The Kyle Thiermann Show

Sean Jansen is a freelance writer and seasonal wilderness guide in Yellowstone National Park. He’s intense, slightly awkward, and deeply committed to dancing with the more raw frequencies of human experience. I love this guy. During his off-season from guiding, he partakes in a litany of expeditions from thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail to his recent trip, standup paddling more than 1,000 miles down the Baja Peninsula of Mexico. Through recovery from alcoholism, he has moved into a van and spends his time flying fishing trout streams, training for ultra-marathons, and searching the coast for unsurfed waves. With a passion for wilderness and wild places, he often takes his pen and paper on trips and finds ways that the outdoor recreation activities he loves can give back to conservation and environmental areas in need. Follow him on Instagram and read his new book, Paddling with Porpoise.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. My first book, ONE LAST QUESTION BEFORE YOU GO, is available to order today. Get full access to Kyle Thiermann at thiermann.substack.com/subscribe

Mike Schlebach, a South African big-wave surfer and coastal activist, shares thrilling tales from his surfing roots in Kommetjie to the unpredictable waves at Dungeons. He discusses the serious environmental threats posed by diamond mining along the West Coast and his efforts with Protect the West Coast to defend local communities and ecosystems. Mike reflects on the camaraderie within the big-wave surfing community and explores innovative solutions like algae farming, showcasing the intersection of sport and environmental activism.

Join Jess Grose, an opinion writer for The New York Times and author, as she dives into the complexities of parenting in the digital age. Explore how youth sports are turning into a pay-to-play system and the importance of public access for all. Jess emphasizes the necessity of unstructured play for kids and warns about the potential downsides of AI chatbots on resilience. With her insights on fostering independence, the value of a good editor, and the decline of organized religion, this conversation is both thought-provoking and enlightening.

Chris Buroughs, the director of Garden 31, shares his inspiring journey from 14 years in prison to empowering formerly incarcerated individuals through community gardening. He discusses his recent weight loss and endurance training, even recounting his experience running a marathon behind bars. Chris highlights the importance of personal stories, the role of community in fostering change, and how gardening can engage youth in juvenile detention. He also dives into the therapeutic aspects of faith and shares his passion for growing medicinal plants.

Bianca Valenti, an award-winning big wave surfer and advocate for equal pay in surfing, shares her inspiring journey from childhood surfer to a Mavericks champion. She discusses the intense mindset required for big-wave surfing, including a near-death experience that fueled her commitment to training. Bianca reveals the power of spirit animals in enhancing focus during challenging surf conditions and talks about channeling emotions constructively to prevent burnout. She also details her surf longevity coaching program, aiming for sustainable success in the sport.

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.

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.