

Big Questions with Cal Fussman
Curiosity Media
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
Mentioned books

8 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 23min
AI & Your Therapist: Can AI Help You Overcome Your Biggest Roadblocks?
Explore how AI can enhance personal growth and reshape our relationship with social media. A marketing guru's insights reveal the missed opportunities in surface-level interactions. Delve into the power of storytelling and the importance of authenticity online. The conversation takes a surprising turn as the host seeks AI's guidance for balancing professional writing with social media engagement. A 30-day experiment is proposed to foster meaningful connections and self-reflection, highlighting AI's potential as a tool for deeper conversations and personal transformation.

Feb 4, 2025 • 48min
The Visionary Behind Siri: AI's Past, Present & Future
Norman Winarsky, a venture capitalist and one of the founding minds behind Siri, sheds light on the revolutionary journey of AI. He reflects on Siri's stunning early tests and the collaborative innovation that shaped its development. Norman discusses AI's transformative potential, comparing it to the internet's impact, and emphasizes the importance of human-AI collaboration. He also addresses the changing landscape of higher education in the context of these advancements and the need for creativity in the evolving job market.

Jan 28, 2025 • 29min
President Trump & AI
The discussion dives into Donald Trump's polarizing impact on AI policy and its potential to reshape humanity. Listeners explore his evolving views on technology and the ethical dilemmas posed by AI advancements. Insights are shared on how personal experiences influenced Trump's leadership style. The conversation urges a rethink of political ideologies amidst the rise of robotics and the implications for immigration and economic strategies. There's a focus on the necessity of citizen engagement as society navigates these complex technological changes.

Jan 21, 2025 • 43min
Kobe, Claude AI & The Nature Of Competition
As we approach the fifth anniversary of Kobe Bryant's passing, Cal dives deep into a fascinating discussion with Claude AI about the relentless spirit of competition that defined the NBA great. But the conversation takes an unexpected turn when Cal asks Claude if it competes with ChatGPT and other AI models. Join this thought- provoking journey as Cal uncovers lessons about the two sides to competition and simultaneously learns how to ask AI better questions to unlock its potential.

Jan 14, 2025 • 29min
Muhammad Ali & AI: Lessons From A Hero's Birthday
January 17th marks what would have been Muhammad Ali's 83rd birthday. To honor his legacy, Cal embarks on a unique journey—reconnecting with his childhood hero through ChatGPT. Along the way, he discovers a powerful truth: asking the right questions is the key to unlocking the answers we seek about artificial intelligence and beyond. This episode explores the intersection of curiosity, technology, and the timeless lessons of The Greatest.

Jan 7, 2025 • 52min
Sandra Matz: Your Data And Your Future
Discover the astonishing ways your daily life reveals more about you than you could ever imagine. Columbia University professor Sandra Matz takes you on a journey through the hidden world of data collection, showing how a single routine hour in the morning can generate more data than was used to send a spacecraft to the moon. In this eye-opening conversation with Cal, explore an era in which those who collect our data may know us better than we know ourselves. See the power your digital footprint holds over your life and what it means for our future.

Dec 31, 2024 • 14min
Immortality & AI
Quincy Jones, Toby Keith, David Sanborn and others passed on in the last year – but their music lives on. Which makes Cal wonder if we all have a shot at immortality in the age of AI. Listen up, and get more out of your life.

Dec 24, 2024 • 16min
Thomas Panek: Your Holiday Gift
The remarkable story of a boy who once dove into a swimming pool that didn't have any water in it because he couldn't admit that he was going blind and couldn't see that he was headed for concrete, and how that boy turned into the CEO of Guiding Eyes for the Blind, a married father of four, a board member and a finisher of The Boston Marathon and The New York Marathon. Thomas Panek's story is relevant to all of us, for it shows us the gifts that we can all receive once we push aside our pride and reach out for help.

Dec 17, 2024 • 53min
Sandro Corsaro: Bridging Humanity & Technology
Sandro Corsaro, Head of Global Creative and Content at Wayfair, discusses the intricate dance between humanity and technology. He shares his father's inspiring immigrant story, highlighting resilience and dreams. The conversation delves into creativity in the age of AI, balancing traditional artistry with modern tech. Sandro emphasizes the importance of storytelling in maintaining human connections and reflects on how our legacy evolves in a rapidly digital world. His insights inspire listeners to embrace innovation while staying true to their roots.

Dec 10, 2024 • 50min
Matt Mahurin: An Artist In The Age of AI
What happens when an artist at the peak of his craft—known for iconic Time Magazine covers, music videos for legends like U2 and Metallica, Sundance documentaries and photographs in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art—navigates the rise of AI? Discover how Matt Mahurin sees creativity in this thought-provoking episode. Perfect for anyone curious about staying on top in an ever-changing world.


