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.

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

• Why discipline beats motivation

• How to adapt instead of quit

This episode isn’t about becoming a new version of yourself.

It’s about becoming more disciplined, more intentional, and more committed to who you already are.

No hype. No guilt. Just a clear way forward.

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 those who answer the call when others are celebrating.

We reflect on Christmas spent in uniform, the brotherhood that forms in hard places, and powerful letters written home from overseas—reminders that no matter the generation, the heart of service hasn’t changed.

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 molded his “silver lining” mindset, and how a chance connection with Jack Zimmerman set the foundation for what would eventually become Strength From Service. He reflects on how the podcast came together, the mission behind it, and why telling real stories from veterans, first responders, and everyday Americans matters now more than ever.

This episode is honest, inspiring, and full of the heart that Jake brings to the show every single week — offering listeners a deeper look at the voice they’ve come to know behind the mic.

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 and reenactments, to the annual Combat Veteran Hunt, and the unforgettable people who make the place what it is.

This is a conversation about tradition, community, the outdoors, and the impact a single place can have on veterans and families alike.