Episodios

  • Taking the American Dream to Washington: How LIBRE Is Giving Hispanics a Voice in Congress
    Jul 14 2025

    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.

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    24 m
  • Texas Becomes a National Leader on School Choice—Here’s How They Did It
    Jul 11 2025

    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.

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    35 m
  • American Potential: From Prison to Policy—Ruby Welch’s Journey to Redemption and Reform
    Jul 10 2025

    Ruby Welch’s story is one of remarkable transformation. After surviving unimaginable trauma and serving time in prison, she emerged not defeated—but determined. In this episode, Ruby shares how hitting rock bottom led her to find true freedom, rebuild her life, and help others do the same. With no housing, no job, and only $70 to her name, she began a new chapter grounded in faith, purpose, and service to others. Her powerful voice and lived experience have become a force for criminal justice reform in Arkansas and beyond.

    Joining her is Ryan Norris, AFP’s Arkansas State Director, who saw in Ruby not just a survivor—but a leader. Together, they’ve worked on legislation that restores dignity, seals records, and creates real second chances. What started as policy work became a lasting friendship, one that’s changed both their lives—and inspired a new generation, including Ryan’s daughter, Gracie. This is a moving story of grit, grace, and the impact one voice can have when matched with a mission.

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    25 m
  • American Potential: Chris Hoffman's Fight to Protect Farming, Freedom, and the Family Business
    Jul 7 2025

    Chris Hoffman never set out to become a farmer. He dreamed of a career in law enforcement—until a job on a pig farm at 19 changed the trajectory of his life. Today, he runs one of Pennsylvania’s largest hog and poultry operations and serves as president of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. In this episode, Chris shares how he built his farm from the ground up, what it takes to run a 24/7 agricultural business, and why many Americans don’t realize how much red tape stands between farmers and the food on our tables.

    From navigating increasingly complex regulations to fighting against estate taxes that threaten generational farms, Chris opens up about the real-world consequences of government overreach. He explains how misguided policies increase costs for farmers and consumers alike—and why defending freedom means standing up for those who feed the nation. This is a candid, behind-the-scenes look at modern farming, and a powerful story of resilience, leadership, and the fight to preserve opportunity for the next generation.

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    27 m
  • American Potential Now: Tax Cuts Made Permanent – What the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Means for Small Businesses
    Jul 6 2025

    In this special Independence Day edition of American Potential Now, host David From breaks down the big news: the passage and signing of the “one big beautiful bill,” extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).

    Hear how these permanent tax cuts lift uncertainty for small business owners in South Dakota and in Ohio, empowering them to reinvest, support employees, and strengthen their communities. Learn about Americans for Prosperity’s nationwide campaign—from 150,000 doors knocked to over 500 events—to protect prosperity for everyday Americans. Don’t miss this quick-hit episode on why TCJA’s permanence is a game-changer for freedom and opportunity.

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    5 m
  • The Declaration’s Bold Promise: Jefferson, Equality, and America’s Ongoing Struggle
    Jul 5 2025

    In this special Independence Day episode of American Potential, guest David Gowdy—founder of the Virginia Institute for American History—joins host David From to explore the creation of America’s most iconic document: the Declaration of Independence. Gowdy shares how Thomas Jefferson, just 33 years old, drew from classical thinkers and the Virginia Declaration of Rights to pen the revolutionary words “all men are created equal.”

    The conversation dives into the meaning of this phrase, the influence of Jefferson’s ideas on Abraham Lincoln’s fight against slavery, and the contradiction of Jefferson’s personal slave ownership despite his public opposition to the institution. Gowdy also explains why understanding Jefferson’s view of rights as granted by the Creator—not the government—is crucial to preserving freedom today.

    Listen in for a thought-provoking discussion on the timeless principles that sparked a revolution, inspired generations, and continue to challenge Americans to live up to their founding ideals.

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    31 m
  • Fixing Federal Bureaucracy & Empowering Gig Workers: Big Ideas for a Modern Workforce
    Jul 2 2025

    In this episode of American Potential, guest Austen Bannon, employment policy fellow at Americans for Prosperity, breaks down two urgent issues costing Americans time, opportunity, and tax dollars: outdated rules that make it nearly impossible to fire underperforming federal workers, and laws that prevent gig workers from getting the portable benefits they need.

    Austen explains how commonsense reforms—like simplifying the process for removing federal employees who aren’t doing their jobs—could save taxpayers millions and restore accountability in government. He also shares how states like Utah, Tennessee, and Alabama are pioneering voluntary portable benefits programs that allow independent contractors to pool resources for health care and retirement, giving them greater freedom and security in the modern economy.

    Learn how modernizing these rules can empower workers, foster innovation, and ensure our government works better for everyone. Join us for a practical conversation on cutting red tape, expanding opportunity, and unleashing the potential of America’s dynamic workforce.

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    23 m
  • From Homeless Shelters to Hope: Johnnie Calloway’s Journey of Faith, Resilience, and Renewal
    Jun 30 2025

    In this powerful episode of American Potential, we sit down with Johnnie Calloway, grassroots engagement director for Americans for Prosperity-Missouri, who shares an unflinchingly honest account of his life growing up in poverty, facing domestic violence, and enduring unimaginable loss. From spending childhood years in a homeless shelter and living in Section 8 housing to losing two children and his mother, Johnnie’s story is one of heartbreak—but also of transformation.

    He takes listeners on his journey of self-discovery, describing the pivotal moments that awakened his faith and inspired him to break cycles of negativity. Johnnie reveals how he went from consuming toxic influences to immersing himself in self-education, reading dozens of life-changing books, and finding a new purpose rooted in service, hope, and helping others.

    Johnnie also shares the remarkable full-circle moment of buying and restoring the very home where he experienced both tragedy and early lessons of resilience, turning it into a symbol of redemption and possibility. His reflections on fatherhood, faith, community, and the importance of personal responsibility offer a heartfelt and empowering message for anyone striving to overcome adversity.

    This episode is a reminder that no matter where you start, you have the power to change your path—and to inspire others to do the same. Join us to hear how Johnnie Calloway embodies the spirit of the American Dream, turning his hardships into hope and his pain into purpose.

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    38 m