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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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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In this episode of American Potential, host David From is joined by Jeremiah Mosteller, Policy Director at Americans for Prosperity, for another deep dive in our “Big Ideas for Smaller Government” series. This time, they unpack the U.S. Department of Education—its massive $241.7 billion annual budget, over 4,000 employees, and a growing list of responsibilities that stretch from preschool to post-graduate programs.
But here’s the twist: Many of the programs you might assume fall under the Department of Education actually don’t. For example, the federal Head Start preschool program is run by the Department of Health and Human Services. And even more surprising? The Department of Education has its own disaster recovery unit—despite FEMA already handling emergency response at a national level.
David and Jeremiah explore how this kind of duplication across federal agencies leads to confusion, inefficiency, and wasted taxpayer dollars. From overlapping financial literacy programs to higher education policies that funnel students into costly four-year degrees, the episode makes the case for smarter, streamlined approaches that empower students and families—not bureaucracies.
They also highlight a common-sense reform that could save the federal government $9.4 billion without cutting services: giving students more flexibility in how they use federal aid for education paths that make the most sense for them.
If you’ve ever wondered why sending your kid to college feels so expensive—or why the federal government seems to do the same job twice—this episode is for you.
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At just 11 years old, Scott Strode had his first drink—and it marked the beginning of a battle with addiction that would last into adulthood. But through climbing, community, and rediscovering his self-worth, Scott found a new path forward—one that would eventually help hundreds of thousands do the same.
In this powerful episode, host David From sits down with Scott Strode, founder of The Phoenix and author of Rise, Recover, Thrive, to talk about his journey from addiction to purpose. Scott shares the pain of a difficult childhood, the moment he hit rock bottom, and how an ice climbing class changed the course of his life. That transformation sparked a movement—The Phoenix—which now provides a sober, active community for nearly a million people across the country.
Learn how physical challenge, peer support, and personal dignity are fueling recovery in communities nationwide—and how you can be part of the solution.
📚 Get the book: Rise, Recover, Thrive📲 Explore The Phoenix or become a volunteer: https://thephoenix.org
#AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #Phoenix #RiseRecoverThrive #AmericanPotential #Leadership #SecondChances #FitnessAndRecovery #Sobriety
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More than a decade after Governor Scott Walker passed Act 10—historic legislation that reined in the power of public sector unions and saved taxpayers over $30 billion—the law is under threat once again.
In this episode, radio host and Fox News contributor Guy Benson sits down with Governor Walker to revisit the battle that captured national attention, the reforms that transformed Wisconsin, and how a quiet April 1st Supreme Court election could roll it all back.
With new lawsuits filed and a court majority now leaning left, the consequences of repealing Act 10 would be far-reaching: higher taxes, less classroom funding, and a return to bloated union contracts. Together, they explore what’s really at stake and why voters across the country should be paying attention.
This conversation isn’t just about Wisconsin—it’s about preserving constitutional balance and preventing courts from overriding the will of the people.
🎧 Listen and subscribe at AmericanPotential.com
#Act10 #ScottWalker #GuyBenson #WisconsinPolitics #JudicialActivism #SchoolChoice #PublicUnions #AmericanPotential
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What happens when a dedicated educator realizes the system isn’t serving her students—or her own children? She builds something better.
In this deeply moving episode of American Potential, host David From speaks with Mary Jo Fairhead, a former public-school teacher and principal in South Dakota, who left the traditional education system to create Onward Learning—a micro school serving one of the poorest counties in the U.S.
From facing heartbreaking moments as a principal on a reservation, to embracing a love-based, relationship-centered approach to learning, Mary Jo shares her journey of starting a school that meets kids where they are—emotionally, academically, and personally.
She also explains:✅ How trauma and poverty shaped her mission✅ The role VELA Education Fund played in helping her launch✅ The personalized, multi-age approach that’s helping students thrive✅ Advice for others looking to start micro schools or alternative learning models
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply passionate about improving education, this episode will leave you inspired and hopeful for the future of learning in America.
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For years, unelected bureaucrats have stretched vague laws to impose regulations that Congress never explicitly approved. But with a new executive order, President Trump is taking steps to rein in the administrative state and ensure that federal agencies stay within their constitutional limits.
In this episode of American Potential, host David From speaks with Ryan Mulvey, Policy Counsel for Americans for Prosperity Foundation, to break down what this executive order means, how it builds on key Supreme Court doctrines, and what impact it could have on federal regulations, agency overreach, and the economy. They discuss:
✅ The Major Questions Doctrine and why it limits bureaucratic power✅ How the Chevron Doctrine’s demise shifts power back to judges and Congress✅ The role of Congress in making these changes permanent✅ What this could mean for business owners, taxpayers, and individual freedoms
Could this executive order mark a turning point in restoring constitutional balance and limiting government overreach? Tune in for an in-depth conversation on the fight to restore accountability in Washington.
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Starting a business is never easy, but for veterans like George Rice, it’s about more than just making a profit—it’s about building community and creating opportunities. In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with George, co-owner of 5x5 Brewing Co. in Mission, Texas, to discuss his journey from serving in the U.S. Army to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the craft beer industry.
George shares how the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act allowed him to expand production, hire more veterans, and give back to his local community—proving that pro-growth policies don’t just help big corporations, but also fuel small businesses and job creation. He also dives into the challenges of government regulations, the impact of high taxes on business decisions, and the importance of keeping economic policies that empower entrepreneurs.
Tune in for an inspiring story of resilience, service, and success, and learn why policies that support small businesses matter for every American.
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Excessive regulations can strangle small businesses, delay job creation, and burden entrepreneurs with unnecessary red tape. But in Georgia, leaders are taking action to fix it. In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones to discuss the Red Tape Rollback Act, a bold initiative aimed at reducing government overreach and making the state more business-friendly.
Jones explains how the legislation will require every state agency to regularly review and justify their regulations, ensuring only necessary and effective rules remain in place. He also highlights how regulatory burdens often create backlogs, slow licensing processes, and make it harder for individuals and businesses to thrive.
As a lifelong businessman, Jones brings firsthand experience in dealing with government inefficiencies and is leading the charge to make Georgia a national model for streamlined governance.
Tune in to hear how cutting through red tape will promote economic growth, create more opportunities, and put power back in the hands of the people.
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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created to safeguard air and water quality, but has it gone too far in expanding its reach? In this episode of American Potential, host David From is joined by Jeremiah Mosteller, Policy Director for Americans for Prosperity, to expose how the EPA is using taxpayer dollars for programs that go far beyond its core mission. From $600 million in grants just to help groups apply for more funding, to $3 billion allocated for union jobs under the guise of environmental initiatives, the agency’s spending raises serious concerns about efficiency and oversight.
We also dive into the controversial Green Bank program, the burdensome bureaucracy causing some grant recipients to reject EPA funding altogether, and the duplication of spending across multiple agencies. With the goal of cutting $2 trillion in government waste, this episode highlights real solutions to rein in excessive spending. Plus, find out how you can submit your own ideas to help identify wasteful government programs. Tune in to uncover the truth about how your tax dollars are being spent!
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Twice a year, Americans adjust their clocks—except in Arizona and Hawaii. But is daylight saving time (DST) still necessary, or is it an outdated practice that needs to go? In this lively debate, American Potential host David From sits down with Stephen Shadegg, AFP’s Arizona State Director, and Tim Parrish, AFP’s Virginia State Director, to discuss whether DST should be permanent, abolished, or left up to the states. Stephen, who has never had to change his clocks in Arizona, argues for the stability and efficiency of sticking to standard time, while Tim makes the case that DST leads to lower crime, increased productivity, and economic benefits.
As Congress considers the Protect Sunshine Act to end the biannual clock changes, this episode dives into the historical reasons for DST, its impact on businesses and public safety, and whether it truly benefits the country. Should states decide for themselves, or does America need a unified time policy? Tune in to hear both sides and decide where you stand!
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Energy powers every aspect of American life, from keeping the lights on to fueling our economy. Yet, restrictive federal and state policies have driven up costs, limited production, and made energy less reliable for families and businesses. With a new administration in office, major policy shifts are underway to reverse these harmful regulations and restore energy independence. But will these changes be enough to stabilize the industry, lower prices, and ensure long-term energy security?
In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with energy policy expert Faith Burns to break down the federal actions reshaping America’s energy landscape. They discuss how the administration is rolling back costly regulations, the role of Congress in securing stable policies, and the state-level mandates that continue to inflate energy prices. With energy costs directly impacting everything from groceries to transportation, this conversation highlights why an all-of-the-above energy strategy is crucial for economic growth and affordability.
Tune in to learn how these changes could shape America’s energy future—and what still needs to be done.
- Visa fler
