The Power of Tax Relief: A Story of Freedom, Growth, and the American Dream
Behind every great moment of American prosperity, there’s been a bold move to let people keep more of what they earn. In this episode of American Potential, host David From is joined by Chris Stio, Deputy Director of Staff Training at Americans for Prosperity, to trace the powerful history of tax reform in America—from the Civil War to JFK, from Reagan to the modern-day Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
It’s more than a policy discussion—it’s a story of what happens when government gets out of the way and trusts people to build, create, and thrive. Drawing on decades of economic history, Chris explains how lowering taxes has consistently empowered individuals, sparked growth, and lifted millions. He also reveals how the language we use—words like “tax relief”—can inspire action and shape the national conversation.
As Tax Day approaches and Congress debates whether to let tax hikes kick in, this conversation is a rallying cry for action. Because when we cut through the noise and stand up for real reform, we’re not just defending numbers on a page—we’re defending opportunity, dignity, and the very promise of the American Dream.
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25:26
Buried in Red Tape: Gail Nicholls’ Fight for Small Business Freedom
Running a small business should be challenging—but fulfilling. For Gail Nicholls, owner of a rural pet and livestock supply store in South Carolina, it’s become a daily struggle against endless state regulations. In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Gail to hear how red tape and paperwork have kept her from doing what she loves—serving customers, growing her business, spending time with family, and going to church.
Gail shares why she stepped up to testify in support of the Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act, a bill that would require some state regulations to be approved by the legislature before going into effect. Her story is a powerful reminder of the real-world consequences of overregulation—and how one voice can make a difference.
🔹 How 81,000 state regulations impact business owners
🔹 Why she testified before a South Carolina House Subcommittee
🔹 What she’d do with the time regulations steal from her
🔹 The importance of speaking up to create change
If you’ve ever wondered what small business owners are really up against—or how to help lighten their load—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
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21:25
Tennessee’s School Choice Breakthrough: A Lifeline for Families
After years of tireless advocacy and personal sacrifice, Tennessee has passed universal school choice—and for families like Drew Middletown’s, it couldn’t have come at a better time.
In this powerful episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Tori Venable, Tennessee State Director for Americans for Prosperity, and Drew Middletown, a Tennessee dad who’s navigated the heartbreak and hope of finding the right education for his son with autism. With the help of programs like the Individualized Education Account (IEA) and Katie Beckett, Drew was able to move his son into a school where he now thrives. Now, thanks to Tennessee’s new Education Freedom Accounts, his daughter will be able to attend that same school too.
Tori shares the behind-the-scenes journey—nearly a decade in the making—that led to this transformational law. From expanding access for special needs students to breaking barriers for low-income families, this win wasn’t easy. But it’s now real: 20,000 scholarships available across the state, including priority for families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty line.
This isn’t just policy—it’s personal. Drew and Tori talk about what this law means for real people, real families, and a generation of students who now have a shot at a brighter future.
Whether you’re a parent, policymaker, or education advocate, this episode is a must-listen. It’s a reminder that when families are empowered, students succeed—and when citizens fight for freedom, change happens.
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23:58
Billions Spent, Just 214 Chargers: The Failure of Federally Funded EV Infrastructure
The federal government has spent nearly $3 billion on electric vehicle infrastructure. So far? Only 214 individual chargers have been built across the entire country.
In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Jeremiah Mosteller, Policy Director at Americans for Prosperity, to unpack how taxpayer dollars are being funneled into inefficient, top-down government programs that promise a cleaner future—but deliver very little.
They take a hard look at two major Department of Transportation programs that were supposed to make EV charging more accessible nationwide. Instead, Mosteller reveals how the money has been doled out in lump sums to states, who then hand it over to private companies—regardless of whether there’s actual demand for chargers. In one case, chargers are popping up in areas where no one even drives electric vehicles, including rural towns in North Carolina. Meanwhile, billions continue to be allocated without meaningful results or oversight.
The episode also dives into other examples of government overreach and inefficiency—from a $2 million grant to train students how to fly drones, to fuel economy regulations that will raise car costs for working Americans. And in perhaps the most jaw-dropping revelation, the Department of Transportation still processes federal retirements on paper—stored in filing cabinets inside a limestone mine in Pennsylvania.
This is part of the “Big Ideas for Smaller Government” series, where David and Jeremiah are working toward a bold goal: identifying $2 trillion in federal spending cuts. If you believe innovation comes from the ground up—not from Washington D.C.—and that government should be accountable for how it spends your money, this episode will give you plenty to think about.
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18:17
From Groceries to Giving: The Heart Behind Team Buche Cares
What happens when your business isn't just about profit—but about people?
In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with RF Buche, a fourth-generation grocer in South Dakota who’s carrying on a 120-year family legacy in some of the poorest and most underserved areas of the country. With 24 stores spread across rural South Dakota, RF has seen firsthand the struggles families face—poverty, food insecurity, lack of basic services, and isolation.
That’s why he created Team Buche Cares, a nonprofit that provides food, heating assistance, cancer support, and “underdog” scholarships to help people rise above difficult circumstances. RF shares powerful stories from his community—including how feeding children helped lower suicide rates—and he explains how the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act helped him grow his business and give back in bigger ways. He also warns what could happen if Congress lets those tax cuts expire.
If you believe in the power of small businesses to change lives—and the importance of public policy that supports them—this is a must-listen.
👉 Learn more or donate: TeamBucheCares.org
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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