Big Questions with Cal Fussman

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

Damon Burton, an SEO guru, dives into the clash between AI-generated content and authentic human storytelling. He emphasizes the importance of engagement over paid ads and shares his entrepreneurial journey sparked by a workplace closure. The discussion shines a light on using AI for storytelling while maintaining a human touch. Damon also reflects on the philosophy of entrepreneurship, highlighting trust-building and adaptability during economic downturns. Plus, he shares his musical aspirations, linking creativity with his SEO expertise.

Jamie Metzl, a futurist with a Ph.D. from Oxford, dives into the revolutionary impact of AI on our lives in this enlightening conversation. He discusses how AI will integrate into genetics and biotechnology, potentially extending human life and boosting the economy. Jamie emphasizes the ethical challenges we face, stressing the importance of public dialogue in navigating these advancements. He also shares insights on superconvergence and our collective responsibilities in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, making you rethink the future.