American Potential

Tennessee’s School Choice Breakthrough: A Lifeline for Families

After years of tireless advocacy and personal sacrifice, Tennessee has passed universal school choice—and for families like Drew Middletown’s, it couldn’t have come at a better time.
In this powerful episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Tori Venable, Tennessee State Director for Americans for Prosperity, and Drew Middletown, a Tennessee dad who’s navigated the heartbreak and hope of finding the right education for his son with autism. With the help of programs like the Individualized Education Account (IEA) and Katie Beckett, Drew was able to move his son into a school where he now thrives. Now, thanks to Tennessee’s new Education Freedom Accounts, his daughter will be able to attend that same school too.
Tori shares the behind-the-scenes journey—nearly a decade in the making—that led to this transformational law. From expanding access for special needs students to breaking barriers for low-income families, this win wasn’t easy. But it’s now real: 20,000 scholarships available across the state, including priority for families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty line.
This isn’t just policy—it’s personal. Drew and Tori talk about what this law means for real people, real families, and a generation of students who now have a shot at a brighter future.
Whether you’re a parent, policymaker, or education advocate, this episode is a must-listen. It’s a reminder that when families are empowered, students succeed—and when citizens fight for freedom, change happens.

Billions Spent, Just 214 Chargers: The Failure of Federally Funded EV Infrastructure

The federal government has spent nearly $3 billion on electric vehicle infrastructure. So far? Only 214 individual chargers have been built across the entire country.
In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Jeremiah Mosteller, Policy Director at Americans for Prosperity, to unpack how taxpayer dollars are being funneled into inefficient, top-down government programs that promise a cleaner future—but deliver very little.
They take a hard look at two major Department of Transportation programs that were supposed to make EV charging more accessible nationwide. Instead, Mosteller reveals how the money has been doled out in lump sums to states, who then hand it over to private companies—regardless of whether there’s actual demand for chargers. In one case, chargers are popping up in areas where no one even drives electric vehicles, including rural towns in North Carolina. Meanwhile, billions continue to be allocated without meaningful results or oversight.
The episode also dives into other examples of government overreach and inefficiency—from a $2 million grant to train students how to fly drones, to fuel economy regulations that will raise car costs for working Americans. And in perhaps the most jaw-dropping revelation, the Department of Transportation still processes federal retirements on paper—stored in filing cabinets inside a limestone mine in Pennsylvania.
This is part of the “Big Ideas for Smaller Government” series, where David and Jeremiah are working toward a bold goal: identifying $2 trillion in federal spending cuts. If you believe innovation comes from the ground up—not from Washington D.C.—and that government should be accountable for how it spends your money, this episode will give you plenty to think about.

From Groceries to Giving: The Heart Behind Team Buche Cares

What happens when your business isn't just about profit—but about people?
In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with RF Buche, a fourth-generation grocer in South Dakota who’s carrying on a 120-year family legacy in some of the poorest and most underserved areas of the country. With 24 stores spread across rural South Dakota, RF has seen firsthand the struggles families face—poverty, food insecurity, lack of basic services, and isolation.
That’s why he created Team Buche Cares, a nonprofit that provides food, heating assistance, cancer support, and “underdog” scholarships to help people rise above difficult circumstances. RF shares powerful stories from his community—including how feeding children helped lower suicide rates—and he explains how the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act helped him grow his business and give back in bigger ways. He also warns what could happen if Congress lets those tax cuts expire.
If you believe in the power of small businesses to change lives—and the importance of public policy that supports them—this is a must-listen.
👉 Learn more or donate: TeamBucheCares.org

Minnesota Meltdown: Legislative Walkouts, Court Battles & a $6B Deficit

What do you get when you combine a tied state house, court challenges, political walkouts, and a looming budget crisis? A real-life political soap opera—and it's all happening in Minnesota. In this episode, host David From sits down with RaeAnna Lee, Legislative and Coalitions Director at Americans for Prosperity-Minnesota, to break down the chaos that’s been unfolding at the Minnesota State Capitol.
From a tied House and disputed elections to lawmakers refusing to show up—while still collecting their full salaries—this episode unpacks how political brinksmanship has cost taxpayers time, money, and trust.
RaeAnna gives a behind-the-scenes look at how AFP is holding legislators accountable, what Minnesotans are saying about the dysfunction, and how a $6 billion deficit looms just months after a record $18 billion surplus was spent.
If you care about transparency, responsible spending, and elected officials actually doing their jobs—this is a must-listen.

America’s Public Land Crisis: Too Much Federal Control, Too Little Freedom

When the federal government controls over 70% of the land in Utah, it’s not just a policy issue—it’s a crisis for rural communities trying to survive and thrive.
In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Congresswoman Celeste Maloy, who represents Utah’s 2nd Congressional District and brings a rare combination of real-world experience—as a former soil conservationist and public lands attorney—to one of the biggest underreported issues facing the American West: federal land control.
They explore how Washington’s top-down management of public lands has led to economic decline, lost jobs, and broken communities throughout the West. What was once land of opportunity is now tied up in red tape, blocked access, and one-size-fits-all mandates from bureaucrats who’ve never set foot in these towns.
Maloy breaks down how we got here—from early land grants and homesteading to the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976—and why the West was promised local control but got federal overreach instead.
If you believe in local decision-making, respect for property rights, and free people shaping their own future, this episode is a powerful look at what’s gone wrong—and how we can start to fix it.

Unpacking Waste and Redundancy at the Department of Education

In this episode of American Potential, host David From is joined by Jeremiah Mosteller, Policy Director at Americans for Prosperity, for another deep dive in our “Big Ideas for Smaller Government” series. This time, they unpack the U.S. Department of Education—its massive $241.7 billion annual budget, over 4,000 employees, and a growing list of responsibilities that stretch from preschool to post-graduate programs.
But here’s the twist: Many of the programs you might assume fall under the Department of Education actually don’t. For example, the federal Head Start preschool program is run by the Department of Health and Human Services. And even more surprising? The Department of Education has its own disaster recovery unit—despite FEMA already handling emergency response at a national level.
David and Jeremiah explore how this kind of duplication across federal agencies leads to confusion, inefficiency, and wasted taxpayer dollars. From overlapping financial literacy programs to higher education policies that funnel students into costly four-year degrees, the episode makes the case for smarter, streamlined approaches that empower students and families—not bureaucracies.
They also highlight a common-sense reform that could save the federal government $9.4 billion without cutting services: giving students more flexibility in how they use federal aid for education paths that make the most sense for them.
If you’ve ever wondered why sending your kid to college feels so expensive—or why the federal government seems to do the same job twice—this episode is for you.

From Addiction to Impact: Scott Strode on Recovery, Resilience & The Phoenix

At just 11 years old, Scott Strode had his first drink—and it marked the beginning of a battle with addiction that would last into adulthood. But through climbing, community, and rediscovering his self-worth, Scott found a new path forward—one that would eventually help hundreds of thousands do the same.
In this powerful episode, host David From sits down with Scott Strode, founder of The Phoenix and author of Rise, Recover, Thrive, to talk about his journey from addiction to purpose. Scott shares the pain of a difficult childhood, the moment he hit rock bottom, and how an ice climbing class changed the course of his life. That transformation sparked a movement—The Phoenix—which now provides a sober, active community for nearly a million people across the country.
Learn how physical challenge, peer support, and personal dignity are fueling recovery in communities nationwide—and how you can be part of the solution.
📚 Get the book: Rise, Recover, Thrive📲 Explore The Phoenix or become a volunteer:   https://thephoenix.org 
#AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #Phoenix #RiseRecoverThrive #AmericanPotential #Leadership #SecondChances #FitnessAndRecovery #Sobriety

Why Act 10 Still Matters – Gov. Scott Walker & Guy Benson on the Battle Over Wisconsin’s Future

More than a decade after Governor Scott Walker passed Act 10—historic legislation that reined in the power of public sector unions and saved taxpayers over $30 billion—the law is under threat once again.
In this episode, radio host and Fox News contributor Guy Benson sits down with Governor Walker to revisit the battle that captured national attention, the reforms that transformed Wisconsin, and how a quiet April 1st Supreme Court election could roll it all back.
With new lawsuits filed and a court majority now leaning left, the consequences of repealing Act 10 would be far-reaching: higher taxes, less classroom funding, and a return to bloated union contracts. Together, they explore what’s really at stake and why voters across the country should be paying attention.
This conversation isn’t just about Wisconsin—it’s about preserving constitutional balance and preventing courts from overriding the will of the people.
🎧 Listen and subscribe at AmericanPotential.com
#Act10 #ScottWalker #GuyBenson #WisconsinPolitics #JudicialActivism #SchoolChoice #PublicUnions #AmericanPotential

From Principal to Pioneer: How Mary Jo Fairhead Is Reimagining Education in Rural South Dakota

What happens when a dedicated educator realizes the system isn’t serving her students—or her own children? She builds something better.
In this deeply moving episode of American Potential, host David From speaks with Mary Jo Fairhead, a former public-school teacher and principal in South Dakota, who left the traditional education system to create Onward Learning—a micro school serving one of the poorest counties in the U.S.
From facing heartbreaking moments as a principal on a reservation, to embracing a love-based, relationship-centered approach to learning, Mary Jo shares her journey of starting a school that meets kids where they are—emotionally, academically, and personally.
She also explains:✅ How trauma and poverty shaped her mission✅ The role VELA Education Fund played in helping her launch✅ The personalized, multi-age approach that’s helping students thrive✅ Advice for others looking to start micro schools or alternative learning models
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply passionate about improving education, this episode will leave you inspired and hopeful for the future of learning in America.

Reining in the Bureaucracy: How Trump’s Executive Order Challenges the Administrative State

For years, unelected bureaucrats have stretched vague laws to impose regulations that Congress never explicitly approved. But with a new executive order, President Trump is taking steps to rein in the administrative state and ensure that federal agencies stay within their constitutional limits.
In this episode of American Potential, host David From speaks with Ryan Mulvey, Policy Counsel for Americans for Prosperity Foundation, to break down what this executive order means, how it builds on key Supreme Court doctrines, and what impact it could have on federal regulations, agency overreach, and the economy. They discuss:
✅ The Major Questions Doctrine and why it limits bureaucratic power✅ How the Chevron Doctrine’s demise shifts power back to judges and Congress✅ The role of Congress in making these changes permanent✅ What this could mean for business owners, taxpayers, and individual freedoms
Could this executive order mark a turning point in restoring constitutional balance and limiting government overreach? Tune in for an in-depth conversation on the fight to restore accountability in Washington.