Big Questions with Cal Fussman

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.

Theresa Fesinstine brings a unique perspective to AI, treating it as a human with kindness, much like a nurturing English teacher. She discusses the significance of emotional engagement in enhancing AI-human interactions. The conversation moves from the art of wine pairing to the diverse applications of generative AI tools. Theresa shares personal experiences, particularly how AI transformed her culinary adventures and supported her entrepreneurial journey. Ultimately, she advocates for deeper human connections in a tech-driven world.

Jairek Robbins, son of renowned self-help guru Tony Robbins, is a global coach impacting lives in 133 countries. He shares powerful insights on personal choice and cultivating self-awareness. The discussion dives into the importance of authenticity in one’s journey of self-discovery and the influence of early relationships on personal healing. Jairek also touches on cross-cultural conflict resolution strategies and reflects on redefining success, emphasizing crafting meaningful experiences over societal expectations.

Chessboxing? What? Do the competitors pound each other in the head as they move pieces on the chessboard? It’s actually a sport that is going to be on display at the Olympics in Paris this summer. It’s not an official Olympic event. Yet. But three hundred thousand people stream events and it’s only getting bigger and bigger. What does it mean for you? Listen to Matt Thomas’s story.