No Free Lunch: Veronique de Rugy on Debt, Freedom, and the Fight for Growth
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.
--------
1:03:51
--------
1:03:51
Tom Smith on Spend Your Days Like Dollars, Going Big with Integrity, Optimism, and a Life Well Lived
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.
--------
34:37
--------
34:37
Going Big with James Piereson: How Bold Philanthropy Helped Build a Movement and Reshaped America
In this Going Big! conversation, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Dr. James Piereson, renowned political scientist, influential philanthropic leader, and former president of the John M. Olin Foundation, to unpack how big ideas—and bold action—can shape the future of a nation.
Piereson didn’t just write about political revolutions—he funded one. From helping build powerhouse institutions like the Heritage Foundation, Federalist Society, and Manhattan Institute, to championing free markets, constitutional government, and intellectual risk-taking, his story is a blueprint for how to go big with purpose.
In this episode:
Discover how a quiet foundation transformed America’s political and intellectual landscape
Learn why taking a chance on unproven ideas can have a generational impact
Hear how honoring donor intent and sunsetting a foundation created more urgency—and more results
Explore the evolution of the conservative movement through the eyes of one of its chief architects
Get powerful insights on today’s challenges—from political polarization to cultural decline—and what can still be done
Going big isn’t just about scale—it’s about courage, clarity, and conviction. James Piereson lived that model, and this episode is full of hard-earned wisdom for anyone ready to make a difference.
🎧 Tune in now and get inspired to go big in your own way.
--------
1:06:22
--------
1:06:22
Cesar Grajales: From $80 and a Dream to National Impact — Going Big With Vision and Grit
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/
--------
34:15
--------
34:15
Going Big with Jeff Rosenthal: No Small Plans, No Limits, and the Power of Bold Vision
What does it really take to go big? For Jeff Rosenthal, it meant launching a global community from scratch, building a cultural movement atop the largest ski resort in the U.S., and investing in the boldest ideas reshaping our future.
In this high-energy episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Jeff Rosenthal—co-founder of Summit, co-author of Make No Small Plans, co-owner and co-developer of Powder Mountain, and founder of the new venture firm CIV. Together, they explore the early days of turning cold calls into iconic events, the behind-the-scenes story of acquiring Powder Mountain, and the mindset that powers generational leadership.
Jeff opens up about risk, trust, partnership, and why culture always beats strategy. From building authentic communities to backing founders in energy, AI, and advanced manufacturing, his journey is a masterclass in what it means to dream boldly, lead authentically, and execute with purpose.
If you’re ready to challenge your limits, rethink what’s possible, and start living your biggest vision—this episode will show you how.
Going big isn’t a moment—it’s a mindset. And Jeff Rosenthal lives it every day.
Welcome to Going Big!—the podcast that’s all about transforming your marketing and fundraising. Hosted by Kevin Gentry, Going Big! has consistently ranked as a top podcast on iTunes in its category and is the proud recipient of the 2024 MarCom Gold Award for Non-Profit Podcast and the 2024 Viddy Gold Award for Non-Profit and Marketing Podcast.
Each episode features conversations with some of the most influential business leaders, CEOs, and nonprofit visionaries. Together, we uncover the strategies that drive extraordinary results—pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and making a significant impact in organizations and communities.
Whether you’re a seasoned leader, an aspiring changemaker, or simply passionate about creating positive change, Going Big! delivers valuable insights and inspiration to elevate your leadership, your giving, and your organization’s success.
Tune in to discover how to go big with your leadership and make a lasting difference. Listen to Going Big! on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, iHeart Radio, Pandora, and YouTube. Don’t forget to follow us on social media and visit TenXStrategies.com for more great content and resources.
UK