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 g...
Unpacking Waste and Redundancy at the Department of Education
In this episode of American Potential, host David From is joined by Jeremiah Mosteller, Policy Director at Americans for Prosperity, for another deep dive in our “Big Ideas for Smaller Government” series. This time, they unpack the U.S. Department of Education—its massive $241.7 billion annual budget, over 4,000 employees, and a growing list of responsibilities that stretch from preschool to post-graduate programs.
But here’s the twist: Many of the programs you might assume fall under the Department of Education actually don’t. For example, the federal Head Start preschool program is run by the Department of Health and Human Services. And even more surprising? The Department of Education has its own disaster recovery unit—despite FEMA already handling emergency response at a national level.
David and Jeremiah explore how this kind of duplication across federal agencies leads to confusion, inefficiency, and wasted taxpayer dollars. From overlapping financial literacy programs to higher education policies that funnel students into costly four-year degrees, the episode makes the case for smarter, streamlined approaches that empower students and families—not bureaucracies.
They also highlight a common-sense reform that could save the federal government $9.4 billion without cutting services: giving students more flexibility in how they use federal aid for education paths that make the most sense for them.
If you’ve ever wondered why sending your kid to college feels so expensive—or why the federal government seems to do the same job twice—this episode is for you.
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17:41
From Addiction to Impact: Scott Strode on Recovery, Resilience & The Phoenix
At just 11 years old, Scott Strode had his first drink—and it marked the beginning of a battle with addiction that would last into adulthood. But through climbing, community, and rediscovering his self-worth, Scott found a new path forward—one that would eventually help hundreds of thousands do the same.
In this powerful episode, host David From sits down with Scott Strode, founder of The Phoenix and author of Rise, Recover, Thrive, to talk about his journey from addiction to purpose. Scott shares the pain of a difficult childhood, the moment he hit rock bottom, and how an ice climbing class changed the course of his life. That transformation sparked a movement—The Phoenix—which now provides a sober, active community for nearly a million people across the country.
Learn how physical challenge, peer support, and personal dignity are fueling recovery in communities nationwide—and how you can be part of the solution.
📚 Get the book: Rise, Recover, Thrive
📲 Explore The Phoenix or become a volunteer: https://thephoenix.org
#AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #Phoenix #RiseRecoverThrive #AmericanPotential #Leadership #SecondChances #FitnessAndRecovery #Sobriety
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26:54
Why Act 10 Still Matters – Gov. Scott Walker & Guy Benson on the Battle Over Wisconsin’s Future
More than a decade after Governor Scott Walker passed Act 10—historic legislation that reined in the power of public sector unions and saved taxpayers over $30 billion—the law is under threat once again.
In this episode, radio host and Fox News contributor Guy Benson sits down with Governor Walker to revisit the battle that captured national attention, the reforms that transformed Wisconsin, and how a quiet April 1st Supreme Court election could roll it all back.
With new lawsuits filed and a court majority now leaning left, the consequences of repealing Act 10 would be far-reaching: higher taxes, less classroom funding, and a return to bloated union contracts. Together, they explore what’s really at stake and why voters across the country should be paying attention.
This conversation isn’t just about Wisconsin—it’s about preserving constitutional balance and preventing courts from overriding the will of the people.
🎧 Listen and subscribe at AmericanPotential.com
#Act10 #ScottWalker #GuyBenson #WisconsinPolitics #JudicialActivism #SchoolChoice #PublicUnions #AmericanPotential
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27:09
From Principal to Pioneer: How Mary Jo Fairhead Is Reimagining Education in Rural South Dakota
What happens when a dedicated educator realizes the system isn’t serving her students—or her own children? She builds something better.
In this deeply moving episode of American Potential, host David From speaks with Mary Jo Fairhead, a former public-school teacher and principal in South Dakota, who left the traditional education system to create Onward Learning—a micro school serving one of the poorest counties in the U.S.
From facing heartbreaking moments as a principal on a reservation, to embracing a love-based, relationship-centered approach to learning, Mary Jo shares her journey of starting a school that meets kids where they are—emotionally, academically, and personally.
She also explains:
✅ How trauma and poverty shaped her mission
✅ The role VELA Education Fund played in helping her launch
✅ The personalized, multi-age approach that’s helping students thrive
✅ Advice for others looking to start micro schools or alternative learning models
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply passionate about improving education, this episode will leave you inspired and hopeful for the future of learning in America.
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26:44
Reining in the Bureaucracy: How Trump’s Executive Order Challenges the Administrative State
For years, unelected bureaucrats have stretched vague laws to impose regulations that Congress never explicitly approved. But with a new executive order, President Trump is taking steps to rein in the administrative state and ensure that federal agencies stay within their constitutional limits.
In this episode of American Potential, host David From speaks with Ryan Mulvey, Policy Counsel for Americans for Prosperity Foundation, to break down what this executive order means, how it builds on key Supreme Court doctrines, and what impact it could have on federal regulations, agency overreach, and the economy. They discuss:
✅ The Major Questions Doctrine and why it limits bureaucratic power
✅ How the Chevron Doctrine’s demise shifts power back to judges and Congress
✅ The role of Congress in making these changes permanent
✅ What this could mean for business owners, taxpayers, and individual freedoms
Could this executive order mark a turning point in restoring constitutional balance and limiting government overreach? Tune in for an in-depth conversation on the fight to restore accountability in Washington.
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 is a national award-winning podcast, having won the Gold Award at the 18th annual w3 Awards in the News and Politics Podcast category. The w3 Awards are judged by the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts.
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