Outside Podcast Surfing The Waves Of The American Culture War, with David Litt
Jul 2, 2025
David Litt, a former senior speechwriter for Obama and bestselling author, shares his amusing journey of learning to surf during the pandemic. He recounts his chaotic lessons alongside his contrasting brother-in-law, sparking unexpected camaraderie despite their differences. The conversation explores how surfing serves as a lens for understanding cultural divides, emphasizes the importance of embracing fear for personal growth, and highlights the power of dialogue in bridging divides through joy and shared experiences.
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Wipeouts as Life Lessons
- David applied surfing's lesson that every wipeout makes you better to everyday life challenges.
- This mindset helped him see progress in writing and other parts of life, boosting his overall growth.
Terrifying Hurricane Swell Experience
- David Litt describes the harrowing experience of being pummeled by a six-foot wave during a hurricane swell while learning to surf.
- He experienced a terrifying hold-down where he was trapped under water and unable to breathe, highlighting the physical and mental challenge of surfing.
Embrace Public Embarrassment
- Embrace looking foolish and take satisfaction in trying new challenges.
- Persisting despite public embarrassment builds courage and improves performance over time.
