Podcast
Going Big! with Kevin Gentry
Hosted by Kevin Gentry · EN
Welcome to Going Big! — the podcast where we share the stories of people who have truly gone big in their own lives. Hosted by Kevin Gentry, Going Big! has consistently ranked as a top podcast on iTunes in its category and has earned multiple national honors, including the 2024 MarCom Gold Award for Non-Profit Podcast, the 2024 Viddy Gold Award for Non-Profit and Marketing Podcast, the 2025 Viddy Award, and the 2025 Communicator Award.
Each episode features in-depth conversations with business owners, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, political figures, and other trailblazers who have achieved extraordinary impact in their work and communities. You’ll hear firsthand how they pursued bold ideas, took major risks, overcame challenges, and built something remarkable.
We no longer focus solely on fundraising and marketing. Instead, Going Big! explores the full spectrum of leadership, innovation, and personal drive — uncovering the lessons, values, and pivotal moments that propelled our guests to think bigger and push further.
Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a nonprofit leader, a political changemaker, or simply someone inspired by real stories of ambition and achievement, Going Big! offers insights and inspiration to help you take your own next leap.
Listen on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, iHeart Radio, Pandora, and YouTube. Follow us on social media and visit TenXStrategies.com for more great content and resources.
93episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Going Big with Jeff Rosenthal: No Small Plans, No Limits, and the Power of Bold Vision
Jun 16, 202500:57:01Summary readyWhat does it really take to go big? For Jeff Rosenthal, it meant launching a global community from scratch, building a cultural movement atop the largest ski resort in the U.S., and investing in the boldest ideas reshaping our future. In this high-energy episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Jeff Rosenthal—co-founder of Summit, co-author of Make No Small Plans, co-owner and co-developer of Powder Mountain, and founder of the new venture firm CIV. Together, they explore the early days of turning cold calls into iconic events, the behind-the-scenes story of acquiring Powder Mountain, and the mindset that powers generational leadership. Jeff opens up about risk, trust, partnership, and why culture always beats strategy. From building authentic communities to backing founders in energy, AI, and advanced manufacturing, his journey is a masterclass in what it means to dream boldly, lead authentically, and execute with purpose. If you’re ready to challenge your limits, rethink what’s possible, and start living your biggest vision—this episode will show you how. Going big isn’t a moment—it’s a mindset. And Jeff Rosenthal lives it every day.
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Going Big in France: How Alexandre Pesey Sparked a National Movement
Jun 9, 202500:33:34Summary readyOn 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.
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Leading a Legacy into the Future: Katherine Rowe on Tradition, Innovation, and Going Big
Jun 2, 202500:35:55Summary readyHow 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.
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Brendan McCord on Going Big with AI: Autonomy, Truth, and the Future of Humanity
May 26, 202500:52:41Summary readyOn 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.
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From Backpack to Boardroom: Daniel Houghton on Leading, Exploring, and Going Big
May 19, 202500:48:35Summary readyAt 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.
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Debunking the Myths: Don Boudreaux on Trade, Tariffs, and the Triumph of Economic Freedom
May 12, 202501:15:28Summary readyWhat 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
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From Humble Beginnings to a National Voice: Erick Erickson on Faith, Grit, and Going Big!
May 5, 202500:56:34Summary readyHow 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.
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How to Win: Morton Blackwell on Building Leaders, Movements, and a Life of Going Big!
Apr 28, 202500:52:40Summary readyWhat 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.
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Going Big with The Phoenix: How Scott Strode Turned Struggle into a National Movement
Apr 21, 202500:45:53Summary readyWhat 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
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Merit, Honor, and Legacy: Dr. Douglas Bradburn on George Washington’s Enduring Call to Go Big!
Apr 14, 202501:00:32Summary readyIn 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.
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