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
10 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 1h 15min
221: Unabridged Interview: Sharon McMahon
Sharon McMahon, known as America's government teacher, is an award-winning educator and podcast host. In this engaging conversation, she discusses the urgent need for informed civic participation and how education can be a transformative force. Sharon shares her journey of simplifying complex political topics and fostering critical thinking among students. She also tackles the challenges of online negativity and promotes joy as a form of resistance, all while encouraging a compassionate approach to politics and community engagement.
22 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 52min
221: Sharon McMahon: Escaping the Partisan Trap
Sharon McMahon, an educator and author known as "America's Government Teacher," discusses the importance of nonpartisanship in today's political climate. She emphasizes the need for informed civic participation and the power of education to foster understanding. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the significance of recognizing complexity, the dangers of money in politics, and cultivating joy despite adversity. McMahon encourages listeners to engage positively in political discussions and take small actions toward meaningful change.
Aug 1, 2025 • 1h 3min
220: Unabridged Interview: Emma Varvaloucas
Emma Varvaloucas, Executive Director of The Progress Network and a journalist with a passion for Buddhism, shares insights on reclaiming agency in a world filled with anxiety. She discusses the transformative power of intentional news consumption and mindfulness practices, along with practical tips for reducing despair and igniting positive action. Emma offers a hopeful perspective on societal progress, highlighting significant advancements amidst challenges like climate change and poverty. Her personal journey intertwines spirituality and journalism, creating a dialogue filled with humor and realism.
Jul 28, 2025 • 52min
220: Emma Varvaloucas: Mind Over Media
Emma Varvaloucas, Executive Director of The Progress Network, dives into how our news consumption shapes our reality. She shares practical tips for engaging with media that foster positivity and action. Emma's journey through Buddhism and mindfulness reveals tools for transforming despair into hope, emphasizing the importance of context and intentionality. The discussion also critiques the role of journalism in social justice, advocating for a nonpartisan, solutions-oriented approach in a polarized society.
Jul 25, 2025 • 1h 6min
219: Unabridged Interview: Melina Laboucan-Massimo
Melina Laboucan-Massimo, a Lubicon Cree activist and founder of Indigenous Climate Action, shares her journey of advocating for climate justice and Indigenous rights. She reflects on the resilience required in the fight against colonialism and resource extraction, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous knowledge. Melina also discusses her path to recovery from health challenges while maintaining her activism. The conversation touches on the significant impact of environmental issues on communities and the necessity for accountability in resource extraction practices.
4 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 52min
219: Melina Laboucan-Massimo: Indigenous Wisdom and the Fight for Justice
Melina Laboucan-Massimo, an activist from the Lubicon Cree community and founder of Sacred Earth Solar, shares her journey through adversity while advocating for climate justice and Indigenous rights. She discusses the profound impact of the oil and gas industry on her community and the importance of resilience. Reflecting on her childhood experiences with racism, Melina emphasizes Indigenous wisdom and the need for balance between activism and well-being. She highlights ongoing struggles for recognition and the urgent fight against issues like missing and murdered Indigenous women.
Jul 18, 2025 • 1h 5min
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 • 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.
