The Karol Markowicz Show: From Army to the Pentagon
Guest: Mike Glenn (Pentagon Reporter for The Washington Times)
Host: Karol Markowicz
Date: January 23, 2026
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts
Episode Overview
This episode of The Karol Markowicz Show spotlights the extraordinary and circuitous professional journey of Mike Glenn, Pentagon reporter at The Washington Times. Karol unpacks Mike’s trajectory—from his military service in the Army to police work, to journalism, and how those experiences shaped both his perspective and his writing. They touch on life lessons, the evolving media landscape, and the coming upheaval in Hollywood due to artificial intelligence. The episode is marked by candid, humorous exchanges, practical wisdom, and a deeply personal moment of pride from Mike.
Key Themes & Discussion Points
1. Mike Glenn’s Unconventional Career Path
- Army Service (01:20–04:00):
- Enlisted out of high school, deployed to Germany during the Cold War.
- Returned as an officer post-college, served in the Gulf War as a tank platoon leader.
- Quote: “I was a lieutenant, he was a colonel ... these guys here in California aren't shooting real bullets at us like the ones in Iraq were.” (03:31, Mike Glenn)
- Mike’s straightforwardness led to friction with superiors, prompting his exit from the Army.
- Becoming a Police Officer (04:09–07:23):
- Stint as a cop in Texas; found the job boring, didn’t enjoy issuing tickets.
- Wife was unhappy with the dangers of police work, particularly with a child on the way.
- Humor/Pattern: Karol notes his tendency to “challenge authority” (06:46).
- Move into Journalism (07:22–12:15):
- Entered grad school in journalism with no experience or industry contacts.
- Progressed from small local papers to covering the military for Air Force Times, then two decades at the Houston Chronicle, before joining The Washington Times.
- Quote: “I'm not only the first college graduate in my family, I'm the first high school graduate.” (08:38, Mike Glenn)
- Chose to leave grad school before finishing after landing his first reporting job: “Screw college. I'm only here to get a job.” (09:59, Mike Glenn)
- Pentagon Reporting (12:15–13:26):
- Joined The Washington Times as a military reporter five years ago, relocated to the DC area.
- Notes the personal sacrifices of moving from Texas, downsizing, and adjusting to life in Arlington, VA.
2. Life at the Pentagon & Insider Anecdotes
- Observing Pentagon Activity (16:41–17:32):
- Karol asks about rumors that increased food deliveries signal major Pentagon events.
- Mike confirms, “You'll see like trays of food being delivered places ... you figured, you know, something's up.” (17:22, Mike Glenn)
- Explains there’s an in-house pizza place; these food runs are often indicators for reporters.
3. Personal Pride and Responsibility
- Most Proud Moment (17:45–20:29):
- Expresses immense pride in his daughter, a forensic nurse.
- When asked for a personal accomplishment, reflects on leading his platoon in the Gulf War and bringing everyone home safely.
- Quote: “The fact is, I did not have—there were no orphans or widows in my family. They were all there ... All the guys who followed me across the berm into Iraq came back. So that's what I'm probably most proud of.” (19:46 & 20:19, Mike Glenn)
4. Predictions: The Future of Hollywood & AI
- Hollywood’s Imminent Decline (20:29–24:14):
- Mike, an avid movie fan, predicts: “In five years, Hollywood as we know it will be dead. It'll be gone.” (20:53, Mike Glenn)
- Discusses AI’s rapid progress in content creation, suggesting the traditional studio system will be destroyed by technology and economic factors.
- Karol is cautiously optimistic, suggesting democratization of moviemaking could be a net positive.
- Quote: “Wait until the first entirely AI movie gets released ... if it's good, that will be something.” (23:05 & 23:12, Mike Glenn)
- Both discuss how audiences are shifting to online creators and YouTube over traditional network shows.
5. Closing Life Advice
- Mike’s Simple Rule for Success (24:41–25:08):
- Quote: “Just if you have a job, do it. Don't complain about it ... it's often better to listen than to talk, and it's always better just to shut up and do your job, that's all.” (24:41 & 24:59, Mike Glenn)
- Karol summarizes this as “small stuff is the grand thing,” highlighting the value of consistency and listening.
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
On Hollywood & AI:
“AI is going to destroy the concept of Hollywood as we know it ... I don't mourn the Hollywood system because I don't really care about [it]. I mean, I care about the product."
— Mike Glenn (21:56) -
On Leading Soldiers:
"All the guys who followed me across the berm into Iraq came back. So that's what I'm probably most proud of."
— Mike Glenn (20:19) -
On Changing Careers:
“I'm not only the first college graduate in my family, I'm the first high school graduate.”
— Mike Glenn (08:38) -
On Career Advice:
"It's often better to listen than to talk, and it's always better just to shut up and do your job."
— Mike Glenn (24:59)
Key Timestamps
- 01:20–04:00 — Mike’s Army service and Gulf War stories
- 04:09–07:23 — Experience as a Texas police officer
- 07:22–12:15 — Entry into journalism; career development
- 16:41–17:32 — Pentagon pizza/food delivery as military rumor indicator
- 17:45–20:29 — Most proud moment: leading his platoon
- 20:29–24:14 — Five-year prediction: AI and the demise of Hollywood
- 24:41–25:08 — Mike’s best life advice
Summary Takeaways
Mike Glenn’s journey is a testament to adaptability, honesty, and seizing opportunities. His views on AI’s role in media are prescient and his stories provide an insider’s eye on both military and journalistic spheres. His practical wisdom—valuing quiet diligence and attentive listening—underlines a blue-collar ethic that cuts across all his careers. The episode is as much about the unpredictability of professional life as it is about courage under pressure and the rapid evolution of information and entertainment in the AI era.