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 checks, and what-the-hell moments.

No script. No agenda. Just real talk around real questions.

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, Michael opens up about what service has meant to him, the lessons he’s carrying forward, and what life looks like after the uniform comes off.

It’s a story of legacy, leadership, and the next chapter.

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 divine intervention, Logan reflects on his transition from artillery to becoming a Religious Affairs Specialist.

He shares raw stories of trauma, growth, and the battle to find healthy ways to cope after coming home. Whether it was the safety of a barbershop or the weight of wearing the uniform, Logan’s story is one of grit, grace, and finding meaning on the other side of struggle.

This is an episode about faith, identity, and what it means to serve—on and off the battlefield.

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 chief in a small town, how leadership shapes culture, and how Minnesota’s new cannabis laws are affecting departments. He also shares stories from his time working undercover—and his unexpected experience being on a TV show.

This one is packed with perspective, humor, and hard-earned lessons from a lifetime of service.

🎧 Tap in, and share it with someone who backs the blue.

Police Leadership, Law Enforcement, Public Service, Minnesota Cops, Strength from Service, Cannabis Law, Police Chief, Brotherhood, Veteran Podcast, Community Policing

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 you’re a veteran, a civilian, or just someone going through your own battles—this one’s for you.

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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 and purpose.

This is Strength From Service.

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 moments that keep the memory of our nation’s heroes alive. They also share how veterans and civilians alike can honor the fallen—not just today, but every day.

This isn’t a celebration. It’s a call to remember. To carry forward. And to live a life worthy of the sacrifice.

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 trauma. Pastor Matt reiterates how throughout all religions, prayer works. The Pastor shares how Canvas Church is rooted in scripture and worship, and is approachable with its community and service to others. Find out more at www.canvasmankato.com