In this powerful episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank sits down with Wiz Rouzard, Deputy State Director for Americans for Prosperity in Nevada, to hear his inspiring story of resilience, hard work, and the pursuit of the American Dream. As the son of Haitian immigrants, Wiz shares how his parents' incredible journey from Haiti to America taught him the value of perseverance, education, and self-reliance. He reflects on the struggles his family faced, the work ethic his mother instilled...
Oct 24, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 232
In this episode of American Potential , host Jeff Crank sits down with Kurt Couchman, Senior Policy Fellow at Americans for Prosperity, to dive into AFP’s hard-hitting report, the "Bidenflation Blame Game." As Americans continue to suffer from soaring inflation, Bidenomics has shifted the blame onto businesses, but is that really the root cause? Kurt and Jeff break down why government overspending is the true driver of inflation and how Biden's reckless policies are making life more expensive fo...
Oct 22, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 231
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank is joined by Tera Myers, a passionate advocate for school choice and the mother of a son with Down Syndrome. Tera shares her inspiring journey of navigating the education system to ensure her son, Samuel, received the best possible education. Despite early challenges, Tera became a powerful voice for students with special needs, successfully advocating for school choice legislation in Ohio. Her efforts culminated in an invitation to the Whit...
Oct 17, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 230
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank dives into the implications of the Biden-Harris administration’s decision to use the Defense Production Act to regulate artificial intelligence (AI). Joining him are James Czerniawski, Senior Policy Analyst at Americans for Prosperity, and Thomas Kimbrell, an Analyst with AFP Foundation, to discuss the dangers of government overreach in regulating AI, especially when the regulations target industries beyond government contractors. James and ...
Oct 15, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 229
In this episode of American Potential, guest Stephen Chacko, a real estate developer from Texas, joins host Jeff Crank to share his story of navigating unexpected challenges after purchasing a property in Fort Worth. Chacko discovered that his multifamily apartment complex had a historical overlay—something he wasn’t aware of when he bought the property. This designation has prevented him from making necessary energy-efficient upgrades and safety improvements, ultimately affecting his tenants. C...
Oct 10, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 228
In this episode of American Potential , guest host Drew Klein, Regional Vice President for Americans for Prosperity, speaks with Megan Novak, State Director of AFP Wisconsin, about the looming fiscal cliff and the critical need to make the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent. Novak shares the profound impact these tax cuts have had on small businesses across Wisconsin, from local pizza shops to family-owned farms, and explains how their expiration could hurt local economies and families. Novak also ...
Oct 08, 2024•15 min•Season 1Ep. 227
In this episode of American Potential , guest host Ross Connolly, Northeast Regional Director for Americans for Prosperity, speaks with Tyler Lindholm, the State Director for AFP Wyoming and a self-proclaimed “crypto cowboy.” They dive into the looming fiscal cliff facing America in 2024 and the importance of grassroots efforts to hold lawmakers accountable. Tyler shares insights into the critical tax and spending issues at stake, including the expiration of the Trump tax cuts and the challenge ...
Oct 03, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 226
In this episode of American Potential , guest host David Thompson speaks with Henry Kriegel, Deputy State Director of Americans for Prosperity in Montana, about the impending "fiscal cliff" and its potential impact on Americans. Kriegel breaks down the key deadlines and provisions within the fiscal cliff, including the expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and Affordable Care Act subsidies. He emphasizes the urgency of preserving tax cuts to alleviate the burden of inflation and rising costs o...
Oct 01, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 225
Two Decades of Fighting for Freedom: Brent Gardner on the Journey of Americans for Prosperity Description: In this milestone episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank interviews Brent Gardner, Chief Government Affairs Officer of Americans for Prosperity (AFP), as the organization celebrates 20 years of grassroots-driven impact. Brent shares the story of AFP’s humble beginnings, starting with local activists opposing tax increases in Kansas, to becoming a powerful national movement fighting ...
Sep 27, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 224
In this episode of American Potential , host Jeff Crank sits down with Brad Stevens, former Americans for Prosperity (AFP) employee and current State Director for U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts. Brad reflects on his 14-year journey with AFP, sharing stories of grassroots victories, policy change, and the power of community activism. From memorable door-knocking campaigns to building lasting relationships with policy champions and activists across the country, Stevens highlights the importance of tea...
Sep 24, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 223
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank welcomes Dr. Marty Makary, a professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and author of the new book, Medical Blindspots: When Medicine Gets It Wrong and What That Means for Our Health. Dr. Makary dives into the challenges within the medical industry, discussing how groupthink, outdated recommendations, and bureaucratic red tape have led to misguided health advice. From the incorrect guidance on peanut allergies to the flawed food pyramid, ...
Sep 19, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 222
In this episode of American Potential , host Jeff Crank sits down with Yuval Levin, Director of Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies at the American Enterprise Institute and author of the new book, American Covenant: How the Constitution Unified Our Nation and Could Again . Levin delves into how the Constitution was designed to manage conflicts and disagreements, creating a system that encourages coalition-building and compromise. He discusses the founders' vision for a government that l...
Sep 17, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 221
In this episode of American Potential , host Jeff Crank speaks with Matt Keenan, Federal Affairs Liaison for Americans for Prosperity, about the upcoming changes to vehicle emission standards and how they will impact consumer choice. Set to go into effect in 2027, these new regulations, pushed by the Biden-Harris administration, could lead to a significant reduction in the availability of gas-powered vehicles, while promoting electric alternatives. Keenan explains how these changes will dispropo...
Sep 12, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 220
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank is joined by Kirby West, an attorney from the Institute for Justice, and Andrea Moceri, a parent using Alaska's correspondence program, to discuss the legal battles surrounding educational choice in Alaska. The correspondence program, designed to meet the unique needs of Alaskan families—especially those in remote areas—has been a lifeline for many. However, the program is facing legal challenges, with opponents claiming it violates the stat...
Sep 10, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 219
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank welcomes former Texas Congressman Jeb Hensarling to discuss the critical issues of government overreach, the economy, and the differences between big government conservatism and classic liberal conservatism. Hensarling, who served as Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, shares his insights on how expanding government regulations and policies, like Dodd-Frank, have hurt small businesses and stifled economic growth, all while be...
Sep 05, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 218
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank is joined by Austen Bannan to explore the evolving landscape of independent contract work. Bannan delves into the challenges and opportunities faced by independent contractors, especially in light of recent regulatory changes. As more individuals turn to freelance and gig work, understanding the implications of these changes is crucial for both workers and businesses alike. Bannan discusses the benefits of independent contracting, including ...
Sep 03, 2024•39 min•Ep. 217
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank speaks with Chalmers Carr, President and CEO of Titan Farms, the largest peach producer on the East Coast. Carr delves into the intricacies of the H-2A visa program, a crucial tool for American agriculture that has benefited both his farm and its workers for decades. He shares how the program has been essential in maintaining a legal, reliable workforce, allowing Titan Farms to thrive and contribute to the U.S. food supply. Carr also discuss...
Aug 30, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 216
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank talks with Jim and Marcus Neiman, leaders of a fifth-generation timber production company in South Dakota. The Neimans share their experience of grappling with unexpected cuts to the federal Timber Sales Program, a crucial initiative they had relied on to plan their business operations years in advance. These cuts forced the Neimans to make difficult decisions, including laying off workers—a blow not only to their company but also to the loc...
Aug 28, 2024•29 min•Ep. 215
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank is joined by Daniel Bassali, Managing Director for Grassroots Brand Marketing at Stand Together, to explore the power of grassroots movements in transforming communities across America. Bassali shares inspiring stories of how everyday citizens are driving significant change by breaking down government-imposed barriers and empowering local initiatives. From battling bureaucratic overreach to fostering economic growth in local communities, Bas...
Aug 26, 2024•50 min•Ep. 214
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank speaks with Shawn Woods, a Kansas City builder, about the unintended consequences of the city’s adoption of new energy standards tied to funds from the Inflation Reduction Act. Woods explains how these regulations have significantly increased the cost of building homes, pushing prices higher and making homeownership less attainable for first-time buyers. Additionally, the new standards have slowed down the approval process for building plans...
Aug 23, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 213
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank talks with Matt Curran, grassroots program manager for education and training at Americans for Prosperity, about the upcoming 2027 regulations for light-duty and medium-duty vehicles. Curran discusses the significant impact these regulations will have on both the automotive industry and everyday consumers. With rising concerns over inflation and economic uncertainty, Curran breaks down how these changes will influence the cost of vehicles, f...
Aug 21, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 212
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank sits down with U.S. Senator Rick Scott of Florida to address the critical issue of the nation’s ballooning $35 trillion debt. U.S. Senator Scott, drawing from his extensive experience as the former governor of Florida and a successful healthcare executive, discusses practical strategies to curb federal spending and bring the budget back into balance. He emphasizes the need for a disciplined approach to government spending that mirrors the fi...
Aug 19, 2024•18 min•Season 1Ep. 211
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank is joined by former Vice President Mike Pence for a deep dive into the challenges facing America today. Pence shares his insights on the critical need to reduce government overreach, emphasizing the importance of limited government and individual liberty. Reflecting on his tenure in the Trump administration, Pence discusses the successes of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the impact of conservative Supreme Court appointments, and the ongoing figh...
Aug 15, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 210
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank sits down with Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr to discuss the critical fight against federal government overreach and the vital role states play in defending federalism. Carr shares his experiences leading numerous lawsuits against the Biden administration, focusing on the importance of challenging unconstitutional executive actions and preserving states' rights. The conversation also covers effective strategies for lowering crime rates ...
Aug 12, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 209
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank is joined by Jake Coleman, Minnesota State Director for Americans for Prosperity (AFP), and RaeAnna Lee, the state’s Legislation Director, to discuss the tumultuous end to the Minnesota state senate session. The conversation highlights how a last-minute delay by a Democratic Socialist senator led to the rushed passage of a controversial Omnibus Bill, bypassing transparency and public debate. Coleman and Lee critique the Democratic-controlled...
Aug 09, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 208
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank welcomes Darin Selnick, a United States Air Force veteran and senior advisor for Concerned Veterans for America. Selnick shares his extensive background in healthcare and military service, discussing how these experiences shaped his role as a senior advisor to two VA secretaries and as the Veterans Affairs advisor for the president at the Domestic Policy Council during the Trump Administration. Dive into the challenges veterans face with the...
Aug 07, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 207
In this powerful episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank interviews Gordo DeCastro, who shares his harrowing journey from a prosperous life in Venezuela to seeking refuge in the United States. Gordo recounts his family's successful businesses and the comfortable life they led before Venezuela's economy collapsed due to hyperinflation and rampant crime. He vividly describes the deteriorating situation, including the government's harsh actions against business owners, which culminated in hi...
Aug 05, 2024•39 min•Ep. 206
In this episode of American Potential , host Jeff Crank discusses the impact of overregulation on businesses and consumers in Kansas with State Representative Barb Wasinger and Randy Stookey, Senior Vice President and General Counsel for the Kansas Grain and Feed Association. They delve into the newly passed House Bill 2648, which seeks to curb excessive regulations by giving the state legislature greater oversight over executive agency rule-making. Barb and Randy share firsthand accounts of how...
Aug 05, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 205
In this episode of American Potential , Jeff Crank interviews Daniel Chang Contreras, who shares his experiences of growing up in Venezuela during a period of severe economic and political crisis. Daniel discusses the devastating effects of hyperinflation on his family's business and the broader societal challenges, including scarcity of basic goods and unreliable public services. He explains how the Venezuelan government's policies led to economic collapse and increased authoritarianism, forcin...
Jul 30, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 204
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank sits down with Chris Habig, President and CEO of Freedom HealthWorks. Chris shares his journey from a family steeped in medicine to co-founding a business that helps doctors break free from traditional insurance models. He discusses the challenges and inefficiencies in the current healthcare system and how direct primary care (DPC) offers a promising alternative. Learn how DPC empowers doctors to focus on patient care without the interferenc...
Jul 25, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 203
