American Potential

Lara Trump on the American Dream, Patriotism, and Raising the Next Generation

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Lara Trump backstage at the Americans for Prosperity America 250 celebration in Nashville to discuss the values that define our nation—and how to carry them forward.
Lara shares her perspective on what makes America exceptional, why it’s critical to teach the next generation to love their country, and how the founding principles of freedom and self-governance still apply today. She reflects on the importance of understanding history, honoring the sacrifices of past generations, and pushing back against narratives that undermine national pride.
The conversation also explores the American Dream—why it’s still alive, why it matters, and how leadership and policy can either strengthen or erode it. Lara offers insight from her close experience with President Trump and discusses why she believes everyday Americans stepping up is essential to preserving opportunity and prosperity.
This episode is a powerful reminder that America’s future depends on what we choose to teach, defend, and believe—and that everyone has a role to play.

How Brady Cupples Took His One Small Step Into Politics and Leadership

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Brady Cupples, co-chair of his county’s Young Republicans, to share his journey from political observer to active leader.
Brady opens up about what sparked his renewed interest in politics, how the events of recent years motivated him to get involved, and the simple step that changed everything—showing up. What started as attending a local meeting quickly turned into building connections, working on campaigns, and stepping into a leadership role in his community.
He also discusses the issues that drive his passion, including immigration, education, and crime, and why he believes it’s critical for young people to engage in the political process—especially in states where their views may be in the minority.
Brady’s story is a powerful example of the “one small step” idea: you don’t need a perfect plan to get started. Sometimes, just showing up can lead to opportunities to lead, influence, and make a real difference.

Abraham Lincoln Comes to Life: Lessons on Unity, Freedom, and Leadership

In this special episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Fritz Klein, one of the nation’s leading Abraham Lincoln portrayers, during America’s 250th celebration in Springfield, Illinois.
Through a unique and engaging conversation, “President Lincoln” reflects on his journey into public life, the challenges of leading during the Civil War, and the enduring principles of equality, self-governance, and unity that shaped America. Fritz Klein also shares how portraying Lincoln for nearly 50 years has influenced his own views on leadership, humility, and human nature.
The discussion explores how Lincoln navigated deep national division, worked with people who disagreed with him, and remained committed to the founding ideals during one of the most difficult periods in American history. It also draws connections between Lincoln’s time and today’s political climate, highlighting lessons on civility, compromise, and preserving freedom.
This episode brings history to life in a powerful way, reminding us that the challenges we face today are not new—and that the principles that guided Lincoln can still help guide us forward.

Jason Chaffetz on AI, Free Speech, and Why America Must Stay Engaged

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with former Congressman and Fox News contributor Jason Chaffetz during the America 250 celebration in Springfield, Illinois.
Chaffetz shares his journey into public service, from personal loss to becoming Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, and reflects on the importance of accountability, limited government, and staying engaged in a free society. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at Congress, the challenges of holding government agencies accountable, and why showing up still matters.
The conversation also dives into one of the biggest issues shaping our future: artificial intelligence. Chaffetz discusses both the promise and the risks of AI—from economic transformation to serious concerns around privacy, jobs, and government readiness. He explains why innovation must be balanced with strong principles and thoughtful guardrails.
They also tackle cancel culture, free speech, and the importance of not letting fear silence your voice. Chaffetz encourages everyday Americans to take that “one small step” to get involved—whether in their community, local government, or national conversations.
This episode is a powerful reminder that freedom isn’t passive—it requires participation, courage, and a willingness to engage.

Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher Talks Free Speech, Football, and Defending American Values

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Pro Football Hall of Famer and Chicago Bears legend Brian Urlacher during a special America 250 celebration in Springfield, Illinois.
Urlacher reflects on growing up in New Mexico, his NFL career, and why he decided to start speaking out on issues like free speech, cancel culture, and the importance of defending America’s founding principles. He shares his perspective on why more Americans should feel confident using their voices, even when facing criticism or backlash.
The conversation also touches on patriotism, the challenges facing the country today, and why everyday citizens taking “one small step” to stand up for freedom can make a real difference. Urlacher also gives a look inside the culture of NFL locker rooms, his thoughts on today’s sports controversies, and his excitement about the future of the Chicago Bears.
This episode is a candid conversation about courage, personal conviction, and why defending American values matters now more than ever.

Rep. Jeff Bradley’s Plan to Cut Regulations and Help Small Businesses Thrive

In this episode of American Potential, host David From talks with South Carolina State Representative Jeff Bradley, chairman of the House Regulations and Administrative Procedures Committee, about a major push to rein in the administrative state and make government more accountable to the people.
Bradley explains how South Carolina’s Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act would force a regular review of regulations, create a seven-year sunset for rules that are no longer justified, strengthen protections for citizens challenging agency decisions, and put real checks on unelected bureaucrats. He shares how overregulation hurts small businesses, raises costs, slows growth, and makes it harder for entrepreneurs to succeed.
The conversation also explores how South Carolina is using new tools, including artificial intelligence, to identify duplicative rules and modernize government. Bradley lays out why reducing red tape is not anti-regulation, but pro-accountability, pro-growth, and pro-freedom — and why this fight matters for every South Carolinian.

Kitchen Table Issues in Illinois: Senator Darby Hills on Budgets, Jobs, and Public Safety

Illinois State Senator Darby Hills joins host David From to share her path from prosecutor to community advocate—and now, as one of just 19 Republicans in the Illinois Senate, fighting to bring transparency and accountability back to Springfield.
Darby explains why Illinois doesn’t have a revenue problem—it has a spending problem—and describes what she saw as a new senator: major bills and the state budget dropped with little time to review, late-night votes, and decisions made behind closed doors. She also talks about her work outside government, including founding Barrington Children’s Charities to help feed hundreds of kids each week and provide critical services like dental care, mental health support, and eyeglasses.
From criminal justice to fiscal responsibility, Darby lays out the “kitchen table” priorities that shaped her—watching her single mom work two jobs and sort bills at home—and the reforms she’s pushing now: independent audits, cutting waste, reducing red tape on small businesses, keeping young people in Illinois, and supporting law enforcement to make communities safer.

From Sierra Leone to Philly: Ernestine Johnson on Finding Her Voice and Running for Office

On this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Philadelphia native Ernestine Johnson, whose story embodies the spirit of America’s 250th anniversary. A first-generation American with roots in Sierra Leone, Ernestine shares how her family’s experience with civil war and voter suppression shaped her deep appreciation for the right to vote and civic engagement.
What started as working the polls in her community turned into a journey of political activism, running for office, and empowering other women to step up and lead. Ernestine opens up about the challenges of standing firm in her convictions, the personal costs of public engagement, and the importance of finding strength in numbers. She also offers practical advice for anyone hesitant to get involved: how to move from “yelling at the TV” to actually making a difference.
This conversation is a powerful reminder that defending freedom doesn’t require perfection — it requires courage. Sometimes your one small step, whether it’s attending a meeting, supporting a candidate, or running for office, can become the step that inspires an entire community.

From School Board to the RNC: Angelina Banks on Finding Her Voice in Pennsylvania

On this episode of American Potential, host David Fromm sits down with Pennsylvania activist Angelina Banks to talk about taking that “one small step” into civic engagement—and how it changed her life. What started as frustration over local school board decisions turned into a journey through party politics, running for office, serving as a committee person, and even representing her county at the Republican National Convention.
Angelina shares how moving back to Pennsylvania opened her eyes to the impact of public policy, why local government matters more than most people realize, and how just a handful of phone calls or voices can influence elected officials. She talks candidly about the costs of speaking out—strained relationships, social backlash—and why she believes it’s still worth it to defend the principles that built America. It’s a conversation about courage, conviction, and how everyday citizens can move from yelling at the TV to making a real difference.

50 Stars, 50 Stories: Oregon, Massachusetts & Arizona with Ross Connolly and Stephen Shadegg

Americans are capable of achieving extraordinary things when they have the freedom and opportunity to do so. This is American Potential, and in this episode, host David From continues the “50 Stars, 50 Stories” series with a February-themed deep dive into the states that joined the Union during this month.
David is joined by Ross Connolly, Americans for Prosperity’s regional state director for the Northeast, and Stephen Shadegg, AFP’s state director in Arizona. Together, they test their knowledge with fast-paced trivia covering Oregon, Massachusetts, and Arizona—touching on everything from the Oregon Trail and Salem’s witch trials to the Grand Canyon and Pluto’s discovery in Flagstaff.
But the conversation doesn’t stop at history. Ross and Stephen also share what’s happening today in their regions. Stephen discusses Arizona’s housing affordability crisis, energy policy, and long-term infrastructure challenges tied to rapid growth. Ross highlights how voters across the Northeast are pushing back against rising costs driven by bad energy and housing policy, and why there’s real hope even in states that often get overlooked in national conversations.
It’s a lively mix of American history, state pride, and forward-looking policy—proof that understanding where we came from can help shape where we’re going next.