Going Big! with Kevin Gentry

What happens when a successful private-equity executive decides that one of America’s biggest challenges cannot be solved through philanthropy alone?

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Tony de Nicola, Chairman of Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe and co-founder of Invest in Education, to explore his decade-long effort to expand educational opportunity for American families. Inspired by his own immigrant family’s experience and the education that changed the trajectory of his life, Tony became convinced that systemic reform was needed to help more children access the schools that best meet their needs.

Tony shares the remarkable story of building bipartisan support for education tax-credit legislation in New York, watching it fail at the final stage two years in a row, and then making the decision to take the fight to Washington. That persistence ultimately helped lead to the first federal tax-credit scholarship program in American history, projected at roughly $30 billion over 10 years and potentially capable of supporting millions of scholarships. The conversation also explores Tony’s “venture philanthropy” approach, donor engagement, leadership, risk-taking, learning from failure, and what it takes to pursue a transformational goal over many years.

For anyone interested in education, philanthropy, public policy, or pursuing meaningful change over the long term, this is a conversation worth hearing. Be sure to subscribe to Going Big! wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this episode with someone who is working to solve a problem that may be bigger than any one organization can tackle alone.

To learn more about the new federal scholarship tax credit program, visit https://scholarshiptaxcredit.org/

What if the obstacles standing in front of a young person do not have to determine the course of that person’s life? Ian Rowe, author and senior fellow at American Enterprise Institute, has spent three decades working across education, philanthropy, government, and the private sector trying to answer that question.

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Rowe to explore his concept of agency: the combination of free will and moral discernment that allows people to make choices about the lives they will build. Rowe shares the personal story that shaped his thinking, including the moment at age 12 when he challenged his parents’ decision about his school and the later decision to leave a conventional career path after Harvard Business School for a $25,000-a-year position at Teach for America.

Rowe also explains the four institutions he believes are essential to cultivating agency in young people: family, religion, education, and entrepreneurship. He discusses Vertex Partnership Academies, the first graduating class from the school he co-founded, and his plans to build additional virtues-based schools that combine rigorous education with career preparation.

Listen to the full episode of Going Big! to hear Ian’s story and consider how we can help young people recognize their own agency, overcome obstacles, and become the architects of their own lives.

What if losing the biggest opportunity of your life was actually preparing you for something much bigger?

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Nick Freitas, an Army Green Beret, former Virginia legislator, two-time congressional candidate, and media entrepreneur whose platform now reaches millions of people. Nick shares the story behind his unconventional journey, from military service and public office to two painful electoral defeats and the unexpected media career that followed.

The conversation explores faith, family, responsibility, overcoming adversity, military leadership, entrepreneurship, and the difference between measuring success by outcomes versus obedience. Nick also explains how the team he built through his political campaigns eventually helped launch a rapidly growing media operation, and why he chose to partner with Blaze Media while preserving his independence.

For anyone who has experienced disappointment, questioned whether a setback had meaning, or wondered how to identify the next chapter of their life, Nick’s story offers a compelling perspective on what it means to keep going big when the original plan doesn’t work.

What does it take to turn good ideas into lasting policy change?

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Matt Brouillette, longtime public policy leader and founder of Commonwealth Partners, to explore his journey from teaching history in San Diego to working alongside legendary state-policy leaders Larry Reed and Joe Overton, eventually leading the Commonwealth Foundation and launching a new organization focused on winning political and policy battles in Pennsylvania.

The conversation goes deeper into Matt’s new book, You GOTTA Win Pennsylvania!, and his argument that the states are the critical battleground for America’s future. He discusses the importance of durable state-level infrastructure, school choice, energy policy, litigation, coalition building, taking risks, learning from defeat, and maintaining a long-term view when victories do not come quickly.

For anyone interested in entrepreneurship, leadership, philanthropy, public policy, or how bold ideas become lasting change, this conversation offers a candid look at what it takes to keep going and build for the long haul.

What does it take to lead with integrity when compromise seems inevitable?

In this episode of Going Big!, Kevin Gentry sits down with attorney, historian, and author Frank Atkinson to explore one of the most important questions facing leaders today: Can you remain true to your principles while navigating politics, public service, and positions of influence?

Drawing from his newly released novel, The Lion's Den: Renewing Our Democracy by Renewing Ourselves, Frank shares how the biblical story of Daniel, the leadership of George Washington and James Madison, and decades of firsthand experience in government shaped his understanding of courage, character, and servant leadership.

Together, Kevin and Frank discuss why compromise is sometimes necessary—but why conviction must never be abandoned. They examine the role of virtue in public life, the importance of preparing for difficult moral decisions before they arrive, and why renewing our institutions begins with renewing ourselves.

Whether you serve in government, business, the nonprofit sector, or your local community, this conversation offers timeless lessons on leadership, perseverance, and the responsibility each of us has to strengthen the future through our own choices.

You can get your copy of Frank's new novel, The Lion's Den: Renewing Our Democracy by Renewing Ourselves, on his website: https://www.frankatkinson.com/

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Joe Scarlett, retired CEO of Tractor Supply Company, to explore the leadership principles behind one of retail’s most remarkable turnarounds. For nearly 30 years, Joe helped transform Tractor Supply from a struggling retailer into a Fortune 500 company with more than 2,500 stores nationwide. But Joe believes the company’s greatest achievement wasn’t its growth—it was the culture that made that growth possible.

Joe shares how listening to frontline employees, empowering others to make decisions, building trust with partners, and creating a culture of accountability helped reshape an entire organization. He also reflects on the mentors who influenced him, the lessons he’s learned about humility and delegation, and why he has always considered himself a “head coach” rather than simply a CEO.

Whether you lead a business, a nonprofit, or a team of any size, this conversation offers practical insights on building organizations where people thrive, culture drives performance, and leadership is measured by the success of others.

You can find more of Joe's advice on life, leadership, and giving back, by signing up for his newsletter at joescarlett.com

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Jorge Velarde Rosso and Juan Pablo Chamon, the founders of Libera Bolivia, to discuss what it means to defend freedom under extraordinary circumstances. As young leaders living under an increasingly authoritarian socialist government, they chose not to stay silent. Instead, they built a movement dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders committed to liberty, free markets, and democratic institutions—even when that work came at great personal cost.

Jorge and Juan Pablo share the remarkable story behind Libera Bolivia, the mentorship that launched their mission, the challenges of building an organization from the ground up, and the difficult decision that forced Juan Pablo into exile after politically motivated criminal charges. They explain why lasting cultural change begins with investing in young people, why freedom requires courage and long-term commitment, and why they remain optimistic about the future of Bolivia and Latin America despite years of political and economic turmoil.

Whether you're interested in leadership, institution-building, public policy, or the power of ideas to shape a nation, this conversation offers an inspiring look at what it takes to go big in pursuit of a freer future.

How do you make a document written more than 230 years ago come alive for a generation raised on YouTube, social media, and streaming video? Janine Turner and Cathy Gillespie believe the answer isn't another textbook—it's storytelling.

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with the founder and CEO of Constituting America to explore how they've spent the past fifteen years transforming civics education through film, music, classroom engagement, and student creativity. They share the personal stories that led them to launch the organization, the lessons they've learned building a national nonprofit, and why they believe America's future depends on helping young people understand not just the Constitution itself, but the remarkable ideas that have preserved freedom for nearly 250 years.

Whether you're a nonprofit leader, educator, parent, or someone who cares about developing the next generation of leaders, this conversation offers practical insights into visionary leadership, the power of creativity, and what it takes to build a mission-driven organization that is changing lives.

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Dr. Joshua Hall, Dean of the John Chambers College of Business and Economics at West Virginia University, for a conversation about leadership, mentorship, economic opportunity, and the future of higher education.

Josh shares how one professor changed the course of his life, why thriving communities are built on strong institutions, and how visionary leadership can reshape an entire state. From helping secure a transformational $20 million gift to launching nationally recognized programs in business ethics, artificial intelligence, and experiential learning, he explains why the best leaders focus less on preserving institutions and more on redesigning them to serve people better.

Along the way, Josh offers practical lessons on building teams, aligning incentives, raising bold philanthropic support, embracing experimentation, and preparing students for a rapidly changing world. Whether you lead a nonprofit, a business, a university, or simply want to make a greater impact through your own work, this conversation offers an inspiring look at what it really means to go big by investing in people and creating opportunities that last.

David Rubenstein has spent a lifetime building extraordinary institutions—and studying the leaders who built the ones that came before him.

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with the co-founder of The Carlyle Group for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, American history, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and the enduring qualities that define great leaders. Drawing on decades of studying presidents, founders, military leaders, and CEOs, Rubenstein shares why humility often matters more than charisma, why perseverance is a better predictor of success than early achievement, and what today's leaders can learn from figures like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and James Baker.

Together, they explore whether the American Revolution was the greatest startup in history, whether America is still a worthy long-term investment, why capitalism has fueled one of history's greatest traditions of philanthropy, and what gives Rubenstein optimism about the nation's future despite today's challenges.

Whether you're leading a business, building a nonprofit, serving your community, or simply looking to make a greater contribution, this conversation offers timeless lessons on leadership, institution building, and living a life that leaves a lasting legacy.

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with filmmaker Jon Erwin, the creative force behind Young Washington, the new theatrical release opening July 3. Known for I Can Only Imagine, Jesus Revolution, American Underdog, and House of David, Erwin shares why this film is his most ambitious project yet — and why he believes this is a story audiences should experience on the big screen.

Together, they explore the little-known early years that shaped George Washington before he became the leader history remembers. Jon explains how Young Washington brings to life a gripping origin story marked by failure, resilience, courage, and servant leadership.

If you care about great storytelling, American history, or films that leave you thinking long after the credits roll, don’t miss this conversation. Then make plans to see Young Washington in theaters starting July 3.

In this episode of Going Big!, Kevin Gentry sits down with Senator Steve Daines for a wide-ranging conversation about faith, risk, entrepreneurship, family, and public service. Daines reflects on the major leaps that shaped his life, from moving his young family to China with Procter & Gamble, to helping build RightNow Technologies in Bozeman, to stepping into the political arena and serving 14 years in Congress.

Together, they explore what China looks like up close, what entrepreneurship taught him about leadership under pressure, why he felt called into public service, and why he says this next chapter is not about retirement but repurposing. The conversation also touches on marriage, grief, gratitude, and the kind of legacy he hopes to leave for the next generation.

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Dr. Jane Kamensky, president and CEO of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, for a timely conversation about Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence, and the ideas that have shaped America for nearly 250 years.

Kamensky explains why Jefferson was chosen to draft the Declaration at just 33 years old, how divided and uncertain the Continental Congress really was, and why the document’s opening vision became far more than a list of grievances. She also explores the central contradiction in Jefferson’s legacy: how the author of words about equality could also participate in slavery on a vast scale.

Together, they discuss America’s approaching 250th anniversary, the meaning of reflective patriotism, and the role that Monticello plays in preserving that legacy into the future.

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Princeton professor Dr. Robert George for a wide-ranging conversation about truth, freedom, virtue, and the future of the American experiment. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Robert reflects on what Americans often misunderstand about the founders, why George Washington was indispensable, and why a republic cannot survive without moral seriousness and civic friendship.

George also shares his own remarkable story, from growing up in Appalachia as the grandson of immigrant coal miners to becoming one of the country’s leading public intellectuals. Along the way, he explains why free speech is essential to truth-seeking, what his friendship with Cornel West teaches about disagreement, and why he remains hopeful about the next generation of Americans.

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry welcomes economist Daniel Di Martino back for a timely conversation about Venezuela, freedom, assimilation, and the future of America. Raised in Caracas during one of the most dramatic political and economic collapses in modern history, Daniel shares what it was like to watch shortages, inflation, and repression reshape everyday life, and how those experiences led him to come to the United States and speak out.

Together, they explore what prosperous societies forget, why immigration and assimilation matter, what Daniel’s research says about family and culture, and why he remains hopeful about both Venezuela and America. This episode offers a firsthand look at the cost of collectivism and a serious conversation about freedom, opportunity, and where nations go from here.

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with producer Drake Springer and director Meredith Danluck to discuss Why We Dream, a documentary that follows World War II veterans returning to Normandy 80 years after D-Day. With many of the veterans now more than 100 years old, the film captures a vanishing generation’s memories of war, service, sacrifice, and the lives they built afterward.

Together, they explore how to tell a World War II story in a way that feels fresh and deeply human; why the filmmakers fought to keep the veterans, not the brand, at the center; and how storytelling can preserve living memory before it disappears. The conversation also examines risk, leadership, and the hunger many people feel today for meaning, connection, and a renewed sense of duty to one another.

After losing her husband, Navy SEAL Lieutenant Brendan Looney, in Afghanistan, Amy Looney Heffernan could have stepped back from the world. Instead, she chose a harder path: building a life of service, leadership, and impact in his memory.

On this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry talks with Amy, now President of the Travis Manion Foundation, about grief, resilience, Memorial Day, and how service can help turn pain into purpose. She shares the deeply personal story behind her journey, the values Brendan lived by, and how the Foundation is equipping veterans, families of the fallen, and young people to lead with character in communities across America.

Learn more about The Honor Project

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with former Vice President Mike Pence for a conversation about faith, conviction, public service, and the moments that test a leader’s character. Pence reflects on his journey from a young Democrat inspired by John F. Kennedy to a Reagan conservative, the hard lessons he learned from early political defeats, and the principles that shaped his years in Congress, as governor of Indiana, and in the White House.

They also discuss January 6, the constitutional duty Pence believed he was bound to uphold, and his continued work to defend traditional conservative ideas through Advancing American Freedom and his new book, What Conservatives Believe: Rediscovering the Conservative Conscience. For anyone interested in leadership under pressure and the future of the conservative movement, this is a conversation worth hearing.

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry talks with Kip Woodward, a Canadian business leader, investor, and public-policy advocate whose career has spanned family enterprise, ranching, health care governance, and reform efforts around some of Canada’s most entrenched institutional challenges.

Kip reflects on what it takes to lead at scale, challenge broken systems, and take risks without losing perspective. From entrepreneurial pivots to public controversy, this conversation explores curiosity, resilience, governance, and the kind of leadership required when the answers are neither simple nor popular.

Human trafficking and exploitation are often hidden in plain sight. In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Rev. Becca Stevens, founder of Thistle Farms, to explore how one home for five women became a survivor-led movement serving around 1,500 women each year through housing, employment, and long-term support.

Stevens shares what most people still misunderstand about trafficking, why punishment alone cannot heal deep wounds, and how Thistle Farms built a distinctive model of restorative justice through social enterprise, community, and love put into practice. It’s a conversation about healing, entrepreneurship, faith, and what it takes to build something big enough to help women find their way home again.

Most people spend their lives trying to escape work. David Bahnsen thinks that’s a tragedy — and a recipe for emptiness.

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with David, founder and CIO of a wealth management firm overseeing more than $9 billion, to unpack a countercultural claim: human beings were made to contribute, not just consume.

They talk about why the “non-essential worker” language of the COVID era still matters, why shorter work weeks and universal basic income can miss something deeper, and why “more purpose, more work, more endeavor” might actually be part of the solution to rising isolation and despair.

Watch now if you're looking for practice advice for a life marked by meaning, responsibility, and contribution.

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry interviews Adrien Lewis, Founder and President of CarePortal, about building a “care-sharing network” that connects vetted needs for kids and families in crisis with local churches, businesses, and neighbors who can respond quickly.

CarePortal connects the real-time needs of community members (submitted by caseworkers and agencies) with neighbors who can step in fast — strangers helping strangers.

Adrien shares his personal origin story, the challenges of scaling a new model, and real examples of how one small need (like a crib) can become long-term support and stability.

Learn how CarePortal works, why trust is central to the model, and how anyone can get involved in their own community.

SEC Chairman Paul Atkins joins host Kevin Gentry on Going Big! to discuss his "minimum dose" philosophy of regulation—and why information overload can be just as harmful as too little disclosure.

They cover the decline of public markets and Paul's push to revive IPOs, the role of institutional ownership and politicized shareholder activism, and why he believes crypto belongs under U.S. oversight with clearer rules rather than pushed offshore.

Most people never step inside a prison. But what if some of the most compelling stories of change in America are happening there?

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry interviews Heather Rice-Minus, President and CEO of Prison Fellowship, about what she has seen in prisons across the country and why she believes hope can grow in the hardest places.

The conversation traces the origins of Prison Fellowship through the story of Chuck Colson, whose conversion and time in prison helped spark a movement that now serves incarcerated men and women, supports families, and partners with churches nationwide.

Heather shares vivid, personal stories from inside prison walls, including a woman known as “Turtle” who is serving a life sentence yet has become a leader and mentor to others. She also challenges the “us vs. them” mindset and explains why defining people by the worst thing they’ve ever done can block real restoration.

The episode also explores the scale of incarceration in the United States, the impact on children and families, and the growing focus on second chances through community engagement and practical next steps.

Heather closes with a quote from Colson that captures the theme of the conversation: “My greatest humiliation being sent to prison was actually the beginning of God’s greatest use in my life.”

Millions of people say life feels empty, even when they’re achieving more than ever. Why is that happening, and how do you reverse it?

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Arthur C. Brooks — Harvard professor, bestselling author, and one of the world’s leading voices on happiness and meaning — to unpack what Brooks calls the “meaning gap.”

Arthur shares his own journey of reinvention: from professional musician to public policy leader, and then a deliberate pivot into the science of happiness, purpose, love, and faith.

They explore how modern technology can keep people trapped in “complicated problems,” while the biggest human questions live elsewhere — and why so many people feel they can’t even ask the right questions anymore.

Along the way, Arthur gives listeners practical tools they can use immediately: a simple decision framework (excitement vs. fear vs. deadness), daily “phone protocols” that protect relationships, and a concrete way to reconnect with meaning when you’re feeling stuck.

They also discuss Arthur's new book, The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness, and his upcoming virtual event tied to the launch.

Join Arthur’s free “The Meaning of Your Life Virtual Experience” on March 27, a live, immersive journey designed around the groundbreaking findings in his new book, The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness. Throughout the day, Arthur will be joined by an extraordinary lineup of guests for deep, unscripted conversations that go far beyond the surface. Together, they will pull back the curtain on why the modern world—with its rapid technological and cultural shifts—has effectively rewired our brains to make meaning feel so elusive.

Learn more about The Meaning of Your Life Virtual Experience at themeaningofyourlife.com

On this special episode of Going Big!, released on March 16 -- Wichita's "316 Day" -- Wichita Mayor Lily Wu joins host Kevin Gentry for a conversation about civic leadership, immigrant grit, and what it looks like to “go big” as a true outsider.

Without prior election experience — and without the backing of either major political party — Wu ran for mayor of Wichita in 2023 and won decisively. She explains why she believed the city needed a new direction, and how focusing on the core services of local government helped her connect with voters across the community.

Wu also shares her family’s immigration story: born in Guatemala to parents originally from mainland China, she immigrated to Wichita as a child. She reflects on learning English after arriving at age eight, the responsibility she felt to help her family adapt, and how those early experiences shaped her work ethic and leadership style.

The episode explores Wu’s approach to governing through presence and listening, including her commitment to extensive public engagement across Wichita. She also discusses the role of mentors and community organizations in her development, and why she encourages young people to get involved early.

Wu speaks candidly about leading through crisis and grief, the importance of verified information in public moments such as the tragic 2025 Potomac River mid-air collision, and how faith and prayer factor into her decision-making and resilience.

This conversation is for anyone interested in local leadership, public service, mentorship, and the personal journey behind a bold decision to step forward and serve.

What does it mean to find your unique skill set when technology is moving faster than most people can process? In this episode, Kevin Gentry sits down with _Wall Street Journal_ columnist and innovation optimist Andy Kessler to break down how high performers and high agency leaders can thrive through the biggest technology shift of our time.

Andy lays out a simple but powerful framework for Going Big today: become relentlessly productive by doing more with less, pursue profit as a signal that you are creating real value for society, and most importantly, learn to spot major trends early so you can get the wind at your back. Kevin and Andy unpack how fast the world has changed since the smartphone revolution, why most people miss the first signals of disruption, and how to “see signposts in the fog” by thinking in five to ten year increments with scale, cost curves, and market elasticity in mind.

They also dig into what “high agency” really means in 2026, why artificial intelligence is a productivity powerhouse that rewards action over credentials, and how the democratization of tools is about to reshape careers across coding, customer service, medicine, law, retail, and education. Andy shares his own unconventional career journey, from Bell Labs engineer to Wall Street analyst to investor to writer, and explains why the best careers are not plotted, they are built by staying curious, staying loose, and learning how to learn.

If you want a more practical way to think about artificial intelligence, innovation, and your next big move, this conversation will help you stop fearing the waves of change and start riding them.

What happens when you stop trying to control a movement and instead design it to be owned by everyone?

In this episode of the Going Big! Podcast, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Asha Curran, Chief Executive Officer of GivingTuesday, the global generosity movement that began as a simple idea and grew into a year-round force for good across more than one hundred countries. Initially conceived as a counter-movement against Black Friday, #GivingTuesday was invented to encourage people to do good through donations and acts of service every year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Asha breaks down how it went from a hashtag to an open source movement by rejecting old rules around branding, permission, and control, and choosing radical trust, co-creation, and civic agency instead.

You will hear how coalition campaigns and collaboration outperform competition, why small and medium nonprofit organizations often move faster than big institutions, and why people respond to authentic storytelling, not slick corporate messaging. Asha also explains how donors are influenced by social proof, why GivingTuesday creates net new giving instead of just moving donations around, and how generosity itself can be an antidote to anxiety.

The conversation closes with practical wisdom on mentorship, skill building early in your career, and simple ways anyone can live a more meaningful life through everyday generosity behaviors.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you listen, so you never miss an episode.

When people are able to apply their unique talents to real-world problems, we all benefit.

But too often, talented entrepreneurs lack the practical tools, know-how, or relationships they need to turn a good idea into a working business -- and so they miss out on the essential seed capital to take those ideas to market.

That’s the gap Bo Ghirardelli and Nicolas Cary built Sky’s the Limit to close.

Together, serial builders and lifelong friends Bo and Nic (of Blockchain.com) developed a digital success platform that delivers tangible support for low-income, earliest-stage entrepreneurs to access education, mentorship, and capital. Now, they're scaling it to truly Go Big. 

In this episode of Going Big!, Bo shares the origin story of Sky's the Limit, which began as an idea during the Arab Spring, when Bo was stationed in Morocco and aspiring entrepreneurs kept approaching him with business ideas but no clear path forward. Nic connects those lessons to a massive challenge in the United States: millions of people with talent and ambition, but lacking know-how, community, and early access to capital -- and a growing sense that opportunity is slipping away.

Bo and Nic explain how Sky’s the Limit scaled beyond a brick-and-mortar program into a tech-enabled platform, including “missions” that guide entrepreneurs step-by-step, mentor connections built through community and virtual events, and a funding system that helps founders practice pitching and compete for grants.

The conversation also dives into mentorship as a force multiplier for both skills and character, and touches on Nic's experience in the world of cryptocurrency and innovative financial models. The episode closes with a clear invitation: if you’re looking up at the sky and imagining a better future, Sky’s the Limit exists to help you build it.

What if Going Big doesn’t mean building a massive platform — but laying a foundation that lasts for generations?

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Reverend John Yates III, rector of Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. The son of influential pastor John Yates II, Yates has chosen a different but equally ambitious path to live out and develop long-term faithfulness.

Yates shares how his father’s steady leadership shaped him, what he learned working closely with renowned theologian John Stott, and why mentoring often happens not through formal instruction but through quiet proximity and example. He explains why playing the long game — investing in people over 10, 20, or 30 years — may be the most countercultural form of leadership in today’s world.

The conversation turns to one of the most pressing challenges facing leaders today: the digital revolution. Yates argues that smartphones and social media are not just tools, but forces shaping our humanity at a scale comparable to Gutenberg’s printing press. He reflects on how this technological shift is transforming attention, community, and even the experience of faith.

From lessons on mentorship and intellectual humility to navigating leadership during COVID and guiding a congregation through cultural change, this episode explores how leaders can remain grounded, curious, and faithful in an age of distraction.

If you’ve ever wondered what the connection is between integrity and real impact — this conversation will challenge and encourage you to rethink what it truly means to Go Big.

In this episode of Going Big, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Fr. Robert Sirico — priest, thinker, and co-founder of the Acton Institute — to explore a remarkable life shaped by bold ideas, unexpected turns, and an unwavering commitment to the dignity of the human person.

Fr. Sirico reflects on his early years in Brooklyn, his immersion in the social movements of the 1970s, and the intellectual journey that ultimately led him back to faith and into the priesthood. He shares how thinkers like Michael Novak, Cardinal Avery Dulles, and others helped him integrate theology, human freedom, economics, and moral reasoning into a unified vision.

Together, Kevin and Fr. Sirico dive into the founding of the Acton Institute, the risks involved in challenging prevailing assumptions within religious institutions, and the decades-long effort to move global conversations about faith and economics toward a deeper understanding of freedom and virtue.

This conversation also explores the role of mentors, the meaning of humility, lessons from serving as a hospital chaplain, and how suffering, truth, and compassion all shape the pursuit of one’s calling.

Whether you're interested in leadership, intellectual formation, personal transformation, or the intersection of faith and free societies, this episode offers a rare window into a life devoted to Going Big with purpose.

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Aditi Goel and David Carroll, the executive director and founder of the Sixth Amendment Center, to explore one of the most misunderstood crises in American law: the failure of many local courts to provide legal counsel to people who can’t afford it.

Though the Constitution guarantees the right to an attorney, millions of Americans are being prosecuted, sentenced, and even jailed without ever speaking to one. In lower courts, the right to counsel often doesn't exist. 

Goel and Carroll share their journey of building the only national organization dedicated solely to this problem. Their unique, nonpartisan model partners directly with states to identify structural gaps, uncover unintentional violations, and help governments meet their constitutional obligations without litigation.

This episode offers a sobering look at what’s broken in America’s criminal justice system—and an inspiring path toward fixing it.

If you care about civil liberties, smart governance, and how to go big with focused mission-driven work, this conversation is essential.

What if going big in politics meant doing less?

Dr. Rand Paul is a U.S. Senator from Kentucky—and one of the most consistently independent voices in American government. In this episode of Going Big!, we talk about how his commitment to liberty, limited government, and constitutional principles have shaped every step of his unconventional journey.

You’ll hear how growing up in the household of Ron Paul formed his early worldview, how medicine taught him the value of real-world outcomes, and why his 2010 Senate run nearly started with a political headline and a trip to the doghouse. Rand unpacks the deeper philosophy behind his contrarian stands, from COVID policy to federal spending, and what it takes to speak truth when the easier path is silence.

He makes the case that the job of a legislator isn’t to pass laws—it’s to defend freedom. Even when liberty is the harder argument to sell.

And if you’re wondering how to make a difference? Rand offers a roadmap: start by reading, get a real job, and show up where your voice matters most—especially in primaries.

What if excellence in higher education wasn’t about who you exclude—but about how many you can empower to succeed?

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Dr. Michael Crow, President of Arizona State University and one of the most visionary university leaders in America. Over the past two decades, Dr. Crow has led a sweeping transformation of ASU—turning it into the nation’s largest research university, dramatically expanding access, and pioneering a new model of continuous innovation.

They explore how ASU scaled from 55,000 to over 200,000 degree-seeking students without compromising quality, why the university now graduates more engineers than nearly any institution in America, and how it became a driving force behind the largest foreign direct investment in U.S. history. Dr. Crow also unpacks the cultural resistance he faced, the radical accountability embedded in ASU’s charter, and how universities can become true engines of national progress.

If you care about the future of higher education, institutional transformation, or what it means to lead boldly at scale—this conversation will reset your expectations.

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Governor Glenn Youngkin for a wide‑ranging and deeply personal conversation that goes far beyond politics.

From growing up in a working‑class Virginia family shaped by resilience, to leading one of the world’s most influential investment firms, to answering an unexpected call to public service, Governor Youngkin shares the defining moments that prepared him for leadership. He reflects on the mentors who challenged him, the role of faith in shaping his marriage and decision‑making, and the lessons sports taught him about teamwork, discipline, and results.

Kevin and Governor Youngkin explore what it really means to go big as a leader—why listening matters more than talking, how values guide hard decisions, and why execution ultimately separates good ideas from real impact. The conversation connects business leadership, public service, and personal purpose in a way that’s practical, honest, and deeply human.

Whether you’re leading an organization, discerning a calling, or simply asking what meaningful service looks like in your own life, this episode offers a compelling blueprint for leading with clarity, conviction, and purpose.

What does it take to launch a revolution—twice?

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Gay Gaines, one of the most influential civic leaders of the last half-century. She helped build GOPAC into the engine that propelled Newt Gingrich to the speakership in 1994. Then she went on to raise over $100 million to transform Mount Vernon into the national treasure it is today.

Gay’s story is about more than political strategy or philanthropy—it’s about fearlessness. From befriending Margaret Thatcher and Bill Buckley to organizing with Rush Limbaugh and inspiring thousands to give generously, she shows what it means to commit fully to a cause you believe in.

Tune in to hear how she built movements, mentored leaders, and raised money the old-fashioned way: by asking big, bold, unapologetic questions. This is a masterclass in conviction, contribution, and Going Big.

Tyler Cowen returns to Going Big! for a sweeping conversation on ambition, disruption, and how to think clearly in a world moving faster than ever.

From his early days studying Austrian economics at George Mason to running one of the most influential economics blogs in the world with Marginal Revolution, Cowen reflects on the personal choices that shaped his path—and the broader trends that will shape the future. Along the way, he shares what drives his relentless curiosity, why ambition is underrated, and how to keep growing intellectually in a rapidly changing world.

He also offers insights into the rise of AI, the future of education, the bureaucracy of philanthropy, and the subtle dangers of social comfort. Plus: how he reads 5–10x faster than most people, how he chooses podcast guests, and why "not going crazy" is one of the most overlooked traits of long-term success.

If you're curious about what it takes to build a life of impact—and how to stay sharp, bold, and useful in the AI era—this episode is for you.

Host Kevin Gentry sits down with Dr. Scott Beaulier, Dean of the University of Wyoming College of Business, for a conversation about what it takes to keep going when life and leadership get hard. Dr. Beaulier shares how growing up in Iron Mountain, Michigan, working his way up at McDonald’s, and being the first in his family to pursue college shaped his grit, discipline, and drive to pursue something bigger.

From marathon miles to major decisions, he unpacks the moments that define you, including “hitting the wall,” facing pressure, and pushing through when quitting feels easier. He also shares how mentors changed his trajectory, why higher education needs real innovation, and what it looks like to lead with purpose, resilience, and a willingness to challenge the status quo in order to create opportunity for others.

Host Kevin Gentry sits down with entrepreneur and philanthropist Tim Busch to explore how faith, hard work, and vision shaped his journey from working in a Michigan supermarket to leading several major businesses and founding influential institutions. Tim shares how early discipline, entrepreneurial grit, and a commitment to openly living his Catholic faith guided him as he built enterprises in law, real estate, hospitality, and beyond.

They discuss the creation of Legatus, the Napa Institute, the Magis Institute, and the Tim and Steph Busch School of Business at the Catholic University of America, along with Tim’s belief that leaders should bring their faith into the marketplace to renew culture and strengthen communities. He closes with a challenge inspired by John Paul II: whatever your tradition, be a good one.

Host Kevin Gentry sits down with Rev. Dan Marotta of Redeemer Anglican Church in Richmond, Virginia, for a powerful conversation about what it truly means to go big by first being faithful in the small things. Rev. Marotta shares his unexpected journey from studying marine biology to entering ministry, shaped through heartbreak, loss, and a renewed encounter with the hope of Jesus Christ. He explains how most people discover their calling through steady obedience rather than dramatic signs, and why paying close attention to what God has already placed in front of you can lead to life-changing purpose.

Kevin and Rev. Marotta explore the role of mentors, the beauty and challenge of church planting, and how to pursue ambition that is rooted in humility and service instead of platform. Along the way, Rev. Marotta unpacks the meaning of Advent, the identity of Jesus Christ, and why the Christian story offers such profound hope for leaders who want to make a difference. His message is unmistakable: going big starts with showing up, loving well, and trusting that God often does His biggest work through simple, faithful steps.

In this episode of the Going Big! Podcast, host Kevin Gentry sits down with François de Kerret, the CEO and co-founder of Zeffy, a zero-fee fundraising platform now used by more than 50,000 nonprofits.

François shares how a simple frustration he experienced while trying to volunteer turned into a platform that has helped nonprofits process over one billion dollars in donations. He explains why nonprofits deserve world-class technology, why overhead should not hold back impact, and how transparency and generosity from donors make Zeffy’s model work.

Kevin and François talk about what it takes to scale something everyone said “would not work,” how young founders can think bigger, and why risk-taking often feels different in the nonprofit world. They also dig into hiring great people, staying true to your mission, and what separates small thinkers from big thinkers.

One of the most inspiring themes in this episode is François’s core mindset:

Imagine that whatever you try will work. What would you do? Then ask what is really stopping you from doing it.

It is exactly the kind of optimistic, action-oriented thinking that defines Going Big! and the leaders who change the world around them.

If you lead, support, or believe in nonprofits, this episode will give you fresh optimism and practical encouragement to think bigger, take bolder steps, and build for lasting impact.

Check them out here: https://www.zeffy.com/register

Host Kevin Gentry sits down with Dr. William Keyes, founder of the Institute for Responsible Citizenship, for a masterclass in thinking big while staying focused. From hitchhiking to Washington with five dollars to advising President Ronald Reagan, Keyes shares how discipline, clarity of mission, and faith shaped a two-summer program that forges high character leaders through elite internships, intimate seminars in economics and the Constitution, and deep mentorship. The results speak for themselves, including multiple Rhodes, Truman, and Fulbright scholars and an alumni network defined by service, integrity, and high expectations.

This conversation digs into how to resist mission creep, why small cohorts can create outsized impact, and how leaders can set standards that young men will rise to meet. Keyes explains the power of taking time to think, building a culture that prizes critical thinking and responsibility, and measuring success by lives changed. If you want a playbook for going big with purpose and staying true to what matters most, this episode is it.

In this inspiring episode of Going Big, host Kevin Gentry sits down with two visionary leaders who are changing lives through purpose, compassion, and courage. Christian Fischer, former CEO of Georgia-Pacific, and Chad Houser, founder of Café Momentum, share the story of how a bold idea to teach justice-involved youth culinary skills became a national movement transforming entire communities.

Chad describes the moment he walked into a Dallas juvenile detention center to teach eight young men to make ice cream—and how that simple act sparked a life-changing mission. From that day forward, Café Momentum grew into a powerful model of mentorship, consistency, and opportunity for youth who deserve a second chance. Christian shares how he helped bring Café Momentum to Atlanta, uniting business leaders, policymakers, and citizens to create a space where young people can thrive through hard work and dignity.

Together, they explore how courage, community, and belief in others can build unstoppable momentum for good. This is a story about going big—not just in vision, but in heart, service, and impact.

In this powerful episode of Going Big, host Kevin Gentry talks with Ryan Manion, President of the Travis Manion Foundation, about turning personal loss into national impact. After her brother, First Lieutenant Travis Manion, was killed in Iraq, Ryan carried his words, “If not me, then who?”, into a mission that now inspires millions.

Together they explore what it means to go big through service, showing how resilience, mentorship, and purpose can transform tragedy into a movement that empowers veterans, uplifts families, and shapes the next generation of leaders.

This is a conversation about courage, leadership, and how one family’s sacrifice became a call to go big for something greater than yourself.

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Congressman Burgess Owens for an unforgettable conversation about perseverance, faith, and rediscovering the American Dream. From growing up in the segregated South to becoming a Super Bowl champion and later rebuilding his life after losing everything, Burgess shares how grit, humility, and service became his foundation.

He reflects on the values that shaped his journey—faith, family, free enterprise, and education—and how they continue to drive his mission in Congress and his work with underserved youth. Burgess speaks candidly about failure, resilience, mentorship, and how America’s spirit of opportunity gives every person a chance to rise again.

This conversation is a moving reminder that success is not measured by titles or trophies but by character, conviction, and how we lift others along the way. Whether you’re chasing your next big goal or searching for renewed purpose, Burgess Owens’ story will challenge you to believe again, dream again, and go big.

What does it take to spark a national economic renaissance? In this episode of the Going Big! podcast, host Kevin Gentry is joined by two of the most influential economic minds and strategists of our time — Dr.  Art Laffer, legendary architect of the Laffer Curve, and Lord Matthew Elliott, strategist behind Brexit and co‑founder of the UK’s TaxPayers’ Alliance.

Together they unpack their new book Prosperity Through Growth: Boosting Living Standards in an Age of Autocracy and Artificial Intelligence and share a bold vision for rebuilding nations by focusing on five universal levers: tax, spending, regulation, trade, and monetary policy.

With wisdom forged from decades advising presidents and prime ministers, Laffer and Elliott make a compelling case that prosperity is a human calling — and that bold leadership, long‑term thinking, and the courage to act can reverse national decline.

Whether you’re a student of economics, a political leader, or someone who simply believes in the potential of people, this episode will leave you thinking bigger about what’s possible.

Check their book out here: https://www.prosperitythroughgrowth.com/home

Description: In this episode of Going Big, host Kevin Gentry welcomes Daron Babcock, the visionary behind Bonton Farms, one of America’s largest urban farming movements and a national model for restorative community development.

After enduring profound personal loss and battling addiction, Daron rebuilt his life by choosing to serve others. He didn’t launch a grand plan. He simply showed up in a neighborhood most people overlooked. What began as one garden on an empty lot in South Dallas has blossomed into a thriving ecosystem of dignity, jobs, health, housing, and hope.

Bonton Farms is more than a farm. It’s about rewriting stories, restoring potential, and proving that one act of compassion can transform a community.

If you’ve ever wondered what following your calling can do for you, this conversation is your answer.

(Also, you can watch a short video about Eddie, who Daron mentions joined them at Bonton Farms, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLNGkLxWG7A).

Now, are you looking to Go Big for your own great cause? Check out Zeffy – the only fundraising platform that delivers 100% of every donor’s gift directly to your cause. Donors can choose to optionally tip Zeffy, but if they give $100, you get $100. Zeffy is a proud sponsor of the Going Big! podcast as we share the goal to empower YOU! to make your greatest impact.

Check them out at https://bit.ly/Zeffy-Going-Big-Podcast

In this unforgettable episode of the Going Big Podcast, Kevin Gentry sits down with one of the most accomplished and authentic public servants of our time — Kay Coles James. From being born on a kitchen table in Portsmouth, Virginia, to leading institutions like the Heritage Foundation, the Office of Personnel Management, and founding the Gloucester Institute, Kay’s story is a powerful testament to faith, grit, and purpose.

She shares what it means to live “unbothered” — a life anchored in trust, calling, and conviction — and how she navigated decades of public service while staying true to her values as a wife, mother, and leader. With wisdom forged in hardship and guided by her faith, Kay opens up about:

* The moment she found her voice while defending the unborn
* What it means to serve without seeking spotlight
* Leading with authenticity, humor, and courage
* Raising up the next generation of “solutionists” through the Gloucester Institute
* Why relationships and calling matter more than credentials or titles

Her impact has touched presidents, governors, students, and communities across the country — and now, it’s your turn to be inspired.
Tune in to hear why Governor Glenn Youngkin calls her “a welcome sign for a relationship that will change your life,” and why Governor George Allen calls her the MVP of Virginia reform.

💡 Get ready to be challenged, encouraged, and reminded that going big often starts with being faithful in the small things.

Now, are you looking to Go Big for your own great cause? Check out Zeffy – the only fundraising platform that delivers 100% of every donor’s gift directly to your cause. Donors can choose to optionally tip Zeffy, but if they give $100, you get $100. Zeffy is a proud sponsor of the Going Big! podcast as we share the goal to empower YOU! to make your greatest impact. 

Check them out at https://bit.ly/Zeffy-Going-Big-Podcast

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with best-selling author and entrepreneur Don Miller. Known for groundbreaking books like Blue Like Jazz, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, Hero on a Mission, and the transformative Building a StoryBrand, Don shares how storytelling has shaped his life and helped countless leaders and organizations clarify their message.

From his early memoirs to creating one of the most influential frameworks in modern marketing, Don reveals how the art of story can drive growth, inspire action, and create lasting impact. Whether you lead a business, a nonprofit, or a personal project, this episode will help you think bigger, communicate with clarity, and create your own great story.

Now, are you looking to Go Big for your own great cause? Check out Zeffy – the only fundraising platform that delivers 100% of every donor’s gift directly to your cause. Donors can choose to optionally tip Zeffy, but if they give $100, you get $100. Zeffy is a proud sponsor of the Going Big! podcast as we share the goal to empower YOU! to make your greatest impact.

Check them out at https://bit.ly/Zeffy-Going-Big-Podcast

In this episode of Going Big!, Kevin Gentry sits down with Wendy Borcherdt, one of Ronald Reagan’s earliest and most influential supporters. From his first run for governor to his years in the White House, Wendy offers rare insights into Reagan’s deep faith, unshakable moral compass, and decisive leadership.  

Through her stories, we see how Reagan embodied what it truly means to Go Big for a great cause. From the student riots in Berkeley to confronting the Soviet Union, his courage shaped a vision for America that still inspires today. Wendy’s reflections remind us that true greatness comes from seizing opportunities and staying true to what you believe. Let this episode inspire you to take the next big leap in your life to maximize your own great potential.

Now, are you looking to Go Big for your own great cause? Check out Zeffy – the only fundraising platform that delivers 100% of every donor’s gift directly to your cause. Donors can choose to optionally tip Zeffy, but if they give $100, you get $100. Zeffy is a proud sponsor of the Going Big! podcast as we share the goal to empower YOU! to make your greatest impact. 

Check them out at https://bit.ly/Zeffy-Going-Big-Podcast