Montana State Rep. Gary Perry on Coal, Nuclear Energy, and Securing the West’s Power Future
In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Montana State Representative Gary Perry, Chair of the House Energy & Technology Committee, to discuss how Montana can remain a leader in energy production while preparing for the future. Perry outlines his vision for expanding coal and small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), strengthening transmission infrastructure, and ensuring Montana stays a net energy exporter in the West.
He also shares how reliable, affordable energy supports local jobs and keeps Montana’s rural communities strong, while explaining the importance of regional cooperation with neighboring states and Canada to stabilize the grid. From Colstrip’s legacy to next-generation nuclear, Perry lays out a clear, common-sense path to energy abundance and economic growth for Big Sky Country.
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Fixing VA Healthcare: Darin Selnick on the Veterans Access Act and Saving Veterans’ Lives
In this episode of American Potential, host David From talks with Darin Selnick, Senior Advisor for Concerned Veterans for America and one of the architects of the VA MISSION Act, about the next big step in veterans’ healthcare reform — the Veterans Access Act. Selnick reveals how bureaucratic failures and delays under the current administration have left veterans waiting months for care, forcing some to travel hundreds of miles or worse, leading to preventable tragedies, including suicides.
He explains how the Veterans Access Act would enforce timely care — requiring the VA to act within 48 hours for urgent mental health cases, protect veterans’ right to choose community care, and stop the VA from hiding or denying eligibility. Selnick also exposes why entrenched bureaucrats resist reform and how grassroots action can push Congress to finally deliver on America’s promise to its veterans. If you care about veterans’ healthcare, mental health, and VA reform, this episode is essential listening.
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Women Veterans Share Their Stories: Military Service, Trauma Recovery, and VA Healthcare Reform
In this powerful episode of American Potential, host David From speaks with Army combat veteran Dallas Knight and retired Air Force Colonel Lorraine Slater about their journeys of service, sacrifice, and healing. They recount experiences from Iraq combat missions to aeromedical evacuations, and how those challenges shaped their drive to continue serving fellow veterans after returning home.
Knight shares why she founded Operation Juliet, a nonprofit dedicated to helping female veterans recover from military sexual trauma (MST) and reconnect with their sense of identity, while Slater explains her work with Veterans Navigation Network, guiding veterans through VA healthcare, disability claims, and suicide prevention resources. Together, they offer powerful insight into the urgent need for VA reform, mental health support, and a national effort to truly see and hear our veterans beyond a simple “thank you for your service.”
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Powering America’s Future: Rep. Troy Downing on Montana Energy, AI Demand, and Military Service
In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Congressman Troy Downing of Montana’s vast First District to talk about unleashing America’s energy potential and keeping the nation secure—both economically and militarily. Downing discusses how affordable, reliable energy is the backbone of prosperity for families, small businesses, and industry, and why under President Trump’s leadership, the country is once again embracing an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy.
From tapping Montana’s coal reserves in the Powder River Basin to supporting oil, gas, renewables, and next-generation transmission, Downing explains how responsible energy production can fuel America’s competitiveness in the AI and data-driven economy. He also reflects on his service as a U.S. veteran, sharing why he believes America is worth fighting for and why energy independence and national defense are inseparable. It’s a powerful look at leadership, patriotism, and how Montana’s energy innovation is helping power the American dream.
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Fixing Forests & Fueling Growth: Rep. Bruce Westerman on Energy, Permitting, and Public Lands
On American Potential with host David From, Congressman Bruce Westerman — Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee and a professional forester — explains why healthy forests are the backbone of clean air, clean water, and resilient watersheds, and how decades of public land mismanagement have fueled catastrophic wildfires and lumber shortages. Westerman breaks down the Fix Our Forests Act, the push to expand markets for low-grade wood (biochar, biostimulants, energy), and why U.S. housing depends on smarter, science-based forest management instead of smoke and ash.
The conversation then turns to unleashing American energy. Westerman details bipartisan permitting reform via the SPEED Act to cut NEPA delays, reduce litigation ambushes, and build what America needs — from transmission lines and data-center power to mining for critical minerals — faster and cleaner. He also previews Great American Outdoors Act “250” improvements and the unanimously passed EXPLORE Act for outdoor recreation. If you care about energy policy, AI-driven power demand, forestry, permitting, conservation, and keeping America competitive with China, this episode delivers the roadmap.
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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