On this episode of Strength From Service, Jack Zimmerman and Mike McLaughlin sit down for an open conversation covering a wide range of topics—from Jack’s Alive Day and the meaning behind it, to faith, Lent, and the perspective that comes from surviving life’s hardest moments.

Jack reflects on the day he was wounded in Afghanistan and what that day represents now: gratitude, perspective, and the reminder that every day after is a gift. The conversation also touches on Lent, sacrifice, discipline, and how faith and reflection play a role in navigating life’s challenges.

As always, the discussion moves naturally into what’s happening in life right now—family, work, purpose, and the lessons learned along the way.

It’s a real, honest conversation between two veterans about life, perspective, and what it means to keep moving forward.

In this episode of Strength From Service, we sit down with Jesse Gilbertson to talk about a life built around service — both overseas and here at home.

Jesse shares his time serving in the United States Air Force, including missions supporting operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. He opens up about the transition from military life back into civilian life, and how that path led him into a career in law enforcement — where he continues serving his community today.

We dive into the unique perspective veterans bring into policing, the similarities and differences between military and law enforcement service, and what it means to carry those experiences into today’s world.

This is a conversation about duty, transition, leadership, and continuing to serve long after deployment ends.

In this episode of Strength From Service, we sit down with Nick Maxwell, a Mankato-based personal injury attorney and 21-year Army National Guard veteran.

Nick shares stories from his military career, the lessons learned through years of service, and how those experiences shaped the way he approaches leadership, accountability, and helping others in his civilian career. We also dive into what it’s really like working as a personal injury lawyer — advocating for people during some of the hardest moments of their lives.

Beyond the courtroom and military service, Nick talks about leading and mentoring youth through the Boy Scouts, and why developing the next generation of leaders matters now more than ever.

This is a conversation about service that doesn’t stop when the uniform comes off — it just takes a different form.

In this episode of Strength From Service, we flip the script and sit down with our own Jake Palmer and Jeff Lange, better known as Stunt Monkey from The Barbecue Show.

We talk all things barbecue — grills, smokers, meat, fire, techniques, mistakes, and what really matters when you’re cooking for people you care about. Jake and Jeff also share what led them to start their own barbecue podcast, how it’s grown, and why food has a way of bringing people together in a way nothing else does.

This episode is lighter, fun, and full of passion — but fair warning: do not listen hungry.

Grab a plate, fire up the grill, and enjoy.

In this episode of Strength From Service, we sit down with Jeremy Munson to hear the story behind the public service.

Jeremy shares what it was like growing up in northern Minnesota, spending part of his high school years overseas, and how those early experiences shaped his worldview. From sailing and travel to eventually stepping into politics, he walks us through the path that led him to run for office and serve in the Minnesota Legislature.

We also talk candidly about what it’s really like to be a politician today — the pressures, the public scrutiny, and the personal cost that comes with choosing public service. This conversation isn’t about talking points or headlines, but about the human side of leadership and the motivation to step into the arena.

A thoughtful discussion on responsibility, perspective, and what it means to put your name on the ballot.

In this episode of Strength From Service, we sit down with Heather Gordon, a Saint Peter, Minnesota native whose journey is marked by service, struggle, and redemption.

Heather shares how her time in the military and experiences overseas, including trauma during her assignment in Guam, deeply impacted her life. After leaving the service, she found herself in a downward spiral that many veterans quietly face. Through honesty and courage, Heather opens up about what recovery really looked like for her and the work it took to reclaim her life.

Today, Heather is helping lead the charge for women at Bravo Zulu House, advocating for healing, accountability, and a path forward for women veterans battling PTSD, addiction, and life after service.

This is a powerful conversation about resilience, responsibility, and what it means to keep serving — even after the uniform comes off.

On this episode of Strength From Service, we sit down with Ray Howell to hear a story built through adversity, discipline, and purpose. Ray shares what it was like growing up with instability, how he ended up in foster care, and the determination it took to change the direction of his life.

Ray went on to become a successful business owner, found his passion in powerlifting, and eventually set world records through relentless training and mental toughness. At the same time, he chased one of the most demanding goals in bowhunting — pursuing the North American 29 with a bow.

Those experiences ultimately led Ray to start Kicking Bear Ministries, a mission focused on mentorship, the outdoors, and helping young people build confidence, discipline, and identity through shared experience.

Learn more about Kicking Bear Ministries and their mission here:

🔗 https://kickingbear.org

This is a powerful conversation about resilience, accountability, and using strength — both physical and mental — to serve something bigger than yourself.

On this episode of Strength From Service, we sit down with Minnesota State Senator Rich Draheim to talk about the path that shaped his life in public service. Rich shares stories from growing up in Mankato, becoming a business owner, and the experiences that ultimately led him to serve at the State Capitol.

Now in his final term as a senator, Rich reflects on what it’s really like to serve in elected office, the responsibilities that come with leadership, and how his perspective has evolved over the years. It’s an honest conversation about community, hard work, decision-making, and what comes next after public service.

On this episode of Strength From Service, we sit down with Dave Norman to hear a story shaped by faith, service, and answering the call wherever it leads. Dave grew up in Missouri, where he felt called into ministry and became a pastor. That calling took him to different places and roles before eventually bringing him to Mankato, Minnesota.

In Mankato, Dave’s service expanded beyond the church. He became a firefighter, serving his community on the front lines, while also helping individuals and families navigate immigration challenges—often walking with people through some of the most stressful moments of their lives.

This conversation explores what it means to serve in multiple capacities, how faith and action intersect, and why showing up consistently for others matters—whether it’s in a sanctuary, a fire truck, or across a kitchen table.

On this episode of Strength From Service, we sit down with Luke Strand, head coach of the Minnesota State Mavericks, to talk about the journey that led him behind one of the most respected benches in college hockey.

Luke shares what it was like the first time he ever put skates on, how his love for the game grew, and the lessons hockey taught him along the way. We dive into what it’s like coaching at Minnesota State today, the responsibility that comes with leading a successful program, and how he works to get the most out of his players—on and off the ice.

This is a conversation about leadership, accountability, culture, and the small details that separate good teams from great ones. Whether you’re a hockey fan, a coach, or someone interested in leadership, there’s a lot to take from this episode.