In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank is joined by Dr. Josh Umbehr and Dr. Jules Madrigal to discuss transformative approaches to healthcare. Discover how direct primary care models are revolutionizing patient care by cutting out the middleman, reducing costs, and enhancing the doctor-patient relationship. Dr. Umbehr and Dr. Madrigal share their insights on the limitations of Medicare for All, the inefficiencies of traditional insurance, and the power of giving patients a person...
Jul 23, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 202
Join host Jeff Crank for a special milestone episode of American Potential as we celebrate our 200th episode! In this commemorative episode, Jeff sits down with Alan Cobb, the very first state director for Americans for Prosperity (AFP), to delve into the origins and early years of the organization. Discover how AFP was born from a split with Citizens for a Sound Economy, the grassroots strategies used to oppose a major tax increase in Kansas, and the challenges and triumphs of holding legislato...
Jul 18, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 201
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank sits down with Kentucky Jailer Teddy Lacy and Deputy Jailer Cory Graham to discuss their innovative program aimed at transforming the lives of inmates. By partnering with a local college, they offer incarcerated individuals three educational pathways: earning a GED, pursuing a career path, or learning a trade. This initiative not only equips inmates with valuable skills for employment post-release but also addresses recidivism, positively im...
Jul 16, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 200
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank sits down with James Czerniawski to delve into the controversial and often misunderstood realm of U.S. government surveillance. They explore the implications of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), specifically Section 702, which allows the U.S. government to collect and analyze communications from non-U.S. persons outside the country without a warrant. This practice, however, often results in the collection of American citizens...
Jul 11, 2024•35 min•Ep. 199
In this compelling episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank welcomes back Dr. Tom Krannawitter for an in-depth discussion on the philosophical and historical foundations of the Declaration of Independence. Dive into the revolutionary ideas that shaped America's founding documents and explore the enduring impact of natural rights on modern society. Dr. Krannawitter, a distinguished scholar from the Claremont Graduate University and founder of Speak Easy Ideas, sheds light on the pivotal c...
Jul 09, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 198
In this enlightening episode of our podcast, host Jeff Crank is joined by guest Dr. Tom Krannawitter. They engage in a deep and insightful discussion about the Founding Fathers of the United States and the pivotal events that led up to the Declaration of Independence.Their conversation takes us back to the roots of American history, shedding light on the circumstances and ideologies that shaped the birth of the nation. They delve into the paradoxes of the era, particularly the contradiction betw...
Jul 04, 2024•52 min•Season 1Ep. 197
In this episode of American Potential NOW with host Jeff Crank, we delve into a recent Supreme Court case that has far-reaching implications for the administrative state and the interpretation of the term "reasonable". Our guests, fisherman Wayne Reichle and Cause of Action Institute Council Ryan Mulvey, were both directly involved in this landmark case. They share their insights and experiences, shedding light on the legal battle that challenged the power of administrative agencies and the burd...
Jul 03, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 196
Join us on American Potential with host Jeff Crank. In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Kelly Haser Pickens, a mother of five and a pageant queen who transformed a personal tragedy into a powerful platform for change.Kelly's story is one of resilience and determination. From enduring a childhood marked by abuse to finding solace and strength in pageantry, she has navigated life's challenges with grace and courage. Her world took a dramatic turn when her son received a 40-year...
Jul 02, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 195
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank delves into the controversial practice of civil asset forfeiture with Sam MacRoberts, General Counsel and Litigation Director for the Kansas Justice Institute. MacRoberts shares the compelling story of his client, Dewanna Goodridge, whose SUV was seized by law enforcement after her son was pulled over for a minor traffic violation. Despite not being charged with a crime, Dewanna faced significant hardships due to the loss of her vehicle. Wit...
Jun 28, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 194
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank interviews singer-songwriter Daniel Christopher, who shares his journey of becoming a musician and the influence of his patriotic values on his music. Daniel discusses growing up in a musical family, with a piano-teaching mother and a traveling singer father, and how these experiences shaped his career. He emphasizes the power of music to convey messages more effectively than words alone and the importance of maintaining core values in his s...
Jun 26, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 193
In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank and guest Jezree Friend, Vice President of External Relations for the Manufacturer and Business Association, delve into the harsh realities of Bidenomics and its detrimental impact on small businesses in Pennsylvania. Jezree highlights how the administration's policies have fueled inflation, driving up costs for businesses and consumers alike. Through real-world examples, including the struggles faced by logistics companies reliant on inde...
Jun 21, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 192
In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank sits down with Jon Lueth, Kansas Deputy State Director for Americans for Prosperity, who shares his inspiring personal story. Jon recounts his challenging upbringing in a small coal town in Illinois, where his grandmother played a pivotal role in his life. Raised in a family of teen moms, Jon's grandmother stepped up to help raise him showing him that no was never an option and encouraging him to pursue his dreams. Jon reflects on the prof...
Jun 18, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 191
In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank sits down with Janisset Rivero, who shares her compelling family history of escaping oppressive regimes. Born in Cuba, Rivero's family fled to Venezuela in search of freedom, only to witness similar authoritarian patterns emerging there. Her father's foresight and determination led them to the United States, where Janisset has dedicated her life to advocating for human rights and liberty. Rivero's story is one of resilience and relentless ...
Jun 13, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 190
In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank talks with Genevieve Collins, the Texas State Director for Americans for Prosperity, about the strategic shift following the failure to pass Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) in the last legislative session. Genevieve discusses how this setback fueled their efforts to elect policy champions in the primaries and runoff elections, ensuring stronger support for ESAs in future sessions. Collins shares inspiring stories of grassroots mobilizati...
Jun 11, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 189
In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank dives into a discussion with Mike Chadsey, Director of External Affairs for the Ohio Oil and Gas Association, exploring the vital role of the energy sector in Ohio's economy. Chadsey provides an insider's look into the industry's transformation, from its historical roots as a major oil producer to its current advancements in shale and natural gas. He highlights the significant impact of energy production on local employment and technologic...
Jun 06, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 188
In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank brings together Rep. Ken Clouston and Vanessa Gemar to discuss the groundbreaking passage of Wyoming's Education Savings Account (ESA) bill. Clouston and Gemar delve into the specifics of the legislation, which aims to provide families with more educational choices based on income levels, catering especially to the needs of the less fortunate. They explore the constitutional challenges and the governor's amendments to the bill, emphasizing...
Jun 04, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 187
In this inspirational episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank interviews David Casas, who shares his remarkable journey from being born in Spain to Cuban immigrants, to becoming the first Hispanic elected to state office in Georgia. Casas delves into his early experiences in the United States, his family's struggle for freedom, and how these personal histories fueled his passion for public service and policy making. The discussion also covers Casas' pivotal moments in politics, his educ...
May 30, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 186
In this moving episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank welcomes John Byrnes, whose military career spans both the Marines and the Army National Guard. Byrnes shares poignant stories about his time in service and the brothers-in-arms he lost. He reflects on the deep bonds formed in the line of duty and the heavy cost of war, not only for those who fall on the battlefield but also for those who struggle upon returning home. The discussion extends to the broader significance of Memorial Da...
May 27, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 185
Mary Katharine Ham on Personal Healthcare Challenges and Policy Reform In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank engages Mary Katharine Ham, a political commentator who shares her personal challenges navigating healthcare following her husband's tragic death. Ham discusses the deep flaws in the insurance system that became apparent during her ordeal, emphasizing the urgent need for more empathetic and accessible healthcare policies. Joining the conversation is Lauren Stewart, Seni...
May 23, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 184
In a thought-provoking episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank delves into the life of Cade Yates, a man whose upbringing in Mississippi was deeply colored by the civil rights movement's legacy. Growing up in a town marked by historical racial violence, Cade was inspired by his mother's experiences and teachings on equality and human dignity. This foundation led him to pursue a path of service, transitioning from hands-on community work to impactful policy advocacy. Cade's narrative off...
May 21, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 183
In this gripping episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank sits down with Ted Mitzlaff, CEO of Goodwood Brewing and Spirits, who shares his intense battle against governmental overreach during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ted recounts his legal fight against the Kentucky governor's extended emergency powers, which he argues were used to unjustly suppress businesses, including his own. His story highlights the challenges small businesses faced under fluctuating regulations and the courage requir...
May 16, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 182
In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank welcomes Pat Harrigan, a West Point graduate and former Green Beret, who shares his unique transition from military service to running for Congress in North Carolina. Harrigan recounts his experiences from serving in Afghanistan to starting a successful business, emphasizing how these shaped his desire to serve in a different capacity. His story highlights the challenges and inspirations of a veteran turning to political service, aiming to...
May 10, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 181
In this enlightening episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank welcomes U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn to discuss her legislative efforts aimed at transforming healthcare for America's veterans. Senator Blackburn shares the motivations behind her advocacy for the Veterans Healthcare Freedom Act, designed to simplify and expedite access to medical services for veterans by allowing them to receive care within their community without bureaucratic delays. This act aims to eliminate the cumbers...
May 08, 2024•13 min•Season 1Ep. 180
In a compelling episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank welcomes Ted Trzeniowski, who shares his gripping journey from growing up under communist rule in Poland to embracing freedom in the United States. Ted recounts the intense propaganda and censorship he experienced during his youth, and the profound influence of historical events like the Solidarity movement on his personal and political beliefs. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the pursuit of liber...
May 06, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 179
In this pivotal episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank engages with Mark Caskey, a veteran of the energy sector with over 25 years of experience. Caskey shares insights from his extensive background in both coal and natural gas industries, discussing the significant shifts he has witnessed and the challenges that lie ahead. As the founder of Steel Nation and president of the American Oil and Gas Alliance, Caskey delves into the effects of recent policy changes on the energy sector, par...
May 02, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 178
In this special 20th-anniversary episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank invites AFP veterans Derrick Sontag and Annie Patnaude to reflect on the organization's evolution and their personal journeys within it. Starting from grassroots beginnings to becoming a powerhouse in advocacy across all fifty states, they share behind-the-scenes stories from key campaigns and legislative battles that have shaped AFP's trajectory. They discusses AFP's major impacts, including the VA Mission Act and...
Apr 30, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 177
In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank speaks with Stephanie Nordin, a devoted mother who transformed personal challenges into a powerful advocacy platform after her twin sons, both autistic, faced significant hurdles. Stephanie shares her poignant journey following an unfortunate accident involving one of her sons, which galvanized her involvement in the special needs community. This engagement led to tangible legislative victories in Florida, improving support and resources f...
Apr 25, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 176
In this episode of "American Potential," Jeff Crank delves into the contentious issue of the line-item veto with Lucas Vebber, Deputy Counsel at the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty. Vebber explains the historical use and recent abuses of the line-item veto in Wisconsin, particularly how it has evolved to allow the governor to make substantial changes to legislation without full legislative consent. This discussion illuminates the significant implications these powers have on state gove...
Apr 22, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 175
In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank welcomes Brent Gardner, Chief Government Affairs Officer at Americans for Prosperity, to discuss the recent legislative actions against TikTok and the broader implications for digital freedom and national security. Gardner explains the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, highlighting its aim not just to ban TikTok, but to sever its ties with Chinese ownership, thereby addressing significant security con...
Apr 19, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 174
In this episode of "American Potential," Jeff Crank sits down with Dan Caldwell, a Marine Corps Iraq veteran and former executive director for Concerned Veterans for America, to explore the transformative changes brought about by the VA Mission Act. Caldwell provides a detailed account of the act's development and implementation, which was aimed at correcting systemic issues revealed by the Phoenix VA scandal. He discusses the critical need for healthcare choice for veterans, emphasizing how the...
Apr 17, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 173
