Summer Staff Picks: Michele Norris

Cariad Harman (0:00)

Hi friends, I'm Cariad Harman, the producer here at No Small Endeavor, which means I get to listen to all of Lee's interviews first and edit them down to time, which is to quote a phrase, no small endeavor in itself.

I've also spent my fair share of time on this side of the microphone. And what drew me to audio production is an amazing thing that happens when you put a microphone in front of someone and show them interest. People you have never met before open up in so many interesting ways. It's like a magic key that gets you right past all of the small talk and down to the heart of the matter. And as someone who can usually be found in the kitchen at parties asking intrusive personal questions to strangers, I absolutely love it. So when our executive producer asked me to choose a favorite episode to share as a staff pick, I immediately thought of this conversation with Michele Norris about The Race Card Project.

Michele found a fascinating way to get people all over the country to open up about one of the most divisive and difficult to talk about subjects in the US, and indeed all over the world, race. I listened to it again before writing this intro, and I got more out of it on a second listen. It is just a masterclass in curiosity, communication, conflict. I found it fascinating, frustrating, tragic, hopeful, all of the things, and I'm sure you will too. Enjoy.

Lee C. Camp (1:31)

I'm Lee C. Camp. This is No Small Endeavor, exploring what it means to live a good life.

American humorist Mark Twain is often cited as the source of the line, I would have written you a shorter letter, but I didn't have the time.

Whatever the source, it gets at something true. Thoughtful brevity requires immense effort. When brevity is required and expected, the exercise helps us discern what is most important. Today's guest has employed the power of brevity to explore some of the most complex territory in American history. Fifteen years ago, Michele Norris began the Race Card Project, asking hundreds of thousands of Americans to distill their thoughts about race into just six words. The responses are remarkable and sharply varied, confrontational, poignant, tender, intimate, angry, sad, hopeful. Race is obviously discussed frequently in American life, but race is rarely discussed in a manner that allows individuals to share their own personal and hidden experiences without judgment. Michele Norris is one of the most respected voices in American journalism, the recipient of Emmy, Peabody and DuPont Awards. She's a former longtime host of NPR's All Things Considered. Today, she hosts the podcast, Your Mamma's Kitchen, and she's also a senior contributing editor to MSNBC. Her latest book, Our Hidden Conversations, explores America's evolving dialogue on race and identity.

SPEAKER_3 (3:01)

You know, I'm really passionate about making decisions that align with your faith and your values, especially when it comes to your family. And one area where that can feel really challenging right now is health care. Costs keep rising and it's hard to feel confident that you're choosing the right path. That's why I wanted to share something I've been learning about called Liberty Health Share. It's not health insurance. It's a health care sharing ministry, which means you're joining a community of believers who come together to help carry one another's medical expenses. It's people living out the idea that we're stronger when we support each other and show up for one another. They offer programs for different stages of life and different budgets. So whether you're newly married, starting a family, or just looking for a better, more aligned approach, it's worth checking out. If you've been praying about a better way to navigate health care, this could be something to look into. You can learn more at libertyhealthshare.org.

That's libertyhealthshare.org. Liberty Health Share, a force for good.

Lee C. Camp (4:01)

Hey friends, Lee here. If you enjoy our conversations at the intersection of faith, purpose, and living well, then I have the perfect podcast recommendation for you, With and For, hosted by Dr. Pam King. With and For's latest season brings together psychology and spiritual wisdom in a way that feels thoughtful, grounded, deeply human, and it's hosted by my friend, Dr. Pam King, a developmental psychologist and ordained minister who offers practical guidance towards a life of thriving. I'd recommend starting with their episode featuring Parker J. Palmer, world-renowned writer, speaker, activist, Quaker elder, who focuses on issues in education, spirituality, and social change. A moving and instructive conversation. Can't recommend it enough. Also, check out With and For's special summer series of wisdom practices, released each Monday. They're short exercises shared by guests that will become a toolkit for thriving. Consider them your experiment in becoming more fully alive. So go ahead, follow With and For, hosted by Dr. Pam King, wherever you're listening now.