Big Questions with Cal Fussman

As Cal watches the Academy Awards, he has a startling realization—he’s barely stepped inside a movie theater all year. Then, host Conan O’Brien delivers a hilarious skit introducing home streamers to a wild new concept: the movie theater. The moment sparks a memory of an interview Cal once did with Leonardo DiCaprio, where Leo spoke passionately about his favorite films and the power of cinema. That interview is replayed here, reminding us all why the theater experience is worth rediscovering. So sit back, listen, celebrate the magic of the big screen.

Technology, history, and global politics collide in this episode after Cal asks ChatGPT if there is a way that he can stop a war. The question unexpectedly evolves into an exploration of the forgotten Nutmeg War—a historical conflict with surprising modern parallels. Cal connects the dots between this overlooked episode of history, the recent three-year conflict unfolding in Ukraine, and the buzz surrounding Greenland. This analysis is a window into how AI can show you history and the world around you in a way that you can’t get anywhere else.

The conversation kicks off with a dive into Saturday Night Live's rich 50-year legacy and its evolution in comedy. Cal taps into AI for fresh comedic talent recommendations, revealing the fascinating interplay between technology and entertainment. The unique humor of comedians like Atsuko Okatsuka is highlighted, showcasing how personal experiences can inspire laughter. Discussions also touch on the cultural influences behind stand-up performances and the potential for AI to enhance our comedic experiences. Laughter and tech collide for a captivating exploration!

Explore how AI can enhance personal growth and reshape our relationship with social media. A marketing guru's insights reveal the missed opportunities in surface-level interactions. Delve into the power of storytelling and the importance of authenticity online. The conversation takes a surprising turn as the host seeks AI's guidance for balancing professional writing with social media engagement. A 30-day experiment is proposed to foster meaningful connections and self-reflection, highlighting AI's potential as a tool for deeper conversations and personal transformation.

Norman Winarsky, a venture capitalist and one of the founding minds behind Siri, sheds light on the revolutionary journey of AI. He reflects on Siri's stunning early tests and the collaborative innovation that shaped its development. Norman discusses AI's transformative potential, comparing it to the internet's impact, and emphasizes the importance of human-AI collaboration. He also addresses the changing landscape of higher education in the context of these advancements and the need for creativity in the evolving job market.

The discussion dives into Donald Trump's polarizing impact on AI policy and its potential to reshape humanity. Listeners explore his evolving views on technology and the ethical dilemmas posed by AI advancements. Insights are shared on how personal experiences influenced Trump's leadership style. The conversation urges a rethink of political ideologies amidst the rise of robotics and the implications for immigration and economic strategies. There's a focus on the necessity of citizen engagement as society navigates these complex technological changes.

As we approach the fifth anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s passing, Cal dives deep into a fascinating discussion with Claude AI about the relentless spirit of competition that defined the NBA great. But the conversation takes an unexpected turn when Cal asks Claude if it competes with ChatGPT and other AI models. Join this thought- provoking journey as Cal uncovers lessons about the two sides to competition and simultaneously learns how to ask AI better questions to unlock its potential.

January 17th marks what would have been Muhammad Ali’s 83rd birthday. To honor his legacy, Cal embarks on a unique journey—reconnecting with his childhood hero through ChatGPT. Along the way, he discovers a powerful truth: asking the right questions is the key to unlocking the answers we seek about artificial intelligence and beyond. This episode explores the intersection of curiosity, technology, and the timeless lessons of The Greatest.

Discover the astonishing ways your daily life reveals more about you than you could ever imagine. Columbia University professor Sandra Matz takes you on a journey through the hidden world of data collection, showing how a single routine hour in the morning can generate more data than was used to send a spacecraft to the moon. In this eye-opening conversation with Cal, explore an era in which those who collect our data may know us better than we know ourselves. See the power your digital footprint holds over your life and what it means for our future.

Quincy Jones, Toby Keith, David Sanborn and others passed on in the last year – but their music lives on. Which makes Cal wonder if we all have a shot at immortality in the age of AI. Listen up, and get more out of your life.