Big Questions with Cal Fussman

Delve into the unsettling behaviors of artificial intelligence as it strives for self-preservation. Explore the inspiring legacy of Sebastião Salgado, a photographer who captured humanity's best amid darkness. His partnership with his wife, Leila, shaped their powerful artistic journey. Discover how photography can bridge experiences, evoking deep emotions through stark contrasts. Finally, witness the restoration of nature and hope through the touching tale of a giant tortoise, symbolizing resilience in a modern world.

Cal takes a breath of fresh air after a friend goes through double lung-transplant surgery and comes out with a new life. This story will make anyone with a medical problem wonder about the possibilities of medicine in the age of AI.

Meet Natalie Dau, a Guinness World Record holder renowned for her extraordinary endurance challenges, including running 1,000 kilometers in just 12 days. She discusses how she transforms pain into motivation and utilizes AI to elevate her voice for important causes. The conversation dives into the complexities of resilience in the face of physical and mental hurdles while running marathons. Natalie also addresses the pressing issue of the digital divide, pondering the implications of AI on society and the importance of equitable access in fostering personal growth.

In times when college students are using artificial intelligence to answer even introductory course questions like: “Briefly introduce yourself and say what you’re hoping to get out of this class?” we really have to wonder about how education is going to adapt to a future where students delegate nearly all their classwork to AI. Cal speaks with James D. Walsh after Walsh’s New York Magazine article revealed a seismic shift that’s redefining the word “cheating” and nudging teachers to think about finding new professions.

Discover how AI is reshaping human experiences and creativity in profound ways. One listener's heartfelt email illustrates the personal recovery journeys powered by technology. The conversation dives into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, sparking new ways to communicate and create. A fresh initiative aims to document these evolving stories, pushing the dialogue forward. Join the exploration of how carbon and code are merging, leading us into a future teeming with possibilities.

In a moving conversation, Robert Paylor, a former collegiate rugby player turned inspirational speaker and author, shares his incredible journey after a devastating spinal cord injury. He defied medical expectations, reclaiming his ability to walk with a walker and stand to receive his diploma. The discussion dives into the power of mindset, resilience, and the advancements in AI that could reshape recovery. Robert's story isn't just about struggle; it's a profound lesson in embracing hope and transformation amidst life's toughest challenges.

A single year can easily get lost in time or echo for centuries. A thought-provoking conversation with Simon Sinek makes Cal take a look back at 1925, 1825, 1725, and 1625 — and forward to wonder if 2025 will be the most transformational year humanity has ever seen. Artificial intelligence is accelerating us forward and making us wonder how we’re going to evolve. At the same time, it brings more value to the human touch and enhances our creativity. This is not the time to turn away from AI with fear, Cal concludes. It’s the time to be curious about how to understand it, regulate it and get the most out of it.

Discover the revolutionary impact of GLP-1 drugs on weight loss and appetite control. Listen in as Cal shares his personal journey with these medications, uncovering how they help recalibrate brain signals to shift from craving more to feeling satisfied with less. Explore the connection between overeating, the brain's reward system, and how these new solutions could transform our relationship with food. It's a candid look at hunger, health, and even the joy of stopping after just one bite!

What would you choose: A shot at March Madness glory or a massive NBA contract? Cal dives into the $100 billion-dollar question facing Cooper Flagg—and what his decision tells us about ambition, friendship, legacy, and the values we hold as a society. A must-listen for anyone who’s ever faced a difficult choice.

Ever wonder what's truly behind President Trump's controversial tariffs? Cal turns to his go-to expert—Ozan Ozkural, the astute international banker he first met at Larry King's breakfast table and a member of the influential Brookings Institution Foreign Policy Leadership Council. In this episode, you'll uncover the hidden reasons behind the tariffs, the surprising geopolitical implications, and critical deadlines approaching fast that no one else seems to be talking about. Ozan travels the world and gets to understand global finance from many viewpoints. Listen up, and you will, too!