In this special Independence Day edition of American Potential Now , host David From breaks down the big news: the passage and signing of the “one big beautiful bill,” extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Hear how these permanent tax cuts lift uncertainty for small business owners in South Dakota and in Ohio, empowering them to reinvest, support employees, and strengthen their communities. Learn about Americans for Prosperity’s nationwide campaign—from 150,000 doors knocked to over 500 ev...
Jul 06, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 322
In this special Independence Day episode of American Potential , guest David Gowdy—founder of the Virginia Institute for American History—joins host David From to explore the creation of America’s most iconic document: the Declaration of Independence. Gowdy shares how Thomas Jefferson, just 33 years old, drew from classical thinkers and the Virginia Declaration of Rights to pen the revolutionary words “all men are created equal.” The conversation dives into the meaning of this phrase, the influe...
Jul 05, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 321
In this episode of American Potential , guest Austen Bannon, employment policy fellow at Americans for Prosperity, breaks down two urgent issues costing Americans time, opportunity, and tax dollars: outdated rules that make it nearly impossible to fire underperforming federal workers, and laws that prevent gig workers from getting the portable benefits they need. Austen explains how commonsense reforms—like simplifying the process for removing federal employees who aren’t doing their jobs—could ...
Jul 02, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 320
In this powerful episode of American Potential , we sit down with Johnnie Calloway, grassroots engagement director for Americans for Prosperity-Missouri, who shares an unflinchingly honest account of his life growing up in poverty, facing domestic violence, and enduring unimaginable loss. From spending childhood years in a homeless shelter and living in Section 8 housing to losing two children and his mother, Johnnie’s story is one of heartbreak—but also of transformation. He takes listeners on ...
Jun 30, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 319
John Vick, Executive Director of Concerned Veterans for America, hosts this special episode of American Potential featuring U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy, a decorated combat veteran and one of the newest members of Congress. Senator Sheehy shares how his military service shaped his leadership philosophy and why veterans bring a vital mission-first mindset to public office. They discuss the sharp decline in veteran representation in Congress, the importance of giving veterans more healthcare choice thr...
Jun 26, 2025•52 min•Season 1Ep. 318
What does real advocacy look like when it’s led by those who’ve lived it? In this episode of American Potential , host David From talks with Alexa Rice and Jimmie Smith—two dedicated leaders at Concerned Veterans for America—about their trip to Capitol Hill for Vets on the Hill , one of the most powerful veteran-driven advocacy events in the country. Alexa, attending for the first time, and Jimmie, a seasoned CVA leader and U.S. Army veteran, share why this mission matters. Their focus: fighting...
Jun 23, 2025•21 min•Season 1Ep. 317
What happens when a community refuses to accept injustice—even when it’s backed by federal law? In this powerful episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Michael Jahr, a seasoned communicator and first-time filmmaker, to share the incredible true story of Joshua Glover—a man born into slavery in Missouri who risked everything for freedom. After a harrowing 400-mile escape to Racine, Wisconsin, Glover finally experienced liberty—until slave catchers, armed with the Fugitive ...
Jun 20, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 316
In this episode of American Potential , host David From is joined by Jeremiah Mosteller, policy director at Americans for Prosperity, for the latest installment in the Big Ideas for Smaller Government series. The focus: the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)—the federal government’s HR department—and a surprising proposal that could save $237 billion without touching current employee benefits. From the absurd reality of federal retirement files being processed in a limestone mine in Pennsylvan...
Jun 18, 2025•17 min•Season 1Ep. 315
In this episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Ohio State Senator Kristina Roegner, the lead sponsor of Senate Bill 9, a bold reform aimed at cutting 30% of Ohio’s regulations over three years. Senator Roegner walks through the inspiration for the bill—seeing Ohio tied with Illinois as one of the most overregulated states in America—and how the plan came together. The legislation established a three-part strategy: eliminate two regulations for every new one introduced, re...
Jun 16, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 314
In this eye-opening episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with David McNeilly, a financial advisor from Michigan, who shares how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) has had a measurable, personal impact—not just on his clients, but on his own family’s financial freedom. With a background in ministry and a passion for helping others, McNeilly now helps middle-class families navigate retirement planning, tax strategy, and long-term financial goals. But when he crunched the numbers...
Jun 13, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 313
In this next installment of American Potential , host David From shares a timely conversation featuring House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Fox News contributor and Americans for Prosperity Advisory Council member Guy Benson, recorded at the AFP Freedom Embassy in Washington, D.C. Scalise breaks down the House-passed reconciliation bill designed to lock in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA)—a move aimed at preventing a $4.5 trillion tax hike scheduled for 2025. The legislation woul...
Jun 13, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 312
In this heartfelt episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Ambrose and Mary Grace Rucker from West Virginia to share the powerful story of their son’s birth—and the barriers they faced just trying to find a hospital with a functioning NICU. What should have been one of the most joyful moments of their lives became a race across state lines to find medical care. When Mary Grace developed preeclampsia late in her pregnancy, their only safe option was a hospital 90 minutes awa...
Jun 09, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 311
In this inspiring episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Michelle Penczak, a Marine spouse who turned rejection, resilience, and resourcefulness into a thriving business that now employs over 400 people—most of them military spouses just like her. Michelle shares how she faced over 20 job rejections simply for being a military spouse before finally landing a virtual assistant role that changed everything. But when the company suddenly shut down, she didn’t give up—she kep...
Jun 05, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 310
In the next installment of the Big Ideas for Smaller Government series, host David From welcomes back Jeremiah Mosteller, Policy Director at Americans for Prosperity, to take a hard look at spending within the Department of Veterans Affairs—and what reforms are needed to better serve those who served us. Mosteller breaks down how the VA’s budget has quadrupled since 2004 even though the veteran population has declined by 30%. From bloated staffing levels to $4 million contracts for services that...
Jun 03, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 309
In this high-voltage episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Rachel Gleason, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance, to discuss the future of coal, the reliability of America’s power grid, and the consequences of top-down energy policy. Gleason gives a behind-the-scenes look at how federal and state regulations have systematically dismantled coal-fired generation in Pennsylvania—once a powerhouse of domestic energy—and how some of the most reliable plants are...
May 29, 2025•27 min•Season 1Ep. 308
In this powerful Memorial Day episode of American Potential , host David From is joined by Marine Corps veteran Adam Jahnke, now a Strategic Director at Concerned Veterans for America, to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday through the stories of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Adam shares deeply personal memories of his fellow Marines—Corporal René Martinez, Lance Corporal Donald Chaplain, and others—who were killed while serving in Iraq. He also talks candidly about the realities...
May 26, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 307
In the next installment of the Big Ideas for Smaller Government series, host David From welcomes back Jeremiah Mosteller, Policy Director at Americans for Prosperity, to discuss how Congress can take bold action to rein in runaway federal agencies, eliminate wasteful spending, and make key regulatory reforms permanent. Jeremiah breaks down why popular executive orders from the previous administration—like those promoting transparency and accountability—won’t last unless Congress acts. He explain...
May 23, 2025•20 min•Season 1Ep. 306
In this inspiring episode of American Potential , host David From is joined by Daniel Bassali, Vice President of Public Affairs for Americans for Prosperity, to discuss the launch of the One Small Step campaign—AFP’s bold, nationwide effort to celebrate America's 250th anniversary by spotlighting the everyday citizens who are shaping the future of freedom. Bassali explains how One Small Step draws inspiration from iconic figures like Harriet Tubman, Betsy Ross, and Neil Armstrong—people who took...
May 21, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 305
In this compelling episode of American Potential , host David From welcomes Congressman Jeff Hurd, a freshman lawmaker representing Colorado’s vast and beautiful Third Congressional District. Congressman Hurd shares his journey from humble beginnings bagging groceries in Grand Junction to earning law degrees, practicing energy law, and now serving in Congress. Drawing on his experience as a small business owner and father of five, Congressman Hurd discusses how bad energy policy acts as a hidden...
May 20, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 304
In this episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Congressman August Pfluger—Chairman of the Republican Study Committee, decorated Air Force veteran, and proud seventh-generation Texan—for an in-depth conversation on the path forward for America's economy, energy independence, and national security. Congressman Pfluger discusses why predictability in the tax code is essential for families, entrepreneurs, and innovators alike. As the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act faces expiratio...
May 16, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 303
Behind every piece of major legislation, there’s a story of strategy, sacrifice, and high stakes. In this episode of American Potential , host David From is joined by Andy Koenig—former White House advisor and one of the key architects behind the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). From inside the halls of the West Wing to late-night meetings on Capitol Hill, Andy offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the landmark tax reform came together—and why it matters more than ever today. Far from being j...
May 14, 2025•34 min•Season 1Ep. 302
Ilena and Meleana Levitt didn’t just talk about school choice—they lived it. When their father became a fully disabled veteran and their family could no longer afford private school, these two Montana sisters made a bold and uncommon decision: they worked nearly full-time jobs as teenagers to pay for the education they believed in. It wasn’t easy—but it was worth it. Now, as young adults, they’re turning their personal story into public advocacy, fighting to expand school choice in Montana so th...
May 12, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 301
In this eye-opening episode of American Potential , host David From is joined by Congressman Rich McCormick, an ER physician, U.S. Marine and Navy veteran, and representative of Georgia’s 6th District, to confront one of the greatest threats to America’s future: our broken healthcare system. McCormick brings real-world medical and military experience to Congress, and in this powerful conversation, he explains why healthcare is not only the largest spending item in the federal budget but also the...
May 09, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 300
In this episode of American Potential , host David From continues the Big Ideas for Smaller Government series with AFP Policy Director Jeremiah Mosteller to explore a staggering opportunity for reform: a unified verification system for all federal welfare and assistance programs. By streamlining the maze of 80 uncoordinated programs—many run by the USDA—American taxpayers could save over $554 billion, nearly doubling the running total of identified savings in the series to over $1 trillion. The ...
May 07, 2025•21 min•Season 1Ep. 299
What would you sacrifice for freedom? For Monet Bacs, Strategic Director at the LIBRE Initiative in Arizona, her father's answer was clear— everything . In this moving episode, host David From sits down with Monet to explore the legacy of her father, who fled Guatemala in search of opportunity, safety, and a future he couldn’t find at home. Arriving in the U.S. as a teenage exchange student who spoke no English, Monet’s father built a life rooted in hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering belief in...
May 05, 2025•21 min•Season 1Ep. 298
What does it mean to honor the legacy of survival and freedom? In this powerful episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Henry Kriegel, deputy state director of Americans for Prosperity–Montana, to hear the extraordinary story of his parents—Holocaust survivors who came to America with nothing but determination and hope. Their escape from Nazi-occupied Poland, survival through labor camps, and eventual arrival at Ellis Island shaped Henry’s lifelong dedication to defending ...
May 02, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 297
Chris Thomas didn’t plan on becoming a business owner—but when opportunity knocked, he answered. In this episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Chris, an Army veteran and the owner of Tri-County Tower, to hear how military service shaped his leadership, and how a campfire conversation with his father-in-law changed the course of his life. Chris shares the behind-the-scenes story of buying and growing a tower construction business in small-town Ohio, the real impact of tax...
Apr 30, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 296
What happens after service members take off the uniform—but still feel the calling to serve? In this powerful episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with John Vick, the new Executive Director of Concerned Veterans for America, to discuss how veterans are continuing the fight for freedom right here at home. John shares his remarkable journey from serving overseas with the Marines and Navy to shaping public policy on Capitol Hill, managing political campaigns, and now leading a ...
Apr 28, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 295
What does it mean to risk everything for freedom—and then dedicate your life to protecting it? In this powerful episode, host David From sits down with Rommel Lopez, grassroots engagement director for Americans for Prosperity–Florida, to share his incredible journey from communist Nicaragua to the United States. Rommel grew up during a brutal civil war under the Sandinista regime, where fear, food shortages, and propaganda were daily realities. At age 11, his family fled to America, seeking a li...
Apr 25, 2025•22 min•Season 1Ep. 294
An audit revealed $800 million in misspent taxpayer dollars at the Department of Energy—and that's just the beginning. In this episode, Jeremiah Mosteller, Policy Director at Americans for Prosperity, joins David From to expose how the agency charged with America’s energy future is riddled with waste, inefficiency, and programs that benefit big corporations at your expense. From a federal power-marketing agency selling below-market rates to utilities, to EV subsidies going to companies pulling b...
Apr 23, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 293
