American Potential
American Potential is a national award-winning podcast that shares how individuals are taking action in their community to break barriers. While some of our guests may be public officials or influencers, many are ordinary Americans who decided, “enough is enough” and are stepping up in a big way. We share policy solutions to the most important challenges our country faces and talk to people who are doing something about it. Our hope is that when you hear about other people’s stories of success – and struggle – you will realize that you are capable of doing extraordinary things within your own community and know that you are not alone. Jeff Crank hosts the American Potential podcast. Jeff serves as a regional vice president at Americans for Prosperity, a political advocacy and accountability organization that helps pass policies to expand freedom and opportunity. He previously hosted The Jeff Crank Show from 2008-2022, and is the president of his own real estate investment company. American Potential is now a national award-winning podcast. Having won the Gold Award at the 18th annual 3w Awards in the News and Politics Podcast category. The 3w Awards is judged by the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts.
Episodes
Wednesday Apr 10, 2024
Border Realities: Chief Chris Clem on Protecting America's Frontline
Wednesday Apr 10, 2024
Wednesday Apr 10, 2024
In this revealing episode of "American Potential," Jeff Crank welcomes former US Border Patrol Chief for the Yuma Sector, Chris Clem, to discuss the operational and policy challenges facing America's border security. Chief Clem shares his extensive experience, highlighting the critical need for comprehensive border security measures including physical barriers, technological enhancements, and robust manpower. He articulates the frustration felt by border agents due to political obstacles that prevent the effective use of resources such as fencing and surveillance technology, which are crucial for controlling illegal crossings and ensuring national safety.
As the conversation deepens, Chief Clem emphasizes the importance of political will in addressing the crisis at the border. He critiques the current administrative approaches that have led to significant security gaps exploited by criminal cartels, and outlines the essential components of an effective border security strategy that includes closing policy loopholes and enhancing legal frameworks. This episode not only sheds light on the complexities of border management but also calls for urgent and sensible policy reforms to uphold America's law and order while ensuring the safety of its citizens.
Check out American Potential here: https://americanpotential.com
Check out our Spanish episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8wSZydeKZ6uOuFlT_1QQ53L7l6AmC83c
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Monday Apr 08, 2024
A Firsthand Look at Border Complexities: Anne Buford's Texas Journey
Monday Apr 08, 2024
Monday Apr 08, 2024
In an episode of "American Potential," Jeff Crank hosts Anne Buford, exploring the multifaceted issue of immigration and border security through her firsthand experience on a trip to a Texas border town. Buford shares her eye-opening observations, from the thriving cross-border commerce to the unexpected presence of a Maserati dealership, challenging common perceptions of border towns. Her account delves into the complexities of border security, the humanitarian and logistical challenges faced by Border Patrol agents, and the stark realities of cartel activities that exploit the gaps left by current policies.
Buford's narrative extends beyond the physical border, touching on the broader implications for national security and the legal immigration system's shortcomings. Her experiences underscore the importance of understanding the ground realities and listening to those directly involved in border security. This episode serves as a call to action for a more informed and empathetic approach to immigration policy, urging listeners to look beyond the headlines and consider the human and economic dimensions of this critical American issue.
Check out American Potential here: https://americanpotential.com
Check out our Spanish episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8wSZydeKZ6uOuFlT_1QQ53L7l6AmC83c
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Friday Apr 05, 2024
Redefining Hispanic Voter Engagement: Insights from Helder Toste
Friday Apr 05, 2024
Friday Apr 05, 2024
In this insightful episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank engages in a profound discussion with Helder Toste, shedding light on the dynamic shifts within the Hispanic community's political engagement. They delve into the common misconceptions about Hispanic voters, particularly the overemphasis on immigration, and explore the diverse concerns that truly resonate with this demographic, including economic policies, education, and public safety. Toste's personal journey—from a harrowing experience in Thailand to his deep roots in California's Central Valley—provides a compelling backdrop for understanding the complexity of Hispanic identity and its evolving political implications.
As the conversation unfolds, Toste highlights the critical role of effective communication and genuine engagement in addressing the issues most important to Hispanic Americans. By challenging stereotypes and embracing a broader perspective on what motivates Hispanic voters, this episode invites listeners to reconsider how political parties and candidates can better serve this influential and diverse community.
Check out American Potential: https://americanpotential.com
Check out our Spanish episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8wSZydeKZ6uOuFlT_1QQ53L7l6AmC83c
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Wednesday Apr 03, 2024
AI's Promise vs. Panic: Chris Koopman on Navigating the Future
Wednesday Apr 03, 2024
Wednesday Apr 03, 2024
In this episode of "American Potential," Host Jeff Crank sits down with Chris Koopman, Executive Director at the Abundance Institute, to dissect the nuanced debate surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and its societal implications. Koopman explores the historical pattern of panic and pessimism that greets new technologies, emphasizing the importance of embracing AI's potential while acknowledging its risks. He provides examples of how AI, like the advent of bicycles or elevators, often faces initial skepticism, only to become integral to our lives. Koopman argues for a balanced approach that allows for innovation without succumbing to fear-driven policies that could stifle AI's beneficial applications.
The conversation also delves into the role of the Abundance Institute in fostering a cultural shift towards optimism about emerging technologies. Koopman highlights efforts to demystify AI for policymakers and the public, advocating for regulatory restraint to ensure technologies can evolve to their full potential. Through stories of AI's current applications and visions of its future contributions, this episode challenges listeners to reconsider their perceptions of AI. It's a compelling dialogue on the need for societal and policy frameworks that support technological advancement while safeguarding against its misuse, offering a hopeful perspective on AI's role in achieving the American dream.
Check out American Potential here: https://americanpotential.com
Check out our Spanish episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8wSZydeKZ6uOuFlT_1QQ53L7l6AmC83c
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanPotentialPodcast
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Monday Apr 01, 2024
Monday Apr 01, 2024
In this engaging episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank sits down with Casey Mattox, the Vice President of Legal and Judicial Strategy for Americans for Prosperity, to explore the labyrinth of America's most absurd laws. From the ban on selling silly string in Mobile, Alabama, to prohibitions against donkeys sleeping in bathtubs in Arizona, this conversation sheds light on the peculiar side of legislative history. Maddox shares his insights and anecdotes from his research, revealing how some laws, while seemingly laughable, are indicative of deeper legislative tendencies and societal values at the time of their enactment.
The discussion not only delves into the quirky and outdated laws that dot the legal landscapes of various states but also examines the implications of more recent regulatory attempts, such as California's gender-neutral toy aisle mandate and New York's efforts to regulate Chick-fil-A's business operations. Through a blend of humor and analysis, Crank and Mattox invite listeners to reflect on the role of legislation in shaping American life, questioning the balance between order and freedom. This episode is a fascinating journey through the annals of legal history, inviting a reevaluation of how laws, both old and new, continue to affect the fabric of American society.
Check this out here: https://nypost.com/2024/02/03/opinion/politicians-cant-stop-passing-absurd-laws/
Check out American Potential here: https://americanpotential.com
Check out our Spanish episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8wSZydeKZ6uOuFlT_1QQ53L7l6AmC83c
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Friday Mar 29, 2024
Friday Mar 29, 2024
n this compelling episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank sits down with Kendra Wesson, a dedicated mother of eight and a newly appointed member of the Oklahoma State Board of Education. Kendra shares her inspiring journey from being deeply involved in a local recall effort during the 2020 pandemic to her significant role in shaping educational policy in Oklahoma. Beginning as a concerned parent uninvolved in politics, Kendra's passion for her community and children led her to spearhead a grassroots movement against local government overreach.
This activism opened doors to forming meaningful connections with lawmakers and eventually running for office, although not winning. Her integrity and commitment to public service caught the attention of Oklahoma's governor, leading to her appointment on the State Board of Education.
Kendra discusses the challenges and opportunities in education reform, emphasizing the need for efficiency and the impact of administrative decisions on teaching quality and student outcomes. Her story exemplifies how individual initiative and dedication can lead to significant contributions to community and state governance, highlighting the essence of American potential.
Check out American Potential here: https://americanpotential.com
Check out our Spanish episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8wSZydeKZ6uOuFlT_1QQ53L7l6AmC83c
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanPotentialPodcast
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Wednesday Mar 27, 2024
Championing School Choice: Megan Novak's Fight for Wisconsin's Future
Wednesday Mar 27, 2024
Wednesday Mar 27, 2024
In this episode of "American Potential," Jeff Crank welcomes Megan Novak, State Director for Americans for Prosperity Wisconsin, to discuss the pivotal lawsuit challenging Wisconsin's school choice and charter school programs. Megan outlines the Minocqua Brewing Super PAC's lawsuit, which falsely claimed these programs divert funds from public schools, ignoring the benefits of educational freedom and the highest-ever public school funding in the state. She highlights how the lawsuit, if successful, would have devastatingly forced 65,000 students back into public schools without a plan for their accommodation.
Megan shares the history of Wisconsin's pioneering school choice initiative, started in Milwaukee in 1990 as a bipartisan effort to rescue students from failing public schools. The program has since expanded statewide, serving 65,000 students and becoming a model for educational freedom nationwide. Megan stresses the importance of incremental victories in expanding school choice, reflecting on the program's growth and its significant positive impact on students' lives across socioeconomic and racial lines.
The episode delves into the broader implications of the lawsuit's challenge and the importance of defending educational choice. Megan's insight into the lawsuit's dismissal and the potential for future legal battles underscores the ongoing fight for educational freedom. Through personal stories and data, this discussion illuminates the transformative power of school choice and the need for vigilant defense against threats to educational liberty in Wisconsin and beyond.
Check out American Potential here: https://americanpotential.com
Check out our Spanish episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8wSZydeKZ6uOuFlT_1QQ53L7l6AmC83c
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanPotentialPodcast
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Monday Mar 25, 2024
Monday Mar 25, 2024
In this episode of "American Potential," Jeff Crank is joined by Congresswoman Virginia Foxx to discuss the critical battle against Bidenomics and its impact on independent contractors and the education system. Foxx, with her rich background in both education and entrepreneurship, shares insights into the detrimental effects of Biden's economic policies on the American workforce, particularly highlighting the value of independent contractors in the nation's economic development. She addresses the misconceptions about union contributions to America's growth and passionately defends the freedom for individuals to choose their career paths without government coercion.
Foxx also dives into her legislative efforts, including the College Cost Reduction Act, aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability within higher education. By demanding more from institutions and ensuring they provide value to students, she aims to mitigate the student loan crisis exacerbated by federal overreach. Her commitment to educational freedom and reform showcases a broader agenda to empower individuals through informed choices and reduce governmental barriers to success.
Throughout the conversation, Foxx's dedication to preserving American principles of liberty and hard work shines through. Her stories of overcoming poverty and her drive to ensure future generations can achieve the American Dream without undue government interference serve as a rallying call for policy reforms. This episode encapsulates the essence of American potential, highlighting the ongoing struggle for economic freedom and the pivotal role of education in securing a prosperous future for all.
Check out American Potential here: https://americanpotential.com
Check out our Spanish episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8wSZydeKZ6uOuFlT_1QQ53L7l6AmC83c
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanPotentialPodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanpotentialpodcast/
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Friday Mar 22, 2024
Friday Mar 22, 2024
In this engaging episode of "American Potential," Jeff Crank hosts Genevieve Collins, Texas State Director for Americans for Prosperity, to discuss the transformative changes needed in the U.S. healthcare system. Collins highlights the dire need for price transparency and consistency in healthcare costs, sharing insights into how Texas is pioneering reforms to combat price opacity and hospital consolidation. Through legislative initiatives like the Site Act and the Fair Act, Collins advocates for policies that ensure fair pricing and competition, aiming to dismantle the barriers that prevent access to affordable care, especially in rural areas.
Collins passionately outlines innovative healthcare solutions, such as direct primary care and telehealth, which promise to increase access while reducing costs. By sharing personal experiences and successes from Texas, she illustrates how such models can provide quality care across socioeconomic boundaries, transforming the healthcare landscape. The discussion underscores the critical role of state and federal action in facilitating a patient-centered healthcare system that prioritizes access, affordability, and choice.
The episode is a call to action for listeners to engage in the movement for healthcare reform. Collins emphasizes the importance of community involvement and legislative advocacy in bringing about change. By focusing on patient empowerment and innovative care models, the conversation with Collins offers a hopeful perspective on the future of healthcare in America, where transparency, efficiency, and patient welfare are at the forefront of policy decisions. Check out American Potential here:
https://americanpotential.com Check out our Spanish episodes here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8wSZydeKZ6uOuFlT_1QQ53L7l6AmC83c
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Wednesday Mar 20, 2024
Brewing Change: Sean Willcott's Crusade Against Kansas's Beer Laws
Wednesday Mar 20, 2024
Wednesday Mar 20, 2024
In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank talks with Sean Willcott, owner of Willcott Brewing, about his journey into the brewing industry and the legislative hurdles he faces in Kansas. Sean shares the personal and professional challenges that led him to open a brewery, transforming a passion into a thriving business. However, he quickly confronts outdated Kansas beer laws, which prevent direct sales to restaurants and require dealing with distributors, stifling growth and innovation within the craft beer industry.
Sean discusses the formation of a coalition of over 40 breweries to challenge these restrictive laws, aiming to modernize the state's approach to beer distribution. This initiative, driven by a desire to see small businesses flourish, demonstrates the power of community and shared goals in advocating for change. The story of navigating government regulations and building a coalition highlights the importance of persistence and collaboration in overcoming barriers to business success.
Listeners will be inspired by Sean's determination to fight for a more business-friendly environment in Kansas. His story underscores the impact of outdated laws on small businesses and the importance of legislative reform to ensure the prosperity of local economies. This episode is a testament to the spirit of American innovation and the ongoing struggle for regulatory fairness in the face of government-imposed obstacles.
Check out American Potential here: https://americanpotential.com
Check out our Spanish episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8wSZydeKZ6uOuFlT_1QQ53L7l6AmC83c
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanPotentialPodcast
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SHOW HOST: Jeff Crank
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT OF AFP
Jeff Crank hosts the American Potential podcast. Jeff serves as a regional vice president at Americans for Prosperity, a political advocacy and accountability organization that helps pass policies to expand freedom and opportunity. He also hosts The Jeff Crank Show, which began in 2008, and is the president of his own real estate investment company.