are countless compatible possibilities in life. The speaker encourages young people to take risks, make choices, and trust that the world will provide opportunities and support along the way.
You know this guy. Big wave surfer, environmental activist, co-creator of the Motherfucker Awards, world traveler, standup comic, beet taco pusher, driveway squatter and as close to a son as I’ll ever get … the one and only Kyle Barrett Thiermann. This is the first part of a two-part conversation recorded a few weeks ago. We were so much younger then…. …
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