Big Questions with Cal Fussman

Ryan Chen, co-founder of Neuro, shares his inspiring journey of overcoming a snowboarding accident, addiction to pain killers, and creating products like Neuro mints and chewing gum that bring calm, clarity, focus, and energy. The podcast also explores the significance of breath mints, addresses mental health, discusses the creation of functional confectionery, compares the effects of substances on college students, and emphasizes spreading a message of hope and health.

Cal catches up with a friend he met while speaking at an event at Kaiser Permanente just before COVID. Eddie Garcia had had a heart attack. His heart was in trouble, and Eddie was waiting for a transplant. Eddie did receive a new heart and a second chance at life during COVID. What Cal didn't know was that Eddie had been wanting to write a letter of thanks to the family of the donor – but was gripped by writer's block. It was understandable, because such a letter can bring pain to the family of the donor. Some families in that situation simply want to move forward. Eddie's new heart was calling out to write the letter, though, and at the end of this podcast you're going to hear it and see how clear communication can break through writer's block in any situation.

Cal reached out to the Chief Medical Officer to the President to find out what Dr. Anthony Fauci learned since the start of the COVID pandemic. Cal's surprised by Dr. Fauci's answer, though maybe he shouldn't have been.

Cal had no idea that as we age there is a risk that receiving CPR could give you brain damage. Knowing that, would you want to be resuscitated? There are many medical situations that can leave you unable to communicate. Have you left behind decisions on how you'd like to be treated? Or who you'd like to be making decisions on your behalf? Dr. Tatiana Fofanova of Koda Health takes Cal through the interview process that allows us to make legally-binding decisions in an emergency should we be unable to communicate. Healthcare providers are willing to pay for this information, because they want to know how to treat you. Live in peace.

Millions of people are impacted by IBS. But few talk about their troubles on the toilet – whether they be about constipation, diarrhea, bloating or excess gas. Most suffer in silence. The conversation you're about to hear is a game changer. Because IBS picked on the wrong guy when it came after a data scientist at Uber – Asaf Kraus. Asaf used artificial intelligence and photos to track down the foods and habits that were causing his problems and created a company called Dieta Health that can potentially help millions of people solve their intestinal problems. And it all started on a date. If you're not impacted by IBS, you definitely know someone who is. Please pass this episode to anyone you know with IBS. They'll be deeply grateful.

Cal comes across an interesting situation when an 18-year-old college freshman develops back pain after donating blood. A campus doctor fears it could be a deadly pulmonary embolism and directs Ashton Marshall to the local Emergency Room. This could lead to many tests and high bills. Ashton's father, the author of Never Pay The First Bill, offers his son a strategy to keep the charges reasonable. Listen to Marshall Allen, and you'll have that same strategy.

Cal reads a story on ESPN.com that makes him cackle, and he reaches out to the writer to thank him for bringing laughter into his day. The conversation that ensues brings forth an amazing story about the loss of Ryan's toes and the surreal journey it takes him on. Pass this podcast on to anyone feeling down or miserable. They'll likely have a very different mindset after they're done: Gratitude.

Cal sees a newsmagazine with a headline that reads: THE BAD GUYS, ON YOUR PHONE, IN YOUR COMPUTER, FILLING YOUR EMAIL, MINING YOUR INFO, TRICKING YOUR LOVED ONES, IMPERSONATING YOU AND PLOTTING THEIR NEXT STEAL. He notices that The Tindler Swinder is one of Netflix's top-rated documentaries. And he observes how getting scammed affects the daily life and mental health of a friend. He gets an inside look from the victim of a massive scam and identify theft – the former wife of NBA all-star Jason Kidd. Joumana's story will keep you on guard.

Cal talks with the best-selling author and one of America's most sought after keynote speakers about the first steps that can send you on your way. Josh has founded, built and sold five companies for a combined exit value of more than $200 million. He knows of what he speaks. The innovation exercise he plays out with Cal on reshaping healthcare in this episode can be tailored to anybody's needs. Josh's mantra is: Think of how powerful your company can be if everyone innovates, every day. You'll be stronger for listening . . . much stronger.

Simply listening to the story of how Elliott and three buddies who were just out of college andfeeling lost during The Great Recession went on to create a company called Summit that connected thousands of innovators in the Tech space at conferences that filled hotels and cruises and led to their purchase of a majestic mountain in Utah, and along the way curated the wisdom of Jeff Bezos, Ted Turner, President Bill Clinton, the actress and founder of the billion dollar Honest company, Jessica Alba, and musician Quincy Jones, will give you the feeling that YOU can do anything! Listen up, check out the book Make No Small Plans and see what mountains you might be capable of moving! Cal wonders if a similar community could be created for the future of healthcare . . .