The NEXT BIG THING with Keith D. Terry

In a world where more people feel burned out, stressed, and over-medicated, a growing movement is asking a simple but powerful question: what if the healing we need doesn’t come from a prescription bottle, but from the forest itself?

On this episode of The NEXT BIG THING with Keith D. Terry, we explore the practice of forest bathing with Dr. Gayle Byck — a certified forest therapy guide, board-certified patient advocate, and certifi...

When most people think of wealth in America, they think tech startups, Wall Street, or real estate. Hardly anyone says manufacturing. But the truth? Manufacturing is still alive—and it remains one of the most powerful engines for building wealth, jobs, and community impact.

In this episode of The NEXT BIG THING with Keith D. Terry, I sit down with Terry Atwater, Owner and President of Enova Investments LLC, National Materials Transp...

What if school weren’t just about earning a diploma, but becoming a whole person? In this episode of The NEXT BIG THING, I sit down with Dr. Ernest Duplessis—Founder & Chancellor of STUDYSS Ministries Christian Academy and Senior Pastor of STUDYSS. Ministry—to explore the power of faith-based education. A 21-year Navy veteran and former Fortune 500 exec, Dr. Duplessis shares how mission, leadership, and spiritual grounding are ...

In this powerful episode of The NEXT BIG THING with Keith D. Terry, Dr. Patreece Broadus joins to explore the evolving intersection of communication, identity, and influence in the digital age. From “call and response” traditions in HBCU classrooms to the rise of AI-generated content, Dr. Broadus unpacks what it truly means to be heard—and how thought leaders can use voice as a tool for impact.

We dive into:

• The individual power ...

In this first-ever solo episode of The NEXT BIG THING, Keith D. Terry gets personal—and powerful.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or unsure of your next move, this episode is for you. Keith reveals why your next big thing isn’t out there—it’s already inside of you. Through personal stories, real client breakthroughs, and clear strategies, he shares 3 bold moves you can make before July to reignite your momentum.

You’ll learn:

What does it take to lead a healthcare nonprofit when funding is cut, policy shifts overnight, and lives are at stake?

In this episode of The NEXT BIG THING with Keith D. Terry, veteran healthcare Chief Executive Sharon Smith-Terry shares how she navigated high-stakes leadership roles—from Baxter Healthcare to the Orthopaedic Research Society—with a rare mix of strategic precision and mission-first clarity.

We unpack:

• Myths about ...

In this powerful episode of The NEXT BIG THING with Keith D. Terry, we sit down with Daniel Holmes, a former U.S. Navy Combat Search and Rescue Operator who turned his battle with rare kidney disease into a nationwide advocacy mission.

Diagnosed with Membranous Nephropathy, a life-threatening and incurable kidney disease, Daniel was told he had limited time to live. But instead of accepting defeat, he and his wife launched a tactica...

🎶 The Power of Music Education with Legendary Bassist Michael Manson 🎶

Music is more than just sound—it’s a catalyst for success, creativity, and leadership. In this episode of The NEXT BIG THING with Keith D. Terry, we sit down with Michael Manson, an acclaimed bassist, composer, and educator, to explore the transformative power of music in shaping personal growth, business acumen, and community impact.

🎸 Inside This Episode:

In this episode of The NEXT BIG THING, we sit down with Dr. Randy Plunkett to explore the incredible impact of the GI Bill and the Honor Flight program in shaping America and honoring our nation's heroes. As a retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant and a trusted advisor to the Governor of Illinois and Canadian Ministers on veteran transitions, Dr. Plunkett offers an insightful perspective on how these programs have empo...

In this episode of The NEXT BIG THING podcast, we sit down with Kevin R. Hyrams, Founder and CEO of Sidereal Global, LLC—an industry leader in equity funding, innovation consulting, and fractional executive services. Kevin brings a wealth of experience in digital media, broadcast TV, and AI-driven experiential solutions to help businesses redefine their brand portfolios and thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

Whether you'r...

"Think You Need a Bank Loan? Here’s How to Build Your Empire Without One!"

In this episode, we dive deep into the game-changing strategies of Carlos "Los" Calahan, a Chicago entrepreneur who built a real estate empire with over 80 properties—all without relying on traditional bank loans. From launching Smoothie Rx to creating Around The World Coffee, Los reveals how he leveraged alternative lending and strategic ...

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women, yet many don’t recognize the unique risks they face. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Marlon Everett, a renowned cardiologist, to uncover the truth behind this 'silent' epidemic.

🔥 Are we missing the warning signs?
🔥 How do stress and lifestyle uniquely impact women’s heart health?
🔥 Why is early detection the key to saving lives?

Dr. Everett dives...

In this episode of The NEXT BIG THING with Keith D. Terry.  We sit down with Rod Cotton, Corporate Board Member and former Senior Vice President of Roche, for an insightful discussion on leadership and the power of having a seat at the decision-making table. With vast experience in biotech and tech-driven healthcare companies, Rod brings invaluable insights from his roles on the boards of Castle Biosciences, Eisai Pharmaceuticals, ...

What if understanding your inner self could be the key to unlocking true career satisfaction? Join me, Keith D Terry, alongside Mr. Steve Hagerty, the brilliant CEO behind Hagerty Consulting and former mayor of Evanston, as we explore this compelling question. We navigate pivotal historical shifts from the Industrial Revolution to the Human Relations Movement, uncovering how these changes have redefined career fulfillment. Our disc...

In this compelling episode of The NEXT BIG THING, we’re joined by Dr. Alvin Tillery, Founder & CEO of 2040 Strategy Group, for an insightful, data-driven conversation on one of the most pivotal yet misunderstood demographics in American politics—young Black men under 30. Dr. Tillery dives deep into new data, shedding light on how this group could potentially sway the outcome of the next U.S. presidential election. Are tradition...

Welcome to a new episode of The NEXT BIG THING with Keith D. Terry, where today's guest, Nikki Lee, shines a spotlight on the evolving world of real estate. Nikki, a Diamond-level agent from Illinois, discusses the impact of recent legal changes on her business and how her diverse background—from marketing at Illinois State University to her days as an athlete and dancer—helps her excel in today's market.

In addition to he...

In this episode we're diving into the crucial topic of diversity initiatives within the scientific community, featuring the extraordinary Dr. Meghan McGee-Lawrence. As a leader in the Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Dr. McGee-Lawrence not only excels in her field but also plays a transformative role in advocating for inclusivity in science. Her involvement with esteemed committees such as the Advocacy Council and t...

In this episode, we welcome James Brewer, the founder of Envision Wealth Planning, named one of the Best Financial Advisors in Chicago. James is transforming the financial industry with his groundbreaking subscription-based model, designed to serve high-income professionals without requiring substantial assets. But his expertise doesn't stop at finances—James is passionate about integrating personal values into his strategies,...

In this episode of The NEXT BIG THING with Keith D. Terry, we dive into the dynamic world of community economic growth and small business development with Dr. Tessa Conroy, a leading Economic Development Specialist and Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With a dual appointment in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics and the Department of Extension, Dr. Conroy brings a wealth of knowledge and...