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American Potential

American Potentialamericanpotential.podbean.com
American Potential is a national award-winning podcast that shares how individuals are taking action in their communities to break barriers. While some of our guests may be public officials or influencers, many are ordinary Americans who decided, “enough is enough,” and are stepping up in a big way. We share policy solutions to the most important challenges our country faces and talk to people who are doing something about it. Our hope is that when you hear about other people’s stories of success – and struggle – you will realize that you are capable of doing extraordinary things within your own community and know that you are not alone. David From, a Regional Vice President at Americans for Prosperity, hosts the American Potential podcast. David brings a wealth of experience in grassroots advocacy and a deep commitment to advancing freedom and opportunity for all Americans. American Potential has earned multiple prestigious honors for its impact and excellence in storytelling: Platinum Award at the 2024 Viddy Awards for the episode featuring Mike Rowe, recognized in the long-form podcast category. Gold Award at the 18th Annual w3 Awards in the News and Politics Podcast category. Award of Distinction at the 31st Annual Communicator Awards in the Individual Episodes – Political category for the episode “Eco-Regulation Gone Wrong: The Unintended Costs of Colorado’s Climate Laws.” These awards—judged by experts from organizations like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and the Smithsonian—highlight the podcast’s effectiveness in elevating compelling stories of freedom, innovation, and citizen-led change.
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Episodes

The Dog That Changed Everything: How Bolt Helped a Veteran Reclaim His Life

After surviving a rocket-propelled grenade attack in Afghanistan, Chris Enget returned home to a new battle—one with PTSD, anxiety, and the daily challenge of reintegrating into civilian life. But everything began to change the day Bolt, a specially trained service dog, entered his life—on the very anniversary of the attack that nearly killed him. In this moving episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Chris, now the Education Director for Concerned Veterans for America, to...

Apr 21, 202523 minSeason 1Ep. 292

Paperwork, Politics, and $30K Lost: One Business Owner’s Fight for Freedom

What happens when a family business is nearly shut down over a simple paperwork error? In this eye-opening episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Chase Sharp, a third-generation business owner from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who shares how the federal government nearly wiped out his company—not because of fraud or abuse, but because of a minor administrative mistake. Chase walks us through how the Biden administration’s “zero tolerance” gun policy triggered an aggressive ATF...

Apr 18, 202523 minSeason 1Ep. 291

From Communist Cuba to the American Dream: Heydi Martínez’s Journey to Freedom

What happens when a young girl raised under communism is given a second chance—in the land of the free? In this gripping episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Heydi Martínez, a courageous woman who grew up under Cuba’s authoritarian regime, arrived in the U.S. as a teenager with nothing, and is now working with Americans for Prosperity to protect the very freedoms she once lived without. Heydi shares what it was like to live in survival mode—brushing her teeth with soap,...

Apr 16, 202526 minSeason 1Ep. 290

The Power of Tax Relief: A Story of Freedom, Growth, and the American Dream

Behind every great moment of American prosperity, there’s been a bold move to let people keep more of what they earn. In this episode of American Potential , host David From is joined by Chris Stio, Deputy Director of Staff Training at Americans for Prosperity, to trace the powerful history of tax reform in America—from the Civil War to JFK, from Reagan to the modern-day Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It’s more than a policy discussion—it’s a story of what happens when government gets out of the way and...

Apr 14, 202525 minSeason 1Ep. 289

Buried in Red Tape: Gail Nicholls’ Fight for Small Business Freedom

Running a small business should be challenging—but fulfilling. For Gail Nicholls, owner of a rural pet and livestock supply store in South Carolina, it’s become a daily struggle against endless state regulations. In this episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Gail to hear how red tape and paperwork have kept her from doing what she loves—serving customers, growing her business, spending time with family, and going to church. Gail shares why she stepped up to testify in su...

Apr 11, 202521 minSeason 1Ep. 288

Tennessee’s School Choice Breakthrough: A Lifeline for Families

After years of tireless advocacy and personal sacrifice, Tennessee has passed universal school choice—and for families like Drew Middletown’s, it couldn’t have come at a better time. In this powerful episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Tori Venable, Tennessee State Director for Americans for Prosperity, and Drew Middletown, a Tennessee dad who’s navigated the heartbreak and hope of finding the right education for his son with autism. With the help of programs like the ...

Apr 09, 202524 minSeason 1Ep. 287

Billions Spent, Just 214 Chargers: The Failure of Federally Funded EV Infrastructure

The federal government has spent nearly $3 billion on electric vehicle infrastructure. So far? Only 214 individual chargers have been built across the entire country. In this episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Jeremiah Mosteller, Policy Director at Americans for Prosperity, to unpack how taxpayer dollars are being funneled into inefficient, top-down government programs that promise a cleaner future—but deliver very little. They take a hard look at two major Department...

Apr 07, 202518 minSeason 1Ep. 286

From Groceries to Giving: The Heart Behind Team Buche Cares

What happens when your business isn't just about profit—but about people? In this episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with RF Buche, a fourth-generation grocer in South Dakota who’s carrying on a 120-year family legacy in some of the poorest and most underserved areas of the country. With 24 stores spread across rural South Dakota, RF has seen firsthand the struggles families face—poverty, food insecurity, lack of basic services, and isolation. That’s why he created Team Bu...

Apr 04, 202523 minSeason 1Ep. 285

Minnesota Meltdown: Legislative Walkouts, Court Battles & a $6B Deficit

What do you get when you combine a tied state house, court challenges, political walkouts, and a looming budget crisis? A real-life political soap opera—and it's all happening in Minnesota. In this episode, host David From sits down with RaeAnna Lee, Legislative and Coalitions Director at Americans for Prosperity-Minnesota, to break down the chaos that’s been unfolding at the Minnesota State Capitol. From a tied House and disputed elections to lawmakers refusing to show up—while still collecting...

Apr 02, 202526 minSeason 1Ep. 284

America’s Public Land Crisis: Too Much Federal Control, Too Little Freedom

When the federal government controls over 70% of the land in Utah, it’s not just a policy issue—it’s a crisis for rural communities trying to survive and thrive. In this episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Congresswoman Celeste Maloy, who represents Utah’s 2nd Congressional District and brings a rare combination of real-world experience—as a former soil conservationist and public lands attorney—to one of the biggest underreported issues facing the American West: federa...

Apr 02, 202525 minSeason 1Ep. 283

Unpacking Waste and Redundancy at the Department of Education

In this episode of American Potential , host David From is joined by Jeremiah Mosteller, Policy Director at Americans for Prosperity, for another deep dive in our “Big Ideas for Smaller Government” series. This time, they unpack the U.S. Department of Education—its massive $241.7 billion annual budget, over 4,000 employees, and a growing list of responsibilities that stretch from preschool to post-graduate programs. But here’s the twist: Many of the programs you might assume fall under the Depar...

Mar 28, 202518 minSeason 1Ep. 282

From Addiction to Impact: Scott Strode on Recovery, Resilience & The Phoenix

At just 11 years old, Scott Strode had his first drink—and it marked the beginning of a battle with addiction that would last into adulthood. But through climbing, community, and rediscovering his self-worth, Scott found a new path forward—one that would eventually help hundreds of thousands do the same. In this powerful episode, host David From sits down with Scott Strode, founder of The Phoenix and author of Rise, Recover, Thrive , to talk about his journey from addiction to purpose. Scott sha...

Mar 26, 202527 minSeason 1Ep. 281

Why Act 10 Still Matters – Gov. Scott Walker & Guy Benson on the Battle Over Wisconsin’s Future

More than a decade after Governor Scott Walker passed Act 10—historic legislation that reined in the power of public sector unions and saved taxpayers over $30 billion—the law is under threat once again. In this episode, radio host and Fox News contributor Guy Benson sits down with Governor Walker to revisit the battle that captured national attention, the reforms that transformed Wisconsin, and how a quiet April 1st Supreme Court election could roll it all back. With new lawsuits filed and a co...

Mar 24, 202527 minSeason 1Ep. 280

From Principal to Pioneer: How Mary Jo Fairhead Is Reimagining Education in Rural South Dakota

What happens when a dedicated educator realizes the system isn’t serving her students—or her own children? She builds something better. In this deeply moving episode of American Potential , host David From speaks with Mary Jo Fairhead, a former public-school teacher and principal in South Dakota, who left the traditional education system to create Onward Learning—a micro school serving one of the poorest counties in the U.S. From facing heartbreaking moments as a principal on a reservation, to e...

Mar 21, 202527 minSeason 1Ep. 279

Reining in the Bureaucracy: How Trump’s Executive Order Challenges the Administrative State

For years, unelected bureaucrats have stretched vague laws to impose regulations that Congress never explicitly approved. But with a new executive order, President Trump is taking steps to rein in the administrative state and ensure that federal agencies stay within their constitutional limits. In this episode of American Potential , host David From speaks with Ryan Mulvey, Policy Counsel for Americans for Prosperity Foundation, to break down what this executive order means, how it builds on key...

Mar 19, 202531 minSeason 1Ep. 278

From Battlefield to Brewery: How Tax Cuts Fueled Growth for a Veteran-Owned Business

Starting a business is never easy, but for veterans like George Rice, it’s about more than just making a profit—it’s about building community and creating opportunities. In this episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with George, co-owner of 5x5 Brewing Co. in Mission, Texas, to discuss his journey from serving in the U.S. Army to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the craft beer industry. George shares how the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act allowed him to expand production, hi...

Mar 17, 202526 minSeason 1Ep. 277

Cutting Red Tape in Georgia: Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones on Regulatory Reform and Business Growth

Excessive regulations can strangle small businesses, delay job creation, and burden entrepreneurs with unnecessary red tape. But in Georgia, leaders are taking action to fix it. In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones to discuss the Red Tape Rollback Act, a bold initiative aimed at reducing government overreach and making the state more business-friendly. Jones explains how the legislation will require every state agency to regularly r...

Mar 14, 202523 minSeason 1Ep. 276

Environmental Protection Agency’s Costly Agenda: Union Jobs, Green Banks, and Taxpayer Waste

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created to safeguard air and water quality, but has it gone too far in expanding its reach? In this episode of American Potential , host David From is joined by Jeremiah Mosteller, Policy Director for Americans for Prosperity, to expose how the EPA is using taxpayer dollars for programs that go far beyond its core mission. From $600 million in grants just to help groups apply for more funding, to $3 billion allocated for union jobs under the guise of...

Mar 12, 202515 minSeason 1Ep. 275

Daylight Saving Time: Keep It or Ditch It? The Debate Between Arizona and Virginia

Twice a year, Americans adjust their clocks—except in Arizona and Hawaii. But is daylight saving time (DST) still necessary, or is it an outdated practice that needs to go? In this lively debate, American Potential host David From sits down with Stephen Shadegg, AFP’s Arizona State Director, and Tim Parrish, AFP’s Virginia State Director, to discuss whether DST should be permanent, abolished, or left up to the states. Stephen, who has never had to change his clocks in Arizona, argues for the sta...

Mar 11, 202522 minSeason 1Ep. 274

The Fight for Affordable Energy: Reversing Costly Regulations with Faith Burns

Energy powers every aspect of American life, from keeping the lights on to fueling our economy. Yet, restrictive federal and state policies have driven up costs, limited production, and made energy less reliable for families and businesses. With a new administration in office, major policy shifts are underway to reverse these harmful regulations and restore energy independence. But will these changes be enough to stabilize the industry, lower prices, and ensure long-term energy security? In this...

Mar 06, 202526 minSeason 1Ep. 273

Exposing Government Waste: Congressman Tim Burchett on the New Oversight Subcommittee

The fight against government waste, fraud, and abuse just got a powerful new ally. In this episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Congressman Tim Burchett to discuss the newly formed House Oversight Subcommittee on Government Efficiency—also known as the DOGE Subcommittee. This committee, chaired by Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, has been tasked with uncovering the worst cases of federal waste and holding bureaucrats accountable. Congressman Burchett shares his ins...

Mar 04, 202528 minSeason 1Ep. 272

Government Overreach and Fireworks: How One Family Business is Fighting Back

What happens when a government agency arbitrarily decides to hold millions of dollars’ worth of inventory hostage? In this episode of American Potential , host David From speaks with Oliver Dunford, senior attorney at the Pacific Legal Foundation, about the legal battle facing Jake’s Fireworks, a family-owned business caught in regulatory limbo. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is blocking Jake’s Fireworks from selling $2 million worth of inventory simply because their fireworks make a "ba...

Feb 27, 202530 minEp. 271

Fighting for Veterans: Congressman Mike Bost on Service & Health Care Reform

On this episode of American Potential, host David From welcomes Congressman Mike Bost, Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, to discuss his journey from serving in the U.S. Marine Corps to fighting for veterans in Congress. He shares why he enlisted, how his family’s deep military roots shaped his passion for service, and why the Veterans Access Act is urgently needed to fix the gaps left after the Mission Act. With bureaucratic overreach delaying essential care, Congressman Bost exp...

Feb 25, 202527 minSeason 1Ep. 270

Exposing Wasteful Spending: How Congress Can Save Billions Without Cutting Essential Services

Government spending has spiraled out of control, but what if there were common-sense solutions to rein it in without harming essential programs? In this episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Jeremiah Mosteller, Policy Director for Americans for Prosperity, to uncover shocking examples of federal waste and highlight real reforms that could save taxpayers billions. From studies on cocaine-addicted rats to misguided Medicaid policies that divert resources away from the most...

Feb 24, 202516 minSeason 1Ep. 269

Protecting Innovation: The Free Market Approach to Tech Policy

The 119th Congress faces a pivotal moment in shaping America's technological future. With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity threats on the rise, and digital trade playing a crucial role in the economy, lawmakers must decide whether to embrace policies that foster innovation or burden industries with heavy-handed regulations. In this episode of American Potential , host David From speaks with James Czerniawski, Senior Policy Analyst at Americans for Prosperity, about the...

Feb 18, 202538 minEp. 268

Helping Homeless Veterans Rebuild: Off Road Outreach’s Mission After Hurricane Helene

When Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, it left homes destroyed, infrastructure in ruins, and many—especially homeless veterans—without shelter. But in the wake of destruction, heroes emerged. In this episode of American Potential , host David From speaks with Stacey Buckner, founder of Off Road Outreach, a nonprofit dedicated to serving homeless veterans. Stacey shares how her organization mobilized immediately after the hurricane, providing essential services like mobile showe...

Feb 13, 202530 minSeason 1Ep. 267

🔥 The Truth About Coal: Why America Needs Reliable Energy Now More Than Ever

Coal has powered America for centuries, fueling industries, strengthening our economy, and ensuring our energy independence. Yet, it continues to be unfairly maligned by policymakers and activists who push unreliable energy alternatives. In this episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Mitesh Thakkar, President of Core Natural Resources—the largest coal producer in the U.S.—to set the record straight. Mitesh breaks down the myths surrounding coal, from outdated misconceptio...

Feb 11, 202527 minSeason 1Ep. 266

From Rock Bottom to Redemption: How One Restaurant is Transforming Lives

In this powerful episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Rob Perez, co-owner of DV8 Kitchen in Lexington, Kentucky. More than just a restaurant, DV8 is a place where people recovering from addiction get a fresh start, proving that meaningful work can be a key to long-term recovery. Rob shares the deeply personal story behind the restaurant, from his own battle with addiction to his and his wife Diane’s journey to create a business that prioritizes second chances. By employ...

Feb 06, 202530 minSeason 1Ep. 265

How the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Plans to Reform Washington

In this kickoff episode of Big Ideas for Smaller Government, host David From welcomes Jeremiah Mosteller, Policy Director at Americans for Prosperity, to introduce the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Jeremiah breaks down how this initiative, led by Elon Musk and backed by the Trump administration, is set to tackle bureaucratic waste, eliminate harmful regulations, and make taxpayer dollars work smarter. He highlights the key priorities of DOGE, including regulatory refo...

Feb 04, 202535 minSeason 1Ep. 264

Rep. Harriet Hageman on Reining in the Administrative State and Defending Constitutional Freedoms

In this episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Congresswoman Harriet Hageman, Wyoming's at-large representative and chair of the new Article One Task Force, to discuss her mission to rein in the administrative state and defend constitutional freedoms. Rep. Hageman shares her experiences as a trial attorney fighting federal overreach, including cases that highlight the unchecked power of unelected bureaucrats. She discusses the significant implications of the Loper Bright ...

Jan 28, 202531 minSeason 1Ep. 263
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