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.

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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

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 formed through adversity in the field. Jack covers the feelings he had from growing up with his own hunting land, to being able to harvest animals from across the world. Jack gets emotional talking about how his story can hopefully help others, including those that are a part of this book.

Be sure to grab your copy of both books at https://www.jackzimmermanmn.com/shop

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 on emotions that children and families can relate to, civilian and veteran alike. Discover what the meaning of home is with "Halo Finds a Home" by James Chally.

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" but still loves to see former players and students in their new roles as parents and he loves to see how awesome they've become. Coach Anderson shares a story about a pre-cell phone bike ride over 2300 miles from Elmore, Minnesota to Salem, Oregon and how he and his friends lost a member of their group for a week.