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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Amy Siple, a Kansas nurse practitioner, shares her distressing experience with the state's Board of Nursing, which initiated a disciplinary process and public shaming for a minor license renewal oversight. This incident uncovered a broader issue of inconsistent, overly punitive enforcement against nurses for clerical errors, contributing to a severe nursing shortage and harming patient access to care. Amy advocates for legislative reform to bring oversight to the board and protect healthcare professionals from an unjust system.
In this 50 Stars, 50 Stories edition of American Potential, host David From sits down with Jennifer Beving, Deputy State Director for AFP–South Dakota, and Tyler Voight, State Director for AFP–North Carolina, for a lively blend of state trivia and state leadership. Jennifer shares how AFP–South Dakota is helping citizens get involved, show up in Pierre, and keep government small, while Tyler explains how North Carolina transformed its business climate, strengthened freedom, and became a top dest...
In this heartfelt episode of American Potential , host David From talks with Beka Dowhy, founder of the Caregiver Support Network, about her mission to support family caregivers who often feel unseen and alone. After caring for her mom through multiple sclerosis (MS) alongside her dad, Beka experienced firsthand how isolating caregiving can be — and decided to change that for others. She shares how her organization connects caregivers with prayer partners, emotional support, and practical help l...
In this episode of American Potential , host David From talks with Tanner Avery, Policy Director at the Frontier Institute in Montana, about how pro-innovation policies are helping Big Sky Country become a leader in both artificial intelligence and energy development. Avery explains how Montana’s new Right to Compute law protects AI and modern computing as forms of free speech—calling them the “modern printing press”—and why that protection is vital for innovation and economic growth. He also di...
In this episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Montana State Representative Gary Parry, Chair of the House Energy & Technology Committee, to discuss how Montana can remain a leader in energy production while preparing for the future. Parry outlines his vision for expanding coal and small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), strengthening transmission infrastructure, and ensuring Montana stays a net energy exporter in the West. He also shares how reliable, affordable energ...
In this episode of American Potential , host David From talks with Darin Selnick, Senior Advisor for Concerned Veterans for America and one of the architects of the VA MISSION Act, about the next big step in veterans’ healthcare reform — the Veterans Access Act. Selnick reveals how bureaucratic failures and delays under the current administration have left veterans waiting months for care, forcing some to travel hundreds of miles or worse, leading to preventable tragedies, including suicides. He...
In this powerful episode of American Potential , host David From speaks with Army combat veteran Dallas Knight and retired Air Force Colonel Lorraine Schleder about their journeys of service, sacrifice, and healing. They recount experiences from Iraq combat missions to aeromedical evacuations, and how those challenges shaped their drive to continue serving fellow veterans after returning home. Knight shares why she founded Operation Juliet, a nonprofit dedicated to helping female veterans recove...
In this episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Congressman Troy Downing of Montana’s vast First District to talk about unleashing America’s energy potential and keeping the nation secure—both economically and militarily. Downing discusses how affordable, reliable energy is the backbone of prosperity for families, small businesses, and industry, and why under President Trump’s leadership, the country is once again embracing an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy. From tappi...
Representative Bruce Westerman explains the critical role of healthy forests for a clean environment and how public land mismanagement fuels wildfires and lumber shortages, advocating for the Fix Our Forests Act. He then details the bipartisan SPEED Act for permitting reform to accelerate U.S. energy production, critical mineral mining, and infrastructure, essential for economic competitiveness and national security against China, especially with increasing AI demands. The episode also touches on bipartisan efforts for outdoor recreation and conservation.
In this episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen at the Big Sky Bright Future Economic Summit to talk about how the Cornhusker State is powering its economy through energy, innovation, and old-fashioned Nebraska work ethic. Governor Pillen outlines his vision for a leaner, more competitive state government—cutting bureaucracy, reducing spending by 10%, and running government like a business to give taxpayers more value for their money. He also s...
In this Halloween edition of American Potential , host David From talks with Heather Andrews, Western States Regional Director for Americans for Prosperity, about Washington State’s frightening new housing policy. Lawmakers promised relief for renters with a “rent stabilization” bill—really a rent control measure—that caps rent increases but ignores the real cause of sky-high prices: a massive housing shortage. Heather explains how the law threatens to scare off builders, shrink rental supply, a...
In this episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Scott Blackburn, a First Amendment policy expert, to explore how state lawmakers are quietly chipping away at free speech and donor privacy. Blackburn explains how proposed laws across the country could expose nonprofit donors, chill civic participation, and give politicians new tools to silence their critics. He also breaks down the growing wave of legislation aimed at regulating AI in political speech—and how vague definiti...
As Halloween approaches, American Potential takes a look at a different kind of fright—the kind that comes from government trying to hide in the dark. Host David From is joined by Liam Gallagher, Legislative Director for Americans for Prosperity–Kentucky, to unpack a chilling near-miss in the state legislature. What started as a seemingly harmless bill to promote transparency nearly turned into a full-blown exemption shielding the governor, cabinet officials, and school boards from the state’s O...
From energy independence to workforce innovation, Montana is charting a course for long-term growth. In this episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Governor Greg Gianforte at the Big Sky Bright Future Economic Summit to discuss how his administration is unleashing opportunity across the Treasure State. Gianforte outlines his vision for an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy—expanding coal, wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear—while ensuring Montana remains one of the easiest pl...
In this special 50 Stars, 50 Stories edition of American Potential , host David From celebrates the great state of Nevada — the Battle Born State — and its enduring legacy of freedom, innovation, and resilience. Joining him is Wiz Rouzard, Deputy State Director for Americans for Prosperity–Nevada, whose passion for his adopted home shines through as he connects Nevada’s remarkable history to its growing promise today. Wiz takes us back to 1864, when Nevada entered the Union in the midst of the C...
Sometimes, the smallest frustrations can spark the biggest changes. In this episode of American Potential , host David From talks with State Representative Tony McCombie, the first female Republican Leader in the Illinois House of Representatives, about how a dispute over a sandwich board sign outside her small café inspired her to run for office—and ultimately lead her state’s GOP caucus. Rep. McCombie shares her journey from small-town business owner and mayor to becoming one of Illinois’ most...
As America ages, states face a tough question: how do we fund long-term care and protect the truly vulnerable without crowding out everything else? In this episode of American Potential, host David From talks with Brian Blase, President of the Paragon Health Institute, about why Medicaid’s design is straining state budgets—and what to do about it. Blase explains how open-ended federal matching, expansion to able-bodied adults, and “legalized money-laundering” schemes (like provider taxes) have w...
How do you go from hauling shrimp on the Gulf to hauling big reforms through Baton Rouge? In this episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Scott Simon, State Director for Americans for Prosperity–Louisiana, to trace his unlikely path: fisherman, construction hand, designer, community volunteer, state legislator, and now grassroots leader. Scott shares the “one small step” moments—raking baseball fields after his kids’ games, organizing neighbors, knocking doors—that pulled ...
Education is changing—and fast. In this episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Kerry McDonald, author of the new book Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling . Kerry shares how homeschooling, micro schools, and learning collaboratives are creating a new era of education freedom—where parents and teachers design learning environments that fit every child’s unique needs. From former public school teachers launching innovati...
In this episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Lawson Bader, president and CEO of DonorsTrust, to unpack why donor privacy is essential to free speech and a healthy civil society. Bader explains how efforts to expose donors—often fueled by political grudges, social-media pile-ons, and envy—chill participation and warp the relationship between citizens and the state. He traces the principle back through landmark Supreme Court rulings, makes the case that “transparency is f...
In this inspiring episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with James Whitford, founder of True Charity in Joplin, Missouri. What began as a heartfelt effort to serve the homeless through Watered Gardens Ministry became a journey of discovery about what truly helps people escape poverty. Whitford shares how he realized that one-way charity—simply giving without accountability—was trapping people in dependency rather than setting them free. His transformative model focuses on res...
Host David From sits down with Chris Koopman, CEO of the Abundance Institute, to unpack why data centers—the backbone of our digital lives and the rise of AI—are straining America’s electric grid, and how policy is either clearing the runway or clogging it. Koopman explains the explosive growth in compute demand, why years-long permitting and legacy rules are the real bottlenecks, and how states can welcome next-gen infrastructure without sacrificing reliability for “grandma’s AC.” He also highl...
What happens when two Tennesseans take a proven healthcare model and apply it to dentistry? In this episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Tamara Stillwell, office manager and registered dental assistant at Athens Dental Center, to share the story of how she and her husband created the nation’s first full-service dental co-op. Frustrated by the limits of insurance—denials, delays, and skyrocketing costs—the Stillwells drew inspiration from direct primary care and built a ...
In this special American Potential Now episode, host David From sits down with Congressman Tom Cole, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, to unpack the recent government shutdown that began at midnight on September 30th. They dive into the causes, failed negotiations in the Senate, and what was really in the so-called “clean” continuing resolution. Chairman Cole also discusses the broader challenges of federal spending, runaway debt, and the urgent need for entitlement reform. Whether...
On this episode of American Potential, host David From welcomes back Jordan Fischetti, Immigration Policy Fellow at Americans for Prosperity, for a deep dive into the border security provisions of the Working Family Tax Cut Act—or what some are calling the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Jordan explains the bill's $46.55 billion investment in border infrastructure, including walls, roads, and cutting-edge technology. But it’s not just about building more wall—it’s about building smarter. They explore ...
When schools shut down in 2020, many parents realized just how little their kids were learning. That eye-opening experience led Melissa Jackson to co-found Freedom in Education , a movement dedicated to giving parents and teachers the tools they need to improve education from the ground up. As president of the organization, Melissa is working to restore knowledge-based learning, equip parents with resources and opt-out forms, and build bridges between families and teachers. In this episode of Am...
Government shutdowns have become a predictable crisis in Washington, but they don’t save money—they cost taxpayers billions while grinding essential services to a halt. From stalled small business loans and delayed passports to wasted federal dollars and lost productivity, shutdowns hurt everyday Americans and damage our country’s credibility on the world stage. In this episode of American Potential , host David From talks with Oklahoma Senator James Lankford about his Preventing Government Shut...
In this special episode of American Potential , host David From reconnects with former host and now Congressman Jeff Crank. Representing Colorado’s Fifth District, Crank reflects on his first months in Washington—what it feels like to walk the historic halls of Congress, the honor of casting votes on behalf of his constituents, and the responsibility of carrying forward America’s founding ideals. He also shares candid stories, including the privilege of letting a young Coloradan cast a vote on t...
This episode of American Potential is unlike any other. In the wake of the tragic murder of Charlie Kirk, we pause to reflect on the principles at the heart of America—freedom of speech, open debate, and the responsibility of each generation to safeguard liberty. Charlie’s life and work embodied the courage to speak boldly, to defend foundational rights, and to inspire young people to believe that their voices matter. His loss has shaken many, but it has also awakened countless Americans to the ...
In this episode of American Potential , host David From sits down with Heather Andrews, Regional Director for Americans for Prosperity, to talk about California—America’s most populous state and one of its most challenged. From the Gold Rush that made it the 31st state to today’s $3 trillion economy, California has always been a land of opportunity. But families and businesses are now facing crushing inflation, heavy taxes, and government mandates that drive people to leave the Golden State in r...
