The Kyle Thiermann Show #395 Obama Speechwriter (& Surfer) - David Litt
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Sep 19, 2025 
David Litt, a former senior speechwriter for Barack Obama, shares his unique experiences blending politics and surfing. He discusses his comedic writing process, illustrating the fine line between humor and heartfelt messaging. Litt dives into the intense editing required for his memoir, 'It’s Only Drowning,' reflecting on how surfing became a central theme alongside an unlikely friendship. He also explores the challenges of pushing back against powerful leaders in speechwriting and the joy of connecting with readers on his book tour.
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Secret Surfing That Sparked A Friendship
- David started surfing secretly and only told his brother-in later because he felt ashamed of being a novice.
- He then surfed with Matt to avoid dying and their friendship became central to the book.
Find The Strongest Story Thread
- During revision David and his editor discovered three concurrent stories and focused on the friendship arc as the most compelling.
- Framing a memoir around relationship dynamics improved its narrative cohesion.
Capture Surf Sessions With Voice Memos
- Record voice memos immediately after surf sessions to capture sensory detail and raw emotions.
- Transcribe those memos later and use them as the basis for vivid, accurate writing.
