Strength From Service

In this episode of Strength From Service, we sit down with Marine veteran George Blais to hear his story—from growing up in small-town Minnesota to serving with 1st Marines and carrying forward a lifelong commitment to leadership and service. George opens up about what the Marine Corps taught him, the importance of mentorship, and how he continues to give back through his community and faith. This is a powerful conversation about d...

Dr. Dale Schmoll—known simply as “Doc”—joins us to share his journey from small-town Minnesota to the Army and eventually into chiropractic care. A passionate advocate for veterans, Doc gives insight into holistic medicine, healing beyond the physical, and why he continues to give back. Great conversation, great perspective.

Check out the link we talked about in the episode: https://lifewave.com/drds

Available now wherever yo...

In this episode of Strength From Service, pro bass fisherman Seth Feider sits down with Jack and Jake to talk about where it all began—chasing fish on Minnesota lakes, turning pro, and what life is really like on tour.

Seth shares stories from the grind, opens up about what it takes to stay sharp in a competitive sport, and highlights the charity work that gives his career deeper purpose.

This one’s about fishing—but it’s also about ...

In this episode of Strength From Service, we sit down with Sam Gore—a man whose life is built on service. Sam shares what it was like growing up in small-town Minnesota, the decision to leave home for the military, and the path that led him to becoming a volunteer firefighter today. His story is a reminder that you don’t need fame or rank to make an impact—just grit, heart, and a willingness to step up.

Sam is a true example of stre...

In this episode of Service Announcement, two combat vets and one radio guy sit down, crack a few theories open, and ask the question we all wonder but rarely say out loud: “What if it’s true?”

Jack Zimmerman, Mike McLaughlin, and Jake Palmer take on a gritty mix of conspiracies—from aliens and JFK to Chronic Wasting Disease being a plot from the insurance companies to get rid of deer.

It’s raw, real, and full of laughs, gut c...

In this episode of Strength From Service, Michael Hintz shares the journey that started by watching his father serve—and eventually led him to follow that same path.

After high school, Michael joined the Army and found himself in the 82nd Airborne Division, deploying to Afghanistan twice. He later transitioned to the National Guard, where he continued to serve through recruiting and mentoring the next generation.

Now recently retired...

From Artillery to Faith: Logan Woods on War, Purpose, and Redemption

In this episode of Strength From Service, Logan Woods joins Jack, Mike, and Jake for a powerful conversation about transformation, purpose, and the realities of service.

Logan opens up about joining the Guard to follow in his family’s footsteps—and to afford college—but his path quickly took unexpected turns. From close calls in a combat zone to moments of divin...

Leading the Force: Chief Matt Grochow on Modern Policing, Leadership, and Life in the Spotlight

In this episode of Strength from Service, we sit down with Chief Matt Grochow of the St. Peter Police Department. From undercover operations to leading a department in today’s high-pressure climate, Matt brings honest insight into the world of law enforcement.

We talk about what drew him into policing, what it’s really like to be a...

In the first-ever Service Announcement episode, Jack, Mike, and Jake sit down for an unfiltered conversation about the hardest moments they’ve faced—and the lessons that came out of them. This is real talk from three guys who’ve seen life hit hard and still chose to fight forward. From grief and grit to rebuilding purpose and connection, we open up about how we made it through, what we leaned on, and why we keep showing up.

Whether ...

Ryan Frank’s story is one of service—start to finish.

He shares how he joined the Army, deployed to Afghanistan, and was wounded in action. But that wasn’t the end of his mission.

Today, he continues to serve as a Veterans Service Officer in Nicollet County, helping other warriors navigate life after the uniform.

And now—he’s a dad again, with a new baby and a new chapter.

From the battlefield to fatherhood, Ryan’s journey is all heart...

On this Memorial Day episode of Strength From Service, Jack and Mike sit down to talk about what this day really means—far beyond the BBQs and long weekends. They walk through the true cost of war, the staggering numbers behind America’s fallen, and the deep, personal ripples that loss leaves behind.

From the black granite of the Vietnam Wall to the thunder of motorcycles in D.C., they reflect on the traditions, monuments, and m...

Pastor Matt Sims joins Strength from Service after finding the studio and meeting the hosts one evening as he walked by. Pastor Matt shares his story of how he found his calling to the faith and how that led him from Bible College, to moving to Mankato to start Canvas Church, an Assemblies of God congregation, at 25 years of age. Jack asks some questions from a warrior or soldier’s mind and recants how prayer helped him survive his...

Jack, Mike, and Jake all sit down in the Nielsen Blacktopping studio to chat about Jack's new book, "Beyond Five Minutes, Lessons From a Wounded Warrior's Life Outdoors". This book is the companion and continuation book to Jack's first penned work, "Five Minutes, 300 Seconds That Changed My Life". The men cover some of the themes and stories from the latest book and discuss how lifelong bonds are for...

James Chally, DMSc, P.A.-C is back in the Nielsen Blacktopping studio as it's first repeat guest. He visits to give a bit of an update including his new endeavor of writing a children's book about the camp dog that he and his unit had in Afghanistan. "HALO" is the true story of how the camp dog made it's way from Afghanistan to the home of one of soldiers that grew to love her on deployment. The story touches ...

When Jack Zimmerman was a lane-clearing St. Clair Clipper basketball player, he had to face Coach Tim Anderson across the court. Jack and Jake talk with Coach Anderson about each of their small town roots and how that shaped each of them as adults. Coach Anderson shares his many stories from being a player that didn't see the court and how it evolved to his passion for coaching and teaching. These days Tim goes by "Referee Anderson...

Kyle Mrozek understands the value of hard work and how that work can help you create lasting relationships, great memories, and community growth. Kyle's work with the Mankato Kiwanis Club and Mankato Moondogs and Mashers has served our community for over 20 years and has helped countless other people and organizations. Kyle joins Jack and Jake to discuss what the Kiwanis Club is, how you can join, and how Kiwanis makes an impact no...

Mike Richman joins the guys a few weeks before his upcoming Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) Light Heavyweight Championship fight on December 21st at the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood Florida.

McLaughlin and Richman recount their story of first crossing paths in infantry training after enlisting in the Marines. Richman shares his story of growing up through adversity at a young age and how that adversity shaped up who he b...

Senator Nick Frentz (DFL) is a member of the Minnesota Senate from the 19th District and he joins Mike and Jake to share his story from being born in California to his journey back to Mankato where his families roots began. Senator Frentz talks about his education at William Mitchell (or "Billy Mitch" if you're in the know), about how he took the bar then lost a football game, and how some great pieces of advice from his father bro...

The hosts have an conversation with each other a day after the election and results. Topics include everything from hunting, to the conspiracy theories surrounding the JFK assassination, to whether or not the United States would do better if professionals dressed up in suits for work. Included in the conversation is the role of local media within our and many other communities and what plans everyone has for Veteran's Day. Each hos...