American Potential

Montana State Rep. Gary Parry on Coal, Nuclear Energy, and Securing the West’s Power Future

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Montana State Representative Gary Parry, Chair of the House Energy & Technology Committee, to discuss how Montana can remain a leader in energy production while preparing for the future. Parry outlines his vision for expanding coal and small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), strengthening transmission infrastructure, and ensuring Montana stays a net energy exporter in the West.
He also shares how reliable, affordable energy supports local jobs and keeps Montana’s rural communities strong, while explaining the importance of regional cooperation with neighboring states and Canada to stabilize the grid. From Colstrip’s legacy to next-generation nuclear, Perry lays out a clear, common-sense path to energy abundance and economic growth for Big Sky Country.

Fixing VA Healthcare: Darin Selnick on the Veterans Access Act and Saving Veterans’ Lives

In this episode of American Potential, host David From talks with Darin Selnick, Senior Advisor for Concerned Veterans for America and one of the architects of the VA MISSION Act, about the next big step in veterans’ healthcare reform — the Veterans Access Act. Selnick reveals how bureaucratic failures and delays under the current administration have left veterans waiting months for care, forcing some to travel hundreds of miles or worse, leading to preventable tragedies, including suicides.
He explains how the Veterans Access Act would enforce timely care — requiring the VA to act within 48 hours for urgent mental health cases, protect veterans’ right to choose community care, and stop the VA from hiding or denying eligibility. Selnick also exposes why entrenched bureaucrats resist reform and how grassroots action can push Congress to finally deliver on America’s promise to its veterans. If you care about veterans’ healthcare, mental health, and VA reform, this episode is essential listening.

Women Veterans Share Their Stories: Military Service, Trauma Recovery, and VA Healthcare Reform

 
In this powerful episode of American Potential, host David From speaks with Army combat veteran Dallas Knight and retired Air Force Colonel Lorraine Schleder about their journeys of service, sacrifice, and healing. They recount experiences from Iraq combat missions to aeromedical evacuations, and how those challenges shaped their drive to continue serving fellow veterans after returning home.
Knight shares why she founded Operation Juliet, a nonprofit dedicated to helping female veterans recover from military sexual trauma (MST) and reconnect with their sense of identity, while Schleder explains her work with Veterans Navigation Network, guiding veterans through VA healthcare, disability claims, and suicide prevention resources. Together, they offer powerful insight into the urgent need for VA reform, mental health support, and a national effort to truly see and hear our veterans beyond a simple “thank you for your service.”
 

Powering America’s Future: Rep. Troy Downing on Montana Energy, AI Demand, and Military Service

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Congressman Troy Downing of Montana’s vast First District to talk about unleashing America’s energy potential and keeping the nation secure—both economically and militarily. Downing discusses how affordable, reliable energy is the backbone of prosperity for families, small businesses, and industry, and why under President Trump’s leadership, the country is once again embracing an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy.
From tapping Montana’s coal reserves in the Powder River Basin to supporting oil, gas, renewables, and next-generation transmission, Downing explains how responsible energy production can fuel America’s competitiveness in the AI and data-driven economy. He also reflects on his service as a U.S. veteran, sharing why he believes America is worth fighting for and why energy independence and national defense are inseparable. It’s a powerful look at leadership, patriotism, and how Montana’s energy innovation is helping power the American dream.

Fixing Forests & Fueling Growth: Rep. Bruce Westerman on Energy, Permitting, and Public Lands

On American Potential with host David From, Congressman Bruce Westerman — Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee and a professional forester — explains why healthy forests are the backbone of clean air, clean water, and resilient watersheds, and how decades of public land mismanagement have fueled catastrophic wildfires and lumber shortages. Westerman breaks down the Fix Our Forests Act, the push to expand markets for low-grade wood (biochar, biostimulants, energy), and why U.S. housing depends on smarter, science-based forest management instead of smoke and ash.
The conversation then turns to unleashing American energy. Westerman details bipartisan permitting reform via the SPEED Act to cut NEPA delays, reduce litigation ambushes, and build what America needs — from transmission lines and data-center power to mining for critical minerals — faster and cleaner. He also previews Great American Outdoors Act “250” improvements and the unanimously passed EXPLORE Act for outdoor recreation. If you care about energy policy, AI-driven power demand, forestry, permitting, conservation, and keeping America competitive with China, this episode delivers the roadmap.

Running Government Like a Business: Governor Jim Pillen on Nebraska’s Growth and Grit

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen at the Big Sky Bright Future Economic Summit to talk about how the Cornhusker State is powering its economy through energy, innovation, and old-fashioned Nebraska work ethic. Governor Pillen outlines his vision for a leaner, more competitive state government—cutting bureaucracy, reducing spending by 10%, and running government like a business to give taxpayers more value for their money.
He also shares how Nebraska’s economy is thriving across multiple sectors—from agriculture and ethanol to insurance, banking, and renewable energy. With bold carbon-sequestration projects, a growing ethanol industry, and a strong commitment to entrepreneurship, Governor Pillen explains how Nebraska is positioning itself for long-term growth while staying true to its roots: faith, family, and freedom. It’s a conversation about leadership, service, and why Nebraskans continue to do things “the Nebraska way.”

The Real Housing Horror: Washington’s Rent Control Mistake

In this Halloween edition of American Potential, host David From talks with Heather Andrews, Western States Regional Director for Americans for Prosperity, about Washington State’s frightening new housing policy. Lawmakers promised relief for renters with a “rent stabilization” bill—really a rent control measure—that caps rent increases but ignores the real cause of sky-high prices: a massive housing shortage. Heather explains how the law threatens to scare off builders, shrink rental supply, and make affordability even worse for families already struggling to find a place to live.
Together, they break down why quick political fixes like rent caps only freeze broken markets in place, and what real reform looks like—tackling zoning restrictions, cutting permit delays, and slashing the $140,000 in government costs it takes just to break ground on a new home in Washington. From Seattle to Spokane, the real solution isn’t controlling prices—it’s unleashing supply.

Privacy, Power, and the AI Panic: How States Are Threatening Free Speech

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Scott Blackburn, a First Amendment policy expert, to explore how state lawmakers are quietly chipping away at free speech and donor privacy. Blackburn explains how proposed laws across the country could expose nonprofit donors, chill civic participation, and give politicians new tools to silence their critics. He also breaks down the growing wave of legislation aimed at regulating AI in political speech—and how vague definitions could turn simple campaign graphics or video edits into “AI manipulation.”
From New Mexico’s one-word bill that nearly forced every charity to reveal its supporters to efforts that disguise domestic disclosure mandates as “foreign interference” bans, Blackburn shows how these measures threaten the fundamental right to speak and associate freely. Tune in as American Potential reveals what’s really at stake in the fight to protect privacy, free expression, and the open exchange of ideas.

When Transparency Gets Spooky: The Kentucky Bill That Almost Hid Government Secrets

As Halloween approaches, American Potential takes a look at a different kind of fright—the kind that comes from government trying to hide in the dark. Host David From is joined by Liam Gallagher, Legislative Director for Americans for Prosperity–Kentucky, to unpack a chilling near-miss in the state legislature. What started as a seemingly harmless bill to promote transparency nearly turned into a full-blown exemption shielding the governor, cabinet officials, and school boards from the state’s Open Records Act.
Liam recounts how, with only hours to spare, he and a bipartisan coalition—including the Kentucky Press Association—exposed the hidden language and stopped the bill before it could erase public accountability. From AI-gone-wrong in a local school district to officials using private phones to dodge open records, this episode shines a light on why transparency isn’t just good policy—it’s democracy’s strongest disinfectant.

Big Sky, Bright Future: Governor Greg Gianforte on Building Montana’s Next Economy

From energy independence to workforce innovation, Montana is charting a course for long-term growth. In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Governor Greg Gianforte at the Big Sky Bright Future Economic Summit to discuss how his administration is unleashing opportunity across the Treasure State. Gianforte outlines his vision for an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy—expanding coal, wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear—while ensuring Montana remains one of the easiest places in America to do business. With streamlined permitting and a pro-growth mindset, projects that take years elsewhere are moving in months in Montana.
The governor also highlights his efforts to make housing more affordable by cutting red tape and increasing supply, and to strengthen the workforce through his 406 Jobs Initiative, which connects veterans, returning citizens, individuals with disabilities, and Native communities to meaningful employment. As Gianforte puts it, “No one grows up hoping to be dependent on the government.” His goal is simple: help every Montanan find dignity and purpose in work, build a stronger economy, and secure a brighter future under the Big Sky.