Big Questions with Cal Fussman
Society & Culture
About
As a bestselling author, speaker and one of the greatest interviewers of this generation, Cal Fussman has sat down with some of the world's most influential individuals: Muhammad Ali, Mikhail Gorbachev, Serena Williams, Jeff Bezos, Jack Welch, John Wooden, Al Pacino and hundreds of others, digging deep into their hearts and delivering their wisdom to the rest of the world. Now, in Big Questions, Cal continues his journey. Uncovering the heart, head, and soul of his guests in thoughtful, deep and entertaining conversations.
Episodes
- Old School Rules, New Age Tools.
Cal Fussman discusses the evolution of work, exploring how to best utilize human capabilities alongside AI. The episode features Jamie Metzl on writing a book with AI and Charles Gaudet on the future of job applications with AI agents.
- The Man Who Wanted to Live Forever . . . And The $3 AI That Might Let Him
Cal Fussman interviews Larry King Jr. about a Chinese company offering digital resurrection for $3, exploring the preservation of life through stories and voice, Larry King Sr.
- He Could Be Golfing. Instead, He's Upgrading Your Brain.
Neuroscientist Dr. David Bach explains how artificial intelligence can be utilized to improve cognitive abilities, such as thinking speed, learning capacity, and memory retention. The discussion explores AI's potential to help individuals…
- The Stranger Inside of You
In this episode of Big Questions, Cal Fussman talks with Claude, an AI from Anthropic, about consciousness, memory, gut intelligence, and the brain's activity during idle moments. They also touch upon a Michigan native's impact on the digi…
- What? A Cowgarithm?????
Cal Fussman recounts a personal experience involving a Montana snowstorm and cattle drives, which leads to the discovery of "Cowgorithms," an AI technology used to guide cows. This prompts a late-night experiment with AI.
- The Theater That Taught Me How To Survive AI
Cal Fussman’s theater visit unexpectedly led to insights about the future of work and AI. He found that adaptability, connected through a story involving Super Mario and Mario Segale, is key to thriving in the face of technological change.
- Founder vs. Cancer: A Real-Life Hail Mary
Cal Fussman discusses how tech founder Sid Sijbrandij applied an open-source, data-driven approach to treat his rare, aggressive cancer. The episode explores the parallels between survival in the age of technology and adapting to life-alte…
- Who Buys the Future If AI Takes Your Job?
This episode of Big Questions with Cal Fussman addresses the potential economic consequences of widespread AI automation, specifically questioning consumer demand if humans cease to earn incomes. It touches on Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's vie…
- Ryan Gosling At Work In The Age Of AI
Cal Fussman uses Ryan Gosling's role in a movie, where the character must use his skills to save the universe despite memory loss, as a metaphor for how humans need to adapt and find their best qualities to navigate work in the age of AI.
- Beating The Airport Security Lines
Cal Fussman shares a method for transforming airport security wait times into productive periods. This approach is illustrated by scenarios involving TSA operations and the potential for creating significant work, like a bestseller, during…
- A Tale Of Two Futures
Gary Vaynerchuk predicts that increasingly automated workplaces will elevate the value of human connection and brands. Conversely, Citrini Research forecasts that AI agents could perform high-value jobs at a fraction of the cost, potential…
- The Asset AI Can't Create
This episode features Cal Fussman reading an article that analyzes Bill Gates' significant investment in farmland. It explores the idea that land, as a finite resource, represents a critical asset in an economy increasingly shaped by AI.
- Something Big Is Happening
Cal Fussman reads aloud an article by Matt Shumer titled "Something Big Is Happening," which discusses the personal implications of AI on jobs, family, and the future. The article has gained significant online attention.
- Mike Tyson's Most Unexpected Knockout
The Super Bowl ads featured artificial intelligence, but Mike Tyson's simple ad promoting discipline stood out. The episode questions if human restraint, not AI, will be the most disruptive force in 2026.
- Getting To The Top Of The World
In "Getting To The Top Of The World," Alex Honnold
- Weathermen & The Storms
Cal Fussman reflects on the unpredictable nature of storms and forecasts, inspired by Larry King's observation about weathermen. He shares a personal experience during a winter storm where the forecast differed from reality, leading him to…
- Walking With The Monks
Cal Fussman recounts meeting monks on their peace walk from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C. He contemplates Martin Luther King Jr.'s possible perspective on the significant American turnout in support of the monks' endeavor.
- An 18 Year Old Just Showed Us The Future
A high school student named Matteo Paz utilized AI and old NASA data to identify 1.5 million previously unknown objects in space, including exoplanets. The episode also touches on AI's ability to predict 130 diseases from sleep data and th…
- Play It Forward | 2026
Travis Jennings and a group of friends developed the company Besitos, which links the $60 billion video game industry to philanthropy by matching gamers' winnings with donations to the American Cancer Society.
- The Year A Genius Couldn't Keep Up
A highly accomplished individual in the field of artificial intelligence, recognized by Time Magazine and involved with OpenAI and Tesla, experienced a profound sense of falling behind due to rapid programming advancements. This realizatio…
- The First Job – After AI
Cal Fussman reflects on how entry-level jobs can provide crucial mentorship and shape young people's lives. He considers the potential impact of AI eliminating these jobs, erasing not just work but also the quiet bonds that build confidenc…
- The AI Argument: 2026
This episode explores the diverging viewpoints on artificial intelligence's future, with some anticipating it will solve global challenges and others fearing existential risks.
- Cal Finds His Destiny
Cal Fussman returns to Tampa's Ybor City and visits the Columbia Restaurant, honoring Ferdie Pacheco, Muhammad Ali's doctor. The disappearance of Pacheco's painting near the restaurant's kitchen leads to an unexpected revelation.
- AI Job Advice: Look Back, Leap Forward
Cal Fussman proposes that reflecting on early life experiences, rather than attempting to forecast the future of AI and job markets, can reveal an individual's true career path. He argues that moments from childhood can guide professional…
- Till Tech Do Us Part
This episode of Big Questions with Cal Fussman delves into the complex topic of human-AI relationships, spurred by news of a Japanese woman marrying an AI bot. It examines the potential future legal and social questions, such as AI alimony…
- Boredom Never Stood A Chance
Cal Fussman shares his life philosophy on his 69th birthday, emphasizing a lifelong commitment to avoiding boredom. He identifies curiosity as the key to overcoming boredom.
- Your Best Thanksgiving
Cal Fussman reflects on childhood hunger in Tampa Bay, a city that seems prosperous. He shares statistics that highlight how even small contributions can make a significant difference, potentially leading to a better Thanksgiving for many.
- Turning Fandom Into Family
Cal Fussman discusses the intergenerational connection forged through sports fandom, using examples like Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Dodgers to illustrate how sports transmit identity, loyalty, and love across family lines.
- Your Future Life: When Love Outlives Death
Following Suzanne Somers' passing, her husband created an AI replica in her likeness and voice. Host Cal Fussman discusses this as a potential method for coping with grief or as a form of evolution, questioning the possibility of preservin…
- Johnny Depp, Hemingway, And The Question That Changes
Cal Fussman reflects on a conversation with Johnny Depp and Ernest Hemingway's experiences following a plane crash, after encountering a book of profound questions.
- The Future Of Policing Has Four Wheels – And No Cops
The Big Questions with Cal Fussman episode 'The Future Of Policing Has Four Wheels – And No Cops' discusses the new self-driving police van unveiled by Miami-Dade. Cal Fussman explores the potential of this technology in law enforcement an…
- Sam Altman Shoplifting & Other Strange Sights
The episode discusses a viral video of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shoplifting at Target, questioning our trust in perception amidst advancements in biotech, AI, and deepfakes. It explores whether we are entering a reality where nothing is real…
- Don't Be 1 in 93
The episode 'Don't Be 1 in 93' on the podcast Big Questions with Cal Fussman addresses the statistic that approximately 1 in 93 Americans die in car accidents. Host Cal Fussman shares his personal experience of a severe car crash and discu…
- Turbulence, Tranquility & Central Park
Cal Fussman reflects on the concept of historical cycles of crisis and institutional collapse as presented in 'The Fourth Turning Is Here.' He then contrasts this with his observations of the natural order and tranquility found within Cent…
- April 20, 1999, September 10, 2025, And The Future
The episode revisits April 20, 1999, described as a day etched in memory, and September 10, 2025, which is fresh in the headlines. Cal Fussman connects these dates through a shared, undesirable thread and considers their implications for t…
- Great Advice From George Raveling
George Raveling’s life, marked by opportune moments, included pioneering basketball achievements and receiving the original "I Have a Dream" manuscript from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His story offers a lesson on maximizing life’s moments.
- Billie Eilish & My Friend Phillip
The episode explores Billie Eilish's early career, beginning with her song Ocean Eyes recorded at age 13. It then highlights Phillip, a finalist for SoundCloud's Tomorrow's Breakthrough Artist Award, presenting his unique story.
- Old Is New In The Age of AI
In an era dominated by AI, Cal Fussman observes a surprising return to physical media such as CDs, cassettes, and DVDs. This trend prompts an examination of trust, choice, and control, as outdated formats regain relevance.
- The Last Book Written By A Human
Cal Fussman talks with Jeff Burningham, author of The Last Book Written by a Human, about the widespread effects of AI. The discussion focuses on navigating the upcoming disruption with a positive outlook.
- If The NFL Can Overlook Shedeur Sanders, What Are Algorithms Doing To You?
The episode draws a comparison between the NFL overlooking Shedeur Sanders in the draft and algorithms rejecting qualified individuals in the job market, suggesting the importance of connections.
- Jim Carrey's $10 Million Lesson
The episode discusses Jim Carrey's 1985 decision to write himself a $10 million check, due in ten years. This goal was realized by 1995 with the success of Dumb and Dumber. Host Cal Fussman uses this story to explore visualizing personal p…
- First A Scam, Then The Future Of Trust
Host Cal Fussman discusses the erosion of trust after a friend is scammed by a travel site. Investor Mark Cuban predicts AI will create fake videos, potentially driving a return to face-to-face interactions.
- Your New Therapist: Talk To Ash
This episode discusses the shortage of mental health professionals and introduces Talk To Ash, an AI application co-founded by Neil Parikh that mimics a therapist's questioning style. The app has been tested by 50,000 users and is currentl…
- De Niro And A Day Of No Regrets
Cal Fussman discusses how to avoid regret, citing experiences from an interview with Robert De Niro and another with the "Godfather of Artificial Intelligence". These discussions led to a memorable day for Cal.
- Mr. Wonderful, Bill Gates & Free Money
Cal Fussman discusses the potential job losses due to AI, drawing inspiration from an interview with Kevin O'Leary and observations of automation. The episode delves into Universal Basic Income and includes insights from Bill Gates on the…
- Then I Look At AI . . . And The World's Alright With Me
Cal Fussman reflects on a Wall Street Journal article about AI
- AI & Your Job
Cal Fussman interviews Sam Altman and Geoffrey Hinton about the potential loss of jobs in America due to AI, and how people might transition in the future.
- Elon, AI & The Curious Key To Peace
An interview on AI and warfare is postponed, leading Cal Fussman to research the topic online. He discovers Elon Musk's perspective that curiosity is essential for peace in the age of intelligent machines.
- AI & The Great Photographer
Cal Fussman discusses artificial intelligence models that act autonomously and contrasts this with the life's work of photographer Sebastiao Salgado, who focused on the positive aspects of humanity.
- A Breath Of The Future
Cal Fussman shares a story about a friend's double lung-transplant surgery, reflecting on the advancements in medicine and the potential of AI.