American Potential is a national award-winning podcast that shares how individuals are taking action in their community 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 succe ...
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From Battlefield to Congress: Congressman Guy Reschenthaler's Fight for Freedom and Energy Independence
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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 shap…
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A Bold Switch: Rep. Misha Mainor’s Journey to the Republican Party and the Fight for School Choice
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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 ever…
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Bureaucratic Nightmare: How One Brewery Owner Changed Wisconsin Law
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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 per…
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A Scary New Tax: Oregon’s Universal Basic Income is No Treat for Families
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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…
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Eco-Regulation Gone Wrong: The Unintended Costs of Colorado’s Climate Laws
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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 fam…
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From Haiti to the American Dream: Wiz Rouzard’s Inspiring Journey
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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 …
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Inflation Crisis: How Biden’s Policies Are Hurting American Families
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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? Kur…
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Fighting for School Choice: Tera Myers' Journey to Empower Special Needs Students
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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 voi…
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Government Overreach in AI: James Czerniawski and Thomas Kimbrell on Misusing the Defense Production Act
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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 dis…
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Overcoming Historic Preservation Barriers: Stephen Chacko on Developing in Fort Worth
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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 pro…
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Tackling the Fiscal Cliff: Megan Novak on the Importance of Permanent Tax Cuts
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In this episode of American Potential, guest host Drew Klein, Regional Vice President for Americans for Prosperity, speaks with Megan Novak, State Director of AFP Wisconsin, about the looming fiscal cliff and the critical need to make the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent. Novak shares the profound impact these tax cuts have had on small businesses a…
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Fiscal Cliff and Grassroots Advocacy: Tyler Lindholm on Reining in Reckless Spending
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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 acc…
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Tackling the Fiscal Cliff: Henry Kriegel on Taxes, Spending, and Montana's Fight for Freedom
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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…
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Two Decades of Fighting for Freedom: Brent Gardner on the Journey of Americans for Prosperity
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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 th…
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Grassroots Impact: Brad Stevens on AFP's Role in Shaping Policy and Building Communities
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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-…
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Dr. Marty Makary on 'Medical Blindspots' and When Medicine Gets It Wrong
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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 recomm…
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Yuval Levin on the Constitution's Role in Bridging Political Divides
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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 conflic…
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New Vehicle Emission Standards: Matt Keenan on Consumer Choice and the Future of Automobiles
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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 sign…
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Defending Educational Choice: Alaska's Correspondence Program with Kirby West & Andrea Moceri
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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—especi…
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Jeb Hensarling on Government Overreach, the Economy, and Conservative Principles
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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 hi…
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The Future of Independent Contract Work: Insights from Austen Bannan
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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 th…
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Chalmers Carr on Navigating the Challenges of the H-2A Visa Program for American Agriculture
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In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank speaks with Chalmers Carr, President and CEO of Titan Farms, the largest peach producer on the East Coast. Carr delves into the intricacies of the H-2A visa program, a crucial tool for American agriculture that has benefited both his farm and its workers for decades. He shares how the program h…
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Navigating Uncertainty: Jim and Marcus Neiman on Timber Industry Challenges
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In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank talks with Jim and Marcus Neiman, leaders of a fifth-generation timber production company in South Dakota. The Neimans share their experience of grappling with unexpected cuts to the federal Timber Sales Program, a crucial initiative they had relied on to plan their business operations years in…
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Empowering Communities: Daniel Bassali, Managing Director for Grassroots Brand Marketing at Stand Together, on Grassroots Success
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In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank is joined by Daniel Bassali, Managing Director for Grassroots Brand Marketing at Stand Together, to explore the power of grassroots movements in transforming communities across America. Bassali shares inspiring stories of how everyday citizens are driving significant change by breaking down gov…
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Government Barriers to Homeownership: Shawn Woods on the Impact of New Energy Standards
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In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank speaks with Shawn Woods, a Kansas City builder, about the unintended consequences of the city’s adoption of new energy standards tied to funds from the Inflation Reduction Act. Woods explains how these regulations have significantly increased the cost of building homes, pushing prices higher an…
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Navigating the 2027 Vehicle Regulations: Matt Curran on the Future of Light and Medium Duty Vehicles
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In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank talks with Matt Curran, grassroots program manager for education and training at Americans for Prosperity, about the upcoming 2027 regulations for light-duty and medium-duty vehicles. Curran discusses the significant impact these regulations will have on both the automotive industry and everyda…
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U.S. Senator Rick Scott on Tackling the National Debt and Restoring Fiscal Responsibility
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In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank sits down with U.S. Senator Rick Scott of Florida to address the critical issue of the nation’s ballooning $35 trillion debt. U.S. Senator Scott, drawing from his extensive experience as the former governor of Florida and a successful healthcare executive, discusses practical strategies to curb…
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Mike Pence on Defending Liberty: Cutting Government Overreach and Protecting Freedom
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In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank is joined by former Vice President Mike Pence for a deep dive into the challenges facing America today. Pence shares his insights on the critical need to reduce government overreach, emphasizing the importance of limited government and individual liberty. Reflecting on his tenure in the Trump a…
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Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr on Combating Federal Overreach and Reducing Crime
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In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank sits down with Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr to discuss the critical fight against federal government overreach and the vital role states play in defending federalism. Carr shares his experiences leading numerous lawsuits against the Biden administration, focusing on the importance of cha…
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Legislative Chaos: Jake Coleman and RaeAnna Lee on Minnesota's Omnibus Bill Controversy
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In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank is joined by Jake Coleman, Minnesota State Director for Americans for Prosperity (AFP), and RaeAnna Lee, the state’s Legislation Director, to discuss the tumultuous end to the Minnesota state senate session. The conversation highlights how a last-minute delay by a Democratic Socialist senator l…
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Advocating for Veterans: Darin Selnick on Healthcare Reform and Choice
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In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank welcomes Darin Selnick, a United States Air Force veteran and senior advisor for Concerned Veterans for America. Selnick shares his extensive background in healthcare and military service, discussing how these experiences shaped his role as a senior advisor to two VA secretaries and as the Vete…
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Surviving Venezuela's Collapse: Gordo DeCastro's Quest for a Better Life
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In this powerful episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank interviews Gordo DeCastro, who shares his harrowing journey from a prosperous life in Venezuela to seeking refuge in the United States. Gordo recounts his family's successful businesses and the comfortable life they led before Venezuela's economy collapsed due to hyperinflation and ram…
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Cutting Through Red Tape: Kansas’ Fight Against Overregulation
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In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank discusses the impact of overregulation on businesses and consumers in Kansas with State Representative Barb Wasinger and Randy Stookey, Senior Vice President and General Counsel for the Kansas Grain and Feed Association. They delve into the newly passed House Bill 2648, which seeks to curb exce…
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From Venezuela to America: Daniel Chang Contreras' Pursuit of Freedom
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In this episode of American Potential, Jeff Crank interviews Daniel Chang Contreras, who shares his experiences of growing up in Venezuela during a period of severe economic and political crisis. Daniel discusses the devastating effects of hyperinflation on his family's business and the broader societal challenges, including scarcity of basic goods…
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Transforming Healthcare: Chris Habig's Journey with Freedom HealthWorks
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In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank sits down with Chris Habig, President and CEO of Freedom HealthWorks. Chris shares his journey from a family steeped in medicine to co-founding a business that helps doctors break free from traditional insurance models. He discusses the challenges and inefficiencies in the current healthcare sy…
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Revolutionizing Healthcare with Dr. Josh Umbehr and Dr. Jules Madrigal
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In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank is joined by Dr. Josh Umbehr and Dr. Jules Madrigal to discuss transformative approaches to healthcare. Discover how direct primary care models are revolutionizing patient care by cutting out the middleman, reducing costs, and enhancing the doctor-patient relationship. Dr. Umbehr and Dr. Madrig…
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Celebrating 200 Episodes: The Birth of Americans for Prosperity with Alan Cobb
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Join host Jeff Crank for a special milestone episode of American Potential as we celebrate our 200th episode! In this commemorative episode, Jeff sits down with Alan Cobb, the very first state director for Americans for Prosperity (AFP), to delve into the origins and early years of the organization. Discover how AFP was born from a split with Citiz…
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Transforming Incarceration: Education and Hope for a Better Future
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In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank sits down with Kentucky Jailer Teddy Lacy and Deputy Jailer Cory Graham to discuss their innovative program aimed at transforming the lives of inmates. By partnering with a local college, they offer incarcerated individuals three educational pathways: earning a GED, pursuing a career path, or l…
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Unveiling the Surveillance State: Protecting Your Privacy Rights from U.S. Government Overreach
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In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank sits down with James Czerniawski to delve into the controversial and often misunderstood realm of U.S. government surveillance. They explore the implications of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), specifically Section 702, which allows the U.S. government to collect and analyze co…
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Foundations of Freedom: The Declaration of Independence and Its Legacy with Dr. Tom Krannawitter
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In this compelling episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank welcomes back Dr. Tom Krannawitter for an in-depth discussion on the philosophical and historical foundations of the Declaration of Independence. Dive into the revolutionary ideas that shaped America's founding documents and explore the enduring impact of natural rights on modern s…
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Dr. Tom Krannawitter on America's Founding Principles
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In this enlightening episode of our podcast, host Jeff Crank is joined by guest Dr. Tom Krannawitter. They engage in a deep and insightful discussion about the Founding Fathers of the United States and the pivotal events that led up to the Declaration of Independence.Their conversation takes us back to the roots of American history, shedding light …
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American Potential NOW: Reeling Back the Administrative State
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In this episode of American Potential NOW with host Jeff Crank, we delve into a recent Supreme Court case that has far-reaching implications for the administrative state and the interpretation of the term "reasonable". Our guests, fisherman Wayne Reichle and Cause of Action Institute Council Ryan Mulvey, were both directly involved in this landmark…
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A Queen's Crusade: Kelly's Haser Pickens Fight for Her Son's Justice
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Join us on American Potential with host Jeff Crank. In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Kelly Haser Pickens, a mother of five and a pageant queen who transformed a personal tragedy into a powerful platform for change.Kelly's story is one of resilience and determination. From enduring a childhood marked by abuse to finding solace…
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Fighting Injustice: Sam MacRoberts and the Battle Against Civil Asset Forfeiture
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In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank delves into the controversial practice of civil asset forfeiture with Sam MacRoberts, General Counsel and Litigation Director for the Kansas Justice Institute. MacRoberts shares the compelling story of his client, Dewanna Goodridge, whose SUV was seized by law enforcement after her son was pull…
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Music and Values: Daniel Christopher's Path to Patriotism
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In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank interviews singer-songwriter Daniel Christopher, who shares his journey of becoming a musician and the influence of his patriotic values on his music. Daniel discusses growing up in a musical family, with a piano-teaching mother and a traveling singer father, and how these experiences shaped hi…
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Bidenomics: Jezree Friend on How Inflation is Hurting Small Businesses
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In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank and guest Jezree Friend, Vice President of External Relations for the Manufacturer and Business Association, delve into the harsh realities of Bidenomics and its detrimental impact on small businesses in Pennsylvania. Jezree highlights how the administration's policies have fueled inflation, …
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The Power of Perseverance: Jon Lueth on Family, Struggle, and Achievement
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In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank sits down with Jon Lueth, Kansas Deputy State Director for Americans for Prosperity, who shares his inspiring personal story. Jon recounts his challenging upbringing in a small coal town in Illinois, where his grandmother played a pivotal role in his life. Raised in a family of teen moms, Jon…
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Fleeing Communism: Janisset Rivero's Quest for Freedom
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In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank sits down with Janisset Rivero, who shares her compelling family history of escaping oppressive regimes. Born in Cuba, Rivero's family fled to Venezuela in search of freedom, only to witness similar authoritarian patterns emerging there. Her father's foresight and determination led them to th…
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Turning Setbacks into Strategy: Genevieve Collins on Texas ESA Advocacy
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In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank talks with Genevieve Collins, the Texas State Director for Americans for Prosperity, about the strategic shift following the failure to pass Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) in the last legislative session. Genevieve discusses how this setback fueled their efforts to elect policy champions i…
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Energizing Ohio: Mike Chadsey on Fueling Prosperity
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In this episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank dives into a discussion with Mike Chadsey, Director of External Affairs for the Ohio Oil and Gas Association, exploring the vital role of the energy sector in Ohio's economy. Chadsey provides an insider's look into the industry's transformation, from its historical roots as a major oil produc…
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