American Potential

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.