In this episode of American Potential, host David From is joined by Jeremiah Mosteller, Policy Director at Americans for Prosperity, to examine how the Department of Justice spends its massive $67 billion budget. From maintaining dozens of little-used SWAT teams across obscure federal agencies to handing out 11,000 grants worth nearly $5 billion a year—many with little accountability—Jeremiah explains how DOJ has grown far beyond its original mission of enforcing federal law. He also reveals how overlapping programs and unclear reporting allow waste and duplication to thrive.

The conversation then shifts to one of DOJ’s most controversial practices: civil asset forfeiture. Jeremiah outlines how this process allows the government to seize cash, cars, and property from people never even charged with a crime, fueling a slush fund that DOJ frequently raids for discretionary spending. By redirecting this money back to taxpayers and consolidating duplicative programs, Jeremiah and David show how reforms could cut billions without harming public safety. This milestone episode celebrates their Big Ideas for Smaller Government series officially identifying more than $2 trillion in potential federal savings.

Host David From continues the story of Marlena Pavlos-Hackney, a Michigan restaurant owner who refused to close during the pandemic after the state’s first round of executive orders was ruled unconstitutional. Joined by her attorney, Helen Brinkman, Marlena recounts being singled out by state leadership, arrested, fined, and jailed—despite unequal enforcement and conflicting rulings—after she chose to keep serving her community.

Brinkman walks through the legal maze: administrative suspensions, contempt findings, and split decisions that could set a statewide precedent on executive power, due process, and equal protection. Together they explain why Marlena’s case now aims for the United States Supreme Court—and why the outcome matters for every Michigander who expects leaders to follow the same rules they impose on the people.

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Marlena Pavlos-Hackney, who grew up under the weight of communist rule in Poland before finding freedom and opportunity in America. She shares vivid memories of empty store shelves, ration cards, and the solidarity movement that helped bring down the Iron Curtain—experiences that instilled in her a deep appreciation for liberty.

Marlena eventually built her American dream, opening a restaurant in Michigan and serving her community for decades. But in 2020, government lockdown orders threatened to take it all away. Rather than close her doors, she chose to resist mandates she believed echoed the heavy hand of the regime she left behind. In part one of her powerful story, Marlena reflects on her journey from surviving communism to defying destructive COVID restrictions in defense of freedom.