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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:

50 Stars, 50 Stories: Kansas and New Mexico Trivia and Big Policy Fights Ahead Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of American Potential, host David From is joined by Elizabeth Patton, Americans for Prosperity–Kansas State Director, and JD Marmion, Americans for Prosperity–New Mexico Deputy State Director, for the next installment of 50 Stars, 50 Stories—spotlighting the states that joined the Union in January through a fast-paced trivia showdown.

After the fun, the conversation turns serious: Kansas efforts to lower energy costs, rein in state spending, and a major August constitutional amendment aimed at making the Kansas Supreme Court more transparent and accountable after an eye-opening reversal rate. JD shares what’s next in New Mexico after the Protect Prosperity tour, the fight against bad policies, and why restoring opportunity in the Land of Enchantment is a top priority for the year ahead.

Illinois Watchdogs at Work: How Citizens Expose Corruption and Hold Local Government Accountable Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Brian Costin, Deputy State Director for Americans for Prosperity–Illinois, to talk about the power of citizen watchdogs and why transparency matters more than ever. From small-town library referendums to massive waste in local government spending, Brian shares how everyday residents can use tools like Freedom of Information Act requests and open meetings laws to expose misconduct and protect taxpayers.

The conversation highlights real-world examples from Illinois, including the impact of the Edgar County Watchdogs, an organization that has helped force hundreds of resignations by uncovering ethics violations. Brian also explains how curiosity, persistence, and new tools like AI are lowering the barrier for citizens who want to hold government accountable — proving that even a small group of people can make a big difference when they shine light on how public money is spent.

John Spottiswood on How a Small Town Livestock Ban Sparked a Grassroots Repeal in New Hampshire Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of American Potential, host David From speaks with John Spottiswood about a local ballot measure in Pelham, New Hampshire that unexpectedly banned livestock on properties under three acres. Because the town’s definition of livestock included animals like rabbits, goats, bees, horses, and alpacas, the ordinance affected families, pets, therapy animals, and small livelihoods—prompting fear, confusion, and frustration across the community.

John walks through how a small group of residents organized to push back, gathered personal stories, kept the issue in the public eye for a full year, and ultimately overturned the ban by a decisive margin in the next election. The conversation highlights the power of grassroots action, local organizing, and persistence in defending property rights and personal freedom at the community level.

Mary Beth Cirucci on Energy Abundance, Permitting Reform, and America’s Road to Prosperity Jan 08, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of American Potential, host David From hits the road in Arizona with Mary Beth Cirucci, who has been traveling the country on Americans for Prosperity’s Road to Prosperity Tour. After visiting 11 states in 11 weeks, Mary Beth shares what she’s learned about America’s growing energy needs, the urgency created by AI and data growth, and why reliable energy sources like natural gas, coal, nuclear, and oil remain essential to keeping the lights on and costs down for families.

They discuss firsthand stories from coal mines, power plants, oil rigs, paper mills, and manufacturing facilities, highlighting how excessive permitting delays and costly regulations are blocking energy production and job creation.

From eight-to-twelve-year permitting timelines to $10 million mandates that deliver no environmental benefit, this conversation explains why permitting reform is critical to restoring common sense, strengthening the power grid, bringing manufacturing back to the U.S., and securing America’s energy future.

CEO of Keystate Energy Perry Babb on Fertilizer, Natural Gas, and America’s Food Security Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

Fertilizer is essential to feeding America, and it all begins with natural gas. On this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Perry Babb, CEO of Keystate Energy, to explain how modern fertilizer is made, why energy policy directly affects food prices, and how the U.S. became dependent on foreign fertilizer despite abundant domestic resources. Perry breaks down the science behind ammonia and nitrogen fertilizer, the role of natural gas as a critical input, and why current supply chains leave American farmers exposed to global instability.

Perry also shares his entrepreneurial journey—from international humanitarian work to building large-scale energy and fertilizer projects—and explains why domestic production is key to U.S. food security, energy independence, and national security. As demand grows from data centers, AI, and advanced manufacturing, this conversation highlights how smarter energy policy and reduced red tape can lower costs, strengthen rural economies, and keep America competitive.

2025 American Potential Year-End Review: Stories, Wins, and Lessons from the Road Dec 31, 2025

Show notes

In the final episode of 2025, host David From is joined by the American Potential podcast team to reflect on a year of major transitions, memorable guests, and powerful stories from across the country. They discuss stepping into a new chapter for the show, how the team finds and tells “one small step” stories, and the moments that stood out most—from deep dives into government waste to the real-world impact of the working families tax cuts.

The conversation also highlights travel episodes like the eye-opening Yuma, Arizona border trip and its connection to America’s food supply, favorite interviews from the year, and what the team is most excited about heading into 2026 as the nation approaches America’s 250th anniversary.

Permitting Reform and American Energy for the AI Revolution with Kent Strang Dec 31, 2025

Show notes

As America heads into an AI-driven future, energy demand, innovation, and economic competitiveness are all colliding. In this episode of American Potential, host David From talks with Kent Strang, Managing Director at Americans for Prosperity, about the major policy wins of 2025 and what’s coming next.

They break down the passage of the working families tax cuts, why grassroots advocacy made the difference, and how cutting red tape through permitting reform is essential to lowering energy costs and powering data centers needed for AI. The conversation also covers border security improvements, state-level regulatory reforms, education freedom victories, and why unleashing American energy is a national security and economic priority as the country approaches its 250th anniversary.

John Vick on Restoring Congress’s Role in War Powers and Preventing Endless Wars Dec 25, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of American Potential, host David From is joined by John Vick, Executive Director of Concerned Veterans for America, for a year-end conversation focused on restoring Congress’s constitutional role in decisions of war and peace.

John explains why repealing outdated Authorizations for Use of Military Force—passed in the wake of 9/11 with no sunset clauses—is essential to reestablishing accountability and preventing endless, open-ended conflicts. With most of the lawmakers who approved those authorizations no longer in office, the episode highlights growing bipartisan agreement that Congress must reclaim its responsibility when Americans are sent into harm’s way.

The discussion also covers CVA’s major work this year, including advancing the Veterans Access Act to improve timely health care for veterans, and how grassroots advocacy helped drive real policy change. John shares what’s ahead for CVA in 2026 as the organization continues empowering veterans and citizens nationwide to engage in the democratic process.

LIBRE Executive Director Sandra Benitez on Empowering Hispanic Communities and 250 Years of Freedom Dec 24, 2025

Show notes

As 2026 approaches, host David From continues a year-end series with leaders across the Stand Together community—looking back at key wins from the past year and what’s ahead.

In this episode, Sandra Benitez, Executive Director of The LIBRE Initiative, explains how LIBRE empowers Hispanic Americans through limited-government principles, grassroots leadership, and policy advocacy in 13 states and in Washington, D.C. Sandra shares how LIBRE helped mobilize Hispanic communities around major federal tax policy—through education, local events, and direct engagement with lawmakers—and why the economy remains the top issue for Hispanic voters.

Looking ahead to 2026, Sandra outlines LIBRE’s plans to help celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, expand civics education, and reconnect more Hispanics to the nation’s founding principles. Plus, LIBRE prepares to mark its own milestone—15 years of grassroots impact in Hispanic communities nationwide.

50 Stars, 50 Stories: The States That Joined the Union in December Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

As America approaches its 250th birthday, American Potential continues its 50 Stars, 50 Stories series—exploring the history, culture, and defining moments of the states as they joined the Union.

In this episode, host David is joined by Adam Thompson and Tyler Raygor to spotlight the states that became part of the United States in December, including Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Indiana, Mississippi, Illinois, Alabama, Texas, and Iowa.

Through stories, historical moments, and memorable facts, the conversation highlights what makes each of these states unique—from early capitals and constitutional firsts to cultural landmarks, iconic events, and the role these states continue to play in American life today.

This episode is part of a month-by-month journey through America’s states, reminding us that the story of the United States is best told one star at a time.

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