Episodes
Guest Host Tyler Lindholm dives into the story behind Arizona’s groundbreaking Tamale Bill with Jared Gorshe and Stephen Shadegg, the Arizona State Director for Americans for Prosperity. Discover how this legislation removes unnecessary government hurdles, empowering local food entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and grow their businesses.
This episode explores the journey of advocacy, collaboration, and the impact of unleashing opportunity for small businesses in Arizona.
Published 11/15/24
In this inspiring episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank sits down with Manny Singh, a successful entrepreneur who immigrated from India in pursuit of his American Dream. Manny’s journey embodies determination and hard work—two full-time jobs and a part-time job were only the beginning as he built a new life, overcame countless challenges, and embraced the opportunities that America offers. He shares the ups and downs of legal immigration, including his family’s years-long wait to...
Published 11/13/24
In this special Veterans Day episode, host Jeff Crank is joined by Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, an Army veteran and advocate for veterans’ health care reform, who shares her inspiring journey from service in the military to service in Congress. As the daughter of an Air Force veteran, Miller-Meeks grew up in a military family, instilled with a strong sense of duty and commitment to country. Her own 24-year career in the Army has left an indelible mark on her approach to public...
Published 11/11/24
In this compelling episode, host Jeff Crank sits down with Congressman Guy Reschenthaler, a decorated Navy veteran and dedicated representative of Pennsylvania’s 14th Congressional District. Congressman Reschenthaler takes us on his journey from the military battlefield to the legislative front lines, sharing how his time as a Navy JAG officer shaped his commitment to protecting American freedoms. He opens up about his role in prosecuting terrorists in Iraq, as well as a gripping story...
Published 11/08/24
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank sits down with Georgia State Representative Misha Mainor, who made headlines last year by switching parties to stand for school choice. Representative Mainor shares her journey from Democrat to Republican, her relentless work on passing the Promise Scholarship, and her passion for ensuring every Georgia child has access to a quality education.
With the Promise Scholarship now in place, Georgia families can find the best educational fit...
Published 11/06/24
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank sits down with Wisconsin brewery owner Will Glass, whose journey to open a brewery took him through a bureaucratic nightmare. From navigating federal and state laws to being told he might need to divorce his wife and disown his children to move forward, Will’s story is an incredible tale of perseverance against government overreach.
Thanks to the support of Americans for Prosperity, Will was able to challenge the laws and help change the...
Published 11/05/24
This Halloween, we’re digging into one of the scariest policy proposals haunting Oregon: Universal Basic Income (UBI). Guest host Andy Hooser and AFP’s Western Regional State Director Heather Andrews discuss the terrifying reality behind Oregon’s UBI measure, which would impose a 3% gross receipts tax on businesses. With impacts that could drive up the cost of essentials, cut local jobs, and make life even harder for working families, this proposal is no treat—it’s a trick with lasting...
Published 10/31/24
In this eye-opening episode of American Potential, guest host David From and AFP Colorado Director Jesse Mallory expose the unintended consequences of Colorado’s recent carbon emission policies and climate-focused bills. Jesse highlights how these restrictive measures, inspired by California’s aggressive regulations, threaten Colorado’s working families, rural communities, and small businesses.
From gas-powered lawnmower bans to policies that could limit personal vehicle use, they discuss...
Published 10/29/24
In this powerful episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank sits down with Wiz Rouzard, Deputy State Director for Americans for Prosperity in Nevada, to hear his inspiring story of resilience, hard work, and the pursuit of the American Dream. As the son of Haitian immigrants, Wiz shares how his parents’ incredible journey from Haiti to America taught him the value of perseverance, education, and self-reliance.
He reflects on the struggles his family faced, the work ethic his mother...
Published 10/24/24
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank sits down with Kurt Couchman, Senior Policy Fellow at Americans for Prosperity, to dive into AFP’s hard-hitting report, the ”Bidenflation Blame Game.” As Americans continue to suffer from soaring inflation, Bidenomics has shifted the blame onto businesses, but is that really the root cause? Kurt and Jeff break down why government overspending is the true driver of inflation and how Biden’s reckless policies are making life more expensive...
Published 10/22/24
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank is joined by Tera Myers, a passionate advocate for school choice and the mother of a son with Down Syndrome. Tera shares her inspiring journey of navigating the education system to ensure her son, Samuel, received the best possible education. Despite early challenges, Tera became a powerful voice for students with special needs, successfully advocating for school choice legislation in Ohio.
Her efforts culminated in an invitation to the...
Published 10/17/24
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank dives into the implications of the Biden-Harris administration’s decision to use the Defense Production Act to regulate artificial intelligence (AI). Joining him are James Czerniawski, Senior Policy Analyst at Americans for Prosperity, and Thomas Kimbrell, an Analyst with AFP Foundation, to discuss the dangers of government overreach in regulating AI, especially when the regulations target industries beyond government contractors.
James...
Published 10/15/24
In this episode of American Potential, guest Stephen Chacko, a real estate developer from Texas, joins host Jeff Crank to share his story of navigating unexpected challenges after purchasing a property in Fort Worth. Chacko discovered that his multifamily apartment complex had a historical overlay—something he wasn’t aware of when he bought the property.
This designation has prevented him from making necessary energy-efficient upgrades and safety improvements, ultimately affecting his...
Published 10/10/24
Tackling the Fiscal Cliff: Megan Novak on the Importance of Permanent Tax Cuts
Published 10/08/24
In this episode of American Potential, guest host Ross Connolly, Northeast Regional Director for Americans for Prosperity, speaks with Tyler Lindholm, the State Director for AFP Wyoming and a self-proclaimed “crypto cowboy.” They dive into the looming fiscal cliff facing America in 2024 and the importance of grassroots efforts to hold lawmakers accountable. Tyler shares insights into the critical tax and spending issues at stake, including the expiration of the Trump tax cuts and the...
Published 10/03/24
In this episode of American Potential, guest host David Thompson speaks with Henry Kriegel, Deputy State Director of Americans for Prosperity in Montana, about the impending ”fiscal cliff” and its potential impact on Americans. Kriegel breaks down the key deadlines and provisions within the fiscal cliff, including the expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and Affordable Care Act subsidies. He emphasizes the urgency of preserving tax cuts to alleviate the burden of inflation and rising costs...
Published 10/01/24
Two Decades of Fighting for Freedom: Brent Gardner on the Journey of Americans for Prosperity Description: In this milestone episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank interviews Brent Gardner, Chief Government Affairs Officer of Americans for Prosperity (AFP), as the organization celebrates 20 years of grassroots-driven impact. Brent shares the story of AFP’s humble beginnings, starting with local activists opposing tax increases in Kansas, to becoming a powerful national movement...
Published 09/27/24
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank sits down with Brad Stevens, former Americans for Prosperity (AFP) employee and current State Director for U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts. Brad reflects on his 14-year journey with AFP, sharing stories of grassroots victories, policy change, and the power of community activism. From memorable door-knocking campaigns to building lasting relationships with policy champions and activists across the country, Stevens highlights the importance of...
Published 09/24/24
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank welcomes Dr. Marty Makary, a professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and author of the new book, Medical Blindspots: When Medicine Gets It Wrong and What That Means for Our Health. Dr. Makary dives into the challenges within the medical industry, discussing how groupthink, outdated recommendations, and bureaucratic red tape have led to misguided health advice.
From the incorrect guidance on peanut allergies to the flawed food...
Published 09/19/24
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank sits down with Yuval Levin, Director of Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies at the American Enterprise Institute and author of the new book, American Covenant: How the Constitution Unified Our Nation and Could Again. Levin delves into how the Constitution was designed to manage conflicts and disagreements, creating a system that encourages coalition-building and compromise. He discusses the founders’ vision for a government that...
Published 09/17/24
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank speaks with Matt Keenan, Federal Affairs Liaison for Americans for Prosperity, about the upcoming changes to vehicle emission standards and how they will impact consumer choice. Set to go into effect in 2027, these new regulations, pushed by the Biden-Harris administration, could lead to a significant reduction in the availability of gas-powered vehicles, while promoting electric alternatives. Keenan explains how these changes will...
Published 09/12/24
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank is joined by Kirby West, an attorney from the Institute for Justice, and Andrea Moceri, a parent using Alaska’s correspondence program, to discuss the legal battles surrounding educational choice in Alaska. The correspondence program, designed to meet the unique needs of Alaskan families—especially those in remote areas—has been a lifeline for many.
However, the program is facing legal challenges, with opponents claiming it violates the...
Published 09/10/24
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank welcomes former Texas Congressman Jeb Hensarling to discuss the critical issues of government overreach, the economy, and the differences between big government conservatism and classic liberal conservatism.
Hensarling, who served as Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, shares his insights on how expanding government regulations and policies, like Dodd-Frank, have hurt small businesses and stifled economic growth, all...
Published 09/05/24
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank is joined by Austen Bannan to explore the evolving landscape of independent contract work. Bannan delves into the challenges and opportunities faced by independent contractors, especially in light of recent regulatory changes. As more individuals turn to freelance and gig work, understanding the implications of these changes is crucial for both workers and businesses alike.
Bannan discusses the benefits of independent contracting,...
Published 09/03/24