Big Questions with Cal Fussman

Cal and his old pal talk about unique ways to think about self-improvement that call us to step aside and try something new to add to our existing skill levels. The conversation questions whether you can get more out of yourself by spending 10,000 hours doing different things as opposed to mastering one thing over the same time period. The back and forth will make everyone wonder about how they can find the most in themselves while getting the most from their own time.

As this week's heavyweight championship fight between undefeated Deontay Wilder and undefeated Tyson Fury approaches, Cal sits down with his old pal to try to figure out the outcome. As they get into the intricacies of the bout, they find out they disagree, which precipitates a friendly wager. This episode gives you a good look at the unique backstories of the fighters, and also examines why so many of us love boxing so deeply. If you're a fan of the sport, this episode is for you. If not, this podcast may make you curious.

Gary Smith has been called the best magazine writer to ever live – in part because he's won more National Magazine Awards than anyone else. Gary also gave an award-winning toast at Cal's wedding. Little did Cal know back then that after Gary retired from Sports Illustrated, he'd take his magnificent interviewing and writing skills to an entirely new place. Matrimony. Gary crafts the most unique and poignant wedding ceremonies imaginable for people he cares about. He's even ordained to administer the ceremonies! Be prepared to laugh over the next 45 minutes . . . while also getting a glimpse into how the right questions can create great performance art.

A decade ago, Scott Budnick was a producer on the highest-grossing R-rated comedy ever, The Hangover. Now, he's an executive producer of Just Mercy, which is about as serious as a movie can get. It's the true story of an African-American Harvard Law School graduate, Bryan Stevenson, who goes to Alabama to defend inmates on death row and takes the case of a man who's been wrongfully convicted. It's an incredibly powerful film. Scott's own life transformation will make you think deeply, as well.

Cal looks back on what he learned from the NBA legend over several conversations before Kobe's unfortunate passing. Then replays the talk he had with Kobe that got this podcast off the ground back in 2017. It's an unusual look at how curiosity and storytelling shaped the NBA legend. Also, an example of how the foundation of excellence translates across all fields. Kobe was devoting his life after basketball to educate future generations. Replaying this conversation is the best way we can think of at Big Questions to honor what Kobe was working toward.

The Japanese guru and best-selling author shows Cal how to unclutter his life – from determining which items to discard and which ones to keep . . . all the way down to the proper way to fold socks. Cal learns to focus on removing anything in his life that doesn't spark joy. And this podcast will do the same for you. Marie's takeaways are a great way to see 2020 clearly.

The professor gives Cal a tour of the sacred space at UCLA where the first Internet message was sent in 1969. There's no better tour guide. Leonard was there when it happened. The computer scientist talks about the development of the Internet in a way that humanizes it for Cal. He also touches on subjects like the lack of privacy, and what the Internet will mean to our future, making the podcast essential listening for everybody.

Cal looks back on what he learned from Big Questions last year as a way to improve in 2020. Clips include takeaways from: Simon Sinek, author of Start With Why Larry King, the CNN talk show host who celebrated his 86th birthday after overcoming severe health problems Amy Morin, best-selling author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do The takeaways are a great way for everyone to think about approaching the new year, and they also lead Cal to an unexpected place.

Cal looks at a favorite moment in 2019, and discovers much under the surface of a video that went viral. It's set at an event that Alex was speaking at thrown by Dutch Bros. Coffee for its baristas. Just before Alex spoke, one of the baristas, Amanda Sanchez, found out that a college grant had just been taken away from her. She was despondent, and got on line to ask Alex what to do. The conversation between Amanda, Alex and Cal, shows exactly why footage of the moment went viral.

The best-selling author tells Cal how he transformed from writer of the New York Times bestsellers I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell and Assholes Finish First to a dad playing Candyland with his kids. That, in itself, is quite a story. But that's not all. He's also founded a publishing company called Scribe to help people write their books. This also has Cal very curious. Many takeaways on the state of the publishing industry and personal growth from a master raconteur.