American Potential

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It’s Halloween on American Potential, and some of the scariest things aren’t ghosts or goblins—they’re policies coming out of state capitals.

Host David From sits down with Ariana Assenmacher, Political Director for the California Young Republicans, to discuss Proposition 40, a proposed wealth tax targeting billionaires and some of their assets in California.

Ariana breaks down how the proposal would work, why its retroactive nature is raising concerns, and what could happen if entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners decide California is no longer worth the cost. They also discuss the potential impact on jobs, investment, innovation, and state revenue—and why other ballot measures are attempting to counter the proposal.

The conversation also looks at why Ariana and other young Californians are choosing to stay and fight for their state. California has long been a center of entrepreneurship and innovation, and Ariana explains why policies that discourage people from building and investing could have consequences far beyond the billionaires being targeted.

This Halloween, the scary question is what happens when a tax aimed at a few of California’s wealthiest residents ends up affecting everyone else.

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It’s Halloween on American Potential, and the scariest thing facing Illinois families might not be ghosts, haunted houses, or monsters—it might be their property tax bill.

Host David From sits down with Americans for Prosperity Illinois Deputy State Director Brian Costin to unpack Illinois’ already frightening property taxes and a Mega Projects bill that could make the situation even scarier for homeowners and businesses.

Brian explains how the proposal could give major developments significant property tax advantages while potentially shifting more of the burden onto surrounding taxpayers. He also discusses why AFP Illinois is sounding the alarm ahead of the state’s veto session and what could happen if lawmakers revive the proposal.

The conversation also looks at the bigger problem facing Illinois and Brian’s plan to put stronger caps on property taxes, give families more certainty, and make the state more competitive with its neighbors.

This Halloween episode proves that sometimes the scariest stories coming out of Illinois don’t need ghosts or monsters—they just need a property tax bill.

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Rimantas Jurcucius, who grew up in Lithuania under Soviet control and now lives in Wisconsin, to share his firsthand experience of life under communism.

Rimantas describes growing up in a system where private property was taken away, basic goods were often difficult to find, government-run stores had empty shelves, and Communist Party connections could determine everything from career opportunities to access to better products and healthcare. He also shares his family’s painful history, including his mother being forcibly sent to Siberia as a child under Stalin.

A talented track athlete, Rimantas became a Soviet Union champion and served in the Soviet military before eventually coming to the United States in 1992 with just $130 in his pocket. He shares how an American company gave him an opportunity despite not speaking English—and how, 32 years later, he retired after eventually running that same company.

Today, Rimantas is sharing his story with Americans to explain the realities of the system he experienced and why he believes freedom and opportunity are at the heart of the American Dream.

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with attorney Aaron Rice of American Dream Legal to discuss a major legal fight over healthcare competition and patient choice in Mississippi.

Aaron shares the story of Butch, an experienced physical therapist who wanted to open a home health agency after seeing the growing need for in-home care during COVID. But he discovered that Mississippi had maintained a moratorium for 45 years that prevented anyone from opening a new home health agency.

Aaron explains how certificate of need laws allow existing healthcare providers to weigh in on whether new competitors should be allowed into the market and how those restrictions can limit choices for patients. Despite Mississippi’s home health patient population growing dramatically, the number of agencies available to serve them actually declined.

Butch fought back in court and won a major victory when a federal judge struck down the 45-year moratorium. Now, Aaron and his team are taking the fight further, challenging Mississippi’s broader certificate of need law and arguing that healthcare entrepreneurs should not need permission from their competitors to serve patients.

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Iowa State Representative and artist Ray “Bubba” Sorensen to share the story behind the Freedom Rock and how one painting grew into a mission to honor veterans across America.

Inspired by Saving Private Ryan, Bubba painted his first patriotic mural on a graffiti-covered rock in Iowa in 1999. What started as a simple way to thank veterans became an annual tradition and eventually expanded to Freedom Rocks in all 99 Iowa counties. He is now working toward bringing one to every state in the country.

Bubba shares some of the powerful stories he has encountered along the way, including veterans and Gold Star families who found comfort in his artwork. He also explains how the Freedom Rock became a living memorial, with the ashes of more than 180 Vietnam veterans and other service members incorporated into the paintings.

The conversation also explores Bubba’s own One Small Step—from picking up a paintbrush to eventually running for the Iowa legislature—and how he uses both art and public service to preserve the stories of those who sacrificed for America.

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with legendary wrestler and coach Dan Gable at AFP’s America 250 celebration in Iowa to talk about the mindset, discipline, and lessons behind a lifetime of extraordinary success.

Gable reflects on his journey from growing up in Iowa to becoming an Olympic gold medalist, including his remarkable 1972 Olympic run where he did not surrender a single point. He shares how one of the most painful losses of his college career ultimately made him a better wrestler and helped shape the coaching philosophy that would lead the University of Iowa to wrestling dominance.

The conversation explores the dangers of becoming comfortable with success, why winning requires constant discipline, and how setbacks can expose the areas where you need to improve. Gable also shares stories from competing against the Soviet Union during the Cold War, his decision to remain in Iowa despite lucrative opportunities elsewhere, and what receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom meant to him.

Through wrestling, coaching, marriage, family, and more than five decades of competition and leadership, Gable shares lessons about perseverance, accountability, and the importance of having people in your life who push you toward excellence.

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with CNN commentator and bestselling author Scott Jennings at AFP’s America 250 celebration in Iowa to talk about politics, media, freedom, and the principles that have shaped America for 250 years.

Scott takes listeners behind the scenes of his debates on CNN, explaining why listening is one of the most important skills in winning an argument and what he has learned debating some of the most prominent voices on the left. He also discusses the rise of socialism, why he believes its growing appeal among younger Americans should be taken seriously, and how supporters of free markets can make a stronger case for opportunity and individual freedom. transcript (33)

Drawing from his book A Revolution of Common Sense, Scott connects today’s political debates to lessons from America’s founding, including the dangers of a government that becomes too large and too distant from the people it serves. He and David also discuss small businesses, the skilled trades, and why creating opportunity means trusting people to build, work, innovate, and pursue their own version of the American Dream.

And for anyone expecting a political debate around the Thanksgiving table, Scott shares a few tips from his experience debating politics on national television.

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In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks at AFP’s America 250 celebration in Iowa to discuss her journey from military service and medicine to representing Iowans in Congress.

Congresswoman Miller-Meeks shares why concerns about government control of healthcare first motivated her to run for office and how her 24 years of military service shaped her commitment to protecting individual liberty. She also discusses the Working Families Tax Cut, efforts to improve veterans’ healthcare and benefits, lowering healthcare and prescription drug costs, and the need to rein in federal spending.

Drawing on her experiences serving overseas, she explains why seeing life in other countries gave her an even deeper appreciation for America’s constitutional liberties, rule of law, and the opportunity to succeed, fail, and try again.

The conversation also explores what Washington can learn from Iowa voters: show up, listen, ask tough questions, and remember that public service should ultimately be about serving the American people.

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In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Wyoming ranchers Tyler Lindholm and James Halverson to talk about rising beef prices, the challenges facing American ranchers, and how government regulations affect what consumers ultimately pay at the grocery store.

Tyler, a fifth-generation rancher, and James, a first-generation rancher, explain how beef gets from the pasture to your plate and why a highly concentrated processing industry and federal regulations make it difficult for ranchers to sell directly to consumers. They also discuss tariffs, beef imports, labeling, and why American ranchers can face more restrictions selling across state lines than foreign producers face selling beef in the United States.

They share reforms they believe could open the market to more competition, including allowing state-inspected beef to be sold across state lines and giving states more flexibility over local processing. The conversation also explores why America's cattle herd has fallen to historically low levels and what it could take to increase supply and bring beef prices down.

And beyond policy, Tyler and James share why, despite the long hours and hard work, they're proud to be ranchers and continue the Western way of life.

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In this episode of American Potential, host David From welcomes back Katelyn Bledsoe and Lauren Stewart to share conversations with members of Congress about America’s 250th anniversary, the World Cup, American innovation, and the future of the country.

Katelyn and Lauren share highlights from their latest Media Row, where lawmakers reflected on what makes their home states unique, their favorite American innovations, and the principles they believe have helped America succeed over the past 250 years. They also discuss what it will take to carry those principles forward for another 250 years.

The conversation also turns to the Working Families Tax Cut, the cost of living, and what lawmakers are hearing from their constituents about taxes, healthcare, housing, permitting reform, and other challenges facing American families.

From celebrating America’s past to debating the policies shaping its future, Katelyn and Lauren give listeners a look inside their conversations with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

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In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Americans for Prosperity Senior Policy Director David Barnes to break down the rising cost of living and the policies that can help make life more affordable.

From groceries and gasoline to electricity and housing, David explains how government spending, outdated regulations, permitting delays, and restrictions on building and energy production can drive up costs for American families. He also discusses the Jones Act, why housing supply hasn't kept pace with demand, and reforms that could make it easier to build homes and energy infrastructure.

David also looks at recent tax reforms that prevented tax increases for millions of Americans and discusses AFP's Camp Prosperity tour, which is traveling across the country to hear directly from Americans about the affordability challenges they face.

The conversation explores practical policy changes that could increase supply, reduce unnecessary barriers, and ultimately help Americans keep more of their hard-earned money.

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs to discuss Operation Hero’s Hill, a program bringing students, businesses, government, and the community together to help homeless veterans.

Students from 11 local high schools studying the skilled trades built 20 tiny homes that will provide veterans with safe, stable housing. Along the way, students gained hands-on experience working with industry mentors and developing skills in trades where employers desperately need the next generation of workers.

Mayor Jacobs also shares how the community came together to make the project possible, the government barriers they had to overcome, and the additional services veterans will have access to as they move into their new homes. He and David also discuss the growing opportunities in the skilled trades and why programs like this can create a win for students, veterans, businesses, and the entire community.

In this Constitution Day episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Casey Mattox, Senior Adviser at Americans for Prosperity, to explore the history, principles, and protections behind the U.S. Constitution.

Casey explains how the failures of the Articles of Confederation led the Founders to create a new system of government built around checks and balances, federalism, and limits on government power. He also discusses the inspiration behind the Constitution, why the Bill of Rights was added, and the important principle that our rights do not come from government.

The conversation turns to the challenges facing constitutional rights today, including free speech, religious liberty, privacy, and the tendency to expand government power during times of crisis. Casey also explains why defending the Constitution goes beyond politics—it means strengthening families, churches, communities, and the institutions that allow people to solve problems without always turning to government.

And Casey leaves listeners with a simple Constitution Day challenge: read the Constitution, understand your rights, and find ways to strengthen your own community.

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with U.S. Senator Jim Risch of Idaho to discuss America’s energy future, national security, and the resources needed to keep the country competitive.

Sen. Risch explains why Idaho has become a leader in nuclear energy research and how a new generation of smaller reactors, private investment, and increased competition could transform how electricity is produced and delivered. He also discusses the rapidly growing energy demands created by AI and data centers and why he believes nuclear power will be essential to meeting them.

The conversation also turns to critical minerals, semiconductors, permitting reform, and America’s dependence on foreign supply chains. Sen. Risch explains why producing more of these resources at home is critical to both economic and national security.

He also shares his own One Small Step story, his approach to managing Idaho’s public lands, and why he believes free markets and American innovation can help solve some of the country’s biggest challenges.

Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, American Potential host David From sits down with John Byrnes, Strategic Director for Concerned Veterans for America, to remember the day that changed America and reflect on its lasting impact.

John was a college student and National Guard soldier in New York City when the attacks began. He recalls hearing the sirens racing toward Lower Manhattan, watching the first tower collapse, and immediately reporting to his armory. By that evening, John and his fellow soldiers were providing security near Ground Zero, where he would spend nearly two weeks alongside police officers, firefighters, and other first responders during the rescue and recovery efforts.

John also shares how 9/11 changed the direction of his own life, eventually leading to deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. He and David reflect on the thousands of lives lost, the Americans who answered the call to serve, and the extraordinary unity that swept across the country in the days and weeks following the attacks.

Twenty-five years later, John looks back at the lessons of that day, the decisions America made in its aftermath, and why remembering our history remains essential to the country's future.

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Rev. Kevass Harding to discuss how his own childhood experiences with housing insecurity inspired him to help families find stable, affordable homes.

Rev. Harding shares his journey from working construction with his grandfather to becoming a police officer, pastor, and eventually founding Hope Community Development Corporation in Wichita, Kansas. Today, the organization builds and renovates affordable homes while providing families with financial education and a path toward homeownership.

He also discusses new reforms in Kansas that removed barriers to accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, creating more opportunities for homeowners and community organizations to provide affordable housing. Rev. Harding shares how these changes are already helping seniors, students, and families—including a formerly homeless family that was finally able to move into a home of their own.

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In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Kelley Williams to share a heartbreaking story about a mother’s fight to give her daughters a better education—and the devastating consequences that followed.

After concerns about bullying and academics in her daughters’ assigned public school, Kelley enrolled them in the district where her parents lived. What followed went far beyond a simple enrollment dispute. The school district hired a private investigator to follow Kelley, and she was eventually prosecuted on felony charges, convicted, and sent to jail.

Kelley also shares the painful story of her father, who supported her efforts to give his granddaughters a better education. He was later prosecuted on separate charges, sent to prison while suffering from serious health problems, and ultimately died while incarcerated. Kelley describes seeing him hospitalized, shackled to his bed, and wondering how their pursuit of a better public education could have resulted in such devastating consequences.

Her case eventually gained national attention and gave Kelley a platform to speak across the country about education and the power government can wield over families.

This episode is a powerful conversation about parental choice, government overreach, and why families should have greater freedom to pursue the education they believe is best for their children.

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In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Kevin Williams, a longtime AFP volunteer and host of the Rocky Mountain Freedom Zone podcast, to share how he has refused to let blindness keep him from pursuing his passions.

Born blind, Kevin developed a fascination with radio as a child that eventually led him to earn a degree in broadcasting and begin producing his own shows. He shares how technology—from screen readers and Braille displays to smartphones and AI-powered tools—has given him greater independence and allowed him to record, edit, and produce his own podcast.

Kevin also discusses his passion for politics and his decision to move from simply following the news to getting involved. He has advocated on Capitol Hill, volunteered with Americans for Prosperity, helped fight a local tax increase, and even earned recognition for making the most grassroots calls during an AFP campaign.

His message is simple: whatever obstacle may be standing in your way, find the tools and training to overcome it, start small, and take your own one small step toward making a difference.

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with energy industry veteran Nick DeIuliis to discuss how America’s energy revolution has transformed the country’s economy, national security, and influence around the world.

With more than 30 years in the energy industry, Nick shares how he went from growing up in Western Pennsylvania to building a career at the center of America’s transformation in natural gas and energy production. He explains how innovations in domestic energy helped move the United States from dependence on foreign energy toward becoming a major global energy producer and exporter.

Nick also breaks down why reliable and affordable energy matters for everything from manufacturing and artificial intelligence to national security and America’s relationships with allies. He discusses the continued importance of natural gas, coal, and nuclear power—and why energy policies driven by ideology rather than reliability and affordability can have serious consequences.

The conversation looks ahead at the next chapter of American energy and why Nick believes abundant domestic energy could unlock even more innovation, economic growth, and opportunity at home and around the world.

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Marine Corps veteran Adam Jahnke, Strategic Director for Concerned Veterans for America in South Carolina, to discuss the Taking Care of American Veterans Act and what it could mean for veterans and their families.

Adam breaks down several major reforms included in the legislation, including the Major Richard Star Act, which would address retirement benefits for combat-wounded veterans; the Veterans Access Act, which would expand veterans’ ability to choose health care providers outside the VA; and the Love Lives On Act, which would protect benefits for surviving military spouses who choose to remarry.
Drawing from his own experience as a Purple Heart recipient and former VA clinical social worker, Adam also discusses the problems veterans continue to face navigating the VA system and why greater choice could lead to better health outcomes.

The conversation also tackles one of the biggest debates surrounding the legislation: how to deliver meaningful new benefits and health care reforms while being responsible with taxpayer dollars. Adam explains why he believes modernizing the VA system and prioritizing resources for critically injured veterans and their families can accomplish both.