Going Big! with Kevin Gentry

Going Big in France: How Alexandre Pesey Sparked a National Movement

On 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.

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