Kyle Thiermann is a documentarian, writer, and professional big wave surfer. At 18 he created a Youtube series called Surfing for Change with 2.5 million views. The show combines surfing imagery and current global issues to highlight the power of individuals in creating a better world. The first video inspired people to move $110 million out of centralized banks and into local banks and credit unions.

 

He is one of the few surfers sponsored by Patagonia (which started from a cold-email to the founder) and gave a popular Ted Talk in his wetsuit. I brought Kyle on because I wanted to know two things: (1) What does it feel like to drop into a big wave at 20, 30 or 40-feet and (2) How could someone so young accomplish so much?

 

In this episode, we cover Kyle’s story, film making, book recommendations, psychedelics, and his current love — podcasts.