American Potential

In this moving episode of American Potential, host David From welcomes Rose Gordon, a Lakota language teacher at Onward Learning in South Dakota. Rose reflects on her childhood growing up under the shadow of government-run boarding schools, where speaking her native language was forbidden and punishable. Despite these efforts to erase her culture, she held on to the words, values, and stories passed down by her family and community. Today, she teaches Lakota to young students, ensuring they not only learn the language but also understand the deep history and resilience of their people. Rose shares the significance of the Seven Council Fires, the boarding school era’s lasting impact, and the importance of reclaiming cultural pride. She explains why language and culture cannot be separated—without one, the other fades. Through songs, stories, and classroom lessons, she is equipping the next generation to carry forward the identity of the Lakota people. Her work is a reminder that preserving language is preserving freedom—the freedom to define who you are and to pass on a legacy that can never be silenced.

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Tennessee Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton to discuss how his state is leading the way on education freedom and fiscal responsibility. Sexton shares why parents, not bureaucrats, should decide how their children are educated and explains how Tennessee’s bold school choice program is empowering families with more options. He also highlights how competition is driving public schools to improve while ensuring every student has the chance to succeed, no matter their zip code. The conversation doesn’t stop with education. Speaker Sexton also pulls back the curtain on how Tennessee is saving taxpayers money by cutting waste, paying down debt, and pushing back against the strings that come attached to federal funding. From rejecting costly mandates to insisting on greater oversight of grant dollars, Sexton outlines a common-sense approach to governing that keeps taxes low and opportunities high. His story shows what principled leadership can accomplish when freedom and accountability come first.

In this episode of American Potential, host David From is joined by Jeremiah Mosteller, Policy Director at Americans for Prosperity, to examine how the Department of Justice spends its massive $67 billion budget. From maintaining dozens of little-used SWAT teams across obscure federal agencies to handing out 11,000 grants worth nearly $5 billion a year—many with little accountability—Jeremiah explains how DOJ has grown far beyond its original mission of enforcing federal law. He also reveals how overlapping programs and unclear reporting allow waste and duplication to thrive. The conversation then shifts to one of DOJ’s most controversial practices: civil asset forfeiture. Jeremiah outlines how this process allows the government to seize cash, cars, and property from people never even charged with a crime, fueling a slush fund that DOJ frequently raids for discretionary spending. By redirecting this money back to taxpayers and consolidating duplicative programs, Jeremiah and David show how reforms could cut billions without harming public safety. This milestone episode celebrates their Big Ideas for Smaller Government series officially identifying more than $2 trillion in potential federal savings.

Host David From continues the story of Marlena Pavlos-Hackney, a Michigan restaurant owner who refused to close during the pandemic after the state’s first round of executive orders was ruled unconstitutional. Joined by her attorney, Helen Brinkman, Marlena recounts being singled out by state leadership, arrested, fined, and jailed—despite unequal enforcement and conflicting rulings—after she chose to keep serving her community. Brinkman walks through the legal maze: administrative suspensions, contempt findings, and split decisions that could set a statewide precedent on executive power, due process, and equal protection. Together they explain why Marlena’s case now aims for the United States Supreme Court—and why the outcome matters for every Michigander who expects leaders to follow the same rules they impose on the people.

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Marlena Pavlos-Hackney, who grew up under the weight of communist rule in Poland before finding freedom and opportunity in America. She shares vivid memories of empty store shelves, ration cards, and the solidarity movement that helped bring down the Iron Curtain—experiences that instilled in her a deep appreciation for liberty. Marlena eventually built her American dream, opening a restaurant in Michigan and serving her community for decades. But in 2020, government lockdown orders threatened to take it all away. Rather than close her doors, she chose to resist mandates she believed echoed the heavy hand of the regime she left behind. In part one of her powerful story, Marlena reflects on her journey from surviving communism to defying destructive COVID restrictions in defense of freedom.

What does it look like when an ordinary American, with no political pedigree, takes one small step to get involved and ends up reshaping his community? In this episode of American Potential, host David From welcomes Jimmie Smith, Brand Development Director at Concerned Veterans for America, to share his remarkable story. Jimmie’s path began in the woods of Florida, where as a boy he dreamed of serving his country. He left high school early, joined the Army at 17, and spent 20 years in uniform. But when he returned home, his passion for America didn’t end with his military career. Frustrated by a local politician’s call for higher taxes during the recession, Jimmie decided to run for office—not with a war chest or political machine, but with conviction and support from friends and neighbors. In this conversation, Jimmie reflects on what it meant to campaign as a self-described “common man,” challenge entrenched voices, and bring a veteran’s perspective to the Florida House. He shares candid stories from the floor of the legislature—including a passionate speech that nearly ended his career but instead earned him respect—and explains why he fought to replace government handouts with real opportunities for veterans. Today, Jimmie continues his mission through advocacy, helping veterans use their voices to defend freedom and expand opportunity for all Americans. His journey proves that service doesn’t end with a uniform, and that one small step—taken by anyone—can change the course of a community, a state, or even a nation.

As America approaches its 250th birthday, American Potential is launching a new series, 50 Stars, 50 Stories, highlighting the unique history and culture of each state in the Union. In this first installment, host David From is joined by Jesse Mallory, Regional Director in Colorado, and Camelia Peterson, Legislative Liaison in Missouri, for a lively round of state trivia about Colorado, Missouri, and Hawaii—the three states that joined the Union in August. From the Missouri Compromise and the origins of the “Show Me State,” to Colorado’s dramatic road to statehood, to Hawaii’s path from kingdom to the 50th star on the flag, this episode blends fun facts with deeper reflections on state identity and freedom. Listeners will also hear about the important policy work AFP teams are leading in Missouri and Colorado to expand opportunity and protect taxpayers. This engaging mix of history, trivia, and grassroots stories sets the stage for a yearlong journey through America’s states, reminding us of the diverse traditions and shared values that make up the fabric of the nation.

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Paige Yontz, Advocacy Manager in Iowa, to explore an innovative housing reform that’s reshaping how families care for aging parents, empower young professionals, and protect property rights. Paige was instrumental in leading a diverse coalition—from aging advocates to housing manufacturers and policy champions—that secured the passage of a groundbreaking Iowa law legalizing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) statewide. They discuss how ADUs provide practical, cost-effective options for families who want loved ones close while maintaining independence, and how a coalition with seemingly unlikely allies—advocates for aging, property rights, and housing innovation—came together to get it done. From city zoning challenges to bipartisan strategy and coalition storytelling, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how smart, personal, and local policy changes can open doors to more freedom and opportunity. If you’ve ever struggled with housing costs, aging parents, or restrictive local ordinances, this episode will give you hope—and a blueprint.

In this inspiring episode of American Potential, host David From speaks with Dr. Chaminie Wheeler, a pediatrician who walked away from the traditional hospital system to launch a direct primary care (DPC) practice—putting patients, not paperwork, at the center of healthcare. Raised in a small village in Sri Lanka, Dr. Wheeler’s passion for helping others began at a young age and followed her to Pennsylvania, where she built CCC Health from the ground up with help from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. She shares how the broken insurance-based model shackled her ability to treat patients with compassion and clarity. From unnecessary CT scans to delayed diagnoses, Dr. Wheeler reveals how bureaucracy often prevents real healing—and why DPC offers a better way forward. This episode dives deep into the challenges independent doctors face, the critical role of expanded Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and how innovation thrives when government steps back. Dr. Wheeler’s story is a reminder that when we trust doctors and empower patients, we unlock the real potential of American healthcare.

Most people try to avoid the long lines and frustrations that come with vehicle registration and emissions testing. But Rafael Arroyo saw an opportunity to turn that frustration into a service—and a business. In Las Vegas, he combined emissions testing with vehicle registration services, saving people time and hassle. But the state’s motor vehicle agency didn’t like the competition. They shut him down and made it nearly impossible to continue. On this episode of American Potential, host David From talks with Rafael about how he fought back. With his business on the line, Rafael didn’t quit—he built relationships with local legislators, rallied other entrepreneurs, and worked through the political process to pass legislation that protected not only his business but an entire industry. His story is a powerful example of how one person can push back against government overreach—and win. If you’ve ever felt powerless against red tape or regulations, this conversation will inspire you to take action. Rafael reminds us that freedom and opportunity aren’t just ideals—they’re something we must defend, one step at a time.

In this Big Ideas for Smaller Government episode of American Potential, host David From is joined by Jeremiah Mosteller, Policy Director at Americans for Prosperity, to expose the wasteful spending and inefficiencies at the General Services Administration (GSA)—the federal agency responsible for managing office buildings, procurement, and travel across the U.S. government. They revisit the infamous $800,000 Las Vegas conference scandal, complete with a $30,000 pool party and a 2,400 sq. ft. hotel suite—paid for by taxpayers. They also uncover the GSA's multi-billion-dollar mismanagement of a long-delayed Department of Homeland Security headquarters and reveal that the federal government is using just 25% of the office space it occupies. David and Jeremiah lay out a plan to save $1.88 billion over the next decade by selling underused federal buildings—many of which are sitting empty—and call on Congress to step up and demand accountability. This episode is a revealing look at how cutting GSA waste is one more step toward saving taxpayers trillions.

In this special episode of American Potential, guest host Daniel Garza sits down with Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz during LIBRE’s Fly-In event to discuss the shifting political landscape among Hispanic Americans, especially in South Texas. As the first Hispanic female Republican to serve a full term from her district, Congresswoman De La Cruz shares her inspiring personal journey from humble beginnings to public service. She addresses critical topics such as the rejection of socialism within Latino communities, the importance of faith, family, and freedom, and the economic progress driven by pro-growth policies like the 2017 tax cuts and the One Big Beautiful Bill. The conversation also highlights her legislative efforts on immigration reform, border security, and agricultural support, including her work on the Braseto 2.0 program to protect immigrant workers and farmers’ livelihoods. They explore how grassroots activism is energizing Latino voters and reshaping traditionally Democratic strongholds. This episode offers an insightful look into the principles and policies that Congresswoman De La Cruz champions to secure the American Dream for hardworking Latino families and communities nationwide. Tune in for a compelling dialogue about opportunity, civic engagement, and the future of Hispanic political participation.

In this compelling episode of *American Potential*, host David From sits down with Kayla Frank and Echo Kopplin, two dedicated physician associates from South Dakota who led the charge to pass a groundbreaking bill removing the requirement for physician oversight in PA practice. They share the years of perseverance, grassroots advocacy, and strategic relationship-building that finally broke down regulatory red tape, enabling PAs to practice with greater autonomy and flexibility. The conversation dives deep into the challenges they faced within a complex political environment and how they maintained a positive, patient-focused message to overcome opposition. Kayla and Echo also explore the broader impact of this legislation on healthcare access, especially in rural and underserved areas of South Dakota, where physician shortages make autonomous PA practice vital. They discuss how the change levels the playing field with nurse practitioners, reduces administrative burdens, and allows healthcare teams to better tailor their models to local community needs. This episode offers a powerful example of American grassroots advocacy in action and highlights how removing unnecessary barriers can expand healthcare access and improve outcomes for all.

In this special edition of American Potential, guest host Daniel Garza sits down with U.S. Senator Rick Scott for an inspiring and candid conversation recorded during LIBRE’s fly-in. Senator Scott shares his personal journey from growing up in public housing to building the largest hospital company in the nation, serving as Florida’s two-term governor, and now representing the state in the U.S. Senate. They discuss the economic turnaround Scott led in Florida—reversing job losses, slashing fees, and creating a pro-business environment where entrepreneurs can thrive. He talks about why small businesses are the backbone of the economy, how balancing budgets unleashes opportunity, and why unchecked federal spending threatens America’s future. Scott also reflects on the values that shaped him—faith, hard work, and personal responsibility—and why he believes those same principles drive the aspirations of Latino families across the country. This episode is a call to action for every American to protect opportunity, stay engaged, and help keep the American Dream alive.

Most people don’t get excited about federal spending cuts—but maybe they should. In this episode of American Potential, host David From talks with Kurt Couchman, Senior Policy Fellow at Americans for Prosperity, about the little-known budget tool called “rescissions” and why it matters for every taxpayer. Kurt explains how the rescission process works, why it was used heavily by presidents like Ronald Reagan, and how recent packages—like the $9.4 billion in cuts to outdated and duplicative programs—are a small but important step toward fiscal responsibility. He also breaks down the constitutional power struggle over federal spending, the push to restore Congress’s role in budgeting, and why unchecked debt could lead to economic and national security crises. This is a deep dive into one of Washington’s most overlooked budget battles—and why bringing spending under control isn’t just good politics, it’s essential for America’s future.

State Representative Jamie Thompson never set out to become a lawmaker. As a nurse and a mother in Michigan, she watched with growing concern as COVID mandates stripped away personal and medical freedoms. But it wasn’t until tragedy struck—when her daughter died in a motorcycle accident, leaving behind three young children—that Jamie felt called to take a stand. In this moving episode of American Potential, host David From talks with Rep. Thompson about her unexpected path into politics. She opens up about the professional pressure she faced during the pandemic, the toll on her family and business, and the heartbreaking loss that transformed her life. Raising her grandchildren alongside her husband, Jamie knew she had to fight for the kind of future they deserve—one rooted in liberty, accountability, and truth. This is more than a political story—it's a testament to courage, conviction, and the power of everyday Americans to step up when it matters most.

Join host David From as he sits down with Congressman Pat Harrigan and flight school owner Jim Rhoades-Baldwin to explore the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) from two vital viewpoints. Congressman Harrigan offers an insider’s perspective on the legislative process behind making the TCJA permanent, sharing how this landmark bill aims to fuel economic growth, strengthen national defense, and provide broad tax relief for American families and businesses. Meanwhile, Jim brings the business owner’s experience to life, detailing how TCJA’s provisions—like accelerated depreciation and the 199A small business deduction—have fueled his flight training school’s expansion, job creation, and long-term planning. Together, they discuss the real-world impact of tax reform on everyday Americans, from workers benefiting from untaxed tips and overtime wages to entrepreneurs empowered to invest in their communities. This episode provides a comprehensive and engaging look at how policy translates into opportunity, growth, and financial security across the nation. Tune in for an enlightening conversation about the future of American potential under the TCJA.

In this deeply moving episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with author, speaker, and former NFL player Ron Freeman for an unforgettable conversation about faith, reconciliation, and how one powerful act of kindness changed his life—and his views on race—forever. Ron grew up in a small town in southern Missouri still reeling from segregation, where the scars of the past were etched into daily life. Raised in an environment of distrust, anger, and generational division, Ron’s worldview began to shift when a white teammate and his family did something simple but radical: they invited him into their home. That act of inclusion—of shared humanity—set Ron on a new path that would carry him to a professional football career and ultimately into a mission far greater than sports. Today, Ron travels the country speaking to students, churches, and communities, sharing the message behind his new book, Rethinking Race: It’s Better Than We’ve Been Led to Believe. In this episode, he unpacks why he believes America’s story is not one of oppression and hopelessness, but one of redemption, growth, and unity. He challenges the narrative that division is permanent—and offers a vision of what healing and understanding really look like. Ron’s story is one of transformation: not only of his own heart, but of his outlook on what’s possible when people meet hate with grace and history with hope. If you’re looking for a reason to believe in the goodness of this country again—or if you’re searching for a way forward through our national conversations on race—this episode will move you, challenge you, and inspire you. This is what American Potential is all about. Don’t miss it.

In this episode of the *Big Ideas for Smaller Government* series, host David Fran sits down with Jeremiah Mosteller, policy director for Americans for Prosperity, to explore the vast and complex Department of Defense (DoD). With a staggering $2 trillion budget and nearly three million military and civilian personnel, the DoD is one of the largest federal agencies. Together, they discuss the department’s history, structure, and some surprising examples of wasteful spending, including $5 million spent on ineffective camouflage and $1,300 coffee cups used on Air Force cargo planes. Jeremiah highlights how better coordination and cutting excessive contracting could lead to significant taxpayer savings—up to $260 billion over ten years—without compromising national security. This in-depth conversation sheds light on the challenges and opportunities within the DoD, illustrating why reforming defense spending is crucial for reducing the federal deficit and making government more efficient. Listeners gain valuable insights into how strategic changes, such as reducing contractor reliance and improving procurement, could help save billions while ensuring our military remains well-equipped. Tune in to understand how thoughtful cuts in defense can contribute to a smaller, smarter government.

In this eye-opening episode of the American Potential podcast, host David sits down with Chief Chris Clem, a seasoned law enforcement veteran with over 27 years in the U.S. Border Patrol and recent experience at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Chief Clem shares his unique perspective on the complexities of border security beyond just patrol agents—highlighting the multi-agency efforts involved in managing immigration and national security. Listeners will gain an in-depth understanding of Chief Clem’s groundbreaking work at HHS, specifically within the Office of Refugee Resettlement, where he tackled the critical issue of unaccompanied alien children. He reveals troubling challenges such as rampant fraud in sponsorship applications, the halting of DNA family relationship testing, and the alarming number of missing children resulting from lax vetting procedures under the previous administration. Chief Clem discusses how he implemented stricter policies, including fingerprinting, criminal background checks, and re-establishing accountability to protect vulnerable kids from trafficking and exploitation. The conversation also explores the contrasting border policies under different administrations, the morale and operational impacts on Border Patrol agents, and the importance of enforcing existing laws to maintain national security and lawful immigration. Chief Clem’s firsthand stories and dedication illuminate the often unseen battles fought to secure the border and safeguard children caught in the system. Tune in for an insightful discussion on border enforcement, child protection, and the ongoing fight to restore order and safety at America’s borders. This episode offers listeners a rare, comprehensive look behind the scenes from a leader who has served on the front lines and inside the government machinery shaping policy and enforcement today.