WPAOG Podcast

EP105: Brothers on Three

In this episode of the WPAOG podcast, we sit down with West Point graduates Brian Anthony  ’01 and Sean Mullin ’97, filmmakers and former Army officers,  to explore the making of their new documentary Brothers on Three. The film captures more than a championship rugby season; it’s a story of resilience, identity, and brotherhood at West Point. Through the lens of the Army Rugby team, the film examines leadership under pressure and the power of trust, commitment, and love within a team. Brian Anthony is a West Point graduate who served in the U.S. Army from 2001 to 2010, including as a Ranger and Special Forces Green Beret. Today, he’s a screenwriter whose credits include CW’s Kung Fu, Constantine, The Night Shift, and Station 19. His comic book short Terps was featured in the SOLDIER STORIES anthology for Veterans Day 2022. Sean Mullin, also a West Point grad, served as an Army officer in Germany before finishing his service as a Captain in the New York Army National Guard, where he led soldiers at Ground Zero after 9/11. He later transitioned into filmmaking and comedy, building a successful career as an independent director and producer. Listeners will hear how Sean and Brian translated their shared experience on the rugby field into a powerful film narrative, the emotional revelations captured during filming, and the surprising leadership outcomes among Army rugby alumni. They also discuss the challenges of independent documentary filmmaking, from funding to field logistics, and reflect on the evolution of West Point’s culture of masculinity and emotional strength. The episode is a behind-the-scenes look at a deeply personal and cinematic tribute to the long-lasting bonds formed at the Academy. Give us your feedback by taking our short survey [https://forms.zohopublic.com/alumniservices/form/PodcastSurvey/formperma/nfBU4j2Yoe77IkGoTzPNmZsgY8Ifu3SVqiwRm4Lz8dA?] __ KEY QUOTE:  ”One of the more kind of impressive stats that came out during filming, the typical West Point cadet has a 1% chance of getting promoted to the rank of general officer. But if you play rugby, you've got a 3% chance. So that's a 300% Delta, which is a massive Delta statistical anomaly. It's not even close, not double, it's triple. And I'll be honest with you, I started crunching more numbers, it's probably higher than three. So I feel confident saying that we've been, we've had a couple guys just get promoted recently, too. It's an incredible thing, and that was definitely something we wanted to investigate with this film is what's in the sauce. Why is that? I do feel like that's not just in the military chain of promotions. I do feel like also in the civilian world, you see a lot of business leaders and you see a lot of entrepreneurs who have a rugby background because again, there is a certain element of risk to this sport. And I think that translates well into people who maybe metabolize risk in a different way in the business world.”   -Sean Mullin, Class of ’97 __ EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: (01:20) The Message Behind Brothers on Three (05:45) The Long Road to Making This Story Happen (08:30) Discovering Unexpected Moments of Brotherhood (14:20) Community Reactions and Premiere Plans (21:40) The Surprising Stats Behind Rugby and Leadership – LINKS: Find where Brothers on Three Playing Near You [https://www.brothersonthreefilm.com/] Connect with Sean [https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanmullin/] Connect with Brian [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-anthony-aa52949/] https://www.westpointaog.org/news/podcast-from-ground-zero-to-hollywood-director-with-sean-mullin-97-award-winning-filmmaker/ [https://www.westpointaog.org/news/podcast-from-ground-zero-to-hollywood-director-with-sean-mullin-97-award-winning-filmmaker/] . We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey [https://forms.zohopublic.com/alumniservices/form/PodcastSurvey/formperma/nfBU4j2Yoe77IkGoTzPNmZsgY8Ifu3SVqiwRm4Lz8dA] and help us make future episodes even better!   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

EP104: The Dr Is In: SGB & PTSD

In this episode of the WPAOG podcast, we welcome COL (R) James Lynch, MD West Point Class of  ’89, a retired military physician and national expert in Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB). A promising treatment for PTSD and anxiety. With over three decades of military service, including 20 years in special operations, Dr. Lynch shares his journey from Army physician to mental health innovator. Dr. Jim Lynch is a physician and mental health advocate who established a practice in Maryland in 2021 after serving 31 years in Army medicine. Board-certified in Family and Sports Medicine, he’s treated thousands of trauma-affected patients and pioneered SGB as a powerful treatment for PTSD and anxiety. Dr. Lynch has presented internationally, published multiple peer-reviewed studies, and served as a U.S. Olympic Team physician for over a decade. He continues to champion access to effective trauma care for veterans, civilians, and underserved populations globally. Listeners will gain insight into how SGB works to reset the fight-or-flight system, its remarkable results among veterans, and why traditional PTSD treatments often fall short. Dr. Lynch also discusses the broader applications of SGB, including for survivors of sexual trauma, and how he’s taking this treatment global, reaching communities in crisis like Ukraine. Give us your feedback by taking our short survey [https://forms.zohopublic.com/alumniservices/form/PodcastSurvey/formperma/nfBU4j2Yoe77IkGoTzPNmZsgY8Ifu3SVqiwRm4Lz8dA?] –  EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: (00:32) What is Stella Ganglion Blocks (SGB) (06:43) Discovery and Evolution of SGB for PTSD (12:27)  Dr. Lynch's Journey into Medicine (16:56) Advice for PTSD and Anxiety Sufferers (23:06) Challenges and Accessibility of SGB (29:20) Dr. Lynch's Humanitarian Efforts  – LINKS: Connect with Dr. James [https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-lynch-md/] Learn more about SGB [https://drjameslynch.com/] Learn more about WPAOG’s Veteran Services for West Point grads [https://www.westpointaog.org/services/veterans-services/]   Information provided in this podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. No physician-patient relationship is created by this web site, podcast, or its use. Neither the West Point Association of Graduates nor its employees, nor any contributor to this web site or podcast, makes any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use. We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey [https://forms.zohopublic.com/alumniservices/form/PodcastSurvey/formperma/nfBU4j2Yoe77IkGoTzPNmZsgY8Ifu3SVqiwRm4Lz8dA] and help us make future episodes even better!   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

EP103: Building a Championship Culture

In this episode of the WPAOG Podcast, host Jamie Enos sits down with Matthew Caldwell, CEO of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx. Matt brings a unique leadership background shaped by his service as a U.S. Army Captain, his time at Goldman Sachs, and nearly a decade as CEO of the Florida Panthers, where he helped lead the team to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships. Caldwell, a 2002 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, also earned an MBA from Northwestern Kellogg School of Management and a J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law. He served five years in the U.S. Army, conducting combat operations in Iraq and peacekeeping in Kosovo. His business leadership has been widely recognized, including being named a South Florida Business Journal Ultimate CEO and receiving multiple “Forty under 40” awards. At just 36, he became the youngest CEO in U.S. pro sports when he took the helm of the Florida Panthers in 2016. This conversation explores the intersection of military discipline, entrepreneurial thinking, and executive leadership. Tune in to hear how Caldwell navigates organizational alignment, builds resilient cultures, and prepares to lead two professional basketball teams into a new era of growth and performance. Give us your feedback by taking our short survey. [https://forms.zohopublic.com/alumniservices/form/PodcastSurvey/formperma/nfBU4j2Yoe77IkGoTzPNmZsgY8Ifu3SVqiwRm4Lz8dA?] –  EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: (01:31) Leadership Lessons from Military to Sports (03:38) Building from West Point Foundations (08:24) Mentorship and Support from the Long Gray Line (09:53) Entrepreneurial Ventures in Sports (13:05) Advice on Career Pivots and Transitions – LINKS: Connect with Matthew [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcaldwell/] We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey [https://forms.zohopublic.com/alumniservices/form/PodcastSurvey/formperma/nfBU4j2Yoe77IkGoTzPNmZsgY8Ifu3SVqiwRm4Lz8dA] and help us make future episodes even better!   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

EP102: The Hudson Valley Program

In this episode of the WPAOG Podcast, we’re joined by Erin Helle, AOG’s Executive Director of Strategic Development and Partnerships, about the bold efforts underway to transform Highland Falls and reforge the connection between the West Point community and its neighboring town. Erin shares the mission and vision behind the Hudson Valley Program, how AOG is investing in long-term community investment, and why this work is as strategic as it is deeply personal. From developing the CONNECT after-school program to forging productive partnerships with local leadership and developers, Erin outlines how trust building, infrastructure investment, and shared purpose are reshaping the Gateway to West Point. With a blend of authenticity and strategic insight, she reflects on what it takes to lead sustainable, community-first development and what success will look like five years from now. Listeners will gain a grounded perspective on place-based leadership, relationship-driven progress, and the long-term impact of aligning institutional values with community needs. This episode is essential listening for professionals working at the intersection of civic development, education, and strategic partnerships. Give us your feedback by taking our short survey [https://forms.zohopublic.com/alumniservices/form/PodcastSurvey/formperma/nfBU4j2Yoe77IkGoTzPNmZsgY8Ifu3SVqiwRm4Lz8dA?] –  EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: * (00:19) The Mission and Vision of the Hudson Valley Program * (03:15) The Connect Program: Impact and Benefits * (09:32) Key Partnerships and Collaborations * (18:56) Breaking Through Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles * (23:26) The  Future Vision and Long-Term Goals – LINKS: Connect with Erin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-helle-a99200111/] Connect with Jamie [http://www.linkedin.com/in/jamieenos] Hudson Valley Program: https://www.westpointaog.org/connections/wpaog-hvp-overview/ [https://www.westpointaog.org/connections/wpaog-hvp-overview/] . We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey [https://forms.zohopublic.com/alumniservices/form/PodcastSurvey/formperma/nfBU4j2Yoe77IkGoTzPNmZsgY8Ifu3SVqiwRm4Lz8dA] and help us make future episodes even better!   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

EP101: Embracing Legacy and Leadership

In this episode of the WPAOG Podcast, we sit down with LTC (R) Pete Selleck ’77, 2025 Distinguished Graduate Award recipient, to explore his extraordinary journey from West Point to global business leadership. With a legacy rooted in service, Selleck shares how his cadet experience shaped his values, influenced his leadership approach, and fostered lifelong connections. From commanding troops to mentoring the next generation, he reflects on the enduring power of purpose and community. Selleck is a monumental example of distinguished service to America across the private, governmental, and non-profit sectors. Commissioned into the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, he served in the 4th Engineer Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, before transitioning to the U.S. Army Reserve. He then began an extraordinary 35-year career at Michelin, culminating in his role as chairman and president of Michelin North America. His efforts were critical in supporting the Department of Defense during the Iraq War, supplying combat-grade tires for the MRAP vehicle—a contribution that saved countless lives. Beyond his corporate achievements, Selleck has dedicated decades to supporting West Point through admissions, alumni leadership, endowments, and community service. As LTG (R) Walter Ulmer ’52 said, “Few graduates in our history have amassed such a record of broad consequential achievement.” Listeners will come away with timeless leadership lessons on humility, accountability, and mission-driven work—from building elite teams to aligning personal purpose with organizational impact. This episode is essential listening for current and future leaders in military, corporate, and non-profit spheres alike. -- Key Quote: “ I knew that West Point really put an emphasis on leading people, and that turned out to be exactly right, and the leadership experience as a cadet, the things that you do as a young officer, as a platoon leader, as a company commander, those things are unparalleled. The type of responsibility you get as a 20-year-old is just amazing, and that just played out big time as I went into my Michelin career that it was just, you become a very natural leader because you do it. You can't learn leadership in a book. You have to actually do it. You've gotta make mistakes. You've gotta see successes, you've gotta watch other people. And that really played a huge role in my subsequent life after the Army. But I will say that being a company commander in the Army was probably the most challenging leadership job that I ever had. It was big, big responsibility.”  -LTC (R) Clyde A.“Pete” Selleck III, class of 1977 –  EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: * (00:21) Continuing the  Family Legacy at West Point * (04:53) Leadership Lessons from West Point to Michelin * (09:38) Defining Service to the Nation * (12:52) The  50-Year Affiliation Program and Legacy * (26:31) Lending Support to the West Point Admissions * (30:40) Advice for Future Leaders – LINKS: 2025 Distinguished Graduate Award Recipients [https://www.westpointaog.org/news/2025-distinguished-graduate-award-recipients/] Connect with Pete [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-selleck-7a475a33/] We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey [https://forms.zohopublic.com/alumniservices/form/PodcastSurvey/formperma/nfBU4j2Yoe77IkGoTzPNmZsgY8Ifu3SVqiwRm4Lz8dA] and help us make future episodes even better!   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.