American Potential

In this episode of American Potential, host David From talks with South Carolina State Representative Jeff Bradley, chairman of the House Regulations and Administrative Procedures Committee, about a major push to rein in the administrative state and make government more accountable to the people.

Bradley explains how South Carolina’s Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act would force a regular review of regulations, create a seven-year sunset for rules that are no longer justified, strengthen protections for citizens challenging agency decisions, and put real checks on unelected bureaucrats. He shares how overregulation hurts small businesses, raises costs, slows growth, and makes it harder for entrepreneurs to succeed.

The conversation also explores how South Carolina is using new tools, including artificial intelligence, to identify duplicative rules and modernize government. Bradley lays out why reducing red tape is not anti-regulation, but pro-accountability, pro-growth, and pro-freedom — and why this fight matters for every South Carolinian.

Darby explains why Illinois doesn’t have a revenue problem—it has a spending problem—and describes what she saw as a new senator: major bills and the state budget dropped with little time to review, late-night votes, and decisions made behind closed doors. She also talks about her work outside government, including founding Barrington Children’s Charities to help feed hundreds of kids each week and provide critical services like dental care, mental health support, and eyeglasses.

From criminal justice to fiscal responsibility, Darby lays out the “kitchen table” priorities that shaped her—watching her single mom work two jobs and sort bills at home—and the reforms she’s pushing now: independent audits, cutting waste, reducing red tape on small businesses, keeping young people in Illinois, and supporting law enforcement to make communities safer.

On this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Philadelphia native Ernestine Johnson, whose story embodies the spirit of America’s 250th anniversary. A first-generation American with roots in Sierra Leone, Ernestine shares how her family’s experience with civil war and voter suppression shaped her deep appreciation for the right to vote and civic engagement.

What started as working the polls in her community turned into a journey of political activism, running for office, and empowering other women to step up and lead. Ernestine opens up about the challenges of standing firm in her convictions, the personal costs of public engagement, and the importance of finding strength in numbers. She also offers practical advice for anyone hesitant to get involved: how to move from “yelling at the TV” to actually making a difference.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that defending freedom doesn’t require perfection — it requires courage. Sometimes your one small step, whether it’s attending a meeting, supporting a candidate, or running for office, can become the step that inspires an entire community.

Angelina shares how moving back to Pennsylvania opened her eyes to the impact of public policy, why local government matters more than most people realize, and how just a handful of phone calls or voices can influence elected officials. She talks candidly about the costs of speaking out—strained relationships, social backlash—and why she believes it’s still worth it to defend the principles that built America. It’s a conversation about courage, conviction, and how everyday citizens can move from yelling at the TV to making a real difference.

Americans are capable of achieving extraordinary things when they have the freedom and opportunity to do so. This is American Potential, and in this episode, host David From continues the “50 Stars, 50 Stories” series with a February-themed deep dive into the states that joined the Union during this month.

David is joined by Ross Connolly, Americans for Prosperity’s regional state director for the Northeast, and Stephen Shadegg, AFP’s state director in Arizona. Together, they test their knowledge with fast-paced trivia covering Oregon, Massachusetts, and Arizona—touching on everything from the Oregon Trail and Salem’s witch trials to the Grand Canyon and Pluto’s discovery in Flagstaff.

But the conversation doesn’t stop at history. Ross and Stephen also share what’s happening today in their regions. Stephen discusses Arizona’s housing affordability crisis, energy policy, and long-term infrastructure challenges tied to rapid growth. Ross highlights how voters across the Northeast are pushing back against rising costs driven by bad energy and housing policy, and why there’s real hope even in states that often get overlooked in national conversations.

It’s a lively mix of American history, state pride, and forward-looking policy—proof that understanding where we came from can help shape where we’re going next.

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Emily Seidel, CEO of Americans for Prosperity, live from Philadelphia as the America 250 celebrations begin. Together, they reflect on the founding principles that shaped the nation — self-governance, individual liberty, and the belief that our rights come from our Creator — and why those ideas are still essential 250 years later.

As pride in America declines and more people feel the American Dream is out of reach, Emily explains how the One Small Step campaign is working to restore hope and personal agency. From grassroots activism to empowering citizens to take meaningful action in their communities, this conversation explores how everyday Americans can recommit to the values that made the country exceptional — and help shape the next 250 years of freedom.

In this special VOLentine’s Day episode of American Potential, host David From shares the heartwarming story of Pat Sterck and Bo Bolling, two New Mexico volunteers in their 70s who met while serving their community — and unexpectedly found love. What started as volunteering with the AFP New Mexico team turned into friendship, then romance, and eventually marriage.

Pat and Bo talk about how shared values, faith, civic engagement, and a commitment to making their state better brought them together. From phone banking to an engagement celebration at the AFP office, the New Mexico AFP team even played a role in their love story. It’s a joyful reminder that it’s never too late for new beginnings — and that sometimes love shows up when you’re simply showing up to serve.

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Lynette Breedlove, director of Kentucky’s Gatton Academy, to explore how one innovative public program is transforming opportunities for gifted and high-achieving students across the Commonwealth. Located on the campus of Western Kentucky University, Gatton Academy gives students the chance to complete their final two years of high school while earning college credit in a rigorous STEM-focused environment.

Lynette explains how the academy was built to meet both the academic and social needs of students who are often underserved by traditional school systems, why flexibility and specialization matter in public education, and how Gatton helps combat brain drain while strengthening Kentucky’s future workforce. From cutting-edge labs to real-world outcomes, this conversation highlights what’s possible when education is designed to help students reach their full potential.

Rather than accept those limits, Michael turned his personal fight into a cause. After being forced to travel to other states in search of experimental treatments, he worked with lawmakers to expand Right to Try so patients in New Hampshire could access innovative care without unnecessary red tape. His advocacy helped ensure that others facing life-threatening illnesses wouldn’t have to leave their home state just to pursue a chance at treatment.

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Blake Fuhriman, founder of the Veterans Navigation Network, to discuss his journey from Army Ranger to veteran advocate in Montana. Blake shares how combat injuries, the difficult transition to civilian life, and gaps in veteran support inspired him to create a veteran-led network built on mentorship, connection, and purpose.

Blake explains how Veterans Navigation Network helps veterans navigate healthcare, benefits, employment, mental health, and community reintegration by pairing them with fellow veterans who understand the challenges firsthand. It’s a powerful conversation about service after the uniform, restoring purpose, and ensuring veterans are never left to navigate civilian life alone.