52: Cal Fussman | How to Ask Big Questions for Big Answers

Early Inspirations

Cal Fussman recounts how a pivotal moment in his childhood sparked his interest in writing and interviewing. On November 22, 1963, the assassination of President Kennedy left a lasting impression on him, leading him to write a heartfelt letter to President Lyndon B. Johnson 1. Months later, he received a response from the White House, which solidified his belief that asking questions could connect him to powerful people 2.

A basic question could get you to the most powerful person on Earth. And from that moment on, I knew that's what I was destined to do.

--- Cal Fussman

   

Lessons from Travel

Cal's global travels profoundly shaped his storytelling and interview techniques. He mastered the art of engaging strangers in conversation, often securing invitations to their homes by the end of a train ride 3. He found that grandmothers were particularly welcoming, driven by a maternal instinct to ensure his safety 4.

Why walk by the conversation? Now may be different these days because people got earbuds in, and so it's harder to strike up a conversation with somebody.

--- Cal Fussman

   

Career Challenges

Cal Fussman discusses the evolution of his career and the challenges he faced along the way. He reflects on the collaborative nature of podcasting and how it differs from his previous work in journalism 5. He also notes the shift in the media landscape, with traditional magazines shrinking and more journalists turning to podcasting to tell their stories 6.

I think it's going to be harder for a podcaster who isn't curious, and can't ask the questions that are going to get stories or good tools out of their guests.

--- Cal Fussman