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.

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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

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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

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Links:

Watch A House of Dynamite on Netflix

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