Going Big! with Kevin Gentry

What does it mean to Go Big when the odds are stacked against you? In this powerful episode of the Going Big! Podcast, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Scott Strode, founder of The Phoenix, a free sober active community that is redefining recovery across the country. Scott shares his personal journey from addiction and adversity to climbing literal mountains—and building one of the most impactful recovery movements in America. With over 800,000 lives already touched and a bold goal to reach 10 million people, Scott opens up about the mindset, strategy, and heart it takes to scale something that truly matters. From boxing gyms to Himalayan peaks, from grassroots beginnings to national innovation, this episode is a masterclass in turning pain into purpose, and purpose into impact. Whether you're leading a nonprofit, building a business, or just taking your first step out of struggle, this is what Going Big looks like.   🌐 Learn more at ThePhoenix.org 📚 Read Scott’s story in Rise, Recover, Thrive 📱 Find support or get involved through the New Form app

In this landmark episode of the Going Big! Podcast, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Dr. Douglas Bradburn, historian and President & CEO of George Washington’s Mount Vernon, for a sweeping conversation on leadership, legacy, and the enduring relevance of America’s founding father. What does it mean to Go Big! in a way that’s rooted in humility, preparation, and purpose? Through the life and character of George Washington, we explore not just how to lead—but how to lead well. From battlefield courage to political restraint, from nation-building to stepping away from power, Washington modeled a leadership philosophy grounded in merit and honor. And in this episode, Dr. Bradburn brings that philosophy to life in ways that speak directly to our own moment. We also dive into the story of Mount Vernon itself—how a group of visionary women preserved Washington’s home without government funds and helped establish America’s historic preservation movement. Under Bradburn’s leadership, Mount Vernon has become not just a symbol of the past, but a forward-facing institution using research, innovation, and storytelling to inspire a new generation. If you’ve ever wondered what principled, courageous, and honorable leadership looks like—or how to prepare yourself for your own moment to Go Big!—this episode offers both timeless wisdom and practical challenge. 🎧 Listen now and be reminded that real leadership doesn’t demand success—it earns it.

In this powerful episode of the Going Big Podcast, Tim Kersten sits down with host Kevin Gentry for a candid, wisdom-filled conversation about leadership, legacy, and the lifelong pursuit of excellence. With more than 40 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and marketing, Tim brings a rare combination of creative brilliance and deep humility to his role as Chairman and CEO of RKD Group—America’s largest direct response fundraising agency. From helping iconic institutions like the Salvation Army and the Smithsonian raise hundreds of millions of dollars to crafting messages that have moved hearts and sparked action, Tim has spent his career proving that the right words, delivered at the right moment, can change the world. But Going Big, as Tim shares, isn’t just about scale. It’s about courageous leadership, the power of storytelling, and staying rooted in purpose. He reflects on the mentors who shaped him, the importance of surrounding yourself with people smarter than you, and why real leaders must be both fearless and humble. This episode is a masterclass in building something that lasts—whether you’re leading a team, launching a cause, or simply trying to make your work more meaningful. If you’ve ever wondered how to move people, inspire trust, or lead with bold conviction, Tim’s story is one you won’t forget.  

What would you do if you weren’t afraid to fail? For Emily Seidel, that question reshaped everything—from her earliest doubts about leading a national grassroots movement to becoming the CEO of Americans for Prosperity, one of the most influential citizen-powered organizations in the country. In this episode of Going Big, Emily shares the deeply personal journey that brought her from answering phones on Capitol Hill to leading a team of 500 and mobilizing people across all 50 states. With vulnerability, wisdom, and resolve, she reflects on the power of saying yes to the uncomfortable, stepping into challenges without knowing all the answers, and trusting in a mission bigger than herself. Her story is a powerful reminder that real leadership isn’t about having all the credentials or a perfect plan—it’s about showing up, being willing to grow, and surrounding yourself with people who believe in the cause. Along the way, Emily unpacks the urgency behind protecting tax reform, the quiet strength of citizen advocacy, and how real change happens not from Washington headlines—but from the voices of everyday Americans who dare to believe they can make a difference. If you’ve ever felt the tug between playing it safe and stepping into something greater, this conversation is for you. It’s about conviction. It’s about courage. And it’s about what happens when you stop letting fear define your future—and start choosing to Go Big.

In a lively conversation, Jimmy Hutcheson, CEO of SPIN and Next Management Partners, shares his inspiring journey from a small-town upbringing to leading iconic brands. He delves into the impressive revitalization of SPIN, boosting its revenue and digital presence, while emphasizing the importance of innovation. Jimmy discusses the impactful One Million Strong initiative, merging art with addiction recovery in the music industry. He also explores the future of music amid AI advancements, urging bold moves and meaningful connections for success.

What does it mean to Go Big when the stakes are life and death? Patrick Henry didn’t just give a speech—he ignited a revolution. On March 23, 1775, in a small church in Richmond, Virginia, his legendary words—“Give me liberty or give me death”—transformed hesitation into action and set the course for American independence. In this episode, Kevin Gentry sits down with Stephen Wilson, Executive Director of the St. John’s Church Foundation, to explore how bold decisions, fearless leadership, and unwavering conviction changed history—and why those same principles apply today. Whether you're leading a movement, running a business, or making a tough decision, Go Big, succeed big, or fail big—but never play small.

What does it take to truly Go Big in life and business? Will Guidara, world-renowned restaurateur and bestselling author of Unreasonable Hospitality, joins host Kevin Gentry to share how relentless pursuit, bold thinking, and investing in people can transform not just an industry—but the way we live and lead. From making Eleven Madison Park the #1 restaurant in the world to inspiring some of the most popular episodes of the hit series, "The Bear.", Will reveals the power of dreaming audaciously, embracing mentorship, and creating unforgettable moments that leave a lasting impact. He unpacks the Rule of 95/5, the art of gamifying success, and why true leadership is about inspiring others to pursue excellence. This episode is a masterclass in thinking big, acting boldly, and leading with heart. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or changemaker, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what’s possible—and then go make it happen.

Going Big isn’t just about taking risks—it’s about turning your passion into something that impacts others. In this episode of the Going Big! Podcast, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Neal Wavra, a hospitality visionary who took a bold leap to create something extraordinary. From growing up in Chicago, where family meals were the heartbeat of connection, to working in world-class restaurants like Charlie Trotter’s and Blackberry Farm, Neal always believed that food was more than just sustenance—it was an experience. That belief led him and his wife to open Field & Main, a restaurant dedicated to farm-to-table excellence and fostering community through hospitality. When COVID threatened the restaurant industry, Neal didn’t retreat—he went bigger, finding new ways to serve guests and sustain his team. Now, he’s shaping the future of Virginia’s wine industry and expanding his impact through Fable Hospitality Group. This conversation is all about taking risks, following your passion, and going big—in business, in service, and in life.

What does it truly mean to Go Big? For artist Polly Gentry, it meant taking a personal moment of grief and transforming it into a mission of honor, remembrance, and action. After witnessing the heartbreaking events of the 2021 Afghanistan troop withdrawal, Polly was moved to create a one-of-a-kind tribute—her Flags of Honor series, with each piece dedicated to one of the 13 fallen service members. But Polly didn’t stop at expression—she took her impact even further. Determined to make a tangible difference, she auctioned her art to support military families through the Folds of Honor Foundation, proving that creativity, when paired with purpose, has the power to change lives. On this episode of the Going Big! Podcast, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Polly to explore how she discovered her artistic gift later in life, the moment she realized her work could serve a greater cause, and why taking bold action with your talents can ignite change beyond what you ever imagined. This conversation is a reminder that Going Big isn’t just about ambition—it’s about using your unique gifts to leave a lasting impact.

On this episode of the Going Big! Podcast, host Kevin Gentry sits down with former U.S. Senator Phil Gramm, a leader whose career has been defined by taking bold risks and reshaping America’s economic policies. From his early days as an economics professor to becoming a key architect of the Reagan Revolution, Gramm shares his journey of challenging the status quo, fighting for lower taxes, and making tough decisions that changed the course of history. He opens up about his daring decision to resign from Congress, switch parties, and run again, proving that true leadership means standing firm on principles—even when the odds are against you. This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, bold decision-making, and what it truly means to go big. Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or changemaker, Phil Gramm’s insights will inspire you to take action and make a lasting impact.