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 gue...
Reflecting on 2024: Americans for Prosperity’s Fight for Freedom and Plans for 2025
In this special year-end episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank sits down with Kent Strang, Managing Director for Americans for Prosperity, to recap a transformative year and preview the exciting opportunities on the horizon for 2025. From impactful nationwide tours like the Prosperity is Possible and Bidenomics Tours to massive election victories, Kent shares how Americans for Prosperity has worked tirelessly to empower everyday Americans.
Discover heartfelt stories from citizens impacted by bad policies, celebrate the organization’s 20th anniversary, and hear how their grassroots efforts drove major wins like universal school choice, tax reforms, and repealing burdensome regulations. Jeff and Kent also discuss the importance of extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to prevent a massive $4.6 trillion tax increase on hardworking Americans.
If you’re passionate about liberty, prosperity, and defending the American Dream, this episode offers inspiration and actionable ways to get involved.
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26:24
Fighting Crippling Policies: Steve Barthel on Laws That Drive Up Prices and Inflation
On this episode of American Potential, guest host Heather Andrews speaks with Steve Barthel, Government and Community Relations Manager for the Minnesota Grocer Association, about the damaging effects of misguided policies that drive up costs for businesses and consumers. Steve exposes how a flood of new regulations in Minnesota—including labor mandates, energy policies, and proposed fuel standards—are creating a perfect storm of rising costs and inflation that hit grocery store shelves and wallets the hardest.
Hear firsthand how overreach from lawmakers, fueled by an $18 billion surplus, is threatening Minnesota businesses and families. With narrow profit margins, grocers and other small businesses are bearing the brunt of poorly thought-out laws while politicians point fingers at so-called "price gouging." Steve also highlights how a coalition of unlikely allies came together to defeat the Clean Transportation Standard Act, a proposal that would have worsened the affordability crisis.
If you’re tired of government policies that squeeze small businesses, drive inflation, and make life harder for everyday Americans, this episode will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to push back.
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28:07
Inside the Whip’s Role: Majority Whip Tom Emmer on Leadership and the Future of America
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank sits down with House Majority Whip Tom Emmer to dive into the critical role of the whip in Congress and what lies ahead for the 119th Congress. Whip Emmer, a passionate Minnesotan and champion of conservative values, shares insights into how the whip position helps unite members of Congress to advance key legislation while respecting the diverse voices within the party.
From fostering team cohesion to navigating fiscal challenges, Whip Emmer emphasizes the importance of restoring regular order in Congress and addressing the looming fiscal cliff. He also discusses his optimism for the future under a renewed America First agenda, led by President Donald Trump, and outlines plans to revive fiscal responsibility, economic growth, and patriotic unity.
Whether you're a policy wonk or a concerned citizen, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at congressional leadership and the exciting opportunities ahead for America.
Tune in for an inspiring and informative conversation!
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28:27
The Folsom Four: How a Grassroots Effort Stopped a Sales Tax Hike
In this inspiring episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank talks with Sarah Norberg, a determined citizen from Folsom, California, who joined forces with a small group of like-minded individuals to defeat a proposed permanent sales tax increase in their city. Armed with limited resources but a lot of grit, Sarah’s group—dubbed the "Folsom Four"—took on well-funded proponents of the tax, including influential unions and developers.
Sarah shares how they used creativity, grassroots tactics, and sheer determination to rally the community against the odds. From delivering yard signs to crafting compelling arguments for the voter guide, the group’s efforts led to a decisive victory, with voters rejecting the tax increase despite being outspent nearly 20-to-1. This David vs. Goliath story highlights the power of grassroots activism and serves as a blueprint for ordinary citizens to make an extraordinary impact in their communities.
Tune in for lessons on how you can stand up for fiscal responsibility and make your voice heard!
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37:08
The Fight Against Costly Overreach: Business Leaders Unite to Stop Harmful Fuel Mandates in Minnesota
In this episode of American Potential, host Jeff Crank sits down with Bentley Graves of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and John Reynolds of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) to discuss the battle against Minnesota's proposed Clean Transportation Standard. This controversial legislation aimed to impose stringent fuel standards, risking skyrocketing costs for consumers and businesses alike.
Bentley and John share insights on how the bill would have raised fuel prices by up to $1.50 per gallon, making Minnesota one of the most expensive states for energy. They discuss the coalition that formed to oppose this legislation—uniting businesses, labor groups, and even environmental advocates who felt the proposal missed the mark. Together, they explore the broader implications for inflation, job growth, and the standard of living for everyday Minnesotans.
Tune in to hear how grassroots efforts stopped this costly mandate and what it means for other states facing similar proposals. This episode highlights the power of united opposition against government overreach and the importance of preserving economic freedom.
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 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.
Jeff Crank hosts the American Potential podcast. Jeff serves as a regional vice president at Americans for Prosperity, a political advocacy and accountability organization that helps pass policies to expand freedom and opportunity. He previously hosted The Jeff Crank Show from 2008-2022, and is the president of his own real estate investment company.
American Potential is now a national award-winning podcast. Having won the Gold Award at the 18th annual 3w Awards in the News and Politics Podcast category. The 3w Awards is judged by the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts.
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