American Potential’s mission is to inspire you and equip you with the information you need to raise your voice and be heard.
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In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Emily Seidel, CEO of Americans for Prosperity, live from Philadelphia as the America 250 celebrations begin. Together, they reflect on the founding principles that shaped the nation — self-governance, individual liberty, and the belief that our rights come from our Creator — and why those ideas are still essential 250 years later.
As pride in America declines and more people feel the American Dream is out of reach, Emily explains how the One Small Step campaign is working to restore hope and personal agency. From grassroots activism to empowering citizens to take meaningful action in their communities, this conversation explores how everyday Americans can recommit to the values that made the country exceptional — and help shape the next 250 years of freedom.
In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Iowa State Representative and artist Ray “Bubba” Sorensen to share the story behind the Freedom Rock and how one painting grew into a mission to honor veterans across America.
Inspired by Saving Private Ryan, Bubba painted his first patriotic mural on a graffiti-covered rock in Iowa in 1999. What started as a simple way to thank veterans became an annual tradition and eventually expanded to Freedom Rocks in all 99 Iowa counties. He is now working toward bringing one to every state in the country.
Bubba shares some of the powerful stories he has encountered along the way, including veterans and Gold Star families who found comfort in his artwork. He also explains how the Freedom Rock became a living memorial, with the ashes of more than 180 Vietnam veterans and other service members incorporated into the paintings.
The conversation also explores Bubba’s own One Small Step—from picking up a paintbrush to eventually running for the Iowa legislature—and how he uses both art and public service to preserve the stories of those who sacrificed for America.
In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with legendary wrestler and coach Dan Gable at AFP’s America 250 celebration in Iowa to talk about the mindset, discipline, and lessons behind a lifetime of extraordinary success.
Gable reflects on his journey from growing up in Iowa to becoming an Olympic gold medalist, including his remarkable 1972 Olympic run where he did not surrender a single point. He shares how one of the most painful losses of his college career ultimately made him a better wrestler and helped shape the coaching philosophy that would lead the University of Iowa to wrestling dominance.
The conversation explores the dangers of becoming comfortable with success, why winning requires constant discipline, and how setbacks can expose the areas where you need to improve. Gable also shares stories from competing against the Soviet Union during the Cold War, his decision to remain in Iowa despite lucrative opportunities elsewhere, and what receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom meant to him.
Through wrestling, coaching, marriage, family, and more than five decades of competition and leadership, Gable shares lessons about perseverance, accountability, and the importance of having people in your life who push you toward excellence.
In this episode of American Potential, host @davidfrom sits down with @CNN commentator and bestselling author @ScottJenningsKY at @AFPhq America 250 celebration in Iowa to talk about politics, media, freedom, and the principles that have shaped America for 250 years.
Scott takes listeners behind the scenes of his debates on CNN, explaining why listening is one of the most important skills in winning an argument and what he has learned debating some of the most prominent voices on the left.
He also discusses the rise of socialism, why he believes its growing appeal among younger Americans should be taken seriously, and how supporters of free markets can make a stronger case for opportunity and individual freedom.
Drawing from his book A Revolution of Common Sense, Scott connects today’s political debates to lessons from America’s founding, including the dangers of a government that becomes too large and too distant from the people it serves. He and David also discuss small businesses, the skilled trades, and why creating opportunity means trusting people to build, work, innovate, and pursue their own version of the American Dream.
And for anyone expecting a political debate around the Thanksgiving table, Scott shares a few tips from his experience debating politics on national television.
americanpotential retweeted
This was really fun, and special!
A great round up of chatting America's 250th with members of Congress.
Watch here:
In this episode of American Potential, host @davidfrom welcomes back @KR_Bledsoe and @LaStewartSays to share conversations with members of Congress about America’s 250th anniversary, the World Cup, American innovation, and the future of the country.
Katelyn and Lauren share highlights from their latest Media Row, where lawmakers reflected on what makes their home states unique, their favorite American innovations, and the principles they believe have helped America succeed over the past 250 years. They also discuss what it will take to carry those principles forward for another 250 years.
The conversation also turns to the Working Families Tax Cut, the cost of living, and what lawmakers are hearing from their constituents about taxes, healthcare, housing, permitting reform, and other challenges facing American families.
From celebrating America’s past to debating the policies shaping its future, Katelyn and Lauren give listeners a look inside their conversations with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
Join our community. Text "freedom" to (202) 918-5348
In this episode of American Potential, host @davidfrom sits down with Wyoming ranchers @Tyler_Lindholm and James Halverson to talk about rising beef prices, the challenges facing American ranchers, and how government regulations affect what consumers ultimately pay at the grocery store.
Tyler, a fifth-generation rancher, and James, a first-generation rancher, explain how beef gets from the pasture to your plate and why a highly concentrated processing industry and federal regulations make it difficult for ranchers to sell directly to consumers. They also discuss tariffs, beef imports, labeling, and why American ranchers can face more restrictions selling across state lines than foreign producers face selling beef in the United States.
They share reforms they believe could open the market to more competition, including allowing state-inspected beef to be sold across state lines and giving states more flexibility over local processing. The conversation also explores why America's cattle herd has fallen to historically low levels and what it could take to increase supply and bring beef prices down.
And beyond policy, Tyler and James share why, despite the long hours and hard work, they're proud to be ranchers and continue the Western way of life.
In this episode of American Potential, host @davidfrom welcomes back @KR_Bledsoe and @LaStewartSays to share conversations with members of Congress about America’s 250th anniversary, the World Cup, American innovation, and the future of the country.
Katelyn and Lauren share highlights from their latest Media Row, where lawmakers reflected on what makes their home states unique, their favorite American innovations, and the principles they believe have helped America succeed over the past 250 years. They also discuss what it will take to carry those principles forward for another 250 years.
The conversation also turns to the Working Families Tax Cut, the cost of living, and what lawmakers are hearing from their constituents about taxes, healthcare, housing, permitting reform, and other challenges facing American families.
From celebrating America’s past to debating the policies shaping its future, Katelyn and Lauren give listeners a look inside their conversations with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
Join our community. Text "freedom" to (202) 918-5348
In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Americans for Prosperity Senior Policy Director David Barnes to break down the rising cost of living and the policies that can help make life more affordable.
From groceries and gasoline to electricity and housing, David explains how government spending, outdated regulations, permitting delays, and restrictions on building and energy production can drive up costs for American families. He also discusses the Jones Act, why housing supply hasn't kept pace with demand, and reforms that could make it easier to build homes and energy infrastructure.
David also looks at recent tax reforms that prevented tax increases for millions of Americans and discusses AFP's Camp Prosperity tour, which is traveling across the country to hear directly from Americans about the affordability challenges they face.
The conversation explores practical policy changes that could increase supply, reduce unnecessary barriers, and ultimately help Americans keep more of their hard-earned money.
americanpotential retweeted
Who could believe the government would put up barriers for this kind of project? <sarcasm> Knoxville's @GlennJacobsTN shares how the community came together to make OPERATION HERO'S HILL possible. Listen here ⤵️
In this episode of American Potential, host @davidfrom sits down with Knox County Mayor @GlennJacobsTN to discuss Operation Hero’s Hill, a program bringing students, businesses, government, and the community together to help homeless veterans.
Students from 11 local high schools studying the skilled trades built 20 tiny homes that will provide veterans with safe, stable housing. Along the way, students gained hands-on experience working with industry mentors and developing skills in trades where employers desperately need the next generation of workers.
Mayor Jacobs also shares how the community came together to make the project possible, the government barriers they had to overcome, and the additional services veterans will have access to as they move into their new homes. He and David also discuss the growing opportunities in the skilled trades and why programs like this can create a win for students, veterans, businesses, and the entire community.
americanpotential retweeted
The job isn’t finished until every homeless veteran is off the streets. Operation Hereos Hill is a step in the right direction.
Thank you, @AMPotentialPod for having me on!
In this episode of American Potential, host @davidfrom sits down with Knox County Mayor @GlennJacobsTN to discuss Operation Hero’s Hill, a program bringing students, businesses, government, and the community together to help homeless veterans.
Students from 11 local high schools studying the skilled trades built 20 tiny homes that will provide veterans with safe, stable housing. Along the way, students gained hands-on experience working with industry mentors and developing skills in trades where employers desperately need the next generation of workers.
Mayor Jacobs also shares how the community came together to make the project possible, the government barriers they had to overcome, and the additional services veterans will have access to as they move into their new homes. He and David also discuss the growing opportunities in the skilled trades and why programs like this can create a win for students, veterans, businesses, and the entire community.
americanpotential retweeted
⚡ America’s energy future depends on innovation, competition, and removing barriers to building.
Great conversation with @SenatorRisch on nuclear energy, permitting reform, critical minerals, and what it will take to keep America competitive and secure. 🇺🇸
🎧 Listen to the latest @AMPotentialPod.
In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with U.S. Senator Jim Risch of Idaho to discuss America’s energy future, national security, and the resources needed to keep the country competitive.
Sen. Risch explains why Idaho has become a leader in nuclear energy research and how a new generation of smaller reactors, private investment, and increased competition could transform how electricity is produced and delivered. He also discusses the rapidly growing energy demands created by AI and data centers and why he believes nuclear power will be essential to meeting them.
The conversation also turns to critical minerals, semiconductors, permitting reform, and America’s dependence on foreign supply chains. Sen. Risch explains why producing more of these resources at home is critical to both economic and national security.
He also shares his own One Small Step story, his approach to managing Idaho’s public lands, and why he believes free markets and American innovation can help solve some of the country’s biggest challenges.
In this episode of American Potential, host @davidfrom sits down with Knox County Mayor @GlennJacobsTN to discuss Operation Hero’s Hill, a program bringing students, businesses, government, and the community together to help homeless veterans.
Students from 11 local high schools studying the skilled trades built 20 tiny homes that will provide veterans with safe, stable housing. Along the way, students gained hands-on experience working with industry mentors and developing skills in trades where employers desperately need the next generation of workers.
Mayor Jacobs also shares how the community came together to make the project possible, the government barriers they had to overcome, and the additional services veterans will have access to as they move into their new homes. He and David also discuss the growing opportunities in the skilled trades and why programs like this can create a win for students, veterans, businesses, and the entire community.
americanpotential retweeted
It’s tough to talk about experiences of September 11, 2001, but I was glad to sit down with my friend David From.
Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, American Potential host @davidfrom sits down with @JohnByrnes13, Strategic Director for @ConcernedVets, to remember the day that changed America and reflect on its lasting impact.
John was a college student and National Guard soldier in New York City when the attacks began. He recalls hearing the sirens racing toward Lower Manhattan, watching the first tower collapse, and immediately reporting to his armory. By that evening, John and his fellow soldiers were providing security near Ground Zero, where he would spend nearly two weeks alongside police officers, firefighters, and other first responders during the rescue and recovery efforts.
John also shares how 9/11 changed the direction of his own life, eventually leading to deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. He and David reflect on the thousands of lives lost, the Americans who answered the call to serve, and the extraordinary unity that swept across the country in the days and weeks following the attacks.
Twenty-five years later, John looks back at the lessons of that day, the decisions America made in its aftermath, and why remembering our history remains essential to the country's future.
In this Constitution Day episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Casey Mattox, Senior Adviser at Americans for Prosperity, to explore the history, principles, and protections behind the U.S. Constitution.
Casey explains how the failures of the Articles of Confederation led the Founders to create a new system of government built around checks and balances, federalism, and limits on government power. He also discusses the inspiration behind the Constitution, why the Bill of Rights was added, and the important principle that our rights do not come from government.
The conversation turns to the challenges facing constitutional rights today, including free speech, religious liberty, privacy, and the tendency to expand government power during times of crisis. Casey also explains why defending the Constitution goes beyond politics—it means strengthening families, churches, communities, and the institutions that allow people to solve problems without always turning to government.
And Casey leaves listeners with a simple Constitution Day challenge: read the Constitution, understand your rights, and find ways to strengthen your own community.
In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with U.S. Senator Jim Risch of Idaho to discuss America’s energy future, national security, and the resources needed to keep the country competitive.
Sen. Risch explains why Idaho has become a leader in nuclear energy research and how a new generation of smaller reactors, private investment, and increased competition could transform how electricity is produced and delivered. He also discusses the rapidly growing energy demands created by AI and data centers and why he believes nuclear power will be essential to meeting them.
The conversation also turns to critical minerals, semiconductors, permitting reform, and America’s dependence on foreign supply chains. Sen. Risch explains why producing more of these resources at home is critical to both economic and national security.
He also shares his own One Small Step story, his approach to managing Idaho’s public lands, and why he believes free markets and American innovation can help solve some of the country’s biggest challenges.
Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, American Potential host @davidfrom sits down with @JohnByrnes13, Strategic Director for @ConcernedVets, to remember the day that changed America and reflect on its lasting impact.
John was a college student and National Guard soldier in New York City when the attacks began. He recalls hearing the sirens racing toward Lower Manhattan, watching the first tower collapse, and immediately reporting to his armory. By that evening, John and his fellow soldiers were providing security near Ground Zero, where he would spend nearly two weeks alongside police officers, firefighters, and other first responders during the rescue and recovery efforts.
John also shares how 9/11 changed the direction of his own life, eventually leading to deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. He and David reflect on the thousands of lives lost, the Americans who answered the call to serve, and the extraordinary unity that swept across the country in the days and weeks following the attacks.
Twenty-five years later, John looks back at the lessons of that day, the decisions America made in its aftermath, and why remembering our history remains essential to the country's future.
Join our community. Text "freedom" to (202) 918-5348
In this episode of *American Potential*, host David From sits down with Rev. Kevass Harding to discuss how his own childhood experiences with housing insecurity inspired him to help families find stable, affordable homes.
Rev. Harding shares his journey from working construction with his grandfather to becoming a police officer, pastor, and eventually founding Hope Community Development Corporation in Wichita, Kansas. Today, the organization builds and renovates affordable homes while providing families with financial education and a path toward homeownership.
He also discusses new reforms in Kansas that removed barriers to accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, creating more opportunities for homeowners and community organizations to provide affordable housing. Rev. Harding shares how these changes are already helping seniors, students, and families—including a formerly homeless family that was finally able to move into a home of their own.
americanpotential retweeted
“I’m not here to change your culture, I’m here to help you embrace it.”
Our event with Rimantas Jurevicius was fantastic!
Great crowd and a fantastic story from someone who lived in Soviet-occupied Lithuania, where everyday comforts (like certain foods & reliable transportation) were luxuries.
He’ll be featured on @AMPotentialPod shortly and we’ll be sure to share if you still want to catch his story 😊
americanpotential retweeted
A decade ago, I got a sticker from @charliekirk11 that said “Socialism Sucks.” He was right then & he’s really right now! Difference is it’s even more of a threat in America today.
That’s why @afphq has launched an effort to highlight socialism’s threat to our nation by providing a playbook & trainings to counter this anti-freedom & Un-American movement. Go to fightsocialism.com/ to learn how to fight back. @AMPotentialPod
americanpotential retweeted
If you care about liberty and government overreach you must watch. The consequences of an out of control system are higher than you think.
Reminder Vets. You raised your right hand & promised to defend the constitution of the United States against enemies foreign AND Domestic
Join our community. Text "freedom" to (202) 918-5348
In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Kelley Williams to share a heartbreaking story about a mother’s fight to give her daughters a better education—and the devastating consequences that followed.
After concerns about bullying and academics in her daughters’ assigned public school, Kelley enrolled them in the district where her parents lived. What followed went far beyond a simple enrollment dispute. The school district hired a private investigator to follow Kelley, and she was eventually prosecuted on felony charges, convicted, and sent to jail.
Kelley also shares the painful story of her father, who supported her efforts to give his granddaughters a better education. He was later prosecuted on separate charges, sent to prison while suffering from serious health problems, and ultimately died while incarcerated. Kelley describes seeing him hospitalized, shackled to his bed, and wondering how their pursuit of a better public education could have resulted in such devastating consequences.
Her case eventually gained national attention and gave Kelley a platform to speak across the country about education and the power government can wield over families.
This episode is a powerful conversation about parental choice, government overreach, and why families should have greater freedom to pursue the education they believe is best for their children.