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416 episodes

Jason Chaffetz on AI, Free Speech, and Why America Must Stay Engaged
17/03/2026 | 26 mins.
In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with former Congressman and Fox News contributor Jason Chaffetz during the America 250 celebration in Springfield, Illinois.

Chaffetz shares his journey into public service, from personal loss to becoming Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, and reflects on the importance of accountability, limited government, and staying engaged in a free society. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at Congress, the challenges of holding government agencies accountable, and why showing up still matters.

The conversation also dives into one of the biggest issues shaping our future: artificial intelligence. Chaffetz discusses both the promise and the risks of AI—from economic transformation to serious concerns around privacy, jobs, and government readiness. He explains why innovation must be balanced with strong principles and thoughtful guardrails.

They also tackle cancel culture, free speech, and the importance of not letting fear silence your voice. Chaffetz encourages everyday Americans to take that “one small step” to get involved—whether in their community, local government, or national conversations.

This episode is a powerful reminder that freedom isn’t passive—it requires participation, courage, and a willingness to engage.
Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher Talks Free Speech, Football, and Defending American Values
12/03/2026 | 21 mins.
In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Pro Football Hall of Famer and Chicago Bears legend Brian Urlacher during a special America 250 celebration in Springfield, Illinois.

Urlacher reflects on growing up in New Mexico, his NFL career, and why he decided to start speaking out on issues like free speech, cancel culture, and the importance of defending America’s founding principles. He shares his perspective on why more Americans should feel confident using their voices, even when facing criticism or backlash.

The conversation also touches on patriotism, the challenges facing the country today, and why everyday citizens taking “one small step” to stand up for freedom can make a real difference. Urlacher also gives a look inside the culture of NFL locker rooms, his thoughts on today’s sports controversies, and his excitement about the future of the Chicago Bears.

This episode is a candid conversation about courage, personal conviction, and why defending American values matters now more than ever.
Rep. Jeff Bradley’s Plan to Cut Regulations and Help Small Businesses Thrive
10/03/2026 | 31 mins.
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.
Kitchen Table Issues in Illinois: Senator Darby Hills on Budgets, Jobs, and Public Safety
05/03/2026 | 24 mins.
Illinois State Senator Darby Hills joins host David From to share her path from prosecutor to community advocate—and now, as one of just 19 Republicans in the Illinois Senate, fighting to bring transparency and accountability back to Springfield.

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.
From Sierra Leone to Philly: Ernestine Johnson on Finding Her Voice and Running for Office
26/02/2026 | 24 mins.
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.

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About American Potential

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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