American Potential

American Potential

By American PotentialNewsNews Commentary
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American Potential episodes

  • Big Ideas for Smaller Government: Unpacking the Department of Defense Budget with Jeremiah Mosteller

     

    In this episode of the *Big Ideas for Smaller Government* series, host David Fran sits down with Jeremiah Mosteller, policy director for Americans for Prosperity, to explore the vast and complex Department of Defense (DoD). With a staggering $2 trillion budget and nearly three million military and civilian personnel, the DoD is one of the largest federal agencies. Together, they discuss the department’s history, structure, and some surprising examples of wasteful spending, including $5 million spent on ineffective camouflage and $1,300 coffee cups used on Air Force cargo planes. Jeremiah highlights how better coordination and cutting excessive contracting could lead to significant taxpayer savings—up to $260 billion over ten years—without compromising national security.

    This in-depth conversation sheds light on the challenges and opportunities within the DoD, illustrating why reforming defense spending is crucial for reducing the federal deficit and making government more efficient. Listeners gain valuable insights into how strategic changes, such as reducing contractor reliance and improving procurement, could help save billions while ensuring our military remains well-equipped. Tune in to understand how thoughtful cuts in defense can contribute to a smaller, smarter government.

    15 min
  • Behind the Border: Chief Chris Clem on Securing America’s Frontlines and Protecting Vulnerable Children

     

    In this eye-opening episode of the American Potential podcast, host David sits down with Chief Chris Clem, a seasoned law enforcement veteran with over 27 years in the U.S. Border Patrol and recent experience at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Chief Clem shares his unique perspective on the complexities of border security beyond just patrol agents—highlighting the multi-agency efforts involved in managing immigration and national security.

    Listeners will gain an in-depth understanding of Chief Clem’s groundbreaking work at HHS, specifically within the Office of Refugee Resettlement, where he tackled the critical issue of unaccompanied alien children. He reveals troubling challenges such as rampant fraud in sponsorship applications, the halting of DNA family relationship testing, and the alarming number of missing children resulting from lax vetting procedures under the previous administration. Chief Clem discusses how he implemented stricter policies, including fingerprinting, criminal background checks, and re-establishing accountability to protect vulnerable kids from trafficking and exploitation.

    The conversation also explores the contrasting border policies under different administrations, the morale and operational impacts on Border Patrol agents, and the importance of enforcing existing laws to maintain national security and lawful immigration. Chief Clem’s firsthand stories and dedication illuminate the often unseen battles fought to secure the border and safeguard children caught in the system.

    Tune in for an insightful discussion on border enforcement, child protection, and the ongoing fight to restore order and safety at America’s borders. This episode offers listeners a rare, comprehensive look behind the scenes from a leader who has served on the front lines and inside the government machinery shaping policy and enforcement today.

    46 min
  • Eric Bott on the REINS Act: How States Are Reining In Bureaucratic Overreach


    In this episode of American Potential, host David From is joined by Eric Bott, Vice President at Americans for Prosperity, for a powerful look at the growing movement to rein in unelected bureaucrats and restore legislative authority through the REINS Act—Regulations from the Executive In Need of Scrutiny.

    Eric shares firsthand how this transformative reform is taking root across the country. From its early adoption in Wisconsin and Florida to new victories in Oklahoma, Utah, Wyoming, and Kentucky—with more states on the way—the REINS Act is shifting power back where it belongs: to the people’s elected representatives.

    Through stories of outrageous past regulations that crushed jobs and industries without a single vote, Eric explains how the REINS Act not only prevents future economic harm but also gives states a way to future-proof against the next crisis-driven power grab.

    With deep insights into the strategy behind the movement, real-world proof from states already seeing results, and an update on federal momentum, this episode is a roadmap for how smart policy—and persistent advocacy—can lead to big wins for freedom.

    If you're concerned about out-of-control government, economic uncertainty, or the erosion of checks and balances, this conversation is a must-hear.

    30 min
  • The Cowboy State Leads the Way: Wyoming’s Year of Big Wins for Freedom

    In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Tyler Lindholm, State Director for Americans for Prosperity–Wyoming and a true cowboy at heart, to unpack a banner year for freedom in the Cowboy State.

    From passing universal education savings accounts to overriding the governor’s veto of the REINS Act, Tyler shares how Wyoming is becoming a model for liberty-minded policy. They dig into the repeal of outdated certificate of need laws, the fight to give parents more control over their children’s education, and how empowering legislators—not unelected regulators—restores government accountability.

    Tyler also previews bold new priorities for next year, including judicial reform, fighting unnecessary AI regulations, and eliminating absurd licensing mandates.

    This episode shows how grassroots energy, principled leadership, and a commitment to freedom can transform even the smallest state into a laboratory for liberty. If you want to see what’s possible when government gets out of the way—Wyoming just might be your blueprint.

    28 min
  • How Repealing Certificate of Need Laws Transformed Healthcare in South Carolina

    For more than 40 years, South Carolina’s certificate of need law gave powerful hospital systems the ability to block competitors and limit patient access to care. But in 2023, that changed. In this episode of American Potential, host David From is joined by South Carolina State Senator Wes Climer and Candace Carroll, Director of Public Affairs for Americans for Prosperity–South Carolina, to discuss how repealing the law is already improving lives across the state. Senator Climer shares the eye-opening story of a local oncologist whose attempt to expand cancer treatment was crushed by a hospital executive using the law to shut out competition.

    Candace shares her own experience navigating long wait times for her daughter’s autism diagnosis—and how this broken system motivated a statewide grassroots campaign to demand change.

    Together, they explain how repealing the certificate of need law has unleashed billions of dollars in healthcare investment, reduced wait times, and expanded access to care in both rural and urban communities.

    Even the law’s former defenders are now praising the freedom to innovate and grow. This is a story of leadership, community activism, and the power of removing government barriers to unlock opportunity and save lives.

    23 min
  • Defending Homeschool Freedom: The Butlers' Fight for Parental Rights in Illinois

    In this episode of American Potential, host David From, Regional Vice President at Americans for Prosperity, sits down with Chris and Aziza Butler, a husband-and-wife team on the frontlines of the fight to protect homeschooling freedoms in Illinois. When a bill threatened to force homeschool families to register with the state and potentially face criminal charges, the Butlers didn’t just speak out—they mobilized.

    Aziza, a former public school teacher turned homeschool mom, and Chris, a pastor and education reform advocate, share their journey from skeptics to passionate homeschoolers. Along the way, they built a thriving micro school in Chicago’s South Side—one that’s transforming the lives of families looking for educational alternatives.

    They discuss why parent-led education matters, how community-based solutions outperform bureaucratic control, and how legislation like HB2827 threatens educational opportunity—especially in underserved communities. Their message is clear: families, not government, should be in the driver’s seat.

    This is a powerful conversation about faith, family, freedom, and the power of ordinary people standing up to defend their rights—and the future of education.

    44 min
  • Inside the IRS Mess: Missing Trillions, Taxpayer Abuse, and a Better Way

    In this episode of American Potential, host David From welcomes back Jeremiah Mosteller, Policy Director at Americans for Prosperity, for another installment in the “Big Ideas for Smaller Government” series—this time targeting the Internal Revenue Service.

    Jeremiah breaks down how outdated pandemic-era tax subsidies—expanded under the American Rescue Plan—are still being paid out today, even to higher-income individuals who don’t need them.

    Reverting to the original subsidy rules for the Obamacare marketplace could save taxpayers a staggering $383 billion. The episode also exposes shocking mismanagement inside the IRS, including nearly 3,000 IRS employees who owe back taxes and over $4.7 trillion in untraceable federal spending due to failed accounting practices.

    Jeremiah explains how simple reforms like the LEDGER Act could bring long-overdue transparency to the Treasury and restore public trust. This is a can't-miss conversation about fiscal responsibility, common sense reforms, and how everyday Americans can play a role in cutting $2 trillion in wasteful government spending.

    19 min
  • From Dirt Roads to Digital Innovation: How Justin Mannina Is Rebuilding the American Dream


    In this inspiring episode of American Potential, host David From, Regional Vice President at Americans for Prosperity, sits down with entrepreneur and builder Justin Mannina—CEO of Rexcon Enterprises, Vice President of JB Pinnacle Group, and Co‑founder of My Truck Boss.

    Justin opens up about his journey from working grueling hours on construction sites to walking away from a secure six‑figure job to launch multiple successful companies. He shares the tough early years—when he and his partner didn’t pay themselves for five straight years—as well as the milestone moment of building America’s largest carbon-capture plant and major infrastructure projects in Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.

    But this episode isn’t just about concrete and highways—it’s about people. Justin discusses his passion for hiring high school graduates, giving second chances to formerly incarcerated individuals, and defending hardworking DACA recipients who have become cornerstone team members. He also reveals how his love for problem-solving led him to co-create an app that brings real-time tracking and efficiency to dirt-hauling operations still buried in paperwork.

    Justin’s story is a modern blueprint for how grit, mentorship, and faith in people can create opportunity—not just for individuals, but for entire communities. Whether you're a parent questioning the traditional college path, a business leader seeking to empower your team, or simply someone who believes in the power of second chances, this episode is a must-hear.

    38 min
  • Taking the American Dream to Washington: How LIBRE Is Giving Hispanics a Voice in Congress


    In this episode of American Potential, host David From welcomes Sandra Benitez, Executive Director of The LIBRE Initiative, to discuss how LIBRE is empowering Hispanic communities through direct advocacy. Sandra shares how LIBRE’s national fly-in brings stories and real-world concerns from Latino communities across 13 states to the halls of Congress.

    From celebrating the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and advocating for policies like the REINS Act and the DOJGAR Act, to spotlighting issues like economic opportunity, tax relief, and occupational licensing reform, LIBRE is leading the charge to ensure Hispanic Americans are heard—and represented.

    Sandra also reflects on her personal journey from grassroots organizer to national leader, and how her team’s work is helping millions of Hispanic Americans pursue and protect their piece of the American Dream.

    25 min
  • Texas Becomes a National Leader on School Choice—Here’s How They Did It

    In this episode of American Potential, host David From is joined by Genevieve Collins, State Director of Americans for Prosperity–Texas, and Joel Enge, founder of Kingdom Life Academy, to share the extraordinary story behind the largest school choice legislation in American history.

    After more than a decade of advocacy, Texas has officially passed sweeping education savings account (ESA) legislation, unlocking new options for thousands of families. Collins explains how her team helped mobilize communities across the state to shift public opinion, change the political landscape, and secure a historic 86 votes in the Texas House.

    Joel Enge offers a deeply personal perspective. A former public school teacher in Tyler, Texas, Joel sold his home to launch a school that serves students struggling in traditional education environments. He shares how school choice will bring hope to low-income families, allow his micro-school to grow, and create life-changing opportunities for students through real-world, hands-on learning.

    This is the story of how grassroots action, policy expertise, and bold leadership came together to empower parents and give kids a better shot at success. Texas is now leading the way—and this episode explains why it matters for the entire country.

    36 min

About American Potential

From the publisher's feed

American Potential is a national award-winning podcast that shares how individuals are taking action in their communities to break barriers. While some of our guests may be public officials or…

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