One Last Question Before You Go

Why You Should Interview Your Parents

By: Kyle Thiermann

Narrated by: Kyle Thiermann

How well do you know your parents? Really.

Kyle Thiermann’s dad once bought a hot-air balloon off a hitchhiker. His mom and stepdad are trying to spread a conspiracy theory. Now, with his first book, Kyle wanders the American West—through rich redwood forests, seedy surf culture, and a 1997 RV with teal carpet interior—to probe how asking the right questions can change a relationship.

Blending witty narrative with practical advice and twenty-seven bold questions, the popular podcast host and pro big wave surfer shows that interviewing our parents can create way more than digital family heirlooms. It can reframe the way we see each other.

One Last Question Before You Go is part story, part strategy—and entirely unexpected.

©2025 Kyle Thiermann (P)2025 Kyle Thiermann

The honesty

Amazing book, great writing, interesting stories. Thank you for the entertainment. Very Witty, and the added interviews make you really feel like you know the characters.

Loved it!

This is so much more than just a "how to interview your parents" book. Even if you never want to interview your parents, you will learn more effective ways to talk to anybody in your life.

The chapters are bite sized, engaging, and thought provoking. Personally, a lot of the book was relatable and very validating to hear someone put words to. I think a lot of us millennials (or thereabouts) will relate to a lot of the stories Kyle shares. He does a great job being vulnerable, while not being naive; accepting but not endorsing; seeing the nuance but not getting lost in the weeds.

If you have anyone in your life that you wish you could understand better, including yourself, you won't regret this one. Whether you are best friends with your parents, or haven't spoken to them in years, you won't be disappointed by this book. I hope to see more books from Kyle in the future.