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American Potential — Government
American Potential

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.

Copyright: © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved. A Project of Americans for Prosperity

Latest Episodes:

The Dog That Changed Everything: How Bolt Helped a Veteran Reclaim His Life Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

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 share how Bolt has helped him regain confidence, navigate large crowds, and manage hypervigilance that once made daily life feel impossible.

Chris explains how service dogs like Bolt are transforming the lives of veterans—helping them reconnect with society, reduce isolation, and find a renewed sense of independence. He also addresses common misconceptions about service animals and the challenges veterans face in accessing them through the current healthcare system.

This isn’t just a story about a veteran and a dog—it’s about resilience, healing, and the potential every American has when they’re supported with the right tools.

Paperwork, Politics, and $30K Lost: One Business Owner’s Fight for Freedom Apr 18, 2025

Show notes

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 response that led to a year-and-a-half court battle, $30,000 in legal fees, and untold hours diverted from actually serving customers. He explains how this level of federal overreach isn’t just bureaucratic—it’s personal, and it’s threatening the future of Main Street businesses across America.

But it’s not all bad news. Chase also reflects on the positive impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which helped his family-owned pawn shop expand to five locations, give raises to employees, and serve more customers during a period of historic economic growth. Now, with TCJA set to expire, he warns what’s at stake for business owners and working families if Congress doesn’t act.

From navigating audits and red tape to surviving targeted regulation and building a legacy with his family, Chase’s story is a powerful reminder of why economic freedom matters—and how it’s under threat.

If you care about protecting small businesses, keeping the American Dream alive, and making government work for the people—not against them—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

From Communist Cuba to the American Dream: Heydi Martínez’s Journey to Freedom Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

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, relying on rationed food, using newspaper as toilet paper, and being taught to fear and hate America. But her perspective shifted dramatically when she arrived in Florida at age 16. With no English, no money, and no connections, she fought through every obstacle, eventually graduating with honors and finding her voice as a passionate advocate for liberty.

She also reflects on the emotional journey of reuniting with her mother after a decade apart, bringing her family to safety, and the warning she wants every American to hear: Communism doesn’t arrive overnight—it seeps in slowly.

This episode is a heartfelt, firsthand reminder of why freedom must be protected, why the American Dream is still real, and why the voices of those who lived under tyranny must never be ignored.

If you’ve ever needed a reason to believe in the power of liberty, this is it.

The Power of Tax Relief: A Story of Freedom, Growth, and the American Dream Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

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 trusts people to build, create, and thrive. Drawing on decades of economic history, Chris explains how lowering taxes has consistently empowered individuals, sparked growth, and lifted millions. He also reveals how the language we use—words like “tax relief”—can inspire action and shape the national conversation.

As Tax Day approaches and Congress debates whether to let tax hikes kick in, this conversation is a rallying cry for action. Because when we cut through the noise and stand up for real reform, we’re not just defending numbers on a page—we’re defending opportunity, dignity, and the very promise of the American Dream.

Buried in Red Tape: Gail Nicholls’ Fight for Small Business Freedom Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

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 support of the Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act, a bill that would require some state regulations to be approved by the legislature before going into effect. Her story is a powerful reminder of the real-world consequences of overregulation—and how one voice can make a difference.

🔹 How 81,000 state regulations impact business owners
🔹 Why she testified before a South Carolina House Subcommittee
🔹 What she’d do with the time regulations steal from her
🔹 The importance of speaking up to create change

If you’ve ever wondered what small business owners are really up against—or how to help lighten their load—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Tennessee’s School Choice Breakthrough: A Lifeline for Families Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

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 Individualized Education Account (IEA) and Katie Beckett, Drew was able to move his son into a school where he now thrives. Now, thanks to Tennessee’s new Education Freedom Accounts, his daughter will be able to attend that same school too.

Tori shares the behind-the-scenes journey—nearly a decade in the making—that led to this transformational law. From expanding access for special needs students to breaking barriers for low-income families, this win wasn’t easy. But it’s now real: 20,000 scholarships available across the state, including priority for families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty line.

This isn’t just policy—it’s personal. Drew and Tori talk about what this law means for real people, real families, and a generation of students who now have a shot at a brighter future.

Whether you’re a parent, policymaker, or education advocate, this episode is a must-listen. It’s a reminder that when families are empowered, students succeed—and when citizens fight for freedom, change happens.

Billions Spent, Just 214 Chargers: The Failure of Federally Funded EV Infrastructure Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

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 of Transportation programs that were supposed to make EV charging more accessible nationwide. Instead, Mosteller reveals how the money has been doled out in lump sums to states, who then hand it over to private companies—regardless of whether there’s actual demand for chargers. In one case, chargers are popping up in areas where no one even drives electric vehicles, including rural towns in North Carolina. Meanwhile, billions continue to be allocated without meaningful results or oversight.

The episode also dives into other examples of government overreach and inefficiency—from a $2 million grant to train students how to fly drones, to fuel economy regulations that will raise car costs for working Americans. And in perhaps the most jaw-dropping revelation, the Department of Transportation still processes federal retirements on paper—stored in filing cabinets inside a limestone mine in Pennsylvania.

This is part of the “Big Ideas for Smaller Government” series, where David and Jeremiah are working toward a bold goal: identifying $2 trillion in federal spending cuts. If you believe innovation comes from the ground up—not from Washington D.C.—and that government should be accountable for how it spends your money, this episode will give you plenty to think about.

From Groceries to Giving: The Heart Behind Team Buche Cares Apr 04, 2025

Show notes

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 Buche Cares, a nonprofit that provides food, heating assistance, cancer support, and “underdog” scholarships to help people rise above difficult circumstances. RF shares powerful stories from his community—including how feeding children helped lower suicide rates—and he explains how the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act helped him grow his business and give back in bigger ways. He also warns what could happen if Congress lets those tax cuts expire.

If you believe in the power of small businesses to change lives—and the importance of public policy that supports them—this is a must-listen.

👉 Learn more or donate: TeamBucheCares.org

Minnesota Meltdown: Legislative Walkouts, Court Battles & a $6B Deficit Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

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 their full salaries—this episode unpacks how political brinksmanship has cost taxpayers time, money, and trust.

RaeAnna gives a behind-the-scenes look at how AFP is holding legislators accountable, what Minnesotans are saying about the dysfunction, and how a $6 billion deficit looms just months after a record $18 billion surplus was spent.

If you care about transparency, responsible spending, and elected officials actually doing their jobs—this is a must-listen.

America’s Public Land Crisis: Too Much Federal Control, Too Little Freedom Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

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: federal land control.

They explore how Washington’s top-down management of public lands has led to economic decline, lost jobs, and broken communities throughout the West. What was once land of opportunity is now tied up in red tape, blocked access, and one-size-fits-all mandates from bureaucrats who’ve never set foot in these towns.

Maloy breaks down how we got here—from early land grants and homesteading to the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976—and why the West was promised local control but got federal overreach instead.

If you believe in local decision-making, respect for property rights, and free people shaping their own future, this episode is a powerful look at what’s gone wrong—and how we can start to fix it.

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