No Small Endeavor with Lee C. Camp
Tokens MediaNo Small Endeavor with Lee C. Camp
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
“I was 24 when I won my first Grammy,” says Russ Taff. “And within an hour, all the joy is gone.” Russ is a bit of a legend in Gospel music circles, with multiple Grammys and Hall of Fame inductions. But underneath his career, his success almost broke him. In this episode, Russ gets vulnerable about his childhood trauma, his self-hatred, his alcoholism, and his long road to recovery and forgiveness.
Mike Cosper hosted The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill, a podcast critiquing a lot of the tendencies of American Christianity. “ People are looking at Christianity and saying, is it true?” he says. “I think where I landed… was asking, is it good?” In this episode, we cover some of the key issues such a question has raised for Mike - like celebrity culture and toxic masculinity - as well as what it’s like to do the work of insider critique in such a public role.
Mike Cosper hosted The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill, a podcast critiquing a lot of the tendencies of American Christianity. “ People are looking at Christianity and saying, is it true?” he says. “I think where I landed… was asking, is it good?” In this episode, we cover some of the key issues such a question has raised for Mike - like celebrity culture and toxic masculinity - as well as what it’s like to do the work of insider critique in such a public role.
In a time of cultural division and political polarization, what role can spirituality play in healing our fractured world? Rainn Wilson—best known as Dwight Schrute from The Office—isn't just a comedy icon. He’s also become an unlikely voice for spiritual reflection in Hollywood, where such conversations are often taboo. In this candid and thought-provoking interview, Wilson opens up about why he believes our divided world desperately needs a renewed spiritual vocabulary—and what that might look like beyond traditional religion.
In a time of cultural division and political polarization, what role can spirituality play in healing our fractured world? Rainn Wilson—best known as Dwight Schrute from The Office—isn't just a comedy icon. He’s also become an unlikely voice for spiritual reflection in Hollywood, where such conversations are often taboo. In this candid and thought-provoking interview, Wilson opens up about why he believes our divided world desperately needs a renewed spiritual vocabulary—and what that might look like beyond traditional religion.
How important is it to have friends? According to Marisa Franco, the issue isn’t trivial. “ Loneliness is as toxic for our bodies as smoking 15 cigarettes a day,” she says. In this episode, she explains the mental, physical, and social effects of friendship, and gives helpful advice for those looking to make and keep friends.
How important is it to have friends? According to Marisa Franco, the issue isn’t trivial. “ Loneliness is as toxic for our bodies as smoking 15 cigarettes a day,” she says. In this episode, she explains the mental, physical, and social effects of friendship, and gives helpful advice for those looking to make and keep friends.
Singer-songwriter Drew Holcomb makes things with vulnerable simplicity. In this episode, he tells personal stories of love, resilience, and mortality, and discusses the ways such themes play out on his new album Memory Bank. Plus, we share our excitement about going on tour together with No Small Endeavor Live this spring.
Singer-songwriter Drew Holcomb makes things with vulnerable simplicity. In this episode, he tells personal stories of love, resilience, and mortality, and discusses the ways such themes play out on his new album Memory Bank. Plus, we share our excitement about going on tour together with No Small Endeavor Live this spring.
“Food is the great equalizer,” says Jacques Pépin, who is respected as one of the finest chefs in the world. In this episode, he explains the role food plays in a flourishing life, describing how it breaks down barriers, builds community, and recalls us to ourselves, all while describing his own journey from a small French village to international culinary fame.
“Food is the great equalizer,” says Jacques Pépin, who is respected as one of the finest chefs in the world. In this episode, he explains the role food plays in a flourishing life, describing how it breaks down barriers, builds community, and recalls us to ourselves, all while describing his own journey from a small French village to international culinary fame.
Renowned scientist Francis Collins joins us to discuss truth, science, and wisdom in a divided world—and why humility might be the key to bridging our divides. "Why does truth feel so elusive today? Geneticist Francis Collins shares insights on science, faith, and the pursuit of wisdom in a polarized world. Listen here: https://www.nosmallendeavor.com/francis-collins-the-road-to-wisdom-in-an-age-of-distrust
Renowned scientist Francis Collins joins us to discuss truth, science, and wisdom in a divided world—and why humility might be the key to bridging our divides. "Why does truth feel so elusive today? Geneticist Francis Collins shares insights on science, faith, and the pursuit of wisdom in a polarized world. Listen here: https://www.nosmallendeavor.com/francis-collins-the-road-to-wisdom-in-an-age-of-distrust
Nancy French has ghostwritten for conservative political figures, but when she spoke out against Trump and exposed abuse in Christian institutions, she found herself ostracized. In this episode, she shares her journey of faith, courage, and the cost of telling the truth.
Nancy French has ghostwritten for conservative political figures, but when she spoke out against Trump and exposed abuse in Christian institutions, she found herself ostracized. In this episode, she shares her journey of faith, courage, and the cost of telling the truth.
What does it mean to ask someone for forgiveness? In this episode Mpho Tutu van Furth, daughter of Desmond Tutu, explores the deep impact of apartheid in South Africa, the meaning of true forgiveness, and the profound philosophy of Ubuntu.
What does it mean to ask someone for forgiveness? In this episode Mpho Tutu van Furth, daughter of Desmond Tutu, explores the deep impact of apartheid in South Africa, the meaning of true forgiveness, and the profound philosophy of Ubuntu.
“I was 24 when I won my first Grammy,” says Russ Taff. “And within an hour, all the joy is gone.” Russ is a bit of a legend in Gospel music circles, with multiple Grammys and Hall of Fame inductions. But underneath his career, his success almost broke him. In this episode, Russ gets vulnerable about his childhood trauma, his self-hatred, his alcoholism, and his long road to recovery and forgiveness.
Is love as easy as it looks in movies? All the evidence, from divorce rates to loneliness surveys, point to the opposite. But we also know that healthy relationships are crucial for human flourishing. In this episode, Alexandra Solomon explains why a flourishing relationship requires a great deal of work, both individually and with one’s partner. She offers wisdom for creating what she calls “relationship self-awareness,” and gives practical advice on maintaining healthy intimate partnerships.
Is love as easy as it looks in movies? All the evidence, from divorce rates to loneliness surveys, point to the opposite. But we also know that healthy relationships are crucial for human flourishing. In this episode, Alexandra Solomon explains why a flourishing relationship requires a great deal of work, both individually and with one’s partner. She offers wisdom for creating what she calls “relationship self-awareness,” and gives practical advice on maintaining healthy intimate partnerships.
We all like to believe that we live our lives rationally, deliberately, consciously. But what if our conscious decision making is just the tip of the iceberg? Shankar Vedantam founded Hidden Brain Media in order to teach people what science has uncovered about our brains. In this episode, he discusses why we’re not as autonomous as we think we are, and the profound implications for the ways we act, think, and live.
We all like to believe that we live our lives rationally, deliberately, consciously. But what if our conscious decision making is just the tip of the iceberg? Shankar Vedantam founded Hidden Brain Media in order to teach people what science has uncovered about our brains. In this episode, he discusses why we’re not as autonomous as we think we are, and the profound implications for the ways we act, think, and live.
As a child and young adult, Nadia Bolz-Weber went from Christian Fundamentalism to secular activism. But were those things so different? Later in life, after working as a comedian and entering recovery, Nadia began to untangle the dualistic mindset that marks both extremes. Her long journey of healing has since led her to becoming a Lutheran pastor and a three-time bestselling author. In this episode, she tells her story.
As a child and young adult, Nadia Bolz-Weber went from Christian Fundamentalism to secular activism. But were those things so different? Later in life, after working as a comedian and entering recovery, Nadia began to untangle the dualistic mindset that marks both extremes. Her long journey of healing has since led her to becoming a Lutheran pastor and a three-time bestselling author. In this episode, she tells her story.
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.
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.
An interview in the green room with Tom Paxton, who, after 60 years and 50 albums later, is still writing and performing folk songs that bear witness to profound societal truths. In this episode, hear from Tom what it was like to start a career alongside the likes of Bob Dylan and Dave Van Ronk, what role folk music plays in stirring up the status quo, and thoughts on vulnerability, notoriety, grief, and love.
An interview in the green room with Tom Paxton, who, after 60 years and 50 albums later, is still writing and performing folk songs that bear witness to profound societal truths. In this episode, hear from Tom what it was like to start a career alongside the likes of Bob Dylan and Dave Van Ronk, what role folk music plays in stirring up the status quo, and thoughts on vulnerability, notoriety, grief, and love.
Makoto Fujimura can't talk about his Christian faith with his artist friends, and he can't talk about art with his Christian friends. Yet the abstract expressionist artist says bridging faith and art is more important than ever.
Makoto Fujimura can't talk about his Christian faith with his artist friends, and he can't talk about art with his Christian friends. Yet the abstract expressionist artist says bridging faith and art is more important than ever.
In an age full of lifehacks, 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.
In an age full of lifehacks, 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.
“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.
“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.
What does it mean to live a good life, and how do we start? Notre Dame Philosopher and author Meghan Sullivan discusses her book “The Good Life Method,” giving helpful insight about how virtue philosophy offers many habits and practices for human flourishing.
What does it mean to live a good life, and how do we start? Notre Dame Philosopher and author Meghan Sullivan discusses her book “The Good Life Method,” giving helpful insight about how virtue philosophy offers many habits and practices for human flourishing.
There aren’t many Billboard-charting bluegrass bands made up entirely of Catholic Dominican Friars, who play their shows clad in white tunics and rosaries. In fact, there is precisely one such band: the Hillbilly Thomists. In this episode, they talk about their theology and vocation, as well as how they manage life on the road as priests who have taken a vow of poverty. Plus, they give live performances of some of their finest songs.
There aren’t many Billboard-charting bluegrass bands made up entirely of Catholic Dominican Friars, who play their shows clad in white tunics and rosaries. In fact, there is precisely one such band: the Hillbilly Thomists. In this episode, they talk about their theology and vocation, as well as how they manage life on the road as priests who have taken a vow of poverty. Plus, they give live performances of some of their finest songs.
A frequent guest at No Small Endeavor’s live shows, Audrey Assad joins Lee to discuss her unreleased memoir “Doubt Becomes Wonder: Embracing the Loss of Everything You Thought You Knew.” They discuss healing from childhood wounds, the consequent navigation of doubt, and Audrey’s experience as a woman in the church. Plus, two live studio performances from Audrey.
“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.
“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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
“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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
Will technology change what it means to be human? 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.
Will technology change what it means to be human? 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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
“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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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."
A discussion with Rev. James Lawson, the architect of the nonviolence of the US Civil Rights Movement.
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.
“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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sir David King advocates carbon capture technology as part of the mix of solutions to climate change, not everyone is sold.
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.
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.
For Earth Day, we tackle 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
“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.
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.”
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.”
“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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
“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.
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.
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.
“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.
Another show we love with an episode on hope and the cultivation of hopefulness in a world marred by seemingly intractable violence and hostility.
“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.
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Can an understanding of the seven deadly sins help us to live a more flourishing life?
Can an understanding of the seven deadly sins help us to live a more flourishing life?
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Today we recommend The Gist as a show we know you'll love.
“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.
“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.
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.
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.
Will technology change what it means to be human? 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.
Will technology change what it means to be human? 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.
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.
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.
We’re excited to announce our new subscriber program NSE+. Conversations to help you live a good life.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
116: Charles Strobel: Remembering a Life Well Lived
115: Unabridged Interview: Elise Hu
115: Elise Hu: Obsessed With Beauty
114: Unabridged Interview: Tish Harrison Warren
114: Tish Harrison Warren: Beyond Left and Right
113: Unabridged Interview: Angela Duckworth
113: Angela Duckworth: Is Grit the Secret to Success?
112: Unabridged Interview: Parker Palmer (Part II)
112: Unabridged Interview: Parker Palmer (Part I)
112: Parker Palmer: Courage, Vocation, and Paradox
111: Unabridged Interview: Judith Moskowitz
111: Judith Moskowitz: How to Flourish Amidst Stress
110: Unabridged Interview: Gretchen Rubin
110: Gretchen Rubin: The Happiness Project
109: Unabridged Interview: Rainn Wilson
109: Rainn Wilson: Dwight Schrute Talks About Religion
108: Unabridged Interview: Judith Shulevitz
108: The Power of Sabbath Rest: Judith Shulevitz
107: Unabridged Interview: Azim Khamisa
107: Ending Violence Through Forgiveness: Azim Khamisa
106: Unabridged Interview: Martin Sheen
106: Actor and Activist: Martin Sheen
105: Unabridged Interview: Kristin Du Mez and David French
105: Kristin Du Mez Sits with David French (Best Of NSE)
104: Unabridged Interview: Greg Boyle
104: Burying 250 Friends: Greg Boyle on Community Amidst Gang Violence (Best of NSE)
103: Unabridged Interview: Ben Cohen of Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream
103: Ben and Jerry's and a Better Capitalism: Ben Cohen and Jay Jakub
102: Unabridged Interview: Anna Lembke
102: The Price of the Pursuit of Pleasure: Anna Lembke and John Mark Comer (Best of NSE)
101: Unabridged Interview: David Hemenway
101: America’s Gun Epidemic: David Hemenway, Chris Hays, Carly Crouch, and Diane Latiker
100: Healing The Earth: Debra Rienstra
99: Unabridged Interview: John Dear
99: Taking the Beatitudes Seriously: John Dear
82: Rebroadcast - Doing Justice at The People’s Plaza: Justin Jones
91: The Power of Being Known: Curt Thompson (Best of NSE)
98: The Good life - Lessons From The World's Longest Scientific Study Of Happiness: Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz
97: How Celebrity Culture is Hurting the Church: Katelyn Beaty
96: Time Management for Mortals: Oliver Burkeman
95: Unabridged Interview: James Lawson
95: The Architect of The American Civil Rights Movement: James Lawson
94: What It Takes to Live a Good Life: Meghan Sullivan
93: Author Of The Shack: William Paul Young
92: Forgiving My Mother’s Murderer: Sharon Risher
87: Doing Justice Alongside MLK and Rosa Parks: Dr. Fred Gray (Best Of NSE)
91: The Power of Being Known: Curt Thompson
The folk-pop duo Johnnyswim, comprised of married couple Amanda Sudano and Abner Ramirez, discuss their reality television shows, their public marriage, their radically different childhoods, and their opinions about Christianity in America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
89: When Justice Never Comes How Can We Begin Again? A Look at America Through The Life of James Baldwin with Dr. Eddie Glaude
88: Can Religion Make You Happier? The Surprising Scientific Findings of Ancient Religious Practice: David Desteno
87: Doing Justice Alongside MLK and Rosa Parks: Dr. Fred Gray
86: Kristin Du Mez sits with David French
An ethics professor explores what it means to live a good life by interviewing the world's greatest thinkers, moral exemplars of courage, and anyone in between.
The inaugural episode of No Small Endeavor, in which Lee discusses the reasons behind the name change, the mission entailed by the new name, and the centrality of conversation, courage, and community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The final episode of Tokens Show (in a way). Jason Eskridge, Michael Hicks, and Odessa Settles discuss their experiences with tokenism, and Lee reveals why, given such realities, the Tokens Show has decided upon a new name. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are many parenting styles doing more harm than good? Alfie Kohn discusses the surprising psychology behind the widely practiced reward/punishment model of raising kids, and why we should “work with” our children instead of trying to control their behavior. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Justice is what love looks like in public.” In this episode, Justin Jones discusses how his work for justice, particularly during a 62-day non-violent protest outside the Tennessee State Capitol, is itself an act of faith, steeped in self-denying love.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
81: Bourbon, Bluegrass and the Bible, with the Hillbilly Thomists
“Good conversations create personal closeness,” says Heather Holleman. “When you have good conversations, it could intervene in the loneliness epidemic.” Today, she discusses the many tried-and-true methods for becoming better conversationalists – a skill that just might be a central key to human flourishing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
79: The Flag, the Cross, and the Station Wagon: Bill McKibben
78: We’re Not as Good (Or Bad) as We Think We Are: Christian Miller
77: The Price of the Pursuit of Pleasure: Anna Lembke
76: The Practice of Friendship
Might we all be happier if we stopped taking ourselves too seriously? Singer-songwriters Andy Gullahorn and Antsy McClain describe how humor can make us comfortable enough to be vulnerable with each other.
74: Past Hymns for the Present Moment: Phil Madeira, Leslie Jordan, Odessa Settles
73: Listen, Love, and Turn the Other Cheek: Joy Oladokun
Instagram culture, internet extremism, the Seven Deadly Sins, the hard work of parenting, learning how to grieve, and much more. Plus, KS performs five beautiful songs live from Nashville’s famed Sound Emporium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are the “seven deadly sins” merely a medieval-era reflection upon divine finger-wagging? Rebecca DeYoung explains why the “seven deadly sins” is better understood as a diagnostic tool which may instead facilitate a joyful and flourishing life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Does evolutionary theory destroy morality? Barrett contends that evolutionary psychology might instead provide guidance toward practices of sociability, community, and love.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A helpful conversation with Suzanne Stabile on the Enneagram: what it is, what it isn’t, and why it can be a helpful tool for the flourishing of the self and the community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Edith Hall offers timely commentary on the virtue ethics of Aristotle: and how contemporary society may be missing fundamental keys to living life well.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What do Christians get wrong about Jesus? Prof. AJ Levine discusses common mis-readings of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’s stance on societal and gender norms, and how “Christian Fragility” impedes one’s ability to listen and learn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
David French discusses the culture of animosity in which he finds himself as a political commentator; what it’s like to critique conservatism as a conservative; and why he thinks America’s classical liberalism may yet be salvageable.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
65: The Business of War: Justin Barringer
Is Conservative Christianity necessarily opposed to reason? Dr. Molly Worthen discusses the history of Protestant Evangelicalism, and how this tradition has often been “perhaps the most preoccupied with squaring reason with their understanding of faith.” A complex and fascinating tale.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
63: Women, Justice, and Preaching in the Deep South: Janet Wolf
62: Against, and For, the Tribe: Russell Moore
61: Black Mothers: Marty Dodson & Stephanie Knight
60: Man Shall Not Live by Profit Alone: Jay Jakub
A special episode reflecting on over a decade of Thanksgivings spent at Nashville’s historic Ryman auditorium, with some of our favorite performances, sketches, and memories which we’ve shared together.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
58: White Too Long: Robert Jones
57: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: John Mark Comer
56: Homeboys, Delight, Gladness: Greg Boyle
55: Diversity, Virtue, Healthcare: Dr. Andre Churchwell
54: Why Liberalism Failed: Patrick Deneen
“It has to be the joyful journey for justice,” says Ben Cohen, the world-famous “Ben” in Ben & Jerry’s. In this episode, we hear from Ben how starting an ice cream business has given him the means to do justice with hope and humor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
52: Free Cyntoia: Cyntoia Brown Long
The X-CLUB, and the invention of the supposed war between science and faith, with astro-physicist and theologian David Wilkinson of Durham University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What does the resurrection of Jesus have to do with climate change? Chris Doran discusses why a rightly-seen eschatological hope should necessarily drive Christians towards climate care.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ever wonder about “everybody getting a trophy” and the cult of self-esteem? Kristin Neff discusses the potential dangers of self-esteem—like bullying and narcissism—and the preferred practice of self-compassion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
48: Tuskegee, Healthcare, Justice: Quincy Byrdsong
47: Guns, Economics, Public Health: David Hemenway
46: Bad Faith—Race and the Rise of the Religious Right: Randall Balmer
45: The Opposite of Faith is Certainty: Christian Wiman
Not so sure about Christians touting second amendment gun rights? A discussion with the editors of God and Guns: The Bible Against American Gun Culture, who challenge the too-easy pro-gun rhetoric of many American Christians.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
43: Good Trouble: Ruby Amanfu, Matt Maher, Leigh Nash
42: The Making of Biblical Womanhood: Beth Allison Barr
41: Thou Shalt Not be a Jerk: Eugene Cho
40: The Soul of Shame: Curt Thompson
39: Fear, Home and the Asian-American Experience: Eugene Cho and Karen Korematsu
38: The Gravity of Joy: Angela Williams Gorrell (with Miroslav Volf)
37: Jesus and John Wayne: Kristin Du Mez
36: “The most polarized issue in the United States”: Katharine Hayhoe
35: The Collapse of the Biosphere: Peter Harris
34: Doubt Becomes Wonder: Audrey Assad
33: Fighting Dragons and Singing at Loss: Drew Holcomb
32: Republicans, Roe v Wade, and the Pro-Life Failure: Bill Cavanaugh
31: Addiction, Loss, Possibility: Megan Barry
30: Beyond Fake News: Justin McBrayer
29: Praying With Our Feet: Lindsey Glenn Krinks
28: Science, Faith, and Einstein: Alister McGrath
27: The Death Penalty
26: Welcome Table: A Tokens Thanksgiving Special
25: Pay Attention. Be Kind. Live Large: Naomi Shihab Nye
23: The 4:00 AM Combat Convoy Briefing: Diana Oestreich
22: The Christian Imagination: Willie James Jennings
21: “What Could Possibly Produce Someone with a Soul That Shallow?”: Stanley Hauerwas
20: The Facts of Life: Pádraig Ó Tuama
19: “I’m a Black Feminist: I Think Call Out Culture is Toxic”: Loretta Ross
18: What Hath Christianity to do with Psychology? Mark McMinn
17: “I Don’t Know if I Should Say It, but, well…”: Charlie Strobel
16: Most Outstanding Season Wrap: Lee C. Camp
15: I Am Not Your Enemy: Michael T. McRay
14: “Does This Make My Butt Look Big?”: Ashley Cleveland
13: A Theology of Joy: Miroslav Volf
12: Recovery, the Enneagram, and Being Human: Ian Cron
11: Feminism Crash Course: Lauren Smelser White
10: Jewish, Yankee Feminist, New Testament Professor: Amy-Jill Levine
9: Dirty Cop, False Arrest, and Unexpected Consequences
8: Dorothy Day: Traditional, Radical, Christian
7: The Road to Character: David Brooks
6: Hospitality Wanted, Given, and Given When not Wanted: Leslie Garcia, Brian McLaren, and Odessa Settles
5: Faith, Science, Humility: Rachel Held Evans, Francis Collins, and Ed Larson
4: String quartet arrangement of Marie Howe's poem, "Part of Eve's Discussion"-BONUS
1: Murder, Race and Faith: Jerry Mitchell
3: Poetry as Politics: Poet Laureates Tracy K. Smith and Marie Howe
2: Humility and the Art of Politics: Bill Haslam
196: Russ Taff: Music, Addiction, and Redemption
February 17, 202548min 39sec
“I was 24 when I won my first Grammy,” says Russ Taff. “And within an hour, all the joy is gone.”
Russ is a legend in Gospel music circles. His accolades include six Grammys, sixteen Doves, and three inductions into the GMA Hall of Fame for his work as a solo artist and a member of multiple bands. But underneath—his career, his success, and his past, almost broke him.
In this episode, Russ gets vulnerable about his childhood trauma, his self-hatred, his alcoholism, and his long road to recovery and forgiveness.
Show Notes
Resources mentioned this episode:
Similar NSE episodes:
Amy Grant: Fame, Vulnerability, and Staying Grounded
Drew Holcomb: Fighting Dragons and Singing at Loss
Megan Barry: Addiction, Loss, Possibility
Ashley Cleveland: Does This Make My Butt Look Big?
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