In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank welcomes State Senator Heidi Balderree, who shares her inspiring journey from being a concerned citizen to becoming a state senator in Utah. Balderree recounts her initial involvement in local politics, driven by a community issue, which gradually evolved into a deeper engagement with political advocacy. Her story is a testament to the impact that individual citizens can have when they step up to address governmental barriers and seek to e...
Feb 05, 2024•31 min•Ep. 142
In this episode of "American Potential," Jeff Crank hosts Zhe Fan Little, whose life journey from Shanghai to America encapsulates a quest for liberty and service. Growing up during the transition from China's Cultural Revolution to its socialist market economy, Zhe shares vivid experiences of the era's challenges, including the lack of religious and speech freedoms. Her narrative provides a unique perspective on the contrast between the tightly controlled society she left and the freedoms she e...
Feb 02, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 141
In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank interviews U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt, discussing his mission to dismantle the administrative state. Senator Schmitt, inspired by his own family's struggles and a drive to serve others, explains the fundamental issues with the current bureaucratic system and its impact on American lives. He emphasizes the need for more transparency and accountability, citing examples like the proposed ban on gas stoves and the government's role in the pande...
Jan 31, 2024•25 min•Season 1Ep. 140
In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank invites Kansas State Senators Kristen O'Shea and Chase Blasi for an in-depth discussion on their battle against overbearing childcare regulations. The senators share personal experiences that highlight the urgency of reform, including stories of families grappling with limited childcare options and the hurdles imposed by government regulations. They delve into the specifics of their proposed legislation, aimed at increasing childcare avail...
Jan 29, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 139
Join host Jeff Crank in this compelling episode of "American Potential" as he welcomes Jayde Speight, a young college student who turned a challenging experience into a powerful advocacy for free speech. In 2020, during her first year of college, Jayde's faced bullying and threats for a social media post showing her support for police with a mask bearing the Thin Blue Line flag. Despite intense pressure and harassment, including disturbing notes and online attacks, Jayde chose not to back down. ...
Jan 26, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 138
In this inspiring episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank welcomes Grace Lattz, a remarkable young activist whose civics project led to significant legislative change. At just 15 years old, Grace was moved to action by her father's experience as a firefighter who suffered from PTSD after a traumatic incident on duty. She saw firsthand how annual medical reviews, required by his pension, negatively impacted his recovery. Grace's journey began with a simple school assignment to write to h...
Jan 24, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 137
In this inspiring episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank welcomes Tristan Leavitt to share his family's journey navigating the educational system and embracing educational freedom. Leavitt, a father of five, delves into the challenges and triumphs of finding the right learning environments for his children, especially his daughter who struggled with learning disabilities. Leavitt's story unfolds in the backdrop of West Virginia's innovative educational policies, including the Hope Scho...
Jan 22, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 136
Join host Jeff Crank in this intriguing episode of "American Potential" as he sits down with Greg Moore, State Director of Americans for Prosperity New Hampshire. They delve into the vibrant and unique political scene of New Hampshire, particularly focusing on the state's significant role in the 2024 Republican primaries. Greg Moore, with his extensive experience in New Hampshire politics, offers a comprehensive overview of the state's primary process, highlighting its distinct nature compared t...
Jan 18, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 135
In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank delves into a fascinating conversation with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, interviewed by Akash Chougule, Vice President of Government Affairs for Americans for Prosperity, and Scott Simon, State Director of Louisiana for Americans for Prosperity. Speaker Johnson, a leading conservative figure, shares his insights on the core principles of American conservatism and his vision for the nation's future. The episode offers an in-depth look...
Jan 16, 2024•29 min•Ep. 134
In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank is joined by Joey Hudson, host of the Just the Truth Podcast. Hudson shares his personal experience and advocacy efforts in South Carolina that led to the repeal of the Certificate of Need (CON) law, a significant milestone in healthcare reform. Hudson describes how his and a friend's parallel health struggles exposed the limitations imposed by the CON law, leading to prolonged waiting times for surgery and restricted access to healthcare ...
Jan 12, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 133
In this inspiring episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank welcomes Kodi and Kenae' Pearson, the founders of Two Brothers A Pearson Project. The Pearson sisters share their poignant story of losing their father and uncle to gun violence, and how this tragedy became the catalyst for their powerful advocacy work. Kodi and Kenae' discuss the inception of their nonprofit, which focuses on providing grief support and promoting gun safety education. They recount their evolution from feeling in...
Jan 10, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 132
In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank welcomes Utah State Senator John Johnson and Americans for Prosperity Regional State Director Heather Andrews to discuss Utah's pioneering approach to the gig economy. They delve into the state's groundbreaking legislation that offers portable benefits to independent contractors, a first in the nation. Senator Johnson shares the inspiration behind the initiative and the collaborative efforts that made it possible, including the significant...
Jan 09, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 131
In this episode of 'American Potential' with host Jeff Crank, we explore the groundbreaking housing reforms in Montana through an in-depth conversation with Adam Hertz, a key member of the state's housing task force. This episode sheds light on how Montana, under the leadership of Governor Gianforte, tackled its acute housing shortage with a series of innovative, market-driven reforms. Adam Hertz, with his background in real estate and public service, delves into the challenges of housing afford...
Jan 05, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 130
In this enlightening episode of 'American Potential' with Host Jeff Crank, we delve into the inspiring journey of three dedicated women – Katie Bird, Katie Ratliff, and Jody Hanson – who transformed their passion for education into action by founding Liberty Light Academy. This unique hybrid school model blends homeschooling with in-person learning, offering a personalized approach that respects each child’s learning pace and style. The founders share their personal experiences with the conventi...
Jan 03, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 129
In this special year-end episode of "American Potential," your host, Jeff Crank, along with the dedicated podcast team, invites you to join in reflecting on an extraordinary year filled with achievements. Together, we've earned the prestigious Gold W3 Award for Political News Podcast and secured a place in the top 0.05% of all podcasts globally, according to Listen Notes and #5 in the US according to FeedSpot. Our expansion into the Spanish-speaking audience has been a resounding success, with o...
Dec 28, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 128
In this engaging episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank welcomes Kent Strang, Managing Director of Americans for Prosperity (AFP), to discuss the organization's impactful initiatives in 2023. They delve into AFP's nationwide campaigns that addressed rising inflation and economic policies under the Biden administration. Strang recounts the "Prosperity is Possible Tour," where AFP held over 185 events across the country, from gas station rallies offering reduced fuel prices to grocery st...
Dec 26, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 127
In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank engages in a dynamic conversation with Jose Mallea, CEO of Libre, exploring the organization's significant strides in 2023. They discuss Libre's initiatives in empowering the Hispanic community across the United States, emphasizing the diversity within this demographic and the importance of tailored outreach. Jose shares his personal journey, to leading Libre's impactful mission. The episode delves into how Libre has navigated complex issu...
Dec 22, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 126
In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank welcomes Russ Duerstine, Executive Director of Concerned Veterans for America, for an in-depth look at the organization's achievements and challenges in 2023. The discussion focuses on CVA's dedication to advocating for veterans' healthcare choices and their right to access both VA healthcare and community care. Duerstine shares the strategies and campaigns CVA utilized to educate veterans and the public about healthcare options. They exam...
Dec 20, 2023•31 min•Ep. 125
In this revealing episode, Emily Seidel, Senior Advisor at Americans for Prosperity Action, discusses the organization's groundbreaking decision to endorse Nikki Haley in the presidential primaries. Host Jeff Crank delves into the strategic considerations behind this endorsement, exploring how Haley's policy positions align with the group's vision for America. Seidel sheds light on the need for effective leadership to tackle the nation's challenges and the importance of building strong policy co...
Dec 18, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 124
In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank welcomes Larry Yonker, former president of Springs Rescue Mission and co-author of "Meeting Homelessness with Hope." Yonker shares his transition from the corporate world to leading initiatives against homelessness in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Yonker critiques conventional methods of addressing homelessness, advocating for comprehensive solutions, including mental health support, addiction recovery, and employment training. The discussio...
Dec 16, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 123
This episode of "American Potential" features a crucial discussion with Len Gilroy, Vice President of Government Reform at Reason Foundation, focusing on the widespread mismanagement of public pension systems. Host Jeff Crank delves into the alarming reality of public pensions, highlighting the staggering $1.3 trillion in unfunded liabilities that have placed a significant burden on taxpayers. The conversation explores how poor strategic decisions in public pension management have led to this cr...
Dec 14, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 122
In this thought-provoking episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank engages with Senator Ron Johnson in a deep dive into America's pressing fiscal challenges. Senator Johnson, with his extensive experience in both the private sector and various Senate committees, including the Committee on the Budget and Finance, shares his insights on the national debt crisis, which has soared past $33 trillion. He discusses the pandemic's exacerbating impact on government spending and the urgent need fo...
Dec 11, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 121
In this riveting episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank sits down with Eric Draper, the esteemed former Chief White House Photographer under President George W. Bush. Eric recounts his remarkable journey from a passionate young photographer to documenting the Bush presidency. He shares intimate details of capturing historic events and personal moments within the White House, offering a unique glimpse into presidential life. Special focus is given to the emotional and pivotal experience...
Dec 08, 2023•37 min•Season 1Ep. 120
Join host Jeff Crank in this compelling episode of "American Potential," as he converses with Alexx Leyva, a determined individual facing the complexities of Hawaii's bureaucratic system. Alexx shares his arduous journey of attempting to establish an outdoor preschool in Hawaii, driven by a community's need for childcare and his son's special medical requirements. However, what starts as a vision for a nurturing educational setting quickly becomes mired in a labyrinth of state regulations and un...
Dec 06, 2023•35 min•Season 1Ep. 119
Join us in this compelling episode of "American Potential" as host Jeff Cranks engages in a deep dive with Congressman John Curtis into the evolving landscape of energy. The focus of their conversation is the critical role of fossil fuels and the journey towards achieving net zero emissions. Congressman Curtis, a prominent figure in the energy dialogue, shares his insights on the importance of cleaner fossil fuel usage, the interplay of innovation and regulation, and America's unique position in...
Dec 04, 2023•36 min•Ep. 118
In this insightful episode of the "American Potential" podcast, host Jeff Crank delves into the unique and significant role South Carolina plays in shaping the American political landscape, particularly during presidential primaries. The guest, Candace Carroll, the State Director for Americans for Prosperity in South Carolina, brings a wealth of experience and local perspective. She discusses the state's historical influence in selecting party nominees, the impact of local culture on political c...
Dec 01, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 117
In this inspiring episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank sits down with the trailblazing advocate for school choice, Miss Virginia Walden Ford. From her early days desegregating schools in Little Rock, Arkansas, to her pivotal role in the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program, Virginia shares her powerful journey of advocacy and change. Discover how her unwavering dedication and grassroots efforts led to the creation of educational opportunities for countless children, reflecting her beli...
Nov 29, 2023•33 min•Season 1Ep. 116
Join host Jeff Crank in this captivating episode of "American Potential," featuring North Carolina's Lieutenant Governor, Mark Robinson. Discover Robinson's journey from a tumultuous childhood to a prominent political figure. He shares his perspectives on key issues like education, economic growth, and Second Amendment rights, influenced by his life experiences and deep-rooted values. Robinson's story highlights resilience, faith, and the transformative power of hard work. His narrative extends ...
Nov 29, 2023•33 min•Season 1Ep. 115
In this compelling episode of the American Potential Podcast, host Jeff Crank sits down with Tony Harrison, a dynamic entrepreneur who transformed his career from corporate America to the world of food trucks. Discover Tony's unique path, beginning with a food truck venture inspired by 'Shark Tank' and culminating in the ownership of a successful restaurant. They delve into the intricate challenges food truck operators face in Georgia, such as the cumbersome process of acquiring permits in multi...
Nov 24, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 114
Join host Jeff Crank in a riveting episode of "American Potential" as he brings together two seemingly contrasting political figures - Sara Burlingame, a passionate liberal Democrat and activist, and Tyler Lindholm, a libertarian Republican with a strong lean towards individual freedoms. This episode offers a rare glimpse into how opposing political ideologies can engage in respectful, civil debate. Burlingame and Lindholm share their experiences from the Wyoming legislature, highlighting the im...
Nov 22, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 113
