Going Big! with Kevin Gentry

In this Going Big! conversation, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Dr. James Piereson, renowned political scientist, influential philanthropic leader, and former president of the John M. Olin Foundation, to unpack how big ideas—and bold action—can shape the future of a nation.   Piereson didn’t just write about political revolutions—he funded one. From helping build powerhouse institutions like the Heritage Foundation, Federalist Society, and Manhattan Institute, to championing free markets, constitutional government, and intellectual risk-taking, his story is a blueprint for how to go big with purpose.   In this episode:   Discover how a quiet foundation transformed America’s political and intellectual landscape   Learn why taking a chance on unproven ideas can have a generational impact   Hear how honoring donor intent and sunsetting a foundation created more urgency—and more results   Explore the evolution of the conservative movement through the eyes of one of its chief architects   Get powerful insights on today’s challenges—from political polarization to cultural decline—and what can still be done   Going big isn’t just about scale—it’s about courage, clarity, and conviction. James Piereson lived that model, and this episode is full of hard-earned wisdom for anyone ready to make a difference.   🎧 Tune in now and get inspired to go big in your own way.

What does it mean to go big with your whole life? For Cesar Grajales, it meant immigrating from Colombia with just $80 in his pocket, working in a Miami bakery, and rising to become one of the most recognized Hispanic voices in American public policy and media. In this inspiring episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Cesar to explore his remarkable journey—from playing guitar on Univision, to helping build The LIBRE Initiative into a national force for Hispanic outreach, to launching a thriving handmade luxury shoe company called Indie Genius (IG: @buyindiegenius), and now hosting South Florida’s #1 Spanish-language radio show El Escándalo del Día and his own podcast, Sabor a Freedom. Together, they dive into what it takes to start with nothing and build a life rooted in resilience, joy, and community. Cesar shares how embracing hard work, authenticity, and creativity helped him rise above every challenge—and why enjoying the process is just as important as reaching the destination. If you’re looking to rediscover what’s possible, this episode is your reminder: Going Big isn’t about titles or trophies—it’s about courage, conviction, and never losing sight of the people you’re inspiring along the way. Check Cesar Grajales out here https://cesargrajales.news/ Check Libre out here: https://thelibreinitiative.com/

Jeff Rosenthal, co-founder of Summit and co-author of 'Make No Small Plans,' shares his journey of building a global community and acquiring Powder Mountain. He discusses the essential mindset of risk-taking and trust in leadership, highlighting how culture surpasses strategy. Jeff emphasizes the significance of embracing failure as a learning opportunity and explores future megatrends in AI and energy. With a focus on building authentic networks, he inspires listeners to dream boldly and redefine their limits for greater success.

On this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry welcomes Alexandre Pesey, the visionary founder of the Institut de Formation Politique in Paris. Twenty-five years ago, Alexandre returned from the United States with a bold idea—what if the conservative movement in France could be rebuilt from scratch? At the time, there was no infrastructure, no training programs, no donor base, and no serious conservative presence in the media, civil society, or education. But Alexandre refused to let that stop him. He began with a single borrowed castle, a handful of students, and a deep conviction that France needed a new generation of leaders. Alexandre shares how he modeled his efforts on the American conservative movement post-Goldwater, drawing lessons from mentors like Morton Blackwell and Kevin Gentry himself. He discusses how he built not just one institution—but an entire ecosystem of training, journalism, advocacy, and civic engagement. Today, his movement includes over 500,000 donors, a growing national media presence, and a new generation of French leaders with backbone and boldness. This episode dives deep into the long game—what it takes to inspire people when the odds are stacked against you, how to rally support when you're starting from zero, and why family, faith, and mentorship are the foundation of sustainable impact. Alexandre’s story is proof that one person, with clarity of purpose and relentless determination, can shift the course of a country. If you’re looking for real-world proof that Going Big! isn’t just possible—it’s necessary—this episode is for you.

How do you go big at a university that’s over 300 years old? For Katherine Rowe, the 28th—and first woman—President of William & Mary, the answer lies in honoring tradition while boldly embracing change. In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with President Rowe to explore how one of America’s most historic universities is preparing students not for the world as it is—but for the world that’s coming. From reopening during the pandemic to launching a school of computing and coastal sciences, President Rowe shares how bold leadership, deep listening, and strategic vision are guiding William & Mary into the future. She explains how liberal arts education can thrive in a tech-driven world, why listening is a foundational leadership tool, and how embracing instability often reveals the biggest opportunities to lead. Whether you're a student, leader, educator, or simply someone navigating change, this conversation is a masterclass in going big—with purpose, with values, and with clarity about the kind of future we want to build.

On this episode of the Going Big! Podcast, host Kevin Gentry welcomes Brendan McCord—submariner, AI entrepreneur, and deep thinker—for a bold conversation on the biggest force shaping our future: artificial intelligence. Brendan helped write the Pentagon’s first AI strategy, built and sold two tech companies for over $400 million, and now leads the Cosmos Institute—a nonprofit reimagining AI’s role in advancing human flourishing. In this episode, he unpacks how we can go big with AI without losing what makes us human. You’ll hear Brendan’s journey from 610 days beneath the ocean to the front lines of defense innovation and finally to the frontiers of philosophy and public purpose. From decentralization and truth-seeking to why specialization is for ants, Brendan offers a radical vision for how builders and leaders can shape a future worth believing in. If you're serious about doing meaningful work at scale, this conversation will challenge you to aim higher—and go bigger.

At just 24 years old, Daniel Houghton became CEO of Lonely Planet, the world’s largest travel publisher—leading its transformation into the digital age and redefining what it means to explore the world. Now, as founder and CEO of The Travel Library, Daniel is curating an ever-growing collection of editorial travel content, personal destination guides, and inspirational itineraries for adventurers around the globe. In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Daniel to explore how bold thinking, creative risk-taking, and a deep passion for discovery shaped his extraordinary career. From humble beginnings in photojournalism to high-stakes leadership and cross-continental storytelling, Daniel shares what it really means to go big—on the road, in business, and in life. This is a conversation about trusting your gut, betting on your gifts, and building something meaningful in a world that moves fast. Whether you're dreaming of your next big trip or your next big leap, this episode will leave you inspired to go further than you thought possible.

What if everything you think you know about trade, tariffs, and the American economy is wrong? In this powerful and timely episode of Going Big, host Kevin Gentry sits down with renowned economist Don Boudreaux—former chair of the economics department at George Mason University and co-author of The Triumph of Economic Freedom—to dismantle some of the most persistent economic myths of our time. From the misunderstood trade deficit to the real impact of tariffs, Don makes the case for free exchange, open markets, and why true prosperity depends on economic freedom. Whether you're a policy wonk, business leader, or just someone trying to understand why prices are rising at the grocery store, this episode is a masterclass in clear economic thinking—and a reminder that going big means embracing ideas, not fear. 🎯 Want to go deeper? Don Boudreaux’s new book with former U.S. Senator Phil Gramm, The Triumph of Economic Freedom: Debunking the Seven Great Myths of American Capitalism, releases May 13, 2025. It’s a powerful, data-driven takedown of the most common misconceptions about trade, inequality, poverty, and more—and it reinforces exactly why economic freedom matters now more than ever. 📖 Pre-order it now on Amazon: The Triumph of Economic Freedom Let it challenge you. Let it equip you. Let it inspire you to Go Big with the truth. Click here:https://a.co/d/7ArScbk

How does someone with no media background build one of the most trusted conservative voices in America? Erick Erickson’s journey is a bold reminder that with faith, grit, and purpose, you don’t have to follow a traditional path to make a lasting impact. In this episode of the Going Big! Podcast, host Kevin Gentry talks with Erick about his unconventional rise from lawyer to blogger, from behind-the-scenes campaign work to national talk radio host. Along the way, he built a platform rooted in conviction—not popularity—and stayed true to his calling, even when it came at a cost. Erick shares the defining moments that shaped him—from walking away from law, launching RedState, and guest hosting for Rush Limbaugh, to speaking openly about his faith, battling personal trials, and trusting God with each step. Through it all, he reminds us that Going Big! isn’t about geography, credentials, or conformity—it’s about taking the leap, telling the truth, and leading with integrity. 🎧 Whether you're discerning your next step, facing a hard decision, or simply needing a reminder to stay the course, this conversation will inspire you to Go Big! with your voice, your values, and your life.

What does it take to not only believe in big ideas—but to win with them? In this episode of the Going Big! Podcast, host Kevin Gentry sits down with conservative icon Morton C. Blackwell, founder and president of the Leadership Institute, for a remarkable conversation about a life spent shaping leaders, building institutions, and going all-in for the causes that matter. With a career that spans decades—from being the youngest delegate for Barry Goldwater in 1964 to serving in the Reagan White House, and training over 320,000 conservative activists through the Leadership Institute—Blackwell shares timeless insights on what it truly means to Go Big! in life, leadership, and public service. Morton’s story is one of courage, strategy, humility, and impact. He reveals how effective change isn’t just about having the right philosophy—it’s about learning how to win. From mentoring future U.S. senators to cultivating a global network of values-based leaders, he reminds us that vision without action isn’t leadership—it’s wishful thinking. Whether you're an emerging leader, a seasoned strategist, or simply someone who wants to live with greater purpose, this episode is a roadmap to Going Big! the right way: with clarity, conviction, and a commitment to serving others. 🎧 Listen now and get inspired to build your foundation, study how to win, and Go Big! with your life’s work.