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
This highlights episode of the Going Big! Podcast celebrates our first year with some fantastic guests. Host Kevin Gentry brings together the most powerful clips from Year One, showing what it means to Go Big in business, leadership, and life. Hear directly from Jeff Rosenthal of Summit and Powder Mountain, Speaker Newt Gingrich, Professor Todd Rose, restaurateur Will Guidara, Senator Phil Gramm, Reverend John Yates, radio host Erick Erickson, businessmen and philanthropists Art Pope, Tom Smith, Doug DeVos, and University President Katherine Rowe. Their stories highlight how risk-taking fuels growth, how mentors multiply your impact, and how bold leadership inspires others. Whether you are new to Going Big! or have been with us since the beginning, this highlights episode is the perfect way to catch the very best lessons on Going Big! so far.
In this inspiring episode of the Going Big podcast, host Kevin Gentry sits down with President Lech Wałęsa, the shipyard electrician from Gdańsk, Poland, who defied the Soviet Union, ignited a movement of over ten million people, and helped reshape the course of history. With courage rooted in faith and conviction, President Wałęsa led the Solidarity movement, earned the Nobel Peace Prize, and became the first democratically elected President of Poland since 1926— a true example of what it means to go big. Now in his eighties, President Wałęsa reflects on how faith overcomes fear, why collective wisdom is vital for the future, and the responsibility of today’s leaders to confront global challenges with courage and clarity. From bringing down walls of oppression to calling for bold leadership in the twenty-first century, this conversation is a reminder that going big is not just about ambition — it is about rising to the moment and inspiring others to do the same. Learn more at historyexplorer.com
Jim Law’s story is not one of chasing spotlight or scale. It is a story of deliberate choices, decades of experimentation, and a deep respect for the land. From the hills of the Congo to the rocky slopes of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Jim has lived a life built on clarity, humility, and conviction. At Linden Vineyards, he has chosen to remain small so that the quality could go deep. His focus on terroir, soil, and precision farming has turned him into one of the quiet pioneers of the East Coast wine movement. He did not set out to Go Big—but by following his calling with integrity, that is exactly what he has done. In this inspiring episode of Going Big, host Kevin Gentry uncovers how Jim built a legacy without ever chasing one. They talk about growing grapes with intention, creating wine that reflects its place, and mentoring a new generation of growers to think long-term and lead with purpose. Whether you're a winemaker, a business builder, or simply someone who wants to live a meaningful life, Jim Law reminds us that you don’t have to scale fast to Go Big. You just have to plant the right seeds and stay true to what matters.
Going Big means standing up for fundamental principles when it is hard, not just when it is popular. Greg Lukianoff has built a career doing exactly that. In this timely conversation, host Kevin Gentry talks with Greg, the president of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), about what it truly takes to protect one of our most essential freedoms: the right to speak, to question, and to think independently. Greg has gone big in every way. He has taken on universities, pushed back against digital censorship, partnered with innovators to keep artificial intelligence free from political bias, and defended the kind of open dialogue that fuels human progress. He is not just reacting to the threats of our time. He is shaping the future by building institutions that protect expression at scale. This episode captures the Going Big spirit. It is about using ideas to build, using courage to lead, and refusing to play small when the stakes are high. If you care about liberty, innovation, education, or the future of truth itself, this conversation will challenge you to think bigger, lead braver, and stand taller.
Join host Kevin Gentry for an insightful conversation with Art Pope—a principled leader who has gone big in business, in state government, and in giving back. As CEO of Variety Wholesalers, Art helped grow a 600-store retail network serving thousands of communities. He’s also served as North Carolina’s state budget director, spent years in the legislature, and leads major philanthropic efforts through the John William Pope Foundation and the Bradley Foundation. In this episode, Art shares lessons from his Depression-era father, the bold moves behind his company’s recent Big Lots acquisition, and why real philanthropy is about investing in freedom and opportunity for future generations. If you're aiming to lead with conviction, think long-term, and make a lasting impact—this conversation is for you.
Join host Kevin Gentry on the Going Big podcast as he sits down with Rev. John Yates, a visionary leader who transformed a struggling church into a thriving community hub with national impact. In this inspiring episode, Rev. Yates shares profound insights on discovering your calling, embracing bold leadership, and living a life dedicated to serving others. From founding innovative programs like the Fellows and Timothies initiatives to navigating the challenges of church renewal and legal battles, John’s story is a testament to resilience, faith, and going big in purpose. Whether you’re seeking to deepen your leadership, answer a higher calling, or make a difference in your community, this conversation will encourage you to step out in faith, build meaningful relationships, and persist through adversity. Tune in for practical wisdom on mentorship, balancing family and ministry, and how to leverage your unique gifts for lasting impact. Remember, going big isn’t just about scale—it’s about living boldly with intention and heart. Don’t miss this powerful episode full of hope, challenge, and encouragement to pursue your next big leap!
In this inspiring episode of *Going Big!*, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Alan Smolinisky, a remarkable American entrepreneur, investor, and co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Alan shares his compelling immigrant family story—from his parents’ courageous journey from Argentina to building a successful garment business in Los Angeles, to his own unconventional path through entrepreneurship and value investing. He discusses the resilience and optimism that fuel his ventures, including his thriving real estate empire and his bold move into professional sports ownership. Alan also opens up about his philanthropic work focused on poverty alleviation and immigration reform, and how hosting one of the largest naturalization ceremonies at Dodger Stadium became a powerful symbol of hope and patriotism. Reflecting on personal loss, the devastation of the Palisades fire, and the importance of community, Alan’s story is a testament to perseverance, visionary risk-taking, and giving back. This episode offers invaluable lessons on going big by embracing passion, persistence, and purpose, making it a must-listen for entrepreneurs and dreamers alike.
On this episode of Going Big, host Kevin Gentry brings together two legends who have helped shape American politics and political fundraising from opposite ends of the spectrum: Roger Craver, the driving force behind progressive fundraising efforts for groups like the ACLU and Sierra Club, and Richard Viguerie, the conservative pioneer who transformed direct mail into a movement-building machine. Despite their sharp political differences, Roger and Richard share something bigger: decades of leadership, innovation, and an enduring friendship built on respect and shared experience. In this conversation, they reflect on the early days of grassroots organizing, the evolution of political fundraising, and how their work empowered citizens to act boldly and shape the future of the country. Kevin digs into the values that have kept both men grounded through decades of cultural and political change. Going big doesn't mean going-along-to-get-along. It means trendsetting, innovation, big new ideas, and a willingness and openness to lead from your convictions while learning from others. Whether you're in politics, fundraising, or just looking to make a bigger difference in the world, this conversation will challenge you to think bigger, listen harder, and lead with principle.
What does it look like to go big on the national stage, and change the course of history in the process? In this special episode of Going Big!, Kevin Gentry sits down with Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, to explore the power of bold ideas, strategic leadership, and relentless commitment to getting things done. From engineering the Contract with America to balancing the federal budget four years in a row, Speaker Gingrich shares behind-the-scenes stories of the decades long effort to transform American politics. He discusses the importance of thinking beyond the status quo, leading with vision, learning every day, and surrounding yourself with people who can help make the impossible possible. Gingrich also dives into today’s political landscape, offering insight into President Trump’s second term , the threats posed by unchecked bureaucracy, and why we may be on the edge of a new golden age, if we get leadership and innovation right. This is an episode about thinking long, acting smart, and committing to something bigger than yourself. Whether you're building a movement, launching a business, or fighting for change, Gingrich’s message is clear: the future belongs to those who are willing to go big. Be sure to check out his latest book, Trump’s Triumph: America’s Greatest Comeback, now available wherever books are sold.
What happens when you stop chasing other people’s definitions of success and start building a life that fits who you really are? In this episode of Going Big!, Kevin Gentry sits down with Todd Rose—a former high school dropout turned Harvard professor, bestselling author, and co-founder of non-partisan think tank, Populace. From his groundbreaking book The End of Average to his powerful work on Dark Horse and Collective Illusions, Todd has reshaped how we think about individuality, success, and fulfillment. This episode is a bold invitation to reject one-size-fits-all thinking and embrace a path that’s uniquely yours. If you’ve ever felt boxed in or stuck following someone else’s blueprint, Todd’s story will challenge you to think bigger, act braver, and start going big—your way.
On this episode of the Going Big! Podcast, host Kevin Gentry welcomes Veronique de Rugy, a nationally syndicated columnist and one of America’s most respected economists advocating for limited government and economic freedom. As the George Gibbs Chair in Political Economy and a Senior Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, Veronique has spent her career sounding the alarm on unsustainable debt, overregulation, and the quiet damage of bloated government. In this powerful conversation, Veronique explains why massive government spending isn’t just a political issue—it’s a personal one. It affects your freedom, your future, and your ability to innovate, build, and thrive. She unpacks how unchecked debt drags down opportunity, how economic distortions are quietly paralyzing growth, and why we’re dangerously close to choosing stagnation over progress. But this isn’t just about what’s wrong—it’s about what’s possible. Veronique shares her own journey from France to America, why she became a champion for free markets, and what she believes we must do now to reignite the spirit of prosperity and unleash a new era of abundance. If you want a clearer picture of what’s holding America back—and how we break free—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
What if the real currency of life isn’t money, but your time? For Tom Smith, a highly successful investor and founder of his own investment firm, the most important unit of exchange is the day, and every one of them should be spent wisely. In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Tom to explore a remarkable life shaped by hard work, deep thinking, and decisive action. From setting pins in a bowling alley to launching a nationally respected investment firm from above his garage, Tom’s journey proves that where you start doesn’t determine how far you can go. He shares how a single civics teacher helped change his future, why he left a secure Navy career to pursue the unknown, and how betting on ideas and people became the hallmark of his investing approach. Tom also delivers a clear warning about America’s mounting debt and why the biggest threats to our future may come from within, not abroad. His message is urgent but hopeful, grounded in experience and a deep belief in personal growth and responsibility. If you want to learn how to build a meaningful life, contribute to something bigger than yourself, and treat each day like it counts, Tom Smith offers timeless insight from a life lived without shortcuts.
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/