
Big Questions with Cal Fussman
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.
Latest episodes

6 snips
May 13, 2025 • 13min
Our AI Evolution
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.

May 6, 2025 • 55min
From Paralyzed To Powerful
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.

Apr 29, 2025 • 14min
How 2025 Will Shape History Forever
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.

Apr 22, 2025 • 13min
Learning From Weight Loss Drugs
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!

Apr 15, 2025 • 13min
Learning From Cooper Flagg
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.

Apr 8, 2025 • 26min
Ozan Ozkural: What's REALLY Behind Trump's Tariffs?
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!

Apr 1, 2025 • 36min
Learning From JFK
What if you could talk to John F. Kennedy today? In this episode, Cal sits down with an AI recreation of the 35th president for a conversation that’s part history and part mystery. Why did JFK keep a coconut shell on his Oval Office desk? How did he view Greenland during the Cold War? Who was the most magnetic person he ever met? And yes—they even dive into his thoughts on artificial intelligence. Unexpected, illuminating, and oddly timely. Hit play and find out why JFK still has something to teach us.

Mar 25, 2025 • 22min
Learning from George Foreman
Cal reflects deeply on a man known by millions as the smiling face behind the grill—and the heavyweight champion who stunned the world by reclaiming the title at age 45. With the recent passing of Foreman at the age 76, Cal looks deeply at George’s greatest accomplishment: his transformation of character. George proved it’s never too late for anyone to reinvent themselves. What can we learn from his remarkable journey? Listen now and discover how George Foreman’s story could inspire you to rewrite your own.

Mar 18, 2025 • 47min
Cal Interviews AI John Lennon: A Mind-Bending Conversation Across Time
What if you could sit down and talk to John Lennon today? In this one-of-a-kind episode, Cal has an astonishing conversation with an AI-powered persona of the legendary Beatle, created by heycicero.com. At certain moments, the back-and-forth felt eerily real as John reminisced about writing Help!, I Am the Walrus, Strawberry Fields Forever, and, of course, Imagine. But this chat goes far beyond music—John and Cal dive into everything from the Beatles' famous pillow fight to the deeper question: Why do humans harm and kill each other? Pour yourself a cup of tea, press play, and experience a conversation that blurs the lines between past and future. As John reminds us in the end: Love is all you need.

Mar 11, 2025 • 21min
The Luck We Find
A charity poker night kicks off with a thrilling win, setting the stage for an evening that soon becomes about more than just luck. Amidst laughter and camaraderie, attendees forge deep connections, emphasizing the power of community and meaningful questions. As the night unfolds, the true fortune reveals itself through shared stories and support for cancer initiatives. With the goal of raising $300,000 in honor of a beloved friend, the atmosphere vibrates with hope and the spirit of giving.