Shows
Creating Confidence with Heather MonahanConfidence Classic: Lead with Curiosity and Confidence with Master Interviewer Cal FussmanWhat if the key to better leadership, connection, and confidence came down to how you ASK questions? In this episode, I sit down with legendary interviewer and storytelling icon Cal Fussman. He’s spent decades in conversations with the world’s most influential people, including Muhammad Ali and Jeff Bezos. We talk about the power of curiosity, why asking great questions builds certainty, and how to navigate your life and business through deep listening. Cal also shares the life-changing lessons he’s learned from sitting down with the best and how you can use them to lead with purpose and im...2025-05-281h 04
A Bit of OptimismWhere Is Simon Going? with journalist Cal FussmanSometimes in life, we must stop and ask ourselves, “Where am I you going next?” Other times, it’s more fun to do a podcast takeover.No one has ever interviewed me quite like Cal Fussman. Cal has a gift – he pulls things out of you that you didn’t even know were there. A prolific Writer At Large for Esquire, Cal has interviewed legends like Muhammad Ali and Mikhail Gorbachev, and he’s the host of the podcast Big Questions. So, to mark 15 years since writing Start With Why, I invited Cal to take over my podcast and...2025-05-1350 min
Run Your Life Show With Andy Vasily#276: Timeless Insight and Life Lessons from NY Times Best-Selling Author Cal FussmanSend us a textToday’s episode is a special re-released conversation that I had with New York Times bestselling author and longtime Esquire writer, Cal Fussman a while back on my podcast. It was an excellent conversation as Cal shared many life lessons he has learned through more than 3 decades as a journalist having interviewed some of the most legendary people on the planet from Muhammad Ali to Serena Williams, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mikhail Gorbechev and Tom Hanks, Cal has interviewed hundreds on influential humans from a variety of fields and professions. According to Cal:2025-04-211h 18
Young and Profiting with Hala Taha (Entrepreneurship, Sales, Marketing)Cal Fussman: Unleash Your Creative Genius and Innovate with AI-Powered Efficiency | Artificial Intelligence E303Cal Fussman declined Jeff Bezos's offer to sell his children's book on Amazon, balking at a 50% profit split. Before long, it dawned on him that he had underestimated the power of Amazon's platform. But this blunder became a pivotal wake-up call, driving him to embrace new opportunities and stay ahead in tech. Determined to seize every golden chance, Cal now confidently navigates the fast-paced world of AI. In this episode, he shares actionable tips for leveraging AI to supercharge your creativity and boost business success.Cal Fussman is a New York Times bestselling author...2024-08-1251 min
Young and Profiting with Hala Taha (Entrepreneurship, Sales, Marketing)Cal Fussman: The Power of Questions, Transform Your Life and Business with Authentic Connections | Human Behavior E302“Are you happy to be the president?” asked 7-year-old Cal Fussman in a letter to President Lyndon B. Johnson after JFK’s assassination. Six months later, his mother ran into their apartment, waving a letter from the White House. This profound moment revealed the power of a question, setting Cal on a lifelong journey of asking questions and telling stories. In this episode, Cal discusses the power of authentic storytelling and offers entrepreneurs actionable advice on how to ask the right questions.Cal Fussman is a New York Times bestselling author, keynote speaker, and master storyteller known for hi...2024-08-051h 04
Curated Questions: Conversations Celebrating the Power of Questions!Cal Fussman"I always knew from that point on that a good question could get you to the most powerful person on earth." - Cal FussmanCal has lived an exciting and passionate life in which questions have played a key role. His experiences place him at the top of the list of the most interesting of people. He has either been there and done that himself, or hung out with those who have.Cal grew up in Long Island, New York, and attended college in Missouri. He went from writing sports articles and having drinks with...2024-07-2957 min
House of BricksUnlocking the Secrets of Storytelling with Cal FussmanIn this captivating episode of the House of Bricks Podcast, Adam House Sr. sits down with the legendary journalist and master storyteller, Cal Fussman. Known for his profound interviews with some of the world's most influential figures, Cal Fussman has spent decades crafting narratives that resonate, inspire, and connect on a deep, human level.
Cal Fussman began his journalism career writing for major publications like Esquire, where he became renowned for his iconic "What I've Learned" column. Over the years, he has interviewed a diverse array of personalities, including Muhammad Ali, Jack Welch, Serena Williams, and many...2024-07-2533 min
Office Hours with David MeltzerDr. JP Pawliw-Fry, Cal FussmanDr. JP Pawliw-FryDr. JP Pawliw-Fry is a pioneering force in culture development and building high-performing teams. His journey began with a personal struggle with ADHD, which ultimately led him on a profound quest for understanding how emotions drive behavior. This exploration culminated in the development of the "Last 8%" system, a transformative approach that has empowered Olympic athletes, Navy SEALs, CEOs, and Fortune 500 employees. As the president and co-founder of the Institute for Health and Human Potential (IHHP), Dr. JP Pawliw-Fry stands at the forefront of a global movement. IHHP is a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies...2024-06-0738 min
The Tim Ferriss Show#743: Dr. Jane Goodall and Cal FussmanThis episode is a two-for-one, and that’s because the podcast recently hit its 10-year anniversary and passed one billion downloads. To celebrate, I’ve curated some of the best of the best—some of my favorites—from more than 700 episodes over the last decade. I could not be more excited. The episode features segments from episode #421 "Dr. Jane Goodall — The Legend, The Lessons, The Hope" and episode #145 "The Interview Master: Cal Fussman and the Power of Listening."Please enjoy!Sponsors:Momentous high-quality supplements: https://livemomentous.com/tim (code TIM for 20% off)Eight Sleep...2024-06-043h 25
Digital Dominance: Proven Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Service BusinessAsk Better Questions, Get Better Answers... with Cal FussmanCal Fussman, a renowned journalist and raconteur, is a New York Times bestselling author, masterful storytelling coach, and world-renowned interviewer who has sat down with icons like Jimmy Carter, Muhammad Ali, and Richard Branson. Cal has an extraordinary ability to foster authentic connections and ask powerful questions that reveal profound insights.In this episode, Cal shares his journey from writing letters as a curious child to interviewing some of the world's most influential figures. They explore the power of storytelling, the importance of vulnerability, and how listening intently can transform your business interactions, particularly in...2024-05-2028 min
Learn Speak TeachLST #98: Cal Fussman Discusses AI and Human ConnectionLearn Speak Teach Episode #98 with Cal Fussman In a world dominated by technological advancements such as AI, which have the potential to limit human connections, it is imperative to prioritize and actively cultivate authentic human connections.Today, we are thrilled to welcome back Cal Fussman, an American journalist, host of the Big Questions Podcast, and author. In this episode, Cal takes us through the profound implications of Artificial intelligence (AI) on human connection.Discover what bit rot is and learn valuable tips on how t...2024-04-161h 07
Real Business ConnectionsCal Fussman Discusses AI and Human Connection (LST #98)Learn Speak Teach Episode #98 with Cal Fussman In a world dominated by technological advancements such as AI, which have the potential to limit human connections, it is imperative to prioritize and actively cultivate authentic human connections.Today, we are thrilled to welcome back Cal Fussman, an American journalist, host of the Big Questions Podcast, and author. In this episode, Cal takes us through the profound implications of Artificial intelligence (AI) on human connection.Discover what bit rot is and learn valuable tips on how t...2024-04-161h 07
Learn Speak TeachCal Fussman || Big Questions & Deep Connections (Rebroadcast)Learn Speak Teach Episode #60 with Cal Fussman.Full Show Notes at: https://realbusinessconnections.com/episode/calfussman/As our world rapidly evolves, so does the way we connect with others. While technology has brought us closer in many ways, it has also made it harder for us to find meaningful face-to-face interactions. But it's important to remember that true connection comes from the heart, and that's why it's crucial to rekindle the art of meaningful conversation.Asking big questions can help us get to know...2024-04-151h 03
Real Business ConnectionsCal Fussman || Big Questions & Deep Connections (Rebroadcast)Learn Speak Teach Episode #60 with Cal Fussman.Full Show Notes at: https://realbusinessconnections.com/episode/calfussman/As our world rapidly evolves, so does the way we connect with others. While technology has brought us closer in many ways, it has also made it harder for us to find meaningful face-to-face interactions. But it's important to remember that true connection comes from the heart, and that's why it's crucial to rekindle the art of meaningful conversation.Asking big questions can help us get to know...2024-04-151h 03
The Tyson Popplestone Show#135 - Cal Fussman | What I've Learned Interviewing Icons Who Shaped the Last 50 Years of World HistoryCal Fussman is a New York Times bestselling author, longtime writer for Esquire magazine, corporate consultant and host of the Big Questions podcast. As a part of his role as a journalist he has conducted interviews with the icons who’ve shaped the last 50 years of world history: Mikhail Gorbachev, Jimmy Carter, Ted Kennedy, Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson, Jack Welch, Robert DeNiro, Clint Eastwood, Al Pacino, George Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Bruce Springsteen, Dr. Dre, Quincy Jones, Woody Allen, Barbara Walters, Pelé, Yao Ming, Serena Williams, John Wooden, Muhammad Ali, and countless others. EPISODE OUTLINE:0...2024-03-221h 20Real Business ConnectionsCal Fussman || Big Questions & Deep Connections (Rebroadcast)Learn Speak Teach Episode #60 with Cal Fussman.Full Show Notes at: https://realbusinessconnections.com/episode/calfussman/As our world rapidly evolves, so does the way we connect with others. While technology has brought us closer in many ways, it has also made it harder for us to find meaningful face-to-face interactions. But it's important to remember that true connection comes from the heart, and that's why it's crucial to rekindle the art of meaningful conversation.Asking big questions can help us get to know...2024-01-081h 00
Joys of CompoundingCal Fussman - Compounding Human ConnectionsToday's teacher is legendary journalist Cal Fussman. Whether you're trying to get your first job or you're leading a large company, your ability to authentically connect with others is one of the most important skills to cultivate. To help us explore this topic, we tracked down Cal, a world-renowned interviewer and storyteller. From his time at Esquire to his podcast, Big Questions, Cal has interviewed nearly every prolific figure imaginable: business icons like Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson, actors including Robert De Niro and Clint Eastwood, sports figures like Muhammad Ali and Serena Williams, and world leaders including several...2023-12-111h 13
Reasonably Happy with Paul OllingerPaul and Cal Fussman Talk Israel, HamasOver the past 30 years, Cal Fussman has interviewed a breathtaking array of the world’s most fascinating people, including Nelson Mandela, Clint Eastwood, Barbara Walters, Richard Branson, Muhammed Ali, Mikhail Gorbachev, Neil Young, Serena Williams, Tim Ferriss, Kobe Bryant, Al Pacino, Pelé, and hundreds more. He co-authored Larry King’s memoir and won a James Beard Award for a story about his journey to become a sommelier. Today he hosts the Big Questions podcast and speaks on big stages, all over the world. Cal was in Atlanta last week for one such event so we scheduled time for him to swin...2023-10-171h 09
Reasonably Happy with Paul OllingerPaul and Cal Fussman Talk Israel, HamasOver the past 30 years, Cal Fussman has interviewed a breathtaking array of the world’s most fascinating people, including Nelson Mandela, Clint Eastwood, Barbara Walters, Richard Branson, Muhammed Ali, Mikhail Gorbachev, Neil Young, Serena Williams, Tim Ferriss, Kobe Bryant, Al Pacino, Pelé, and hundreds more. He co-authored Larry King’s memoir and won a James Beard Award for a story about his journey to become a sommelier. Today he hosts the Big Questions podcast and speaks on big stages, all over the world. Cal was in Atlanta last week for one such event so we scheduled time for him to swin...2023-10-171h 09
How'd it Happen?Cal Fussman - How I Learned to Ask the Big Questions [Part 2]In part 2 of this captivating conversation with Cal Fussman, Cal uncovers the power of curiosity and how our culture can both encourage and stifle it. Cal shares his insights on the ways in which curiosity gets buried as we grow older, often due to fear of asking the wrong question. Cal and Mike discuss how this natural inquisitiveness can be unearthed and reignited, and how the internet has influenced the way we approach questioning.Tune in Cal and Mike dissect the art of the job interview, emphasizing the importance of asking the right questions. From understanding the...2023-09-2546 minHow'd it Happen?Cal Fussman - How I Learned to Ask the Big Questions [Part 1]Picture this: a young boy, curious and full of wonder, pens a letter to President Lyndon Johnson. That young boy was none other than Mike’s esteemed guest, Cal Fussman, who has grown to become a renowned writer, interviewer, podcaster, and a New York Times bestselling author. In a heart-to-heart conversation, we'll trace Cal's journey, exploring how that innate curiosity shaped his insightful approach to life and interviewing.As we navigate through the labyrinth of life, we often find our curiosity tamed, our authentic selves hidden behind digital screens. Cal and Mike discuss this paradox of our ti...2023-09-1849 min
The James Altucher ShowHooked on the First Line | 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' with Cal FussmanJames Altucher is back, this time with an exciting new sub-series called "Hooked on the First Line," where he and his guests dive deep into the world of storytelling through the lens of a novel's opening sentence. Today's episode kicks off with Cal Fussman, an expert storyteller and interviewer, as they explore the first lines of "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel García Márquez and "The Satanic Verses" by Salman Rushdie.Imagine if you could predict a book's richness, complexity, and emotional highs and lows just by its first line. James and Cal explain why a well-crafted fi...2023-08-2619 min
War Room WisdomEpisode 4: Cal Fussman “Exclusive” On The Power and Emotion in a HugIn this episode, Phillip Lanos and Jason Miller are joined by Cal Fussman, Founder and CEO of Big Questions Podcast. Cal Fussman shares his amazing journey through life and the power of story. He talks about his new exclusive venture that is all about bringing hugs back to the world. You will also uncover how to overcome a business struggle that may help save your business.2023-08-161h 00
The Mark Drager ShowCal Fussman: How To Interview ANYONE and NEVER be BORING with a legendary journalistRenowned interviewer Cal Fussman is known for his ability to conduct deep and insightful interviews with some of the most influential people of our time, including Muhammad Ali, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Jeff Bezos. Fussman has won numerous awards for his writing, including four National Magazine Awards and a Sports Emmy. Cal Fussman is the Contributing editor at large for Esquire magazine for over 20 years, where he gained recognition for his "What I've Learned" column. Fussman began his career as a sportswriter, covering events such as the Super Bowl and the Olympics. He is also the f...2023-04-251h 03The Mark Drager ShowCal Fussman: How To Interview ANYONE and NEVER be BORING with a legendary journalistRenowned interviewer Cal Fussman is known for his ability to conduct deep and insightful interviews with some of the most influential people of our time, including Muhammad Ali, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Jeff Bezos. Fussman has won numerous awards for his writing, including four National Magazine Awards and a Sports Emmy. Cal Fussman is the Contributing editor at large for Esquire magazine for over 20 years, where he gained recognition for his "What I've Learned" column. Fussman began his career as a sportswriter, covering events such as the Super Bowl and the Olympics. He is also the f...2023-04-251h 03
Learn Speak TeachLST #60: Cal Fussman || Big Questions & Deep ConnectionsLearn Speak Teach Episode #60 with Cal Fussman.
Full Show Notes at: https://realbusinessconnections.com/episode/calfussman/
As our world rapidly evolves, so does the way we connect with others. While technology has brought us closer in many ways, it has also made it harder for us to find meaningful face-to-face interactions. But it's important to remember that true connection comes from the heart, and that's why it's crucial to rekindle the art of meaningful conversation.
Asking big questions can help us get to know each other on a deeper level, strengthen relationships, and foster a sense of community. Building strong...2023-03-221h 03
Real Business ConnectionsCal Fussman || Big Questions & Deep Connections (LST #60)Learn Speak Teach Episode #60 with Cal Fussman.
Full Show Notes at: https://realbusinessconnections.com/episode/calfussman/
As our world rapidly evolves, so does the way we connect with others. While technology has brought us closer in many ways, it has also made it harder for us to find meaningful face-to-face interactions. But it's important to remember that true connection comes from the heart, and that's why it's crucial to rekindle the art of meaningful conversation.
Asking big questions can help us get to know each other on a deeper level, strengthen relationships, and foster a sense of community. Building...2023-03-221h 03The James Altucher ShowBanks, Crypto, China: Do We Need to Be Afraid? | Omid Malekan & Cal FussmanThe US financial system has been going through a period of uncertainty, with various factors contributing to this state of affairs. One major issue that has been in the news recently is the occurrence of bank runs and mid-size bank insolvencies. These events have caused concerns about the stability of the banking sector and the broader financial system.Another factor that has contributed to the current uncertainty is the massive fluctuation of cryptocurrencies. The prices of popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have seen significant fluctuations, with prices soaring to record highs at times and plummeting to new lows at...2023-03-211h 24The James Altucher ShowThe Importance of Human Connection | Cal Fussman"If you're connected, there's always hope, there's always a solution. If you feel disconnected, man...it's all on you!"In this episode of the podcast, James Altucher sits down with Cal Fussman to discuss the need for human contact and social connectivity in a world that has been forever changed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Cal shares his personal experience of the daily breakfast group he was a part of for many years with his friend and confidant Larry King, where the motto was "Seize the Day".As the world begins to slowly emerge from the pandemic, Cal and James explore...2023-02-141h 04The James Altucher ShowUncovering the Legend: A Personal Look at the Life and Legacy of Larry King | Cal FussmanJames sits down with legendary journalist Cal Fussman to discuss the life and career of the iconic Larry King. Cal, who knew Larry for over 30 years, shares personal anecdotes and insights into the man behind the microphone.Cal and James begin by discussing Larry's early days in radio, where he got his start as a disc jockey in Florida. From there, they delve into the story of how Larry landed his first national television gig on the Mutual Broadcasting System's "The Larry King Show." Cal describes Larry as a masterful interviewer, who had a unique ability to make his guests...2023-01-272h 17
Modern CTOJoel's Life Story, hosted by Cal from Big Questions with Cal FussmanToday we’re talking to friend of the show Cal Fussman, host of Big Questions with Cal Fussman; and we get to know Joel’s story! We hear about Joel’s experience getting hit by a car as a kid; how he came back from zero several times throughout his career; and the leadership lessons learned from his journey through life so far.All of this right here, right now, on the Modern CTO Podcast! Check out more of Cal and Big Questions with Cal Fussman at https://www.calfussman.com/podcast!2022-12-071h 05
SuperLife with Darin OlienHow to Ask the Questions an ‘Outsider’ Would Ask | Cal FussmanThere are a lot of voices out there today. Everyone has something to say, and there are plenty of platforms to hear that message. But who’s asking the questions? Outsiders tend to see the world from a different angle– which is how they make big changes. So how can you ask questions like an outsider? Cal Fussman, author, journalist, and host of the Big Questions podcast, spent his career asking questions of the biggest icons of the last 75 years. Now he’s getting an outsider’s perspective by asking questions on how to reshape healthcare in America.2022-09-0756 min
The Darin Olien ShowHow to Ask the Questions an ‘Outsider’ Would Ask | Cal FussmanThere are a lot of voices out there today. Everyone has something to say, and there are plenty of platforms to hear that message. But who’s asking the questions? Outsiders tend to see the world from a different angle– which is how they make big changes. So how can you ask questions like an outsider?
WELCOME TO THE DARIN OLIEN SHOW
Cal Fussman asks the big questions. He wants you to ask them, too.
As a journalist and author, and after years of interviewing the icons of the last 75 years, Cal has learned how to ask questions in a way...2022-09-0756 min
Strategic Advisor BoardEpisode 199 "War Room Round Table": Cal Fussman Exclusive on Pivoting Through The Emotion of A HugIn this episode, Phillip Lanos and Jason Miller are joined by Cal Fussman, Founder and CEO of Big Questions Podcast. Cal Fussman shares his amazing journey through life and the power of story. He talks about his new exclusive venture that is all about bringing hugs back to the world. You will also uncover how to overcome a business struggle that may help save your business.Tune in to learn more!Connect:Strategic Advisor Board: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-advisor-board/Jason Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasontmiller-sab2022-08-231h 02
The 20% Podcast with Tyler Meckes94: Great Questions Can Take You Anywhere with Cal FussmanThis week’s guest is Cal Fussman. This was a very special interview for me, because Cal is one of the major reasons why I started podcasting in the first place. He made an appearance on Tim Ferriss’ show, to which Tim talked him into starting his own show. As both of them are my podcasting inspirations, I knew this was going to be a good one! Cal is a New York Times Bestselling Author, Professional Speaker, Storytelling Coach, and host of “Big Questions”
Cal was best friends with Larry King and shared breakfast with him every morning...2022-06-061h 16
Run Your Life Show With Andy Vasily#202- Cal Fussman: The Beauty of Questions (Esquire Writer/Best-Selling Author)Send us a textOn the show today, New York Times bestselling author and longtime Esquire writer, Cal Fussman. He is also the host of the Big Questions podcast I first came across Cal’s work more than 6 years ago when I heard him interviewed by well known podcaster Tim Ferriss. I was immediately drawn to Cal’s amazing ability to tell stories. As you will see in our conversation today, Cal has a very special way with words.For many years, Cal wrote the ‘What I’ve Learned’ column for Esquire magazine where he had the chanc...2022-04-221h 18