American Potential

The Declaration’s Bold Promise: Jefferson, Equality, and America’s Ongoing Struggle

In this special Independence Day episode of American Potential, guest David Gowdy—founder of the Virginia Institute for American History—joins host David From to explore the creation of America’s most iconic document: the Declaration of Independence. Gowdy shares how Thomas Jefferson, just 33 years old, drew from classical thinkers and the Virginia Declaration of Rights to pen the revolutionary words “all men are created equal.”
The conversation dives into the meaning of this phrase, the influence of Jefferson’s ideas on Abraham Lincoln’s fight against slavery, and the contradiction of Jefferson’s personal slave ownership despite his public opposition to the institution. Gowdy also explains why understanding Jefferson’s view of rights as granted by the Creator—not the government—is crucial to preserving freedom today.
Listen in for a thought-provoking discussion on the timeless principles that sparked a revolution, inspired generations, and continue to challenge Americans to live up to their founding ideals.

Fixing Federal Bureaucracy & Empowering Gig Workers: Big Ideas for a Modern Workforce

In this episode of American Potential, guest Austen Bannon, employment policy fellow at Americans for Prosperity, breaks down two urgent issues costing Americans time, opportunity, and tax dollars: outdated rules that make it nearly impossible to fire underperforming federal workers, and laws that prevent gig workers from getting the portable benefits they need.
Austen explains how commonsense reforms—like simplifying the process for removing federal employees who aren’t doing their jobs—could save taxpayers millions and restore accountability in government. He also shares how states like Utah, Tennessee, and Alabama are pioneering voluntary portable benefits programs that allow independent contractors to pool resources for health care and retirement, giving them greater freedom and security in the modern economy.
Learn how modernizing these rules can empower workers, foster innovation, and ensure our government works better for everyone. Join us for a practical conversation on cutting red tape, expanding opportunity, and unleashing the potential of America’s dynamic workforce.

From Homeless Shelters to Hope: Johnnie Calloway’s Journey of Faith, Resilience, and Renewal

In this powerful episode of American Potential, we sit down with Johnnie Calloway, grassroots engagement director for Americans for Prosperity-Missouri, who shares an unflinchingly honest account of his life growing up in poverty, facing domestic violence, and enduring unimaginable loss. From spending childhood years in a homeless shelter and living in Section 8 housing to losing two children and his mother, Johnnie’s story is one of heartbreak—but also of transformation.
He takes listeners on his journey of self-discovery, describing the pivotal moments that awakened his faith and inspired him to break cycles of negativity. Johnnie reveals how he went from consuming toxic influences to immersing himself in self-education, reading dozens of life-changing books, and finding a new purpose rooted in service, hope, and helping others.
Johnnie also shares the remarkable full-circle moment of buying and restoring the very home where he experienced both tragedy and early lessons of resilience, turning it into a symbol of redemption and possibility. His reflections on fatherhood, faith, community, and the importance of personal responsibility offer a heartfelt and empowering message for anyone striving to overcome adversity.
This episode is a reminder that no matter where you start, you have the power to change your path—and to inspire others to do the same. Join us to hear how Johnnie Calloway embodies the spirit of the American Dream, turning his hardships into hope and his pain into purpose.

From Combat Boots to Capitol Hill: Senator Tim Sheehy on Service, Leadership, and Reform

John Vick, Executive Director of Concerned Veterans for America, hosts this special episode of American Potential featuring U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy, a decorated combat veteran and one of the newest members of Congress.
Senator Sheehy shares how his military service shaped his leadership philosophy and why veterans bring a vital mission-first mindset to public office. They discuss the sharp decline in veteran representation in Congress, the importance of giving veterans more healthcare choice through the Veterans Access Act, and the urgent need to restore fiscal discipline and national purpose.
This conversation is a powerful reminder that when veterans lead, America is stronger, more focused, and more free.

Veterans on a Mission: Expanding Choice, Opportunity, and Impact

What does real advocacy look like when it’s led by those who’ve lived it?
In this episode of American Potential, host David From talks with Alexa Rice and Jimmie Smith—two dedicated leaders at Concerned Veterans for America—about their trip to Capitol Hill for Vets on the Hill, one of the most powerful veteran-driven advocacy events in the country.
Alexa, attending for the first time, and Jimmie, a seasoned CVA leader and U.S. Army veteran, share why this mission matters. Their focus: fighting for greater health care choice through the Veterans Access Act, ensuring veterans can seek timely care in their communities if the VA falls short. They also advocate for keeping the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which supports the high rate of veteran entrepreneurship, and call for a smarter, right-sized foreign policy that puts American interests first and avoids endless wars.
This episode dives deep into the personal motivations that fuel their work, the unique power of the veteran voice in policy discussions, and how real change starts with individuals sharing their stories directly with lawmakers.
Whether you’re a veteran, policymaker, or someone who simply cares about protecting freedom and opportunity—you’ll leave inspired by what these two are doing to make a difference.

The Escape That Sparked a Movement: Joshua Glover’s Fight for Freedom

What happens when a community refuses to accept injustice—even when it’s backed by federal law?
In this powerful episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Michael Jahr, a seasoned communicator and first-time filmmaker, to share the incredible true story of Joshua Glover—a man born into slavery in Missouri who risked everything for freedom. After a harrowing 400-mile escape to Racine, Wisconsin, Glover finally experienced liberty—until slave catchers, armed with the Fugitive Slave Act, found and captured him.
But Glover’s story didn’t end in chains.
Outraged citizens of Milwaukee, from all backgrounds and political affiliations, rallied in the thousands to rescue him from jail—risking arrest, imprisonment, and their livelihoods to stand against an unjust law. Their courageous act not only helped Joshua Glover reach freedom in Canada—it lit the spark that would lead to the formation of the Republican Party.
Michael Jahr recounts how a forgotten plaque in a Milwaukee park led him to uncover this pivotal moment in American history. His short documentary Liberty at Stake is just the beginning of a larger effort to tell this story on a national stage. Together, he and David explore the ripple effects of Glover’s escape and the citizens who defended him—ordinary people who took bold action, ultimately helping change the course of history.
This episode is a reminder that the fight for freedom is often fueled by small acts of courage—and that telling these stories matters now more than ever.

Saving $237 Billion: A Smarter Retirement Plan for Future Federal Employees

In this episode of American Potential, host David From is joined by Jeremiah Mosteller, policy director at Americans for Prosperity, for the latest installment in the Big Ideas for Smaller Government series. The focus: the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)—the federal government’s HR department—and a surprising proposal that could save $237 billion without touching current employee benefits.
From the absurd reality of federal retirement files being processed in a limestone mine in Pennsylvania, to relocation costs nearing $170,000 per employee, the episode exposes waste and inefficiencies taxpayers rarely hear about.
But there’s good news: Jeremiah shares how shifting new federal employees to a modern, portable retirement plan—like a 401(k)—already the gold standard in the private sector—could generate massive long-term savings. And it wouldn’t change anything for current employees.
Listen to hear how smart reforms and private-sector solutions are helping DogE (the initiative to cut $2 trillion in wasteful federal spending) chip away at bureaucratic bloat—and how you can submit your own savings ideas at DogeIdea.com.

30% Less Red Tape? Sen. Roegner’s Fight to Unleash Ohio’s Economy

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Ohio State Senator Kristina Roegner, the lead sponsor of Senate Bill 9, a bold reform aimed at cutting 30% of Ohio’s regulations over three years. Senator Roegner walks through the inspiration for the bill—seeing Ohio tied with Illinois as one of the most overregulated states in America—and how the plan came together.
The legislation established a three-part strategy: eliminate two regulations for every new one introduced, reduce total regulations by 10% each year over three years, and launch a user-friendly website—CutRedTape.Ohio.gov—that empowers citizens to identify outdated or burdensome rules.
Sen. Roegner also explains how her background in engineering, finance, and consulting helped her approach regulatory reform with a data-driven mindset. She shares real-world success stories, including a hospital forced to install multiple small boilers due to an archaic rule dating back to the era before the Titanic.
David and Sen. Roegner also discuss the growing success of interstate licensing compacts—a common-sense effort she’s championed to help professionals like nurses and therapists move and work freely across state lines.
With half of Ohio agencies already hitting their reduction targets and the rest on track, Roegner’s work shows how local reforms can unleash economic growth, attract businesses, and empower everyday citizens to cut through government red tape.

Real Numbers, Real Impact: A Financial Advisor’s Case for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

In this eye-opening episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with David McNeilly, a financial advisor from Michigan, who shares how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) has had a measurable, personal impact—not just on his clients, but on his own family’s financial freedom.
With a background in ministry and a passion for helping others, McNeilly now helps middle-class families navigate retirement planning, tax strategy, and long-term financial goals. But when he crunched the numbers comparing his 2023 tax bill under current rates versus pre-TCJA levels, the result shocked him: a $4,700 difference in annual tax savings—enough to take his family on a Disney cruise.
McNeilly walks listeners through how policies from Washington shape real lives, sharing stories of clients who have retired early, sent their kids to private school, or bought long-dreamed-of lake houses—opportunities made possible by smart planning and a more favorable tax environment.
He also explains how he's preparing clients for the potential expiration of TCJA, and why higher taxes could force middle-class families to rethink their futures.
If you want a clear, data-driven perspective on how federal tax policy affects everyday Americans—not the wealthy, but the working families—this episode delivers it straight from the source.

Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) on Locking In the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

In this next installment of American Potential, host David From shares a timely conversation featuring House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Fox News contributor and Americans for Prosperity Advisory Council member Guy Benson, recorded at the AFP Freedom Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Scalise breaks down the House-passed reconciliation bill designed to lock in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA)—a move aimed at preventing a $4.5 trillion tax hike scheduled for 2025. The legislation would secure tax relief for families, protect small businesses, eliminate taxes on tips and overtime, restore bonus depreciation, and make the 199A small business deduction permanent.
The bill also features aggressive mandatory spending reforms, work requirements in Medicaid and SNAP, border security investments, and energy production measures, echoing the agenda backed by voters in the last election.
This episode offers an inside look at the high-stakes legislative battle to keep more money in Americans’ pockets—and keep the economy growing.