In this episode of American Potential, host David From is joined by Jeremiah Mosteller, policy director at Americans for Prosperity, for the latest installment in the Big Ideas for Smaller Government series. The focus: the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)—the federal government’s HR department—and a surprising proposal that could save $237 billion without touching current employee benefits.
From the absurd reality of federal retirement files being processed in a limestone mine in Pennsylvania, to relocation costs nearing $170,000 per employee, the episode exposes waste and inefficiencies taxpayers rarely hear about.
But there’s good news: Jeremiah shares how shifting new federal employees to a modern, portable retirement plan—like a 401(k)—already the gold standard in the private sector—could generate massive long-term savings. And it wouldn’t change anything for current employees.
Listen to hear how smart reforms and private-sector solutions are helping DogE (the initiative to cut $2 trillion in wasteful federal spending) chip away at bureaucratic bloat—and how you can submit your own savings ideas at DogeIdea.com.

In this episode of American Potential, host David From is joined by Jeremiah Mosteller, policy director at Americans for Prosperity, for the latest installment in the Big Ideas for Smaller Government series. The focus: the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)—the federal government’s HR department—and a surprising proposal that could save $237 billion without touching current employee benefits. From the absurd reality of federal retirement files being processed in a limestone mine in Pennsylvania, to relocation costs nearing $170,000 per employee, the episode exposes waste and inefficiencies taxpayers rarely hear about. But there’s good news: Jeremiah shares how shifting new federal employees to a modern, portable retirement plan—like a 401(k)—already the gold standard in the private sector—could generate massive long-term savings. And it wouldn’t change anything for current employees. Listen to hear how smart reforms and private-sector solutions are helping DogE (the initiative to cut $2 trillion in wasteful federal spending) chip away at bureaucratic bloat—and how you can submit your own savings ideas at DogeIdea.com.

Saving $237 Billion: A Smarter Retirement Plan for Future Federal Employees

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 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.

David From, a Regional Vice President at Americans for Prosperity, hosts the American Potential podcast. David brings a wealth of experience in grassroots advocacy and a deep commitment to advancing freedom and opportunity for all Americans.

American Potential has earned multiple prestigious honors for its impact and excellence in storytelling:

Platinum Award at the 2024 Viddy Awards for the episode featuring Mike Rowe, recognized in the long-form podcast category.

Gold Award at the 18th Annual w3 Awards in the News and Politics Podcast category.

Award of Distinction at the 31st Annual Communicator Awards in the Individual Episodes – Political category for the episode “Eco-Regulation Gone Wrong: The Unintended Costs of Colorado’s Climate Laws.”

These awards—judged by experts from organizations like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and the Smithsonian—highlight the podcast’s effectiveness in elevating compelling stories of freedom, innovation, and citizen-led change.

Society & Culture

Education

Self-Improvement

Government

Personal Journals

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 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. David From, a Regional Vice President at Americans for Prosperity, hosts the American Potential podcast. David brings a wealth of experience in grassroots advocacy and a deep commitment to advancing freedom and opportunity for all Americans. American Potential has earned multiple prestigious honors for its impact and excellence in storytelling: Platinum Award at the 2024 Viddy Awards for the episode featuring Mike Rowe, recognized in the long-form podcast category. Gold Award at the 18th Annual w3 Awards in the News and Politics Podcast category. Award of Distinction at the 31st Annual Communicator Awards in the Individual Episodes – Political category for the episode “Eco-Regulation Gone Wrong: The Unintended Costs of Colorado’s Climate Laws.” These awards—judged by experts from organizations like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and the Smithsonian—highlight the podcast’s effectiveness in elevating compelling stories of freedom, innovation, and citizen-led change.

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Saving $237 Billion: A Smarter Retirement Plan for Future Federal Employees

Saving $237 Billion: A Smarter Retirement Plan for Future Federal Employees

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