Going Big! with Kevin Gentry

Leading a Legacy into the Future: Katherine Rowe on Tradition, Innovation, and Going Big

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

Brendan McCord on Going Big with AI: Autonomy, Truth, and the Future of Humanity

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

From Backpack to Boardroom: Daniel Houghton on Leading, Exploring, and Going Big

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

Debunking the Myths: Don Boudreaux on Trade, Tariffs, and the Triumph of Economic Freedom

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

From Humble Beginnings to a National Voice: Erick Erickson on Faith, Grit, and Going Big!

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