Big Questions with Cal Fussman

In this engaging talk, Sabaa Quao, Chief Creative Officer at Cossette and co-founder of the 60-second film festival Filminute, shares insights into the impactful world of one-minute storytelling. He discusses how brief narratives can convey deep messages and explores the challenges of maintaining trust in an era dominated by AI. The conversation touches on the ethical concerns of digital content creation and the evolving role of authenticity in marketing. Quao emphasizes the power of creativity in navigating today's complex media landscape.

Cal replays one of the most amazing conversations he’s ever had -- with a man who was in the bathroom on the 81 st Floor of the World Trade Center before starting work on the morning of 9/11/2001 when the hijacked plane hit. Michael Wright, a 30-year-old account executive at the time, got down to the ground only to look up and see the other tower falling on his head. Cal listens to the story every year to never forget the day and to focus on the power of resilience. But also for another reason this year – to remember how connected the United States was right after 9/11. The most connected Cal had ever seen it. Please send this conversation to one person you think might appreciate it.

Cal continues a summer of storytelling by passing on one about a player you might like to root for in this year’s U.S. Open. The backstory of Taylor Townsend shows us how there are winds in life that hold us back and winds that push us forward. And the value of perseverance in between.

Muhammad Ali, the iconic boxer known for his charisma and activism, teams up with Mikhael Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union, to explore the essence of deep connections. They discuss how personal stories shape our relationships and the impact of travel on understanding others. The conversation highlights the joy of unexpected connections and the transformative power of storytelling. In a digital age where likes overshadow real friendships, they emphasize the importance of genuine communication and collaboration to foster meaningful relationships.

The change in the opening kickoff of National Football League games may seem inconsequential when compared to other developments in the world. As Cal wonders about the emotion and spirit that will be lost from the game, he realizes that the way he’s reacting to the new rule is a metaphor for the way many of us see change. It’s worth thinking about for a moment at a time when artificial intelligence is becoming the biggest change humanity has ever seen.

The Hall of Fame drummer looks back at the band’s iconic performance at Woodstock in 1969 when Carlos Santana dropped some LSD shortly before being summoned to go on stage. Michael had ingested mescaline. Carlos believed his guitar turned into a snake during the rendition of Soul Sacrifice and at the same time Michael was transported to heaven. Video that captured the group’s dynamic is a living testament to human connection with music. It also makes us consider the place of the latest landmark in music: artificial intelligence.

Cal finds out lots of things he never knew about someone he thought he knew . . . at that person’s funeral. It got him to think about how well we know each other, and how well we connect . . . which sparked him to figure out a way that will enable you to connect better. This short podcast could change your life.

Cal looks at the word inclusion through the controversy at the Olympics opening ceremony last week. And what a diverse message really looks like through the most exciting race he ever saw – one that was won by three hundredths of a second at the Olympics more than 50 years ago. The lessons in those two experiences give us all something to think about.

The podcast delves into the recent listener reactions to an episode on a Trump assassination attempt, highlighting the importance of thoughtful interpretations amidst political divisions. It also explores themes of aging through Biden's decision not to seek reelection and discusses the future possibilities of medical technology and AI advancements in extending lifespans.

Cal Fussman discusses the impact of assassination attempts on political figures, reflecting on Trump's media presence, response to the incident, and the challenges faced by other leaders like Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan