EP107: An Army Officer’s Mission to Space

EP107: An Army Officer’s Mission to Space

In this episode of the WPAOG Broadcast Network, we sit down with Colonel Anne McClain: astronaut, Army aviator, and West Point graduate of 2002. McClain reflects on the leadership foundations forged at West Point and how those lessons carried her from combat aviation to spaceflight, including spacewalks conducted 250 miles above Earth. Through powerful stories from the cockpit, mission control, and the exterior of the International Space Station, she shares what it means to lead under extreme pressure, manage failure as data, and remain calm, prepared, and decisive when the stakes are highest.  Colonel Anne McClain was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2013 and currently serves as a colonel in the U.S. Army. A Spokane, Washington native, she graduated from the United States Military Academy with a degree in mechanical/aeronautical engineering in 2002 and went on to earn multiple advanced degrees as a Marshall Scholar. A Master Army Aviator with more than 2,000 flight hours in 20 aircraft, McClain has served as a spaceflight engineer on multiple expeditions aboard the International Space Station and most recently launched as commander of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 mission in March 2025. Listeners will also hear her moving reflections on carrying West Point’s legacy gold into space, the responsibility of belonging to the Long Gray Line, and what future cadets and officers should know about service, humility, and leadership of character. Give us your feedback by taking our short survey [https://forms.zohopublic.com/alumniservices/form/PodcastSurvey/formperma/nfBU4j2Yoe77IkGoTzPNmZsgY8Ifu3SVqiwRm4Lz8dA?] –  EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: 01:38 Embracing Uncertainty and Competence 03:24 Handling Failures and Setbacks 05:54 The Awe of Spacewalks 09:40 The Astronaut Network and Legacy 15:17 Advice for Future Leaders – LINKS: Connect with Anne [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-mcclain-039ab2211/] . 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!

EP106: What Do You Have to Lose?

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: In this episode of the WPAOG podcast, we sit down with retired Lieutenant General Dan Karbler to explore his unexpected journey from commanding missile defense operations to working alongside Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow on the national security thriller A House of Dynamite. The film brings cinematic intensity to a simulated missile attack on the U.S., and Karbler’s firsthand expertise shaped everything from the script to the set design, ensuring military authenticity at every turn. For nearly 37 years, LTG Karbler served our nation in a variety of positions in the United States and around the world. An expert in Air and Missile Defense and Space Operations, he has extensive experience in effectively leading large and complex military commands, conducting operations, requirements and capability development, test and evaluation, and budget formulation. Before retiring from the Army as a Lieutenant General, he led the U.S. Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC), a globally dispersed organization across 23 locations and 11 time zones responsible for providing homeland and regional air and missile defense and space operations. Listeners will hear how a cold Zoom audition led to a major consulting role, what it takes to get military uniforms and terminology right for film, and how his leadership style aligned seamlessly with Bigelow’s directing approach. Karbler also reflects on what it means to serve, both in uniform and as a parent of two West Point grads, and shares advice for military professionals considering creative second careers. This episode offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the making of a military thriller through the eyes of someone who’s lived it—both on screen and in service. Give us your feedback by taking our short survey [https://forms.zohopublic.com/alumniservices/form/PodcastSurvey/formperma/nfBU4j2Yoe77IkGoTzPNmZsgY8Ifu3SVqiwRm4Lz8dA?] - KEY QUOTE:  “ When those curve balls come at you, or high pressure or complexity comes in, if you don't have that good basic foundation to fall back on, you start to make mistakes. You can get nervous, which is gonna affect your, uh, potential judgment or recommendations or could affect your decisions. So you have got to become the master of your craft. And you do that through repetition. You do that through practice, you do it through rehearsals, you do it by staying current with contemporaries, whether that's reading, listening to a podcast. Sometimes it's just, having a cup of coffee with friends and bouncing some ideas off of each other.” -LTG (Ret.) Dan Karbler –  EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: (00:09) From General to Hollywood (03:20) On Set: Authenticity and Technical Advising (04:51) Behind the Scenes: Working with Kathryn Bigelow (17:04) Family Legacy: West Point and Military Service (25:19) Advice for Aspiring Military and Hollywood Careers – LINKS: Watch A House of Dynamite on Netflix [https://www.netflix.com/title/81744537] 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!

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!

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!

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!