The Kyle Thiermann Show

Greg Long is the most decorated big wave surfer in history. With 2 Big Wave World Titles and his name etched atop the podium at nearly every big wave contest around the globe, Long has experienced more moods of the ocean than just about any living human today. These days, the 41-year-old is focused on reducing needless ocean deaths through the Big Wave Risk Assessment Group (BWRAG), a course focused on high-surf risk management, covering detailed scenario analysis, breath-hold techniques, CPR/AED certification, open-ocean first-responder techniques, and hands-on equipment education. Although this course is taught by top pros in the sport, the techniques are applicable to all-level surfers. As Long says, “Whether your big wave is 2 feet or 20 feet, this course will have something for you.” I will be at the summit in Hermosa Beach on September 20th-21st, and right now, all listeners of this podcast can get $100 off the course by typing in KYLE100 at checkout. Hope to see you there!If you dig this podcast, will you please leave a short review on Apple Podcasts? It takes less than 60 seconds and makes a difference when I drop to my knees and beg hard-to-get guests on the show. I read them all. You can watch this podcast on my YouTube channel and join my newsletter on Substack. It’s glorious. Get full access to Kyle Thiermann at thiermann.substack.com/subscribe

Although his comedic talents span the range of current events across the political spectrum, Brent Pella hit the cultural version of a nuclear reactor when he started writing jokes about new age spirituality, conspiracy theories, and human optimization. His videos have gained 500M+ views online, and he was recently named a "Creator to Watch" by the New York Comedy Festival. His debut comedy special, “Conscious Bro” is live on YouTube now. In this conversation, we dove into Brent’s past. He told the story of his first open mic, rapping at UC Santa Barbara, and why, despite the devil on his shoulder, he feels politically homeless. This one originally went live a few months back, and I figured it was worth a repost. If you dig this podcast, will you please leave a short review on Apple Podcasts? It takes less than 60 seconds and makes a difference when I drop to my knees and beg hard-to-get guests on the show. I read them all. You can watch this podcast on my YouTube channel and join my newsletter on Substack. It’s glorious. Get full access to Kyle Thiermann at thiermann.substack.com/subscribe

Recorded north of the border, this episode with my pal Charlie Hart covers the ins and outs of throwing a party, upping your ancient philosophy game in 2025, and why, if you're starting a company, you should never try to build a cult, instead just be the Kool-Aid. At age 24, he became the 10th employee at RXBAR, the protein bar company known for its clean branding and "No BS" campaigns. Hart quickly rose to lead the brand’s marketing and growth, helping guide the company to a $600m exit before his 30th birthday. After traveling the world, Hart founded Sign and Sapien - an agency specializing in advising and investing for early and mid-stage companies and joined Factor75 as Chief Marketing Officer, where he steered the company towards a ~$300m exit. Today, he works as the Chef Marketing Officer for entertainer and entrepreneur Rob Dyrdek, managing and growing his media verticals and portfolio companies. Charlie doesn't have Instagram, but you can reach him at his email: thisischarliehart@gmail.com or follow him on LinkedIn. If you dig this podcast, will you please leave a short review on Apple Podcasts? It takes less than 60 seconds and makes a difference when I drop to my knees and beg hard-to-get guests on the show. I read them all. You can watch this podcast on my YouTube channel and join my newsletter on Substack. It’s glorious. Get full access to Kyle Thiermann at thiermann.substack.com/subscribe

In this conversation with Charles Duhigg, the bestselling author of The Power of Habit and Smarter Faster Better, listeners dive into the fascinating world of habits and communication. Duhigg shares insights into transforming personal habits, like waking up for early morning surf sessions. He explores the power of humor in enhancing connections and offers practical strategies for navigating tough family conversations. Along the way, he reflects on his journey from business to authorship, highlighting the importance of storytelling and genuine engagement.

Chris Keener is a master storyteller who helps brands translate their objectives into entertainment. Former Creative Director of MUD\WTR and Producer for outfits like National Geographic, Discovery Channel, PBS, ESPN, and the Travel Channel, Chris' film accolades span far deeper than this little bio has room for. But the dude knows his shit. Chris is also the founder of Goldenair Breathwork, which facilitates transformative experiences by connecting people to the power of their breath. He conducts workshops for clients like Salesforce, Soho House, Alo Yoga, and Penn University, while also working in prisons and with the underserved. This was Chris' fourth time on the podcast, so it was more of a friendly catch-up. We talked in detail about his home-purchase-from-hell, and how to emotionally handle the massive stressors that can come with buying a home that started to crumble the moment he signed on the dotted line. Go to Goldenair to breathe. If you dig this podcast, will you please leave a short review on Apple Podcasts? It takes less than 60 seconds and makes a difference when I drop to my knees and beg hard-to-get guests on the show. I read them all. You can watch this podcast on my YouTube channel and join my newsletter on Substack. It’s glorious. Get full access to Kyle Thiermann at thiermann.substack.com/subscribe

Kiana Reeves, a Certified Somatic Sex Educator and Full Spectrum Doula, dives into the realms of love, sex, and spirituality. She candidly discusses the journey of sexual awakening, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and authentic connections. Kiana also explores navigating intimacy, the significance of open communication, and the complexities surrounding female pleasure, especially post-childbirth. With a humorous touch, she addresses societal pressures and insecurities, promoting emotional resilience and healthy relationships.

Chris Douglas, a California-based endurance coach and elite triathlete, dives into the exhilarating world of SwimRun. He shares his personal transformation from injury to national champion and the unique challenges of partnering in this niche sport. Chris emphasizes the vital role of gut training for endurance and the importance of teamwork during races. Listeners will be captivated by his stories of camaraderie and resilience, while gaining insights on preparing both mentally and physically for the thrilling ÖTILLÖ SwimRun events.

Chris Burkard, an acclaimed photographer known for his breathtaking landscapes, discusses the intersection of creativity and personal growth. He shares insights about the evolution of surf photography and the importance of authentic connections. Diving into the impact of psychedelics, Burkard reveals how they’ve informed his journey through parenthood and his artistic identity. He also reflects on a transformative darkness retreat that emphasized self-discovery and vulnerability. His passionate advocacy for nature underscores the need for deeper connections with the world.

Derek Sivers, an author and former musician known for his quirky insights, dives into the essence of courage and the value of asking bold questions. He reflects on his noble decision to donate $22 million from his business sale to charity, emphasizing the release from chasing status. Their conversation explores the importance of genuine communication in relationships, the transformative power of confronting fears, and the joy derived from unexpected passions like ping pong, all while navigating the fluid nature of self-identity.

Hailing from Half Moon Bay, California, August Howell grew up surfing up and down the state’s northern coast. He studied journalism at the University of Oregon and was a reporter for his hometown newspaper, the Half Moon Bay Review, for nearly five years. But he was raised on a diet of surf magazines, and surfing (and writing about it) remains his passion. He has written about teenagers at Maverick’s, shark researchers in the Farallon Islands, the nuances of big-wave guns, and is a staff writer for SURFER Magazine. In this podcast, we talk about the importance of physical magazines to consume information and preserve surf culture. If you dig this podcast, will you please leave a short review on Apple Podcasts? It takes less than 60 seconds and makes a difference when I drop to my knees and beg hard-to-get guests on the show. I read them all. You can watch this podcast on my YouTube channel and join my newsletter on Substack. It’s glorious. Get full access to Kyle Thiermann at thiermann.substack.com/subscribe