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
Jul 14, 2025 • 52min
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 7, 2025 • 52min
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 28min
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.
21 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.
26 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 1h 10min
212: Unabridged Interview: Amy Grant
Amy Grant, the renowned "Queen of Christian Pop," dives deep into her extraordinary life and career. She reflects on recovering from serious health issues, revealing how vulnerability has shaped her personal growth. Listeners will be captivated by her thoughts on music as a universal language, fostering emotional connections. Grant also shares poignant insights on navigating grief and personal challenges, highlighting the importance of community and the values passed down through generations. This heartfelt conversation showcases her grounded perspective amidst fame.
26 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 56min
213: Walter Brueggemann: The Prophetic Imagination
Walter Brueggemann, a renowned theologian and biblical scholar, shares his profound insights on prophetic imagination. He critiques the pervasive 'totalism of market ideology' that stifles dissent and encourages a vision of abundance over scarcity. Brueggemann emphasizes the need for faith communities to challenge consumerism and embrace creativity and compassion. He reflects on personal experiences and the urgency of truth-telling as a form of resistance against societal norms. This enlightening discussion honors Brueggemann’s legacy and inspires listeners to envision justice and hope.
