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
8 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 1h 1min
232: Unabridged Interview: Joy Harjo
Joy Harjo, a three-term U.S. Poet Laureate and member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, discusses the critical role of poetry in times of crisis. She shares her journey of finding voice through art and activism, influenced by the trauma of her family's history. Harjo emphasizes poetry as a ritual and a means of healing, connecting personal struggles to broader societal issues. She also reflects on the importance of recognizing Native voices and the power of community in resilience, urging poetry to be seen as a vital tool for transformation.
15 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 43min
The Subtext: God and Gilmore Girls
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Gilmore Girls with a dive into authenticity and faith. The hosts link a viral story about a 'fake' French accent to the challenge of discerning real from imitative spirituality. They explore Bible Belt Christianity versus a more justice-centered faith and critique the conflict between Christian teachings and justifications for violence. Throughout, themes of humility, loving one's enemies, and prioritizing broader scriptural truths are emphasized, all while weaving in beloved cultural references.
Oct 20, 2025 • 51min
232: Joy Harjo: Poetry and the Pursuit of Justice, Truth, and the Common Good - Poetry Against the Dark
Joy Harjo, the acclaimed three-term U.S. Poet Laureate and a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, discusses the transformative power of poetry during chaotic times. She reflects on her personal history of loss and resilience, revealing how her heritage fuels her activism. Harjo emphasizes poetry as a ritual for healing and connection, highlighting its role in combating environmental and social injustice. With insights from her upcoming book, she illustrates how words can forge identity, foster community resilience, and illuminate the beauty of life amidst adversity.
Oct 17, 2025 • 1h 5min
231: Unabridged Interview: Garrett Graff
In a deep dive with historian and journalist Garrett Graff, the conversation uncovers the dark trajectory of the internet from a promise of civic engagement to a tool for outrage. Graff discusses the empowering role of social media during the Arab Spring and contrasts it with its later use by authoritarian regimes for oppression. He examines the sinister algorithms that prioritize enraging content and the real-world consequences observed in Myanmar. Plus, he highlights the moral obligations of tech leaders and urges awareness of internet history as a civic duty.
Oct 15, 2025 • 57min
The Subtext: The Life of a Showgirl (Lee’s Version)
A Christian influencer's warning about Taylor Swift sparks a deep dive into cultural critiques. The hosts discuss moralism, highlighting how critics often focus solely on sexual themes while ignoring issues of fame and power. They explore Niebuhr's frameworks for understanding cultural artifacts and advocate for a nuanced, case-by-case approach. The conversation shifts to dissecting Swift's 'Life of a Showgirl,' revealing themes about the costs of fame and emotional vulnerability. Through engaging analysis, they invite listeners to reflect on celebrity culture and moral complexities.
Oct 13, 2025 • 51min
231: Garrett Graff: Social Media, Politics, and the Failure to Flourish
In this enlightening conversation, historian and journalist Garrett Graff, host of the award-winning Long Shadow podcast, delves into the dark turn of the internet from a hopeful civic miracle to a dangerous tool for authoritarian control. He discusses how social media once boosted democracy during the Arab Spring but later became a platform for hate and polarization, particularly in Myanmar. Graff stresses the importance of understanding internet history as a civic duty and questions the moral responsibilities of tech executives in shaping our digital future.
Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 13min
230: Unabridged Interview: Anna Sale
Anna Sale, a journalist and creator of the podcast Death, Sex & Money, explores the importance of having hard conversations rooted in her personal journey. She reflects on her divorce as a catalyst for asking deep questions about loss and meaning. Anna emphasizes the difference between merely discussing tough topics and genuinely engaging with them. She shares insights on tackling shame in conversations about intimacy and money, highlighting how honesty can foster deeper relationships. Tune in for practical advice on embracing vulnerability and building community!
Oct 9, 2025 • 34min
From Revisionist History: The Alabama Murders [ft. Lee Camp]
Malcolm Gladwell, renowned author and journalist, dives into the chilling narrative of the Alabama Murders, exploring the complexities of human behavior and community dynamics. He discusses how the tragic events stemming from a preacher's affair led to a cascade of consequences affecting countless lives. With insights into the Church of Christ's strict social rules and the psychological toll of shame, Gladwell asks why our efforts to help sometimes exacerbate suffering, revealing a gripping tale of morality and community failure.
Oct 8, 2025 • 42min
The Subtext: When Artists Fund the Military
The discussion kicks off with Daniel Ek's controversial investment in a military AI startup, sparking a debate on integrity in a profit-driven world. Exploring the struggle with moral complicity, the hosts highlight creative nonviolent resistance as a viable alternative. They dive deep into the pitfalls of efficiency and how prioritizing technique can harm community. The legacy of Oppenheimer raises questions about the co-opting of creative minds by military power. Ultimately, listeners are urged to reflect on their commitments and cultivate virtues that lead to a meaningful life.
Oct 6, 2025 • 52min
230: Anna Sale: Cultivating Courage to Talk About Hard Things, like Death, Sex, and Money
Anna Sale, a journalist and the voice behind the acclaimed podcast Death, Sex & Money, shares her journey of exploring difficult conversations after a personal crisis. She discusses how her Unitarian upbringing shaped her curiosity and the importance of listening in tough dialogues. The conversation touches on the barriers of shame, how to approach subjects like death and intimacy, and the need for vulnerability and honesty in relationships. Anna emphasizes that facing hard topics can lead to more meaningful lives.
