Why Donor Privacy Matters: Free Speech, Philanthropy, and the Right to Give
In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Lawson Bader, president and CEO of DonorsTrust, to unpack why donor privacy is essential to free speech and a healthy civil society. Bader explains how efforts to expose donors—often fueled by political grudges, social-media pile-ons, and envy—chill participation and warp the relationship between citizens and the state. He traces the principle back through landmark Supreme Court rulings, makes the case that “transparency is for government, privacy is for citizens,” and warns against tit-for-tat attempts by either party to unmask supporters.
The conversation also digs into the practical side of philanthropy: how donor-advised funds help preserve intent, why generational wealth so often drifts away from founders’ values, and where the real action is today—at the state level, where regulations and donor-privacy fights are heating up. Whether you give $50 or $5 million, this episode lays out why protecting privacy isn’t about secrecy—it’s about safeguarding pluralism, encouraging generosity, and ensuring ideas compete on their merits, not on the intimidation of their supporters.
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22:45
Rethinking Charity: From Handouts to Hope with James Whitford
In this inspiring episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with James Whitford, founder of True Charity in Joplin, Missouri. What began as a heartfelt effort to serve the homeless through Watered Gardens Ministry became a journey of discovery about what truly helps people escape poverty. Whitford shares how he realized that one-way charity—simply giving without accountability—was trapping people in dependency rather than setting them free. His transformative model focuses on restoring dignity through work, reciprocity, and personal responsibility, helping individuals rediscover their worth and potential.
Now, through True Charity, Whitford is teaching nonprofits and churches nationwide how to move from relief to empowerment. He explains why America faces a “crisis of dependency,” how toxic charity has taken root in both public and private aid, and how local organizations can lead a national shift toward outcomes-driven, privately funded, work-oriented solutions. This episode is a powerful reminder that real compassion doesn’t just meet needs—it unleashes potential.
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29:18
The Power Behind AI: How Data Centers and Nuclear Energy Could Shape America’s Future
Host David From sits down with Chris Koopman, CEO of the Abundance Institute, to unpack why data centers—the backbone of our digital lives and the rise of AI—are straining America’s electric grid, and how policy is either clearing the runway or clogging it. Koopman explains the explosive growth in compute demand, why years-long permitting and legacy rules are the real bottlenecks, and how states can welcome next-gen infrastructure without sacrificing reliability for “grandma’s AC.” He also highlights creative solutions—from private grids to siting innovation—and why permitting reform is essential if we want abundant, affordable power.
Then, the conversation turns to nuclear’s resurgence, especially advanced and small modular reactors that promise safer, scalable, always-on energy to meet AI’s round-the-clock needs. Koopman makes the case for empowering communities through competition and choice: defend open-source AI, let startups flourish, and allow states to pick the energy mix that fits their resources—whether that’s gas, wind, solar, or nuclear. If America wants to lead the next industrial revolution, we need an “abundance mindset” that unleashes builders and modernizes the rules holding them back.
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28:52
Reinventing Dentistry: How Direct Primary Care Inspired a Dental Revolution
What happens when two Tennesseans take a proven healthcare model and apply it to dentistry? In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Tamara Stillwell, office manager and registered dental assistant at Athens Dental Center, to share the story of how she and her husband created the nation’s first full-service dental co-op.
Frustrated by the limits of insurance—denials, delays, and skyrocketing costs—the Stillwells drew inspiration from direct primary care and built a membership-based model that puts patients and providers back in control. Discover how their United Dental Co-op helps patients save money, reduces stress for dentists, and restores the doctor–patient relationship to what it should be: focused on care, not paperwork.
This conversation is about innovation, freedom, and opportunity in action—proving that when people see a problem, they can create solutions that work for everyone.
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Why Did the Government Shut Down? A Conversation with Chairman Tom Cole
In this special American Potential Now episode, host David From sits down with Congressman Tom Cole, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, to unpack the recent government shutdown that began at midnight on September 30th. They dive into the causes, failed negotiations in the Senate, and what was really in the so-called “clean” continuing resolution.
Chairman Cole also discusses the broader challenges of federal spending, runaway debt, and the urgent need for entitlement reform. Whether you're trying to understand how Congress funds the government or what it will take to restore fiscal discipline, this is a must-listen conversation packed with insight, candor, and clarity.
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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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