Logo for No Small Endeavor with Lee C. Camp

No Small Endeavor with Lee C. Camp

Tokens Media

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.

2024 Tokens Media

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.

2024 Tokens Media
248hr 54min
Thumbnail for "143: Anthony Ray Hinton: An Innocent Man on Death Row".
“I don’t care whether you did or didn’t do it. I’m going to make sure you’re found guilty.” These are the words that put Anthony Ray Hinton on Alabama’s death row for a crime he didn’t commit. He lived there for 28 years before being released by the Supreme Court in 2015. In this episode, Anthony tells his story in full, describing the tortuous conditions of death row, and how he found hope and friendship in the midst of it.
Thumbnail for "185: Drew Holcomb and Audrey Assad: Vulnerable Art".
“Sometimes artists have to take a chance and be vulnerable.” Drew Holcomb and Audrey Assad are two such artists, whose brilliance is in large part due to their vulnerability. Today, they each share their stories, discussing how they bring their authentic selves to their craft by being honest about their faults, traumas, and doubts.
Thumbnail for "184: Unabridged Interview: Peter Levine".
“In order to really move through trauma,” says Peter Levine, “we have to do that in the body.” Peter has spent his career researching ways to help himself and others come to healing and wholeness. In this episode, he discusses his memoir “An Autobiography of Trauma,” in which he uses his own life story to illustrate the ways our bodies hold trauma, and how we can learn to pay attention to our lives and find healing.
Thumbnail for "184: Peter Levine: How the Body Holds and Heals Trauma".
“In order to really move through trauma,” says Peter Levine, “we have to do that in the body.” Peter has spent his career researching ways to help himself and others come to healing and wholeness. In this episode, he discusses his memoir “An Autobiography of Trauma,” in which he uses his own life story to illustrate the ways our bodies hold trauma, and how we can learn to pay attention to our lives and find healing.
Thumbnail for "183: Unabridged Interview: Malcolm Gladwell".
To prepare for family dinners and political conversations this holiday season, two guests offer us new ways of being humble and curious. First, Malcolm Gladwell reveals why we must learn humility if we are to understand each other. Then, former U.S. Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith offers poems that invite us to acknowledge the full, complex, and beautiful worth of the human beings we encounter. In a time of disagreement and difference, this episode is full of ways to help us understand and love each other a bit more.
Thumbnail for "183: Malcolm Gladwell and Tracy K. Smith: Can Curiosity Save Your Holidays?".
To prepare for family dinners and political conversations this holiday season, two guests offer us new ways of being humble and curious. First, Malcolm Gladwell reveals why we must learn humility if we are to understand each other. Then, former U.S. Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith offers poems that invite us to acknowledge the full, complex, and beautiful worth of the human beings we encounter. In a time of disagreement and difference, this episode is full of ways to help us understand and love each other a bit more.
Thumbnail for "182: Unabridged Interview: Kathryn Gin Lum".
Kathryn Gin Lum walks us through the history of the term heathen and how it has utterly shaped the world as we discuss her book Heathen: Religion and Race in American History. The idea behind the term was often wielded as a weapon to justify colonization and enslavement, and though the label has fallen out of mainstream use, she says the mental map of the world it has created has not.
Thumbnail for "182: Kathryn Gin Lum: How The Label Heathen Shaped the World".
Kathryn Gin Lum walks us through the history of the term heathen and how it has utterly shaped the world as we discuss her book Heathen: Religion and Race in American History. The idea behind the term was often wielded as a weapon to justify colonization and enslavement, and though the label has fallen out of mainstream use, she says the mental map of the world it has created has not.
Thumbnail for "181: Unabridged Interview: Tim Shriver".
On social media and the news, the narrative told about humanity is often one of violence, division, and dehumanization. But Tim Shriver, chairman of the Special Olympics, tells a different story. As the nephew of John F. Kennedy, Tim has known great privilege and great grief. As an educator and social worker, he has seen the countless ways that humans defy stereotypes and give grace to one another. In this episode, he talks about why his life and career have led him to the conclusion that the key to a happy life is to live it for the flourishing of others.
Thumbnail for "181: Tim Shriver: Living Life for Others".
On social media and the news, the narrative told about humanity is often one of violence, division, and dehumanization. But Tim Shriver, chairman of the Special Olympics, tells a different story. As the nephew of John F. Kennedy, Tim has known great privilege and great grief. As an educator and social worker, he has seen the countless ways that humans defy stereotypes and give grace to one another. In this episode, he talks about why his life and career have led him to the conclusion that the key to a happy life is to live it for the flourishing of others.
Thumbnail for "180: Unabridged Interview: Philip Mangano".
Is homelessness a problem that can be solved? Philip Mangano describes his longtime effort to approach homelessness in a new way. Instead of soup kitchens, clothing drives, and medical programs, all of which often end up serving more and more homeless people, Philip focused on a housing-first model. “I took the abolitionist frame,” he says. “People were homeless, so the antidote must be a place to live.”
Thumbnail for "180: Philip Mangano: Abolishing Homelessness".
Is homelessness a problem that can be solved? Philip Mangano describes his longtime effort to approach homelessness in a new way. Instead of soup kitchens, clothing drives, and medical programs, all of which often end up serving more and more homeless people, Philip focused on a housing-first model. “I took the abolitionist frame,” he says. “People were homeless, so the antidote must be a place to live.”
Thumbnail for "179: Unabridged Interview: Christian Wiman".
“Suffering, I think, catalyzes an intimacy that couldn't happen otherwise.” Christian Wiman, renowned poet and teacher at Yale Divinity School, does not say these words flippantly. While discussing his recent memoir “Zero at the Bone: Fifty Entries Against Despair,” Christian discusses faith, doubt, joy, and sorrow in the way only a great poet can, taking the stuff of life - the mundane, confusing, chaotic, and tragic - and making meaning out of it.
Thumbnail for "179: Christian Wiman: Poetry Against Despair".
“Suffering, I think, catalyzes an intimacy that couldn't happen otherwise.” Christian Wiman, renowned poet and teacher at Yale Divinity School, does not say these words flippantly. While discussing his recent memoir “Zero at the Bone: Fifty Entries Against Despair,” Christian discusses faith, doubt, joy, and sorrow in the way only a great poet can, taking the stuff of life - the mundane, confusing, chaotic, and tragic - and making meaning out of it.
Thumbnail for "178: Unabridged Interview: Russell Moore and David French".
For the last decade of American political discourse, both the Left and the Right have each been developing fierce tribalism, in which it is increasingly costly for one to wage critique at one’s own group. Today, Russell Moore and David French discuss why insider critique must be done. They talk about their work as conservative Christians who don’t support Donald Trump, how it has cost them friends, careers, and safety, and why we need to reframe discourse to be more compassionate and loving.
Thumbnail for "178: Russell Moore and David French: How Should Christians Do Politics?".
For the last decade of American political discourse, both the Left and the Right have each been developing fierce tribalism, in which it is increasingly costly for one to wage critique at one’s own group. Today, Russell Moore and David French discuss why insider critique must be done. They talk about their work as conservative Christians who don’t support Donald Trump, how it has cost them friends, careers, and safety, and why we need to reframe discourse to be more compassionate and loving.
Thumbnail for "177: Unabridged Interview: Musa al-Gharbi".
The last few decades have been marked by a drastic increase in what often gets labeled “social justice.” But somehow, in spite of all this, social and economic inequalities have only worsened. How is this possible? In his new book “We Have Never Been Woke,” Musa al-Gharbi makes the case that an excess of public symbolic gestures has created a backwards world where justice is preached but rarely done, offering a sharp critique of the ways many of us, on all sides of politics and culture, have used social justice as a subtle way to serve ourselves.
Thumbnail for "177: Musa al-Gharbi: We Have Never Been Woke".
The last few decades have been marked by a drastic increase in what often gets labeled “social justice.” But somehow, in spite of all this, social and economic inequalities have only worsened. How is this possible? In his new book “We Have Never Been Woke,” Musa al-Gharbi makes the case that an excess of public symbolic gestures has created a backwards world where justice is preached but rarely done, offering a sharp critique of the ways many of us, on all sides of politics and culture, have used social justice as a subtle way to serve ourselves.
Thumbnail for "176: Unabridged Interview: Carissa Carter and Scott Doorley".
Can technology be designed for more than mere convenience and speed? Technology is often geared towards addressing immediate needs and desires, with little regard for any long-term outcome. But with increasingly powerful tech, negative effects on people and the planet are showing up more and more quickly. In this episode, designers Carissa Carter and Scott Doorley discuss their book “Assembling Tomorrow,” which offers ideas and practices for building and engaging with technology in ways that help us flourish.
Thumbnail for "176: Carissa Carter and Scott Doorley: Assembling Tomorrow".
Can technology be designed for more than mere convenience and speed? Technology is often geared towards addressing immediate needs and desires, with little regard for any long-term outcome. But with increasingly powerful tech, negative effects on people and the planet are showing up more and more quickly. In this episode, designers Carissa Carter and Scott Doorley discuss their book “Assembling Tomorrow,” which offers ideas and practices for building and engaging with technology in ways that help us flourish.
Thumbnail for "175: Unabridged Interview: Greg Boyle".
How do you become truly loving? Greg Boyle says to go to the margins. He’s the founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang-member rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world. He tells breathtaking stories gleaned from a life lived in community with those who society neglects: “You don't go to the margins to make a difference. You go to the margins so the folks at the margins make you different.”
Thumbnail for "175: Greg Boyle: Cherished Belonging (Best of NSE)".
How do you become truly loving? Greg Boyle says to go to the margins. He’s the founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang-member rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world. He tells breathtaking stories gleaned from a life lived in community with those who society neglects: “You don't go to the margins to make a difference. You go to the margins so the folks at the margins make you different.”
Thumbnail for "174: Unabridged Interview: Meghan O’Gieblyn".
Are robots going to destroy humanity? In this episode, Meghan O’Gieblyn discusses Artificial Intelligence (AI) in great detail, and lays out what she believes to be the social, political, ethical, and even theological issues at stake as humanity learns to live with new technology.
Thumbnail for "174: Meghan O’Gieblyn: Will AI Destroy Humanity? (Best of NSE)".
Are robots going to destroy humanity? In this episode, Meghan O’Gieblyn discusses Artificial Intelligence (AI) in great detail, and lays out what she believes to be the social, political, ethical, and even theological issues at stake as humanity learns to live with new technology.
Thumbnail for "173: Unabridged Interview: Ayana Elizabeth Johnson".
Can environmental activism be done with joy? The bigness of it all can be overwhelming and paralyzing. But what if there was another way for you to take action on climate change that wasn’t driven by anxiety but rather filled with joy and satisfaction? Ayana Elizabeth Johnson explains why the climate crisis is no less dire than the news makes it seem, but how how a simple tool just might flip the script for you on climate action.
Thumbnail for "173: Ayana Elizabeth Johnson: What If We Get Climate Action Right?".
Can environmental activism be done with joy? The bigness of it all can be overwhelming and paralyzing. But what if there was another way for you to take action on climate change that wasn’t driven by anxiety but rather filled with joy and satisfaction? Ayana Elizabeth Johnson explains why the climate crisis is no less dire than the news makes it seem, but how how a simple tool just might flip the script for you on climate action.
Thumbnail for "172: Unabridged Interview: Edith Hall".
What if you’re wrong about what it means to be happy? In this episode, Edith Hall offers an ancient definition of happiness from Aristotle that might just be the solution to today’s crisis of despair. “It’s a way of life, it's not a psychological state,” she says. “To live well…submit yourself to your own best self, and don't let transient temptations derail you.”
Thumbnail for "172: Edith Hall: How Ancient Wisdom can Change Your Life (Best of NSE)".
What if you’re wrong about what it means to be happy? In this episode, Edith Hall offers an ancient definition of happiness from Aristotle that might just be the solution to today’s crisis of despair. “It’s a way of life, it's not a psychological state,” she says. “To live well…submit yourself to your own best self, and don't let transient temptations derail you.”
Thumbnail for "171: Unabridged Interview: Cyntoia Brown Long".
In August of 2019, Cyntoia Brown Long was released from the Tennessee Prison for Women, 13 years after she had been sentenced to life without parole for the murder of a man to whom she had been sex-trafficked. In this episode, Cyntoia tells an uncensored account of the great personal and systemic brokenness which led to her imprisonment, and the dramatic, at times hard-to-believe nature of the grace and providence which brought her to faith and ultimate release.
Thumbnail for "171: Cyntoia Brown Long: Free Cyntoia (Best of NSE)".
In August of 2019, Cyntoia Brown Long was released from the Tennessee Prison for Women, 13 years after she had been sentenced to life without parole for the murder of a man to whom she had been sex-trafficked. In this episode, Cyntoia tells an uncensored account of the great personal and systemic brokenness which led to her imprisonment, and the dramatic, at times hard-to-believe nature of the grace and providence which brought her to faith and ultimate release.
Thumbnail for "170: Unabridged Interview: Quincy Byrdsong".
How are the world’s poor and oppressed affected by inequity in healthcare systems? In this episode, Dr. Quincy Byrdsong discusses how such cases as the infamous Tuskegee syphilis trials have allowed racism and classism to persist in healthcare systems even to this day, and what might be done to right the wrongs of systemic injustice.
Thumbnail for "170: Quincy Byrdsong: Tuskegee, Healthcare, Justice (Best of NSE)".
How are the world’s poor and oppressed affected by inequity in healthcare systems? In this episode, Dr. Quincy Byrdsong discusses how such cases as the infamous Tuskegee syphilis trials have allowed racism and classism to persist in healthcare systems even to this day, and what might be done to right the wrongs of systemic injustice.
Thumbnail for "169: Unabridged Interview: Jerry Mitchell: Murder, Race, and Faith".
In the 1990s, Jerry Mitchell started working on a handful of closed murder cases from the Civil Rights Era. In this episode, he tells some of the most jaw-dropping stories from his life’s work, from the discovery of sealed spy records which revealed government involvement in racial murder, to interviews with klansmen who made threats on his life. “Them trying to threaten me really made me more determined to do it than ever,” he says. “A life of fear is not worth living.”
Thumbnail for "169: Jerry Mitchell: Murder, Race, and Faith (Best of NSE)".
In the 1990s, Jerry Mitchell started working on a handful of closed murder cases from the Civil Rights Era. In this episode, he tells some of the most jaw-dropping stories from his life’s work, from the discovery of sealed spy records which revealed government involvement in racial murder, to interviews with klansmen who made threats on his life. “Them trying to threaten me really made me more determined to do it than ever,” he says. “A life of fear is not worth living.”
Thumbnail for "168: Unabridged Interview: Clay Hobbs".
What if you knew you had one year left to live? With just 365 days left on earth, how would you spend them? After a terminal cancer diagnosis, host Lee C. Camp’s friend Clay Hobbs was faced with this exact question. In today’s intimate episode, Lee shares several conversations with Clay in the last year of his life. The friends discuss coming to terms with a terminal diagnosis, saying goodbye, and how the practice of facing death may help us all lead more intentional lives.
Thumbnail for "168: Clay Hobbs: The Wisdom of Numbering Your Days".
What if you knew you had one year left to live? With just 365 days left on earth, how would you spend them? After a terminal cancer diagnosis, host Lee C. Camp’s friend Clay Hobbs was faced with this exact question. In today’s intimate episode, Lee shares several conversations with Clay in the last year of his life. The friends discuss coming to terms with a terminal diagnosis, saying goodbye, and how the practice of facing death may help us all lead more intentional lives.
Thumbnail for "167: Unabridged Interview: Amishi Jha".
For 50% of our lives, we are not paying attention to what we’re doing. Our work, mental health, and relationships suffer because of it. But what if there was a tried-and-true way to change this, something like “push-ups for your brain?” In this episode, Amishi Jha describes the practice of mindfulness meditation - why it can work for everyone (not just the spiritual folks), and how it only takes a few minutes each day to maximize attention and reach one’s “Peak Mind.”
Thumbnail for "167: Amishi Jha: Push-ups for Your Brain".
For 50% of our lives, we are not paying attention to what we’re doing. Our work, mental health, and relationships suffer because of it. But what if there was a tried-and-true way to change this, something like “push-ups for your brain?” In this episode, Amishi Jha describes the practice of mindfulness meditation - why it can work for everyone (not just the spiritual folks), and how it only takes a few minutes each day to maximize attention and reach one’s “Peak Mind.”
Thumbnail for "166: Unabridged Interview: Shai Held".
“I think part of what it means to live in an honest way with a religious tradition is to live with its ragged edges.” In this episode, Rabbi Shai Held exemplifies this possibility, engaging the messiness and joy of life with honest grappling. He discusses many things in the context of his Jewish tradition, and explains why love and grace are at the center of a good life.
Thumbnail for "166: Shai Held: Judaism Is About Love".
“I think part of what it means to live in an honest way with a religious tradition is to live with its ragged edges.” In this episode, Rabbi Shai Held exemplifies this possibility, engaging the messiness and joy of life with honest grappling. He discusses many things in the context of his Jewish tradition, and explains why love and grace are at the center of a good life.
Thumbnail for "165: Unabridged Interview: Peter Enns and Jared Byas".
Pete Enns and Jared Byas host The Bible for Normal People, a podcast for which is loved by some, lambasted by others. They host honest conversations about the Bible for folks both religious and non-religious - conversations that cost them both previous jobs at religious institutions. In this episode, they discuss the complexity of the Bible, and what their work has taught them about courage, curiosity, humility, and the dangers of certainty.
Thumbnail for "165: Pete Enns and Jared Byas: The Bible for Normal People".
Pete Enns and Jared Byas host The Bible for Normal People, a podcast for which is loved by some, lambasted by others. They host honest conversations about the Bible for folks both religious and non-religious - conversations that cost them both previous jobs at religious institutions. In this episode, they discuss the complexity of the Bible, and what their work has taught them about courage, curiosity, humility, and the dangers of certainty.
Thumbnail for "164: Unabridged Interview: Stanley Hauerwas (Part II)".
Time Magazine has recognized Stanley Hauerwas as the best theologian in America, but you don’t get that title by making everybody happy. He’s a dogged pacifist whose talk is laced with profanity. He’s a Texan, but also a vocal opponent of gun ownership. People call him a liberal, but he disavows liberalism. Others call him conservative, but his extreme dislike for evangelicalism and war-making dispute that claim. In this episode, a disarmingly candid interview gives insight into his work, and a life spent relentlessly seeking the nature of a good life.
Thumbnail for "164: Unabridged Interview: Stanley Hauerwas (Part I)".
Time Magazine has recognized Stanley Hauerwas as the best theologian in America, but you don’t get that title by making everybody happy. He’s a dogged pacifist whose talk is laced with profanity. He’s a Texan, but also a vocal opponent of gun ownership. People call him a liberal, but he disavows liberalism. Others call him conservative, but his extreme dislike for evangelicalism and war-making dispute that claim. In this episode, a disarmingly candid interview gives insight into his work, and a life spent relentlessly seeking the nature of a good life.
Thumbnail for "164: Stanley Hauerwas: "America's Best Theologian"".
Time Magazine has recognized Stanley Hauerwas as the best theologian in America, but you don’t get that title by making everybody happy. He’s a dogged pacifist whose talk is laced with profanity. He’s a Texan, but also a vocal opponent of gun ownership. People call him a liberal, but he disavows liberalism. Others call him conservative, but his extreme dislike for evangelicalism and war-making dispute that claim. In this episode, a disarmingly candid interview gives insight into his work, and a life spent relentlessly seeking the nature of a good life.
Thumbnail for "163: Unabridged Interview: Jeffrey Rosen".
The founding fathers of the United States government are considered to be some of the finest political thinkers the world has ever seen. But centuries later, the country finds itself in a polarized stalemate over the systems those founders insisted would work. Where is the problem? Jeffrey Rosen discusses why life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness all fail without what the founders considered the most important aspect of functioning a democracy: individual training in classical virtue.
Thumbnail for "163: Jeffrey Rosen: The Pursuit of Happiness".
The founding fathers of the United States government are considered to be some of the finest political thinkers the world has ever seen. But centuries later, the country finds itself in a polarized stalemate over the systems those founders insisted would work. Where is the problem? Jeffrey Rosen discusses why life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness all fail without what the founders considered the most important aspect of functioning a democracy: individual training in classical virtue.
Thumbnail for "162: Unabridged Interview: Emi Nietfeld".
After a childhood spent in manipulative therapy, institutional facilities, foster care, and even times of homelessness, Emi Nietfeld got into Harvard, and then went on to get a great job at Google. This is the classic American rags-to-riches story, of someone overcoming misery to find success and happiness, right? Not exactly. “Those perfect human interest stories are fictions,” she says. “We really do expect people to be perfect in a way that I knew I was not.” In this episode, the nuance of learning to accept one’s pain, and yet refusing to stand for it.
Thumbnail for "162: Emi Nietfeld: Acceptance".
After a childhood spent in manipulative therapy, institutional facilities, foster care, and even times of homelessness, Emi Nietfeld got into Harvard, and then went on to get a great job at Google. This is the classic American rags-to-riches story, of someone overcoming misery to find success and happiness, right? Not exactly. “Those perfect human interest stories are fictions,” she says. “We really do expect people to be perfect in a way that I knew I was not.” In this episode, the nuance of learning to accept one’s pain, and yet refusing to stand for it.
Thumbnail for "161: Unabridged Interview: Charles Duhigg".
Almost half of everything we do every day is a habit, and our habits make us who we are. But are these behaviors, both good and bad, as set in stone as they feel? In this episode, Charles Duhigg, journalist and bestselling author of "The Power of Habit," explains the ways in which our habits determine our character, and lays out counter-intuitive yet highly practical steps for changing habits in order to live a happier, healthier life. Plus, he discusses his new book, "Supercommunicators."
Thumbnail for "161: Charles Duhigg: The Power of Habit".
Almost half of everything we do every day is a habit, and our habits make us who we are. But are these behaviors, both good and bad, as set in stone as they feel? In this episode, Charles Duhigg, journalist and bestselling author of "The Power of Habit," explains the ways in which our habits determine our character, and lays out counter-intuitive yet highly practical steps for changing habits in order to live a happier, healthier life. Plus, he discusses his new book, "Supercommunicators."
Thumbnail for "160: Unabridged Interview: Rev. James Lawson ".
A discussion with Rev. James Lawson, the architect of the nonviolence of the US Civil Rights Movement.
Thumbnail for "160: Juneteenth Special: Fred Gray, James Lawson, and Willie James Jennings".
Our Juneteenth Special features three prominent black voices on the issue of race. Fred Gray discusses working as MLK’s lawyer during the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Willie James Jennings describes the religious and cultural origins of racism. And James Lawson, architect of the civil rights movement, explains how he and other leaders came to believe that the only way to effectively desegregate the nation was through non-violent protest.
Thumbnail for "159: Unabridged Interview: John Blake".
“I knew I had a white mother,” says award-winning journalist John Blake. “Her name is Shirley, and her family hates black people… that's all I knew.” Today, Blake tells the story of his childhood, born in the sixties as the son of an interracial couple in Baltimore. His story sheds light on the history of racial prejudice in the United States, and offers wisdom about the ways in which we might find hope and healing in the midst of all kinds of struggle and hostility.
Thumbnail for "159: John Blake: More Than I Imagined".
“I knew I had a white mother,” says award-winning journalist John Blake. “Her name is Shirley, and her family hates black people… that's all I knew.” Today, Blake tells the story of his childhood, born in the sixties as the son of an interracial couple in Baltimore. His story sheds light on the history of racial prejudice in the United States, and offers wisdom about the ways in which we might find hope and healing in the midst of all kinds of struggle and hostility.
Thumbnail for "158: Unabridged Interview: Naomi Shihab Nye".
How can poetry contribute to living a good life? In this episode, award-winning poet Naomi Shihab Nye offers wisdom for living a good life through the lens of poetry. Her work has a quality that the best poetry has, that of paying rapt attention to small moments, making meaning and hope out of everyday wonders.
Thumbnail for "158: Naomi Shihab Nye: The Life Changing Benefits of Paying Attention (Best of NSE)".
How can poetry contribute to living a good life? In this episode, award-winning poet Naomi Shihab Nye offers wisdom for living a good life through the lens of poetry. Her work has a quality that the best poetry has, that of paying rapt attention to small moments, making meaning and hope out of everyday wonders.
Thumbnail for "157: Unabridged Interview: Kristin Neff".
Turns out self-esteem isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. In this episode, Kristin Neff describes why self-compassion is a much more effective tool than self-esteem. She shares how to cultivate it, what makes it different from other forms of mental regulation, and describes all the ways that it can help us to deal with stress, suffering, and everyday life to become happier, healthier people.
Thumbnail for "157: Kristin Neff: The Power of Self-Compassion (Best of NSE)".
Turns out self-esteem isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. In this episode, Kristin Neff describes why self-compassion is a much more effective tool than self-esteem. She shares how to cultivate it, what makes it different from other forms of mental regulation, and describes all the ways that it can help us to deal with stress, suffering, and everyday life to become happier, healthier people.
Thumbnail for "156: Unabridged Interview: Amy-Jill Levine".
What happens when you get a self-dubbed “yankee Jewish feminist” talking about Jesus? A fascinating conversation leaving folks of all faiths and worldviews with much to think about. In this episode, Amy-Jill Levine, a professor of New Testament and a practicing Jew, uses her knowledge of Jewish culture to highlight common mis-readings of Jesus’s teachings on societal issues, and how “Christian fragility” can impede one’s ability to address religious and social questions honestly.
Thumbnail for "156: Amy-Jill Levine: A Jewish Take on Jesus (Best of NSE)".
What happens when you get a self-dubbed “yankee Jewish feminist” talking about Jesus? A fascinating conversation leaving folks of all faiths and worldviews with much to think about. In this episode, Amy-Jill Levine, a professor of New Testament and a practicing Jew, uses her knowledge of Jewish culture to highlight common mis-readings of Jesus’s teachings on societal issues, and how “Christian fragility” can impede one’s ability to address religious and social questions honestly.
Thumbnail for "155: Unabridged Interview: Angela Williams Gorrell".
What is joy? Is it equatable with happiness, or pleasure, or both? Is it to be found in a career, or a romantic partner, or a religion? And if we were to manage it, would our lives forever be free from sorrow, pain, and suffering? In this episode, Angela Williams Gorrell draws from personal experience to discuss the nature of joy, and why, even in the midst of great pain and suffering, joy and sorrow are not opposites, but can live together in the same moment.
Thumbnail for "155: Angela Williams Gorrell and Miroslav Volf: On Joy and Sorrow (Best of NSE)".
What is joy? Is it equatable with happiness, or pleasure, or both? Is it to be found in a career, or a romantic partner, or a religion? And if we were to manage it, would our lives forever be free from sorrow, pain, and suffering? In this episode, Angela Williams Gorrell and Miroslav Volf draw from personal experience to discuss the nature of joy, and why, even in the midst of great pain and suffering, joy and sorrow are not opposites, but can live together in the same moment.
Thumbnail for "154: Unabridged Interview: Karen Korematsu".
What is it like to be an Asian American? In light of AAPI month, we present two Asian-American stories of grief and hope. Karen Korematsu tells the story of her father Fred, who refused Franklin Roosevelt’s executive order to report to what FDR himself called a concentration camp on American soil. And Eugene Cho discusses his experiences as a Korean-born American immigrant, and how we might learn to love our neighbors in the face of political polarization and racial discrimination.
Thumbnail for "154: Eugene Cho and Karen Korematsu: Asian American History is American History (Best of NSE)".
What is it like to be an Asian American? In light of AAPI month, we present two Asian-American stories of grief and hope. Karen Korematsu tells the story of her father Fred, who refused Franklin Roosevelt’s executive order to report to what FDR himself called a concentration camp on American soil. And Eugene Cho discusses his experiences as a Korean-born American immigrant, and how we might learn to love our neighbors in the face of political polarization and racial discrimination.
Thumbnail for "For Your Consideration: The Gist Featuring Sir David King".
Sir David King advocates carbon capture technology as part of the mix of solutions to climate change, not everyone is sold.
Thumbnail for "153: Unabridged Interview: Suzanne Stabile".
What is the Enneagram, and how can it help us live a good life? What at first glance seems like a Myers-Briggs-esque personality test for grouping humanity into neat piles is actually an ancient tool for observing the nuance in ourselves and others. In this episode, master Enneagram teacher Suzanne Stabile gives an overview of the ways in which the Enneagram just might help us become more understanding, compassionate, holistic people.
Thumbnail for "153: Suzanne Stabile: Exploring The Enneagram (Best of NSE)".
What is the Enneagram, and how can it help us live a good life? What at first glance seems like a Myers-Briggs-esque personality test for grouping humanity into neat piles is actually an ancient tool for observing the nuance in ourselves and others. In this episode, master Enneagram teacher Suzanne Stabile gives an overview of the ways in which the Enneagram just might help us become more understanding, compassionate, holistic people.
Thumbnail for "152: Unabridged Interview: Bill McKibben".
For Earth Day, we tackle climate and society.
Thumbnail for "152: Earth Day Special: Climate and Society".
For Earth Day, we tackle climate and society. Climate change is the most polarized issue in the United States, beating out abortion, guns, economics, race, and all other hot-button topics. But how is it possible for the warnings of climate science to be denied by half the country? How serious is the climate problem, and what can regular people like us really do? Four leading voices discuss the subject from all angles. In this episode, we discuss the spread of climate misinformation, what science is actually saying, how religion has played into it, and ways we can help here and now.
Thumbnail for "151: Unabridged Interview: Pádraig Ó Tuama".
What if, to be a peacemaker, one has to stir the waters oneself? What if, to be a theologian, one has to leave questions about God unanswered? What if, to be a poet, one has to do away with abstraction and accept the nitty-gritty of real life? Pádraig Ó Tuama is all of these things - peacemaker, theologian, poet. In this episode, he offers nuanced reflections on living a good life, from one who has deeply explored what that means.
Thumbnail for "151: Pádraig Ó Tuama: A Poet’s Work in Peace and Reconciliation (Best of NSE)".
What if, to be a peacemaker, one has to stir the waters oneself? What if, to be a theologian, one has to leave questions about God unanswered? What if, to be a poet, one has to do away with abstraction and accept the nitty-gritty of real life? Pádraig Ó Tuama is all of these things - peacemaker, theologian, poet. In this episode, he offers nuanced reflections on living a good life, from one who has deeply explored what that means.
Thumbnail for "150: Unabridged Interview: Azim Khamisa".
How do you forgive the man who killed your son? Azim Khamisa tells the story of how he forgave the man who killed his only son Tariq, and how the experience led him to work alongside his son’s killer to help end the cycle of violence among young people.
Thumbnail for "150: Azim Khamisa: Ending Violence Through Forgiveness (Best of NSE)".
How do you forgive the man who killed your son? Azim Khamisa tells the story of how he forgave the man who killed his only son Tariq, and how the experience led him to work alongside his son’s killer to help end the cycle of violence among young people.
Thumbnail for "149: Unabridged Interview: Dacher Keltner".
“Brief doses of awe help your heart, your immune system, your stress, your reasoning, your relationships,” says psychologist and bestselling author Dacher Keltner. In this episode, he shares his findings after years of studying one of the most mysterious and profound emotions humans experience, offering all the ways in which awe can work like a miracle drug to help one lead a happy, healthy, and flourishing life.
Thumbnail for "149: Dacher Keltner: How Awe Will Transform Your Life".
“Brief doses of awe help your heart, your immune system, your stress, your reasoning, your relationships,” says psychologist and bestselling author Dacher Keltner. In this episode, he shares his findings after years of studying one of the most mysterious and profound emotions humans experience, offering all the ways in which awe can work like a miracle drug to help one lead a happy, healthy, and flourishing life.
Thumbnail for "148: Unabridged Interview: Philip Yancey".
What do we do with the painful parts of our life story? Philip Yancey seeks to answer that question in his recent memoir “Where the Light Fell.” In this episode, he opens up about losing his father, childhood poverty, parental abuse, ruinous fundamentalist Christianity, militant atheism, a nearly fatal car accident, and more. “A writer really only has one gift,” he says, “and that's the gift of his or her own life.”
Thumbnail for "148: Philip Yancey: Where the Light Fell".
What do we do with the painful parts of our life story? Philip Yancey seeks to answer that question in his recent memoir “Where the Light Fell.” In this episode, he opens up about losing his father, childhood poverty, parental abuse, ruinous fundamentalist Christianity, militant atheism, a nearly fatal car accident, and more. “A writer really only has one gift,” he says, “and that's the gift of his or her own life.”
Thumbnail for "147: Unabridged Interview: Tara Brach".
“It just seemed like such a tragedy that we can go through decades and on some level feel like we’re not okay,” says psychologist, author, and teacher Tara Brach. She describes the reality for many of us faced with stress, anxiety, fear, and pain. What if there was a way to deal with such things, not merely to push them away, but to make peace with them? In this episode, Tara offers mindfulness meditation as a way towards healing and wholeness.
Thumbnail for "147: Tara Brach: Radical Acceptance".
“It just seemed like such a tragedy that we can go through decades and on some level feel like we’re not okay,” says psychologist, author, and teacher Tara Brach. She describes the reality for many of us faced with stress, anxiety, fear, and pain. What if there was a way to deal with such things, not merely to push them away, but to make peace with them? In this episode, Tara offers mindfulness meditation as a way towards healing and wholeness.
Thumbnail for "146: Unabridged Interview: Malcolm Gladwell".
You may think you know Malcolm Gladwell. He is a New York Times mega-bestselling author of many books, and host of the wildly popular podcast “Revisionist History.” But what makes him so different that he has become one of the most successful journalists of our day? In this episode, Malcolm tells a host of stories from his life that help explain how he became the wildly curious and unpinnable person that he is, bent on getting to the bottom of things.
Thumbnail for "146: Malcolm Gladwell: Becoming Malcolm".
You may think you know Malcolm Gladwell. He is a New York Times mega-bestselling author of many books, and host of the wildly popular podcast “Revisionist History.” But what makes him so different that he has become one of the most successful journalists of our day? In this episode, Malcolm tells a host of stories from his life that help explain how he became the wildly curious and unpinnable person that he is, bent on getting to the bottom of things.
Thumbnail for "145: Unabridged Interview: Tim Alberta".
In an election year, our focus is turned to the intersection of politics and religion, where we find one of the most vocal and vote-determining movements in the United States: the Christian Nationalists. In this episode, Tim Alberta shares what it was like growing up around the movement, offers his criticism of the subculture which he knows inside and out, and presents the clear and present danger of conflating religious identity with national identity.
Thumbnail for "145: Tim Alberta: The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory".
In an election year, our focus is turned to the intersection of politics and religion, where we find one of the most vocal and vote-determining movements in the United States: the Christian Nationalists. In this episode, Tim Alberta shares what it was like growing up around the movement, offers his criticism of the subculture which he knows inside and out, and presents the clear and present danger of conflating religious identity with national identity.
Thumbnail for "144: Unabridged Interview: Eboo Patel".
What does “diversity” really mean? The term is used often these days, but is it possible that, by using it, we’ve failed to honor identity and leave room for disagreement, settling instead for a flattening of American culture? “In a democracy, you actually get to articulate your identity,” says Eboo Patel. In this episode, he describes why we should treasure our differences rather than treat them as insignificant, and provides new ways to frame polarizing issues around religion, race, and politics.
Thumbnail for "144: Eboo Patel: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy".
What does “diversity” really mean? The term is used often these days, but is it possible that, by using it, we’ve failed to honor identity and leave room for disagreement, settling instead for a flattening of American culture? “In a democracy, you actually get to articulate your identity,” says Eboo Patel. In this episode, he describes why we should treasure our differences rather than treat them as insignificant, and provides new ways to frame polarizing issues around religion, race, and politics.
Thumbnail for "For Your Consideration: Your Mama's Kitchen with John Batiste".
Sharing an episode of Your Mama’s Kitchen, a podcast about cuisine and culture, ingredients and identities, and the meals and memories that make us who we are.
Thumbnail for "143: Unabridged Interview: Anthony Ray Hinton".
“I don’t care whether you did or didn’t do it. I’m going to make sure you’re found guilty.” These are the words that put Anthony Ray Hinton on Alabama’s death row for a crime he didn’t commit. He lived there for 28 years before being released by the Supreme Court in 2015. In this episode, Anthony tells his story in full, describing the tortuous conditions of death row, and how he found hope and friendship in the midst of it.
Thumbnail for "142: Unabridged Interview: Rob Reiner and Dan Partland".
What political dominoes had to fall in order to bring about the January 6th insurrection? In this episode, Rob Reiner and Dan Partland talk about their newest film, “God & Country,” a documentary about the rise of Christian nationalism as an unignorable, dangerous political player in the United States.
Thumbnail for "142: Rob Reiner and Dan Partland: Their New Film “God and Country”".
What political dominoes had to fall in order to bring about the January 6th insurrection? In this episode, Rob Reiner and Dan Partland talk about their newest film, “God & Country,” a documentary about the rise of Christian nationalism as an unignorable, dangerous political player in the United States.
Thumbnail for "141: Unabridged Interview: David Brooks".
“We’re in the middle of some sort of social crisis,” says New York Times columnist and bestselling author David Brooks. Loneliness, hopelessness, and suicide rates have been measured at all-time highs, and politics and social discourse have become brutal. But all is not lost, according to David. In this episode, he discusses his new book, “How to Know a Person,” and how truly knowing others calls forth a better version of both oneself and one’s community.
Thumbnail for "For Your Consideration: How God Works with David DeSteno".
Another show we love with an episode on hope and the cultivation of hopefulness in a world marred by seemingly intractable violence and hostility.
Thumbnail for "141: David Brooks: Can We Save Society By Knowing Each Other?".
“We’re in the middle of some sort of social crisis,” says New York Times columnist and bestselling author David Brooks. Loneliness, hopelessness, and suicide rates have been measured at all-time highs, and politics and social discourse have become brutal. But all is not lost, according to David. In this episode, he discusses his new book, “How to Know a Person,” and how truly knowing others calls forth a better version of both oneself and one’s community.
Thumbnail for "140: Unabridged Interview: John Dear".
How do you live a good life in a world of war, poverty, racism, violence, hunger, and climate destruction? Activist and Catholic priest John Dear tells stories from a life of doing peace work alongside Coretta King, Thich Nhat Hanh, Desmond Tutu, and others. “To do the good,” in his words, “means to stop the killing.”
Thumbnail for "140: John Dear: How To Be Nonviolent (Best of NSE) ".
How do you live a good life in a world of war, poverty, racism, violence, hunger, and climate destruction? Activist and Catholic priest John Dear tells stories from a life of doing peace work alongside Coretta King, Thich Nhat Hanh, Desmond Tutu, and others. “To do the good,” in his words, “means to stop the killing.”
Thumbnail for "139: Unabridged Interview: Martin Sheen".
In this episode, Lee sits down with the former President of the United States… At least, that’s how many listeners may know Martin Sheen, an award-winning actor known for his role as President Bartlet in The West Wing. Offscreen, Martin is an ardent Catholic peace activist who has been arrested over 60 times for his justice work. In this episode, he tells stories from some of the most formational moments of his life.
Thumbnail for "139: Martin Sheen: Actor and Activist (Best of NSE) ".
In this episode, Lee sits down with the former President of the United States… At least, that’s how many listeners may know Martin Sheen, an award-winning actor known for his role as President Bartlet in The West Wing. Offscreen, Martin is an ardent Catholic peace activist who has been arrested over 60 times for his justice work. In this episode, he tells stories from some of the most formational moments of his life.
Thumbnail for "138: Unabridged Interview: James Lawson".
Have you ever wondered how the US Civil Rights Movement came to be? In this episode, we are honored to have the man Martin Luther King Jr. called friend, mentor, and the very conscience and architect of the movement: Reverend James Lawson. “​​We started the public desegregation of the nation,” he says, “and we did it without hating anybody.”
Thumbnail for "138: James Lawson: The Architect of the United States Civil Rights Movement (Best of NSE) ".
Have you ever wondered how the US Civil Rights Movement came to be? In this episode, we are honored to have the man Martin Luther King Jr. called friend, mentor, and the very conscience and architect of the movement: Reverend James Lawson. “​​We started the public desegregation of the nation,” he says, “and we did it without hating anybody.”
Thumbnail for "137: Unabridged Interview: Angela Duckworth".
What do Olympic athletes, world-class artists, elite academics, and successful business executives have in common? Ivy League psychologist and author Angela Duckworth explains why grit is such a crucial determinant for success, and offers practical methods for developing grit in one’s own life.
Thumbnail for "137: Angela Duckworth: Is Grit the Secret to Success? (Best of NSE)".
What do Olympic athletes, world-class artists, elite academics, and successful business executives have in common? Ivy League psychologist and author Angela Duckworth explains why grit is such a crucial determinant for success, and offers practical methods for developing grit in one’s own life.
Thumbnail for "136: Unabridged Interview: Elise Hu".
What is beauty, and what role should it play in our lives? In this episode, Elise Hu asks the question we’re all thinking: are our culture’s beauty standards (and our obsession with meeting them) good for us? She discusses her experience in a beauty-centric Korean culture, its effects on both women and men, and what a healthy relationship with beauty might look like.
Thumbnail for "136: Elise Hu: Obsessed With Beauty (Best of NSE)".
What is beauty, and what role should it play in our lives? In this episode, Elise Hu asks the question we’re all thinking: are our culture’s beauty standards (and our obsession with meeting them) good for us? She discusses her experience in a beauty-centric Korean culture, its effects on both women and men, and what a healthy relationship with beauty might look like.
Thumbnail for "132: Unabridged Interview: Tom and Tony Bancroft".
Twins Tom and Tony Bancroft grew up sharing a small bedroom, trying to out-draw each other. Since then, they’ve gone on to work at Disney, Warner Brothers, and many more esteemed animation studios. In this episode, they discuss how they became animators at such a high level, what it’s like to be storytellers for the masses, and what their faith has meant to them over the course of their lives.
Thumbnail for "135: Unabridged Interview: Heather Holleman".
How important is it to be a good conversationalist? Heather Holleman discusses her book “The Six Conversations: Pathways to Connecting in an Age of Isolation and Inactivity,” in which she offers loads of practical tips for becoming better listeners, talkers, question askers, and ultimately, human beings.
Thumbnail for "135: Heather Holleman: The Art of Conversation (Best of NSE)".
How important is it to be a good conversationalist? Heather Holleman discusses her book “The Six Conversations: Pathways to Connecting in an Age of Isolation and Inactivity,” in which she offers loads of practical tips for becoming better listeners, talkers, question askers, and ultimately, human beings.
Thumbnail for "134: Unabridged Interview: Rebecca DeYoung".
Can an understanding of the seven deadly sins help us to live a more flourishing life?
Thumbnail for "134: Rebecca DeYoung: The 7 Deadly Sins (Best of NSE)".
Can an understanding of the seven deadly sins help us to live a more flourishing life?
Thumbnail for "133: Unabridged Interview: Peter Harris and Jo Swinney".
“If you live in community, you have no choice but to tell a true story.” In this episode we hear from Peter Harris, founder of environmental non-profit A Rocha, who lost his beloved wife Miranda in a car accident in South Africa. Miranda left behind a grieving community, and an unfinished book. We also hear from their daughter Jo, who finished the book, and in the process, learned much about grief, hospitality, and finding hope in a deteriorating world.
Thumbnail for "133: Peter Harris and Jo Swinney: A Place at the Table".
“If you live in community, you have no choice but to tell a true story.” In this episode we hear from Peter Harris, founder of environmental non-profit A Rocha, who lost his beloved wife Miranda in a car accident in South Africa. Miranda left behind a grieving community, and an unfinished book. We also hear from their daughter Jo, who finished the book, and in the process, learned much about grief, hospitality, and finding hope in a deteriorating world.
Thumbnail for "132: Unabridged Interview: N.T. Wright".
“Most Christians believe that the aim of the game is to go to heaven when you die. That’s wrong,” says N.T. Wright, Anglican bishop and bestselling author. In fact, he argues, most Christians have gotten it completely backwards. In this episode, we discuss how such a drastic theological error can be widely accepted, and why the stories we tell each other through art have a greater impact on our beliefs than we think.
Thumbnail for "132: N.T. Wright and the Bancroft Brothers: Theology and Poetry".
“Most Christians believe that the aim of the game is to go to heaven when you die. That’s wrong,” says N.T. Wright, Anglican bishop and bestselling author. In fact, he argues, most Christians have gotten it completely backwards. In this episode, we discuss how such a drastic theological error can be widely accepted, and why the stories we tell each other through art have a greater impact on our beliefs than we think.
Thumbnail for "131: NSE Thanksgiving Special: Conversation and Gratitude".
Happy Thanksgiving! In this episode, we bring you four conversations to tee you up for a successful and meaningful time with family and friends. Amy Grant on gratitude; Heather Holleman on the art of good conversation; Diane Latiker on radical hospitality; and Oliver Burkeman on paying attention to the beauty in each moment.
Thumbnail for "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 this episode, we feature some of the highlights from that show, featuring Johnnyswim and Curt Thompson.
Thumbnail for "129: Unabridged Interview: Michael Budde".
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? In this episode, Michael Budde 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.
Thumbnail for "129: Michael Budde: Is War Ever Just?".
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? In this episode, Michael Budde 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.
Thumbnail for "128: Unabridged Interview: Jesuitical".
Do young people care about religion? “Most people are left with trying to solve 27-year-old problems with an eighth grade religious formation,” say Zac Davis and Ashley McKinless. 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 must address.
Thumbnail for "128: Jesuitical: How Young Catholics See The World".
Do young people care about religion? “Most people are left with trying to solve 27-year-old problems with an eighth grade religious formation,” say Zac Davis and Ashley McKinless. 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 must address.
Thumbnail for "For Your Consideration: The Gist featuring Rainn Wilson and Eric Weiner".
Today we recommend The Gist as a show we know you'll love.
Thumbnail for "127: Unabridged Interview: 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 - shares her story of fighting cancer, along with much wisdom gleaned from a life of leaning into vulnerability.
Thumbnail for "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 - shares her story of fighting cancer, along with much wisdom gleaned from a life of leaning into vulnerability.
Thumbnail for "126: Unabridged Interview: Jennifer Wiseman".
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, astrophysicist Jennifer Wiseman discusses her work and her faith, and how their intersection might give helpful insight about the meaning of our lives.
Thumbnail for "126: Jennifer Wiseman: How Science Produces Wonder".
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, astrophysicist Jennifer Wiseman discusses her work and her faith, and how their intersection might give helpful insight about the meaning of our lives.
Thumbnail for "125: Unabridged Interview: Meghan O'Gieblyn".
Are robots going to destroy humanity? In this episode, Meghan O’Gieblyn discusses Artificial Intelligence (AI) in great detail, and lays out what she believes to be the social, political, ethical, and even theological issues at stake as humanity learns to live with new technology.
Thumbnail for "125: Meghan O’Gieblyn: Will AI Destroy Humanity?".
Are robots going to destroy humanity? In this episode, Meghan O’Gieblyn discusses Artificial Intelligence (AI) in great detail, and lays out what she believes to be the social, political, ethical, and even theological issues at stake as humanity learns to live with new technology.
Thumbnail for "124: Unabridged Interview: Amy Grant".
Five weeks before her 16th birthday in 1976, Amy Grant was offered her first record deal. Now all these years later, she is widely recognized as the “Queen of Christian Pop.” In this exclusive interview, Amy opens up about her career as a singer, her family life, and her faith, all against the backdrop of a troubling past few years which have included recovering from open-heart surgery and a severe bike accident.
Thumbnail for "124: Amy Grant: Fame, Vulnerability, and Staying Grounded".
Five weeks before her 16th birthday in 1976, Amy Grant was offered her first record deal. Now all these years later, she is widely recognized as the “Queen of Christian Pop.” In this exclusive interview, Amy opens up about her career as a singer, her family life, and her faith, all against the backdrop of a troubling past few years which have included recovering from open-heart surgery and a severe bike accident.
Thumbnail for "Announcing NSE+".
We’re excited to announce our new subscriber program NSE+. Conversations to help you live a good life.
Thumbnail for "123: Unabridged Interview: Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz".
Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz: The Good Life - Lessons from the World’s Longest Study on Happiness (Best of NSE)
Thumbnail for "123: Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz: The Good Life - Lessons from the World’s Longest Study on Happiness (Best of NSE)".
For all our modern so-called progress, global happiness levels have been consistently going down. So what does it really take to be happy? Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz discuss the results of what is known as the “world’s longest study on happiness,” and describe why they believe that meaningful relationships are the key to living a long, happy, flourishing life.
Thumbnail for "122: Unabridged Interview: William Paul Young ".
At age 50, William Paul Young wrote the New York Times best-selling novel “The Shack”. It has sold 25 million copies and was turned into a major motion picture. The book was written in the wake of Paul’s own undoing, and his own quest for healing from childhood abuse and trauma. An interview you’ll want to listen to more than once.
Thumbnail for "122: William Paul Young: Author of The Shack (Best of NSE)".
At age 50, William Paul Young wrote the New York Times best-selling novel “The Shack”. It has sold 25 million copies and was turned into a major motion picture. The book was written in the wake of Paul’s own undoing, and his own quest for healing from childhood abuse and trauma. An interview you’ll want to listen to more than once.
Thumbnail for "121: Unabridged Interview: Esau McCaulley".
What is it like growing up Black in the American South? Esau McCaulley discusses his new memoir “How Far to the Promised Land.” Careful not to generalize, he tells stories from his own childhood and family history, all while engaging with the complexity of US history and its impact on some of the most important questions of our time.
Thumbnail for "121: Esau McCaulley: How Far to the Promised Land?".
What is it like growing up Black in the American South? Esau McCaulley discusses his new memoir “How Far to the Promised Land.” Careful not to generalize, he tells stories from his own childhood and family history, all while engaging with the complexity of US history and its impact on some of the most important questions of our time.
Thumbnail for "120: Unabridged Interview: Eddie Glaude".
Is the US really a “shining city on a hill,” or is the true history much darker? Dr. Eddie Glaude discusses his book “Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own,” which calls for a reckoning for the people and institutions responsible for perpetuating racism and white nationalism, and offers hopeful ways to help us reform and reset after the wrongs that have been done.
Thumbnail for "120: Eddie Glaude: On James Baldwin's America (Best of NSE)".
Is the US really a “shining city on a hill,” or is the true history much darker? Dr. Eddie Glaude discusses his book “Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own,” which calls for a reckoning for the people and institutions responsible for perpetuating racism and white nationalism, and offers hopeful ways to help us reform and reset after the wrongs that have been done.
Thumbnail for "119: Unabridged Interview: David DeSteno".
Does religion make you happier? David DeSteno discusses the ways the world’s great religious traditions line up with cutting-edge psychological and neuroscientific findings - in other words, the ways in which religion leads to a longer, happier, healthier life.
Thumbnail for "119: David DeSteno: Can Religion Make You Happier? The Surprising Scientific Findings of Ancient Religious Practice (Best of NSE)".
Does religion make you happier? David DeSteno discusses the ways the world’s great religious traditions line up with cutting-edge psychological and neuroscientific findings - in other words, the ways in which religion leads to a longer, happier, healthier life.
Thumbnail for "118: Unabridged Interview: Johnnyswim".
What is it like to be a famous musical duo, on the road all the time, and married with kids? That’s the life of Amanda Sudano and Abner Ramirez, more widely known as folk-pop band Johnnyswim. In this episode, they discuss their eclectic family histories, their reality TV shows, touring life, activism, and faith. Plus, their musical performance from a No Small Endeavor show at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
Thumbnail for "118: Johnnyswim: Reality TV, The Cuban Revolution, and a Disco Queen Mother (Best of NSE)".
What is it like to be a famous musical duo, on the road all the time, and married with kids? That’s the life of Amanda Sudano and Abner Ramirez, more widely known as folk-pop band Johnnyswim. In this episode, they discuss their eclectic family histories, their reality TV shows, touring life, activism, and faith. Plus, their musical performance from a No Small Endeavor show at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
Thumbnail for "117: Unabridged Interview: Oliver Burkeman".
In an age full of life hacks, self-help books, and productivity gurus, many of us only end up busier and more stressed than we were before. What if there’s a better way to live a full, fruitful life? New York Times bestselling author Oliver Burkeman discusses his book 4000 Weeks, which dispels many contemporary ideas about productivity, instead suggesting a wonder-fueled method for flourishing in the world.
Thumbnail for "117: Oliver Burkeman: Time Management for Mortals (Best of NSE)".
In an age full of life hacks, self-help books, and productivity gurus, many of us only end up busier and more stressed than we were before. What if there’s a better way to live a full, fruitful life? New York Times bestselling author Oliver Burkeman discusses his book 4000 Weeks, which dispels many contemporary ideas about productivity, instead suggesting a wonder-fueled method for flourishing in the world.
Thumbnail for "116: Unabridged Interview: Charlie Strobel".
A special re-airing of our 2020 interview with Charles Strobel, Catholic priest and founder of Room in the Inn, who died August 6th, 2023, at the age of 80. Charles was a sort of patron saint of Nashville and multiple-time “Tennessean of the Year.” In this episode, he tells stories from his life, including living among and eventually starting a shelter for the homeless, his experience with depression and therapy, and forgiving the man who murdered his mother. He was an exceptional exemplar of a good life, and we grieve his passing.
Thumbnail for "116: Charles Strobel: Remembering a Life Well Lived".
116: Charles Strobel: Remembering a Life Well Lived
Thumbnail for "115: Unabridged Interview: Elise Hu".
115: Unabridged Interview: Elise Hu
Thumbnail for "115: Elise Hu: Obsessed With Beauty".
115: Elise Hu: Obsessed With Beauty
Thumbnail for "114: Unabridged Interview: Tish Harrison Warren".
114: Unabridged Interview: Tish Harrison Warren
Thumbnail for "114: Tish Harrison Warren: Beyond Left and Right".
114: Tish Harrison Warren: Beyond Left and Right
Thumbnail for "113: Unabridged Interview: Angela Duckworth".
113: Unabridged Interview: Angela Duckworth
Thumbnail for "113: Angela Duckworth: Is Grit the Secret to Success?".
113: Angela Duckworth: Is Grit the Secret to Success?
Thumbnail for "112: Unabridged Interview: Parker Palmer (Part II)".
112: Unabridged Interview: Parker Palmer (Part II)
Thumbnail for "112: Unabridged Interview: Parker Palmer (Part I)".
112: Unabridged Interview: Parker Palmer (Part I)
Thumbnail for "112: Parker Palmer: Courage, Vocation, and Paradox".
112: Parker Palmer: Courage, Vocation, and Paradox
Thumbnail for "111: Unabridged Interview: Judith Moskowitz".
111: Unabridged Interview: Judith Moskowitz
Thumbnail for "111: Judith Moskowitz: How to Flourish Amidst Stress".
111: Judith Moskowitz: How to Flourish Amidst Stress
Thumbnail for "110: Unabridged Interview: Gretchen Rubin".
110: Unabridged Interview: Gretchen Rubin
Thumbnail for "110: Gretchen Rubin: The Happiness Project".
110: Gretchen Rubin: The Happiness Project
Thumbnail for "109: Unabridged Interview: Rainn Wilson".
109: Unabridged Interview: Rainn Wilson
Thumbnail for "109: Rainn Wilson: Dwight Schrute Talks About Religion".
109: Rainn Wilson: Dwight Schrute Talks About Religion
Thumbnail for "108: Unabridged Interview: Judith Shulevitz".
108: Unabridged Interview: Judith Shulevitz
Thumbnail for "108: The Power of Sabbath Rest: Judith Shulevitz".
108: The Power of Sabbath Rest: Judith Shulevitz
Thumbnail for "107: Unabridged Interview: Azim Khamisa".
107: Unabridged Interview: Azim Khamisa
Thumbnail for "107: Ending Violence Through Forgiveness: Azim Khamisa".
107: Ending Violence Through Forgiveness: Azim Khamisa
Thumbnail for "106: Unabridged Interview: Martin Sheen".
106: Unabridged Interview: Martin Sheen
Thumbnail for "106: Actor and Activist: Martin Sheen".
106: Actor and Activist: Martin Sheen
Thumbnail for "105: Unabridged Interview: Kristin Du Mez and David French".
105: Unabridged Interview: Kristin Du Mez and David French
Thumbnail for "105: Kristin Du Mez Sits with David French (Best Of NSE)".
105: Kristin Du Mez Sits with David French (Best Of NSE)
Thumbnail for "104: Unabridged Interview: Greg Boyle".
104: Unabridged Interview: Greg Boyle
Thumbnail for "104: Burying 250 Friends: Greg Boyle on Community Amidst Gang Violence (Best of NSE)".
104: Burying 250 Friends: Greg Boyle on Community Amidst Gang Violence (Best of NSE)