Kennedy Saves the World: "Writing the Wave: A Former Speech Writer's Journey Learning to Surf"

Episode Release Date: July 9, 2025
Host: FOX News Podcasts - Kennedy
Guest: David Litt, Former Obama Speechwriter and Author of It's Only Drowning

Introduction to David Litt and His Book

The episode kicks off with Kennedy introducing David Litt and his book, It's Only Drowning. David, a former speechwriter for President Obama, discusses his transition from the high-pressure world of political writing to the serene yet challenging practice of surfing.

Kennedy (00:10): "It's Only Drowning by David Litt. And if you need a summer book to read, get this immediately. And if you don't again, I will find you."

David Litt (00:28): "This book is so much fun to read. I didn't want to put it down. I don't say that about everything. But I enjoyed myself and I was laughing out loud because it's such an improbable story."

Pandemic Reflections and the Shift to Surfing

David delves into his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting how initial moments of fun and relaxation gave way to pervasive anxiety. Working from home became both a blessing and a challenge, leading him to seek new avenues for personal growth.

Kennedy (01:23): "You were gripped with this kind of culturally shared anxiety that people went through during the pandemic. And you had such a great description of it."

David Litt (02:06): "It was both the physical lockdown and the moment where it felt like no matter what your ambitions were in life, someone slammed the brakes on them."

Feeling the need for change, David credits his brother-in-law, Matt, for inspiring him to take up surfing—a decision that would become the cornerstone of his book.

The Influence of Matt and Overcoming Judgments

The relationship between David and Matt is central to the narrative. Matt, portrayed as a "judgmental egghead" turned responsible surfer, serves as both a catalyst and a mentor for David's surfing journey. Kennedy humorously describes Matt, setting the stage for their dynamic.

Kennedy (04:35): "Matt sounds like the funnest stoner bro in the world that you would totally want to party with."

David Litt (05:00): "I realized, Matt knows something about the world that I don't. There's something here that I can learn from people."

This mentorship challenges David's preconceptions and pushes him out of his comfort zone, fostering personal growth and resilience.

Learning to Surf: Challenges and Triumphs

David recounts the steep learning curve associated with surfing, especially as an adult. He emphasizes the physical and mental hurdles, from the initial embarrassment of falling to the profound satisfaction of catching a wave.

David Litt (10:15): "I want to go out and get your ass kicked. It sucks. And you have to pay your dues."

Kennedy relates to this struggle, drawing parallels between surfing and breaking free from societal pressures. Together, they explore how overcoming these challenges can lead to transformative experiences.

Surfing as a Metaphor for Bridging Political and Social Divides

A significant portion of the conversation intertwines surfing with broader societal issues. David and Kennedy discuss how the inclusive and diverse nature of the surfing community can serve as a bridge across political and cultural divides.

David Litt (22:08): "There's something about surfing that transcends geopolitics and brings people together who are on opposite sides of a military conflict."

Kennedy (26:48): "Surprisingly, it allows you to overcome fear and fosters a sense of community beyond political affiliations."

They highlight personal anecdotes, such as meeting renowned surfer Kelly Slater, to illustrate the universal language of surfing that can unite disparate individuals.

Navigating Social Bubbles and Prejudgments

The duo delves into the challenges posed by living in social bubbles, especially exacerbated by the pandemic. They discuss how outward signs—like stickers on a truck—can lead to misplaced judgments and reinforce societal divisions.

David Litt (07:52): "If you follow certain people on social media, that means you're an alt. Nutjob. And if you have a Bernie Sanders sticker on your Volvo, you probably wouldn't be that fun at a barbecue."

Kennedy (08:51): "That's a great point."

This segment underscores the importance of looking beyond superficial indicators to understand and appreciate individual differences.

Personal Growth and Finding Common Ground

As the conversation progresses, both hosts reflect on personal growth. David shares how surfing has not only been a physical endeavor but also a journey towards understanding diverse perspectives and fostering empathy.

David Litt (28:10): "Life is more fun. Life is short. You might as well live it the best possible way."

Kennedy (28:58): "There are so much more that we have in common. It doesn't matter how much money you have or where you were born. Being a parent showed me that universal truth."

They advocate for finding commonalities despite differing viewpoints, emphasizing that personal connections can transcend political disagreements.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey and Looking Forward

Wrapping up the episode, Kennedy and David share lighter moments, including humorous exchanges about surfing mishaps and the camaraderie forged through shared challenges. David expresses gratitude for the experience and the insights gained through both writing his book and participating in the podcast.

Kennedy (41:43): "In its entirety, It's Only Drowning is highly recommended for anyone seeking an inspiring summer read that might even lead you to pick up a surfboard."

David Litt (41:54): "Thank you for having me. This was so much fun."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Kennedy (00:10): "If you need a summer book to read, get this immediately. And if you don't again, I will find you."

• David Litt (02:06): "No matter what your ambitions were in life, someone slammed the brakes on them."

• Kenedy (04:35): "Matt sounds like the funnest stoner bro in the world that you would totally want to party with."

• David Litt (10:15): "I want to go out and get your ass kicked. It sucks. And you have to pay your dues."

• David Litt (22:08): "There's something about surfing that transcends geopolitics and brings people together who are on opposite sides of a military conflict."

• David Litt (28:10): "Life is more fun. Life is short. You might as well live it the best possible way."

Final Thoughts

Kennedy Saves the World masterfully blends personal storytelling with broader societal reflections. David Litt's journey from a high-stress career in political speechwriting to embracing the challenges of surfing offers listeners both inspiration and a poignant commentary on overcoming personal and societal barriers. The episode serves as a testament to the power of stepping outside one's comfort zone and finding common ground in unexpected places.