American Potential

The Cowboy State Leads the Way: Wyoming’s Year of Big Wins for Freedom

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Tyler Lindholm, State Director for Americans for Prosperity–Wyoming and a true cowboy at heart, to unpack a banner year for freedom in the Cowboy State.
From passing universal education savings accounts to overriding the governor’s veto of the REINS Act, Tyler shares how Wyoming is becoming a model for liberty-minded policy. They dig into the repeal of outdated certificate of need laws, the fight to give parents more control over their children’s education, and how empowering legislators—not unelected regulators—restores government accountability.
Tyler also previews bold new priorities for next year, including judicial reform, fighting unnecessary AI regulations, and eliminating absurd licensing mandates.
This episode shows how grassroots energy, principled leadership, and a commitment to freedom can transform even the smallest state into a laboratory for liberty. If you want to see what’s possible when government gets out of the way—Wyoming just might be your blueprint.

How Repealing Certificate of Need Laws Transformed Healthcare in South Carolina

For more than 40 years, South Carolina’s certificate of need law gave powerful hospital systems the ability to block competitors and limit patient access to care. But in 2023, that changed. In this episode of American Potential, host David From is joined by South Carolina State Senator Wes Climer and Candace Carroll, Director of Public Affairs for Americans for Prosperity–South Carolina, to discuss how repealing the law is already improving lives across the state. Senator Climer shares the eye-opening story of a local oncologist whose attempt to expand cancer treatment was crushed by a hospital executive using the law to shut out competition.
Candace shares her own experience navigating long wait times for her daughter’s autism diagnosis—and how this broken system motivated a statewide grassroots campaign to demand change.
Together, they explain how repealing the certificate of need law has unleashed billions of dollars in healthcare investment, reduced wait times, and expanded access to care in both rural and urban communities.
Even the law’s former defenders are now praising the freedom to innovate and grow. This is a story of leadership, community activism, and the power of removing government barriers to unlock opportunity and save lives.

Defending Homeschool Freedom: The Butlers' Fight for Parental Rights in Illinois

In this episode of American Potential, host David From, Regional Vice President at Americans for Prosperity, sits down with Chris and Aziza Butler, a husband-and-wife team on the frontlines of the fight to protect homeschooling freedoms in Illinois. When a bill threatened to force homeschool families to register with the state and potentially face criminal charges, the Butlers didn’t just speak out—they mobilized.
Aziza, a former public school teacher turned homeschool mom, and Chris, a pastor and education reform advocate, share their journey from skeptics to passionate homeschoolers. Along the way, they built a thriving micro school in Chicago’s South Side—one that’s transforming the lives of families looking for educational alternatives.
They discuss why parent-led education matters, how community-based solutions outperform bureaucratic control, and how legislation like HB2827 threatens educational opportunity—especially in underserved communities. Their message is clear: families, not government, should be in the driver’s seat.
This is a powerful conversation about faith, family, freedom, and the power of ordinary people standing up to defend their rights—and the future of education.

Inside the IRS Mess: Missing Trillions, Taxpayer Abuse, and a Better Way

In this episode of American Potential, host David From welcomes back Jeremiah Mosteller, Policy Director at Americans for Prosperity, for another installment in the “Big Ideas for Smaller Government” series—this time targeting the Internal Revenue Service.
Jeremiah breaks down how outdated pandemic-era tax subsidies—expanded under the American Rescue Plan—are still being paid out today, even to higher-income individuals who don’t need them.
Reverting to the original subsidy rules for the Obamacare marketplace could save taxpayers a staggering $383 billion. The episode also exposes shocking mismanagement inside the IRS, including nearly 3,000 IRS employees who owe back taxes and over $4.7 trillion in untraceable federal spending due to failed accounting practices.
Jeremiah explains how simple reforms like the LEDGER Act could bring long-overdue transparency to the Treasury and restore public trust. This is a can't-miss conversation about fiscal responsibility, common sense reforms, and how everyday Americans can play a role in cutting $2 trillion in wasteful government spending.

From Dirt Roads to Digital Innovation: How Justin Mannina Is Rebuilding the American Dream

In this inspiring episode of American Potential, host David From, Regional Vice President at Americans for Prosperity, sits down with entrepreneur and builder Justin Mannina—CEO of Rexcon Enterprises, Vice President of JB Pinnacle Group, and Co‑founder of My Truck Boss.
Justin opens up about his journey from working grueling hours on construction sites to walking away from a secure six‑figure job to launch multiple successful companies. He shares the tough early years—when he and his partner didn’t pay themselves for five straight years—as well as the milestone moment of building America’s largest carbon-capture plant and major infrastructure projects in Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.
But this episode isn’t just about concrete and highways—it’s about people. Justin discusses his passion for hiring high school graduates, giving second chances to formerly incarcerated individuals, and defending hardworking DACA recipients who have become cornerstone team members. He also reveals how his love for problem-solving led him to co-create an app that brings real-time tracking and efficiency to dirt-hauling operations still buried in paperwork.
Justin’s story is a modern blueprint for how grit, mentorship, and faith in people can create opportunity—not just for individuals, but for entire communities. Whether you're a parent questioning the traditional college path, a business leader seeking to empower your team, or simply someone who believes in the power of second chances, this episode is a must-hear.

Taking the American Dream to Washington: How LIBRE Is Giving Hispanics a Voice in Congress

In this episode of American Potential, host David From welcomes Sandra Benitez, Executive Director of The LIBRE Initiative, to discuss how LIBRE is empowering Hispanic communities through direct advocacy. Sandra shares how LIBRE’s national fly-in brings stories and real-world concerns from Latino communities across 13 states to the halls of Congress.
From celebrating the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and advocating for policies like the REINS Act and the DOJGAR Act, to spotlighting issues like economic opportunity, tax relief, and occupational licensing reform, LIBRE is leading the charge to ensure Hispanic Americans are heard—and represented.
Sandra also reflects on her personal journey from grassroots organizer to national leader, and how her team’s work is helping millions of Hispanic Americans pursue and protect their piece of the American Dream.

Texas Becomes a National Leader on School Choice—Here’s How They Did It

In this episode of American Potential, host David From is joined by Genevieve Collins, State Director of Americans for Prosperity–Texas, and Joel Enge, founder of Kingdom Life Academy, to share the extraordinary story behind the largest school choice legislation in American history.
After more than a decade of advocacy, Texas has officially passed sweeping education savings account (ESA) legislation, unlocking new options for thousands of families. Collins explains how her team helped mobilize communities across the state to shift public opinion, change the political landscape, and secure a historic 86 votes in the Texas House.
Joel Enge offers a deeply personal perspective. A former public school teacher in Tyler, Texas, Joel sold his home to launch a school that serves students struggling in traditional education environments. He shares how school choice will bring hope to low-income families, allow his micro-school to grow, and create life-changing opportunities for students through real-world, hands-on learning.
This is the story of how grassroots action, policy expertise, and bold leadership came together to empower parents and give kids a better shot at success. Texas is now leading the way—and this episode explains why it matters for the entire country.

American Potential: From Prison to Policy—Ruby Welch’s Journey to Redemption and Reform

Ruby Welch’s story is one of remarkable transformation. After surviving unimaginable trauma and serving time in prison, she emerged not defeated—but determined. In this episode, Ruby shares how hitting rock bottom led her to find true freedom, rebuild her life, and help others do the same. With no housing, no job, and only $70 to her name, she began a new chapter grounded in faith, purpose, and service to others. Her powerful voice and lived experience have become a force for criminal justice reform in Arkansas and beyond.
Joining her is Ryan Norris, AFP’s Arkansas State Director, who saw in Ruby not just a survivor—but a leader. Together, they’ve worked on legislation that restores dignity, seals records, and creates real second chances. What started as policy work became a lasting friendship, one that’s changed both their lives—and inspired a new generation, including Ryan’s daughter, Gracie. This is a moving story of grit, grace, and the impact one voice can have when matched with a mission.

American Potential: Chris Hoffman's Fight to Protect Farming, Freedom, and the Family Business

Chris Hoffman never set out to become a farmer. He dreamed of a career in law enforcement—until a job on a pig farm at 19 changed the trajectory of his life. Today, he runs one of Pennsylvania’s largest hog and poultry operations and serves as president of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. In this episode, Chris shares how he built his farm from the ground up, what it takes to run a 24/7 agricultural business, and why many Americans don’t realize how much red tape stands between farmers and the food on our tables.
From navigating increasingly complex regulations to fighting against estate taxes that threaten generational farms, Chris opens up about the real-world consequences of government overreach. He explains how misguided policies increase costs for farmers and consumers alike—and why defending freedom means standing up for those who feed the nation. This is a candid, behind-the-scenes look at modern farming, and a powerful story of resilience, leadership, and the fight to preserve opportunity for the next generation.

American Potential Now: Tax Cuts Made Permanent – What the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Means for Small Businesses

In this special Independence Day edition of American Potential Now, host David From breaks down the big news: the passage and signing of the “one big beautiful bill,” extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).
Hear how these permanent tax cuts lift uncertainty for small business owners in South Dakota and in Ohio, empowering them to reinvest, support employees, and strengthen their communities. Learn about Americans for Prosperity’s nationwide campaign—from 150,000 doors knocked to over 500 events—to protect prosperity for everyday Americans. Don’t miss this quick-hit episode on why TCJA’s permanence is a game-changer for freedom and opportunity.