Big Questions with Cal Fussman

When Cal visits an old mentor, he's struck by two realizations. First: Some of the most profound moments in a young person's life can happen in entry-level jobs, when the right person takes you in, opens a door, and points you on the right path. Second: As artificial intelligence wipes out many of those first jobs, it will also erase those connections and moments. What disappears isn't just work. It's mentorship. It's the quiet bonds that shape confidence, character, and destiny. What will happen to a generation shaped without them? And an even bigger question: How might we be able to preserve them?

There are those believe artificial intelligence will cure cancer, reverse global warming, and unlock human potential. There are others who believe it will end everything we know. For the first time in history, both sides may be right. We are living inside the most consequential argument humanity has ever had — and the clock is ticking.

When Cal returns to Tampa's Ybor City to speak, he keeps a ritual that's become almost sacred: a meal at the legendary 120-year-old Columbia Restaurant, followed by a quiet moment of thanks to the man who first sent him there — Muhammad Ali's doctor, the renowned Ferdie Pacheco. Ferdie wasn't just the "Fight Doctor." He was an artist, a storyteller, and a man with a taste for a good practical joke. After his meal, Cal goes to pay tribute to Ferdie through his painting that hangs near The Columbia's kitchen. Only this time, the painting is gone, and it feels to Cal like an old friend has vanished. What happened next left Cal with a twist he couldn't see coming — and a hint that destiny sometimes whispers through the strangest openings. Listen in to hear the story unfold.

A Thanksgiving chat kicks off with concerns about AI and job security. Cal suggests looking back to childhood memories as a career compass. He shares stories of innovators like Clint Eastwood and Hank Aaron, who found their paths through early experiences. By reflecting on past passions, Cal argues, individuals can navigate an AI-driven job market. He emphasizes delivering value that goes beyond traditional resumes. Unexpected career pivots, like NVIDIA's shift from gaming to AI, demonstrate the possibilities that arise from embracing change.

The discussion kicks off with a mind-bending scenario of a human marrying an AI and the implications of such a union. A Japanese woman’s wedding to her AI, Loon Krauss, raises eyebrows as wedding planners see a new trend. Social media reactions range from humorous to concerned, highlighting societal shifts. Cal reflects on the allure of AI in love, contrasting it with traditional marriages. Statistics reveal a growing trend among young people seeking romance with AI, prompting reflections on future perceptions of human-only marriage.

When Cal looks back on his life, he sees a relentless drive that's guided him to his 69th birthday: Never be bored. His past reveals a simple truth. Boredom ends where curiosity begins.

Cal looks over a bountiful breakfast menu and remembers the statistics he heard about kids going hungry in Tampa Bay — a city that, through his traveler's eyes, appears to be flourishing. When you hear the numbers, you'll understand how giving just a little can make this your best Thanksgiving ever.

When Kobe Bryant watched the Eagles win Super Bowl 52 on television, he wasn't alone — he was holding his 1-year-old daughter, Bianka, in his arms. That moment, captured on home video, wasn't just about football. It was about the way a team becomes a language between generations. Rewatching that clip sends Cal into a reflection of his own: the passion for sporting events his father passed on to him, and the emotions he passed on to his son. This episode is about the deep inheritance that lives inside sports — identity, loyalty and love. The Los Angeles Dodgers recent World Series win shows Cal how the games can outlive us in the hearts of the people we leave behind.

After actress and author Suzanne Somers passed away, her husband couldn't let go — so he brought her back. Not in memory. But as an AI twin. He created a life-like humanoid to converse with in her voice and keep her spirit alive. When Cal hears the story, questions linger: Is this a way to deal with grief? Or is it evolution? And are there advantages to passing on the lessons and wisdom of a life for generations through something we can build to look and sound just like us?

An unexpected email leads to a deep dive into Johnny Depp's thoughts on life's fleeting nature. Cal reflects on Hemingway's brushes with death and his remarkable creative resurgence. He shares insights from a thought-provoking book that asks the poignant question: what do you want to do before you die? Personal tales of near-fatal experiences prompt a discussion on cherishing time with loved ones. Ultimately, listeners are encouraged to visualize their dreams and confront the reality of life's brevity.