
No Small Endeavor with Lee C. Camp
Exploring what it means to live a good life. What does it mean to live a good life? What is true happiness? What are the habits, practices, and dispositions that contribute to authentic human flourishing? No Small Endeavor examines these questions with host Lee C. Camp. You'll hear from best-selling authors, philosophers, scientists, artists, psychologists, theologians and even the occasional politician—courageous, impassioned people taking seriously the question of how to live a good life. Striving for a good life is No Small Endeavor, and we’re here with you on the road. Learn more at nosmallendeavor.com.
Latest episodes

Jul 18, 2025 • 1h 9min
218: Unabridged Interview: Michael Luo
Michael Luo, the executive editor at The New Yorker and author of 'Strangers in the Land', shares his powerful journey after facing racism on the streets of Manhattan. He dives deep into the history of Chinese exclusion in the U.S., revealing how past injustices shape modern America. Luo emphasizes the significance of resilience and solidarity among marginalized communities, while also exploring the complex dynamics of race, identity, and belonging in contemporary society. His insights urge us to reflect on our shared history and the pathway to a more inclusive future.

Jul 14, 2025 • 56min
218: Michael Luo: Strangers in the Land
Michael Luo, the executive editor of The New Yorker and author of Strangers in the Land, shares an insightful journey triggered by a racial incident in Manhattan. He delves into the overlooked history of Chinese exclusion in America, examining the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and its lasting impacts. Luo connects past struggles with today's race and immigration issues, highlighting stories of resilience and solidarity among marginalized communities. He also discusses the intersection of faith and journalism, emphasizing the importance of ethical reporting for justice.

Jul 11, 2025 • 1h 12min
217: Unabridged Interview: Astro Teller
Astro Teller, the visionary co-founder and Captain of Moonshots at Alphabet’s X, discusses the transformative potential of technology in creating a sustainable future. He emphasizes blending profit with purpose through innovative projects, like carbon removal and logistics enhancements. Teller shares personal stories about rethinking success and embracing failure, advocating for a meaningful, collaborative approach to addressing global challenges. He also explores the ethical implications of AI and the vital role of curiosity and creativity in fostering human flourishing.

Jul 7, 2025 • 56min
217: Astro Teller: Captain of Moonshots on Purpose and Profit
Astro Teller, the Co-founder and 'Captain of Moonshots' at Alphabet’s X, discusses groundbreaking innovations aimed at solving global challenges. He shares insights on merging profit with purpose, highlighting projects like carbon capture and sustainable supply chains. The conversation touches on the importance of embracing failure for creativity, fostering a culture of vulnerability, and navigating the ethical dimensions of innovation. Teller emphasizes storytelling as a transformative tool, encouraging a shift towards a more responsible and human-centered approach in technology.

Jul 4, 2025 • 1h 32min
216: Unabridged Interview: David Blight
David Blight, Sterling Professor of History at Yale, dives into Yale's historical ties to slavery and the challenges of confronting such complex narratives. He emphasizes the importance of remembering the past accurately, arguing against the narratives that seek to sanitize history for national pride. Blight reflects on a significant project commissioned by Yale's president that resulted in his acclaimed book, examining both the negative and positive legacies of institutions. He highlights how our collective memory shapes societal discourse on race and accountability.

14 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 48min
216: David Blight: Why How We Remember the Past Matters
David Blight, a Sterling Professor of History at Yale and an expert on slavery's legacies, dives deep into Yale’s historical connections to slavery. He highlights the moral complexities of acknowledging painful histories and why our collective memory shapes societal identity. The discussion reveals how narratives can sanitize historical truths, particularly around memorials and race. Blight emphasizes the importance of confronting these uncomfortable realities to understand present injustices and the paradox of a nation built on freedom while upholding slavery.

Jun 27, 2025 • 1h 11min
215: Unabridged Interview: Juliet Schor
In this insightful conversation, Juliet Schor, an economist and sociology professor at Boston College, discusses the consequences of our relentless work culture and proposes a transformative vision with her book, 'Four Days a Week.' She argues that the traditional five-day work week hampers happiness and community connections. Schor critiques free market myths, explores new definitions of the good life, and shares the benefits of a reduced workweek, including enhanced well-being and productivity. Her ideas invite us to rethink work in a way that truly serves our lives.

15 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 56min
215: Juliet Schor: The Extensive Benefits of a Four-Day Work Week
Juliet Schor, a Boston College sociology professor and bestselling author, discusses the transformative benefits of a four-day work week. She argues that reducing work hours can enhance our happiness, productivity, and even improve social connections while confronting the consumerism that dominates our lives. Schor critiques traditional economic indicators like GDP, advocating for a reevaluation of what truly constitutes well-being. Through innovative models and research, she invites us to envision a future where work serves human needs rather than the other way around.

Jun 20, 2025 • 1h 11min
214: Unabridged Interview: Jemar Tisby
Jemar Tisby, a historian and scholar of race, religion, and social movements, shares his profound insights on justice and faith. He reflects on his early experiences as one of the few Black worshipers in predominantly white evangelical spaces. Tisby tackles the dangers of colorblindness, revealing how it perpetuates systemic inequality. He emphasizes the need for action to achieve human flourishing and discusses his works, including 'The Spirit of Justice.' Finally, he warns against anti-democratic trends within the church, stressing the importance of community engagement.

Jun 16, 2025 • 53min
214: Jemar Tisby: The Spirit of Justice
Jemar Tisby, a historian and New York Times bestselling author, shares his insights on the intersection of race, religion, and social justice. He reflects on his experiences growing up in a 'color-blind' Evangelical community and the awakening that followed the murder of Michael Brown. Tisby critiques the complicity of the white church in racism, urging for active justice engagement. He emphasizes that hope is found in action and discusses his latest works, including 'The Spirit of Justice' and 'Roadmap to Ruin,' which aim to guide the church in resisting democratic challenges.