Strength From Service

Service Announcement - Alive Day

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.

Jesse Gilbertson

In this episode of Strength From Service, we sit down with Jesse Gilbertson [chatgpt://generic-entity?number=0] 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.

Nick Maxwell

In this episode of Strength From Service, we sit down with Nick Maxwell [chatgpt://generic-entity?number=0], 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.

The BBQ Show

In this episode of Strength From Service, we flip the script and sit down with our own Jake Palmer [chatgpt://generic-entity?number=0] and Jeff Lange [chatgpt://generic-entity?number=1], 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.

Jeremy Munson

In this episode of Strength From Service, we sit down with Jeremy Munson [chatgpt://generic-entity?number=0] 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.