Big Questions with Cal Fussman

Cal reads a Wall Street Journal story about a graduation speech that ends with the audience asked to sing Bill Withers’ Lean On Me—a soulful anthem for uncertain times. The Class of ’25 faces a tough job market. Internships are disappearing to AI. Roughly 70% of Americans say they don’t trust companies to use artificial intelligence responsibly. And only one in six people are using it at work. Many who don’t use it are fearful of trying. Instead of commiserating, Cal makes a case for collaboration. He believes AI can help us unlock our most creative selves—and shape a future that feels more like

After speaking at a CREW conference in Texas, Cal meets a smart young Uber driver who was curious about the number of jobs that we can anticipate losing in America because of AI. The driver wanted to know what the lives of Americans who’d most likely lose their jobs were going to look like, and how these people might get by and transition. Cal finds some answers from Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, and Geoffrey Hinton, the Godfather of Artificial Intelligence. He also discovers a half-helicopter/half-airplane taxi service that looks like a job for the future as we head into the age of the Jetsons. Listen up and get to the cutting edge.

A joyful family moment collides with the serious implications of AI in warfare. Discover how curiosity, as highlighted by Elon Musk, might be the key to navigating the future of conflict. The discussion delves into the transformative effects of AI on military strategies, raising concerns about existential risks. Listeners are prompted to reframe their understanding of technology, emphasizing the importance of curiosity in developing a human-centric approach to AI. This fresh perspective could potentially reshape our views on both war and peace.

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.