

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

Nov 16, 2023 • 55min
130: NSE Thanksgiving Special: No Small Endeavor Live at the Ryman
Every year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, No Small Endeavor hosts a live variety show in downtown Nashville featuring esteemed musicians and guest speakers.
In 2022, we were joined at the world-famous Ryman Auditorium by Americana duo Johnnyswim and psychiatrist Curt Thompson. It was a night of laughter, story, and song, all to celebrate hospitality, vulnerability, and gratitude. In this episode, we feature some of the highlights from that show.
Show Notes:
Similar episodes
The Power of Being Known: Curt Thompson
Reality TV, The Cuban Revolution, and a Disco Queen Mother: Johnnyswim
Welcome Table: A Thanksgiving Special
Resources mentioned this episode
The Soul of Shame by Curt Thompson
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Nov 14, 2023 • 52min
129: Unabridged Interview: Michael Budde
Should Christians condone war?
There is a long history of debate among Christians regarding the use of violence. Is “turning the other cheek” an excuse to take oppression lying down? Should Christians adhere to national military obligations? Is there such a thing as a “just war,” or is all killing anti-Christian?
Michael Budde has been studying these questions for a long time. In this episode, he discusses why he thinks Christians are called to total non-violence, why nationalism is responsible for many of the church’s historical failings, and what a counter-cultural version of faith might look like.
Show Notes
Similar episodes:
Taking the Beatitudes Seriously: John Dear
The Business of War: Justin Barringer
Actor and Activist: Martin Sheen
Randall Balmer: Race and the Rise of the Religious Right
Resources mentioned this episode
Just War as Christian Discipleship by Daniel Bell
No Bars to Manhood by Daniel Berrigan
PDF of Lee’s Interview Notes
Transcript for Abridged Episode
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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 9, 2023 • 54min
129: Michael Budde: Is War Ever Just?
Should Christians condone war?
There is a long history of debate among Christians regarding the use of violence. Is “turning the other cheek” an excuse to take oppression lying down? Should Christians adhere to national military obligations? Is there such a thing as a “just war,” or is all killing anti-Christian?
Michael Budde has been studying these questions for a long time. In this episode, he discusses why he thinks Christians are called to total non-violence, why nationalism is responsible for many of the church’s historical failings, and what a counter-cultural version of faith might look like.
Show Notes
Similar episodes:
Taking the Beatitudes Seriously: John Dear
The Business of War: Justin Barringer
Actor and Activist: Martin Sheen
Randall Balmer: Race and the Rise of the Religious Right
Resources mentioned this episode
Just War as Christian Discipleship by Daniel Bell
No Bars to Manhood by Daniel Berrigan
PDF of Lee’s Interview Notes
Transcription Link
Join NSE+ Our subscriber only community with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, and discounts on live shows
Subscribe to episodes: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Google | YouTube
Follow Us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
Follow Lee: Instagram | Twitter
Join our Email List: nosmallendeavor.com
Become a Subscriber: NSE+
See Privacy Policy: Privacy Policy
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: Tokens Media, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 7, 2023 • 55min
128: Unabridged Interview: Jesuitical
This is our unabridged episode with Zac Davis and Ashley McKinless, co-hosts of Jesuitical.
Do young people care about religion?
Zac Davis and Ashley McKinless have good reason to think so. Together, they host the Jesuitical podcast, which explicitly calls itself “a podcast for young Catholics.”
“Most people are left with trying to solve 27-year-old problems with an eighth grade religious formation,” says Zac. The solution, they believe, is not to take one’s religion less seriously, but more.
In this episode, they discuss the landscape of faith for young people in today's culture, as well as some of the pressing issues of abuse and injustice that they believe the Church, and American society at large, must address.
Show Notes
Similar episodes:
How Celebrity Culture is Hurting the Church: Katelyn Beaty
Actor and Activist: Martin Sheen
Randall Balmer: Race and the Rise of the Religious Right
Resources mentioned this episode:
Jesuitical podcast
PDF of Lee’s Interview Notes
Transcript for Abridged Episode
Join NSE+ Our subscriber only community with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, and discounts on live shows
Subscribe to episodes: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Google | YouTube
Follow Us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
Follow Lee: Instagram | Twitter
Join our Email List: nosmallendeavor.com
Become a Subscriber: NSE+
See Privacy Policy: Privacy Policy
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: Tokens Media, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 2, 2023 • 54min
128: Jesuitical: How Young Catholics See The World
Do young people care about religion?
Zac Davis and Ashley McKinless have good reason to think so. Together, they host the Jesuitical podcast, which explicitly calls itself “a podcast for young Catholics.”
“Most people are left with trying to solve 27-year-old problems with an eighth grade religious formation,” says Zac. The solution, they believe, is not to take one’s religion less seriously, but more.
In this episode, they discuss the landscape of faith for young people in today's culture, as well as some of the pressing issues of abuse and injustice that they believe the Church, and American society at large, must address.
Show Notes
Similar episodes:
How Celebrity Culture is Hurting the Church: Katelyn Beaty
Actor and Activist: Martin Sheen
Randall Balmer: Race and the Rise of the Religious Right
Resources mentioned this episode:
Jesuitical podcast
PDF of Lee’s Interview Notes
Transcript Link
Join NSE+ Our subscriber only community with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, and discounts on live shows
Subscribe to episodes: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Google | YouTube
Follow Us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
Follow Lee: Instagram | Twitter
Join our Email List: nosmallendeavor.com
Become a Subscriber: NSE+
See Privacy Policy: Privacy Policy
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: Tokens Media, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 1, 2023 • 48min
For Your Consideration: The Gist featuring Rainn Wilson and Eric Weiner
Today, we’re sharing a special episode from The Gist—hosted by Mike Pesca.
Rainn Wilson is the host of Peacock's The Geography Of Bliss, based on the book of the same name written by Eric Weiner. Like Weiner before him, Wilson (who played the legendary Dwight Schrute on The Office) travels the world in search of locally sourced happiness secrets. For some reason, Mike gives them both a hard time, and everyone winds up angrier at each other than one might expect from an exploration of bliss.
Mike Pesca has established a seven-year connection to his audience as host of The Gist. For thirty minutes each day, Pesca challenges himself and his audience, in a responsibly provocative style, and gets beyond the rigidity and dogma. The Gist is surprising, reasonable, and willing to critique the left, the right, either party, or any idea.
Listen to more episodes of The Gist and follow the podcast: https://pod.link/873667927
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 31, 2023 • 1h 1min
127: Unabridged Interview: Kelly Corrigan
This is our unabridged episode with Kelly Corrigan.
“What percentage of all pain in the world is related to wanting to belong?”
Kelly Corrigan - who you may know as a New York Times bestselling author and the host of a number of popular radio and TV shows - was a young mother of two when she and her beloved father were both diagnosed with cancer. It was, to say the least, an immensely difficult time.
Yet, she found her way through it by relying heavily on her tendency to be vulnerable, rather than hiding her pain from others. “It's just fodder for us to be closer,” she says of her suffering. “The point is to connect.”
In this episode, she shares her story, along with much wisdom gleaned from a life of leaning into vulnerability.
Show Notes
Similar episodes:
Amy Grant: Fame, Vulnerability, and Staying Grounded
William Paul Young: Author of The Shack
Curt Thompson: The Power of Being Known
Resources mentioned this episode:
Tell Me More by Kelly Corrigan
The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan
Tell Me More on PBS
Kelly Corrigan Wonders podcast
PDF of Lee’s Interview Notes
Transcript Link for Abridged Episode
Join NSE+ Our subscriber only community with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, and discounts on live shows
Subscribe to episodes: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Google | YouTube
Follow Us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
Follow Lee: Instagram | Twitter
Join our Email List: nosmallendeavor.com
Become a Subscriber: NSE+
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Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: Tokens Media, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 26, 2023 • 54min
127: Kelly Corrigan: How Vulnerability Leads to Connection
“What percentage of all pain in the world is related to wanting to belong?”
Kelly Corrigan - who you may know as a New York Times bestselling author and the host of a number of popular radio and TV shows - was a young mother of two when she and her beloved father were both diagnosed with cancer. It was, to say the least, an immensely difficult time.
Yet, she found her way through it by relying heavily on her tendency to be vulnerable, rather than hiding her pain from others. “It's just fodder for us to be closer,” she says of her suffering. “The point is to connect.”
In this episode, she shares her story, along with much wisdom gleaned from a life of leaning into vulnerability.
Show Notes
Similar episodes:
Amy Grant: Fame, Vulnerability, and Staying Grounded
William Paul Young: Author of The Shack
Curt Thompson: The Power of Being Known
Resources mentioned this episode:
Tell Me More by Kelly Corrigan
The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan
Tell Me More on PBS
Kelly Corrigan Wonders podcast
PDF of Lee’s Interview Notes
Transcript Link
Join NSE+ Our subscriber only community with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, and discounts on live shows
Subscribe to episodes: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Google | YouTube
Follow Us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
Follow Lee: Instagram | Twitter
Join our Email List: nosmallendeavor.com
Become a Subscriber: NSE+
See Privacy Policy: Privacy Policy
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: Tokens Media, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 24, 2023 • 1h 16min
126: Unabridged Interview: Jennifer Wiseman
This is our unabridged episode with Jennifer Wiseman.
Astrophysicist Jennifer Wiseman is no stranger to wonder. Spending her days studying the formation of stars and planets, she often finds herself in awe of both the vastness of the universe and its intricate detail. She’s also a practicing Christian, who sees science as complementary rather than contrary to her faith.
And did we mention she discovered a comet while on a college field trip?
In this episode, taped in front of a live audience at Nashville’s Sudekum Planetarium under a projection of images from the James Webb Telescope, she discusses her work and her faith, and how their intersection might give helpful insight about the meaning of our lives.
Show Notes
Similar episodes:
Science, Faith, and Einstein: Alister McGrath
The Francis Collins Interview
The (Not Really) War Between Science and Faith: David Wilkinson
Resources mentioned this episode:
Webb Telescope Website
PDF of Lee’s Interview Notes
Transcript for Abridged Episode
Join NSE+ Our subscriber only community with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, and discounts on live shows
Subscribe to episodes: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Google | YouTube
Follow Us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
Follow Lee: Instagram | Twitter
Join our Email List: nosmallendeavor.com
Become a Subscriber: NSE+
See Privacy Policy: Privacy Policy
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: Tokens Media, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 19, 2023 • 54min
126: Jennifer Wiseman: How Science Produces Wonder
Astrophysicist Jennifer Wiseman is no stranger to wonder. Spending her days studying the formation of stars and planets, she often finds herself in awe of both the vastness of the universe and its intricate detail. She’s also a practicing Christian, who sees science as complementary rather than contrary to her faith.
And did we mention she discovered a comet while on a college field trip?
In this episode, taped in front of a live audience at Nashville’s Sudekum Planetarium under a projection of images from the James Webb Telescope, she discusses her work and her faith, and how their intersection might give helpful insight about the meaning of our lives.
Show Notes
Similar episodes:
Science, Faith, and Einstein: Alister McGrath
The Francis Collins Interview
The (Not Really) War Between Science and Faith: David Wilkinson
Resources mentioned this episode:
Webb Telescope Website
PDF of Lee’s Interview Notes
Transcript
Join NSE+ Our subscriber only community with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, and discounts on live shows
Subscribe to episodes: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Google | YouTube
Follow Us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
Follow Lee: Instagram | Twitter
Join our Email List: nosmallendeavor.com
Become a Subscriber: NSE+
See Privacy Policy: Privacy Policy
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: Tokens Media, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices