Strength From Service

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 r...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 q...

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 wor...

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 elec...

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...

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 coachin...

The calendar changes—but the mission doesn’t. In this New Year’s episode of Strength From Service, we break down why most resolutions fail and how to set goals the right way—using the same mindset we used in service: clear objectives, realistic standards, and accountability. Instead of vague promises, we talk about: • Choosing the right categories to focus on • Setting goals that actually stick •...

While most of the country is home with family, someone is always standing watch. In this special Christmas episode of Strength From Service, we talk about what Christmas looks like overseas, the quiet sacrifices made by those serving far from home, and the men and women who continue to work through Christmas Eve and Christmas Day—military members, first responders, nurses, dispatchers, and all tho...

This week on Strength From Service, we shine the spotlight on one of our own — Jake Palmer. Jake shares the story of his journey from growing up in Washington state and Wisconsin to eventually making his way to Sioux Falls, where he found his voice in broadcasting and developed the perspective that would shape the rest of his life. Jake opens up about the challenges he faced, the lessons that mold...

This week on Strength From Service, Jack sits down with Jeff Traxler, owner of Traxler’s Hunting Preserve — a small-town Minnesota farm that grew into one of the most unique hunting destinations in the Midwest. Jeff shares the history of how his family’s farm transformed into a full hunting preserve and the incredible stories that have come out of Traxler’s over the years — from military weaponry...

This week on Strength From Service, Jack and Jake sit down with Cheri Rohlfing — a Minnesota-born Delta Airlines pilot whose aviation journey began at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Cheri shares how she first fell in love with flying, the determination it took to earn her wings, and the path that led her to the cockpit of a Delta jet. She opens up about training, setbacks, milestones, and th...

This week on Strength From Service, Jack sits down with Chris Jansma — a small-town Minnesota kid who went on to serve his country in Iraq and is now serving in a different, deeply personal way. Chris shares his journey from rural roots to the U.S. Army, his deployment experience, and the powerful transition into becoming the full-time caregiver for his son. His story is one of resilience, respons...

Al Travis joins Jack and the team on Strength From Service to share his journey from serving in the U.S. Reserves to building a career in media and radio. He walks us through the lessons he learned in uniform, how they shaped his role behind the mic, and why connection and service matter no matter the uniform. Check out his platforms: 🎙 Website – The Al Travis Show: altravisshow.com   📺 YouTube –...

Tim Unterseher was born into the military life, following in his family’s footsteps of service. He began his journey as an infantryman, driven by a deep commitment to serve, but his path would soon take flight—literally. Tim shares his story of transitioning from the ground to the skies, what drew him to aviation, and the lessons learned along the way. A powerful story of duty, discipline, and dis...

In this episode of Strength From Service, we welcome back Tom McLaughlin for his second appearance on the show. Tom is a Vietnam veteran who shares what Veterans Day looked like for him during the war, what it has come to mean now, and how life as a veteran has changed through the years. He also reflects on what life looked like after being wounded in Vietnam—how it shaped his perspective on sacri...

In this episode of Strength From Service, we sit down with Christine Portillo — Edina graduate, former University of Minnesota golfer, and now an insurance professional with Twin City Group. Christine shares her journey from competing in college athletics to building a career in business, and now stepping into a new role of service by organizing the inaugural Magnus Veterans Foundation Gala on Nov...

In this episode of Strength From Service, we sit down with Christine Portillo — Edina graduate, former University of Minnesota golfer, and now an insurance professional with Twin City Group. Christine shares her journey from competing in college athletics to building a career in business, and now stepping into a new role of service by organizing the inaugural Magnus Veterans Foundation Gala on Nov...

In this episode of Strength From Service, we sit down with Stu McGee, a Vietnam veteran from Cleveland, Minnesota. Stu grew up a small-town farm kid before being drafted into the Vietnam War. He shares what it was like to suddenly find himself halfway across the world, the day he was on point and wounded, and how life changed after returning home. This is a story of courage, resilience, and perspe...

In this episode of Strength From Service, we sit down with Zach Gerhardt — promoter of Fairmont Raceway, owner of Zac’s Trailers, and a cancer survivor. Zach shares his journey through the racing world, the passion and challenges of running a track, and the grit it took to beat cancer. He also talks about building a business around service and reliability with Zac’s Trailers. From the roar of dirt...

In this special Strength From Service episode, Jack, Mike, and Jake sit down for a Service Announcement — a chance to step back, catch up, and talk about life. We cover: What’s going on in the world and how to still find the good The importance of disconnecting when life gets heavy Mike’s time coaching football and the lessons it brings Jake’s work on a boat giveaway and the joy of giving back Jac...

In this episode of Strength From Service, we sit down with Brian Taylor, a National Guard veteran who deployed to Bosnia and Iraq before building a career at Mankato Motors. Brian shares stories from his time in uniform, the lessons learned while serving overseas, and how those same values—discipline, teamwork, and service—shaped his approach to leadership and business. We dive into the transition...