No Small Endeavor with Lee C. Camp
Tokens Media
What does it really mean to live a good life—in our politics, our faith, our work, and our relationships?
On No Small Endeavor with Lee C. Camp, we explore the ideas, practices, and public debates that shape human flourishing today. Each week you’ll hear thought-provoking conversations with bestselling authors, philosophers, neuroscientists, psychologists, theologians, artists, and political leaders—people wrestling with the biggest questions of meaning and purpose in our time.
Together we ask:
How can religion be a force for healing instead of division?
What does neuroscience reveal about happiness, habits, and productivity?
Where do politics and justice meet the pursuit of the common good?
How do truth, beauty, and goodness help us live well—personally and collectively?
If you care about faith, politics, social justice, science, or the search for meaning, you’ll find courageous, practical conversations here. Because pursuing a meaningful life is no small endeavor—and we’re with you on the road.
Learn more at nosmallendeavor.com.
On No Small Endeavor with Lee C. Camp, we explore the ideas, practices, and public debates that shape human flourishing today. Each week you’ll hear thought-provoking conversations with bestselling authors, philosophers, neuroscientists, psychologists, theologians, artists, and political leaders—people wrestling with the biggest questions of meaning and purpose in our time.
Together we ask:
How can religion be a force for healing instead of division?
What does neuroscience reveal about happiness, habits, and productivity?
Where do politics and justice meet the pursuit of the common good?
How do truth, beauty, and goodness help us live well—personally and collectively?
If you care about faith, politics, social justice, science, or the search for meaning, you’ll find courageous, practical conversations here. Because pursuing a meaningful life is no small endeavor—and we’re with you on the road.
Learn more at nosmallendeavor.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
6 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 55min
The Subtext: The Gospel According to Billie Eilish
Explore the fine line between entertainment and faith as hosts discuss whether Christians should indulge in shows like Love Island. Dive into the complex interpretation of slavery in the Bible and how personal experiences shape these views. Billie Eilish's striking pledge for wealth redistribution sparks a spirited conversation on generosity and societal responsibility. Plus, the duo tackles the persistence of poverty in America and even throws in a light-hearted take on Kim Kardashian's moon landing skepticism. It's a thought-provoking ride!
Nov 17, 2025 • 52min
236: Lara Love Hardin: The Power of Community and Second Chances
Lara Love Hardin, a literary agent, author, and prison-reform advocate, shares her incredible journey from addiction to empowerment. She discusses how connection, not just sobriety, can heal. Lara recounts her experiences with shame and public humiliation, emphasizing the importance of community support during recovery. She highlights transformative practices like meditation and honest storytelling. Her collaborations with figures like Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama instilled lessons on forgiveness, showing that embracing all facets of life leads to profound healing and growth.
Nov 14, 2025 • 1h 8min
235: Unabridged Interview: Rick Steves
Rick Steves, renowned travel writer and educator, shares his transformative journey along the 1978 Hippie Trail from Istanbul to Kathmandu. He reflects on how this pivotal trip shaped his career and understanding of global love and humanity. Steves emphasizes travel as a political and spiritual practice, urging us to embrace serendipity and navigate fear in order to connect with others. He discusses the responsibilities of privilege in travel and offers powerful anecdotes that reveal the impact of thoughtful exploration on personal growth and neighborly love.
8 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 51min
The Subtext: Nobody Wants This
Savannah and Lee explore the Netflix series Nobody Wants This, delving into the love story between an agnostic podcaster and a rabbi. They discuss the nuanced portrayal of religious characters and challenge stereotypes. The hosts tackle deep questions about compromises in relationships and when they become self-betrayal. They also examine boundaries in cross-sex friendships, highlighting the complexities of moral choices and supportive interactions. Their conversation opens up broader themes of belief as a lived practice and the impact of societal norms.
Nov 10, 2025 • 52min
235: Rick Steves: Travel as Spiritual Practice, Political Act, and Global Kinship
Rick Steves, beloved travel writer and public television host, shares profound insights about travel as a means for personal and political growth. He recalls his transformative journey on the Hippie Trail, emphasizing how culture shock broadens understanding and compassion. Steves argues that travel can challenge assumptions and fosters global kinship. He highlights the importance of recognizing privilege and stewardship while encouraging spontaneous encounters that deepen our connections with others. Ultimately, he invites everyone to travel boldly and embrace the beauty of diverse perspectives.
4 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 1h 8min
234: Unabridged Interview: Pádraig Ó Tuama
Pádraig Ó Tuama, a poet, theologian, and former leader of the Corrymeela community, dives deep into the role of poetry amidst global turmoil. He discusses how poetry serves as a means of survival and resistance, linking it to personal experiences growing up Catholic and gay in 1980s Ireland. Ó Tuama emphasizes the importance of 'noticing' as a poetic practice, shares insights on the complexities of conflict as performance, and reflects on the healing power of words. His readings from 'Kitchen Hymns' invite listeners to embrace belief and connection.
Nov 5, 2025 • 51min
The Subtext: All is Fair in Love And (Culture) War
The hosts dive into the culture war sparked by Turning Point USA's All-American Halftime Show, contrasting it with Bad Bunny's performance. They explore historical backlash against Latino artists and how cultural events reflect deeper political divides. By dissecting freedom and power dynamics, they raise questions about the motives behind cultural outrage and the role of social media. The episode emphasizes curiosity and constructive dialogue as essential tools for navigating these contentious topics.
14 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 52min
234: Pádraig Ó Tuama: Poetry, and Making Peace, Bearing Witness and Being Human - Poetry Against the Dark
Pádraig Ó Tuama, a poet, theologian, and former leader of Ireland's Corrymeela community, explores poetry's vital role in today's turbulent world. He discusses the transformative power of words in the face of conflict, sharing insights on the 'art of noticing' as a form of resistance. Pádraig reflects on his journey growing up Catholic and gay in Ireland, how poetry helped him reclaim his identity, and offers poignant readings from his book Kitchen Hymns, inviting listeners to embrace humanity amidst chaos.
Oct 31, 2025 • 1h 13min
233: Unabridged Interview: Haleh Liza Gafori
Haleh Liza Gafori, a poet, musician, and translator renowned for her contemporary translations of Rumi, dives deep into the mystical world of poetry and its relevance amidst modern crises. She eloquently discusses how Rumi's teachings offer profound healing and escape from anxiety, materialism, and self-repression. Gafori explores the political implications of poetry, urging listeners to embrace joy and challenge societal norms. Recognizing the power of language and art, she advocates for inner transformation as a pathway to social change.
Oct 29, 2025 • 48min
The Subtext: Liver King: Masculinity in Crisis
Dive into the intriguing world of the Liver King and explore how his raw-meat empire reveals deeper anxieties about masculinity and mortality. The conversation unpacks the cultural obsession with strength and control, sparked by fears of death. Hosts discuss the rise of fitness culture and its implications on modern masculinity, along with thought-provoking insights on how vulnerability can liberate us from death anxiety. Techniques for embracing life's limits and finding beauty in the ordinary wrap up this profound exploration.
