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 is a national award-winning podcast, having won the Gold Award at the 18th annual w3 Awards in the News and Politics Podcast category. The w3 Awards are judged by the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts.
Episodes
8 hours ago
8 hours ago
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 But is daylight saving time (DST) still necessary, or is it an outdated practice that needs to go?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!
6 days ago
6 days ago
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.
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
The fight against government waste, fraud, and abuse just got a powerful new ally. In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Congressman Tim Burchett to discuss the newly formed House Oversight Subcommittee on Government Efficiency—also known as the DOGE Subcommittee. This committee, chaired by Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, has been tasked with uncovering the worst cases of federal waste and holding bureaucrats accountable.
Congressman Burchett shares his insights on the committee’s first hearing, the shocking revelations about government inefficiencies, and why many in Washington are afraid of what might be uncovered. He also explains how the subcommittee will work alongside the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, and why Congress must act fast before momentum is lost.
From outrageous spending on unnecessary programs to taxpayer dollars funding wasteful projects overseas, this episode pulls back the curtain on where your hard-earned money is really going—and what can be done to stop it.
#GovernmentWaste #Transparency #Accountability #Oversight #FiscalConservatism #AmericanPotential
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Government Overreach and Fireworks: How One Family Business is Fighting Back
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
What happens when a government agency arbitrarily decides to hold millions of dollars’ worth of inventory hostage? In this episode of American Potential, host David From speaks with Oliver Dunford, senior attorney at the Pacific Legal Foundation, about the legal battle facing Jake’s Fireworks, a family-owned business caught in regulatory limbo.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is blocking Jake’s Fireworks from selling $2 million worth of inventory simply because their fireworks make a "bang" instead of a "pop." Despite taking the agency to court, the family has been left in legal limbo because the commission refuses to issue a final ruling—leaving them with no path to challenge the decision.
Oliver Dunford explains how this case highlights a broader problem of government overreach, where unelected bureaucrats impose regulations without accountability. This episode dives into the dangers of the administrative state, the legal fight for due process, and what this means for businesses across America.
Tune in to hear why this case matters beyond fireworks—and how the fight for economic freedom and due process is more important than ever.
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Fighting for Veterans: Congressman Mike Bost on Service & Health Care Reform
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
On this episode of American Potential, host David From welcomes Congressman Mike Bost, Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, to discuss his journey from serving in the U.S. Marine Corps to fighting for veterans in Congress. He shares why he enlisted, how his family’s deep military roots shaped his passion for service, and why the Veterans Access Act is urgently needed to fix the gaps left after the Mission Act.
With bureaucratic overreach delaying essential care, Congressman Bost explains how his bill would ensure veterans get the quality health care they deserve—when and where they need it. From tackling mental health crises to holding government agencies accountable, this episode dives into the real challenges veterans face and the solutions needed to honor their service.
🎧 Listen now and learn how you can take action! Concerned Veterans for America has made it easy to support the Veterans Access Act—check the link in the description to send a message to your lawmakers.
Monday Feb 24, 2025
Monday Feb 24, 2025
Government spending has spiraled out of control, but what if there were common-sense solutions to rein it in without harming essential programs? In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Jeremiah Mosteller, Policy Director for Americans for Prosperity, to uncover shocking examples of federal waste and highlight real reforms that could save taxpayers billions.
From studies on cocaine-addicted rats to misguided Medicaid policies that divert resources away from the most vulnerable, this conversation breaks down how Washington’s spending priorities have gone off track—and what Congress can do to fix it. With the launch of the Department of Government Efficiency and a goal to cut $2 trillion in wasteful spending, this discussion is more timely than ever.
Tune in to hear why cutting government waste doesn’t mean cutting services—and how smart policy changes can protect both taxpayers and those who need help the most.
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Protecting Innovation: The Free Market Approach to Tech Policy
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
The 119th Congress faces a pivotal moment in shaping America's technological future. With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity threats on the rise, and digital trade playing a crucial role in the economy, lawmakers must decide whether to embrace policies that foster innovation or burden industries with heavy-handed regulations.
In this episode of American Potential, host David From speaks with James Czerniawski, Senior Policy Analyst at Americans for Prosperity, about the critical tech policies Congress should prioritize. They discuss why a light-touch regulatory approach is essential for AI to reach its full potential, how digital privacy laws should be structured to prevent a patchwork of conflicting state regulations, and why cybersecurity must remain a top priority to safeguard national security.
With China aggressively investing in AI and emerging markets rapidly evolving, America cannot afford to fall behind. This conversation highlights why unleashing innovation through free-market principles—not bureaucratic red tape—will keep the U.S. at the forefront of technological leadership. Will Congress rise to the challenge? Tune in to find out.
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
When Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, it left homes destroyed, infrastructure in ruins, and many—especially homeless veterans—without shelter. But in the wake of destruction, heroes emerged.
In this episode of American Potential, host David From speaks with Stacey Buckner, founder of Off Road Outreach, a nonprofit dedicated to serving homeless veterans. Stacey shares how her organization mobilized immediately after the hurricane, providing essential services like mobile showers, laundry, and emergency aid. She also discusses the ongoing need for support, the resilience of the community, and how individuals can step up to make a difference.
Tune in to hear how Off Road Outreach is helping veterans rebuild their lives, and how you can join the mission to support those who’ve served our country.
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
🔥 The Truth About Coal: Why America Needs Reliable Energy Now More Than Ever
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Coal has powered America for centuries, fueling industries, strengthening our economy, and ensuring our energy independence. Yet, it continues to be unfairly maligned by policymakers and activists who push unreliable energy alternatives. In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Mitesh Thakkar, President of Core Natural Resources—the largest coal producer in the U.S.—to set the record straight.
Mitesh breaks down the myths surrounding coal, from outdated misconceptions about pollution to the false promise that renewables alone can sustain America’s growing energy needs. He explains why coal remains an essential part of our infrastructure, supporting industries like steelmaking, cement production, and manufacturing—sectors that drive job creation and economic prosperity.
With energy demand skyrocketing due to AI, data centers, electric vehicles, and industrial growth, the reckless shutdown of coal plants threatens our grid reliability, national security, and economic stability. Mitesh also exposes the hypocrisy of shutting down domestic coal production while exporting it abroad, where countries like China and India use it to fuel their own industrial booms.
America is blessed with abundant natural resources, and we must harness them to ensure affordable, reliable, and secure energy for future generations. Tune in for a powerful conversation on why coal is not the past—it’s the future of American strength, independence, and prosperity.
Subscribe now and join the fight for energy freedom!
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
From Rock Bottom to Redemption: How One Restaurant is Transforming Lives
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
In this powerful episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Rob Perez, co-owner of DV8 Kitchen in Lexington, Kentucky. More than just a restaurant, DV8 is a place where people recovering from addiction get a fresh start, proving that meaningful work can be a key to long-term recovery.
Rob shares the deeply personal story behind the restaurant, from his own battle with addiction to his and his wife Diane’s journey to create a business that prioritizes second chances. By employing individuals in early recovery and providing them with structure, accountability, and support beyond the workplace, DV8 has become a model of hope and transformation.
But their success didn’t come easily. Rob discusses the challenges of hiring people with past struggles, how they developed a system that ensures stability and success, and why many businesses shy away from second-chance employment. He also explains how their approach could be a solution to America’s workforce shortages and addiction crisis.
From hiring strategies to life-changing success stories, this episode dives into the real impact of combining business with purpose. Rob also shares how DV8 is inspiring other businesses to embrace second-chance hiring and create opportunities that help people reclaim their lives.
Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on redemption, dignity, and the power of work to change lives.

SHOW HOST: David From
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT OF AFP
David From hosts the American Potential podcast. David serves as a Regional Vice President at Americans for Prosperity, a political advocacy and grassroots organization dedicated to advancing policies that expand freedom and opportunity. With extensive experience in advocacy and public policy, David is committed to highlighting stories of individuals and communities breaking barriers and creating positive change across the country.