Leadership before D-Day: Pressure–With Director Anthony Maras episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 17, 2026 · 26 MIN

Leadership before D-Day: Pressure–With Director Anthony Maras

from AUSA’s Army Matters Podcast · host Assn. of the United States Army

History often remembers the invasion: the beaches, the Soldiers, and the first waves crashing ashore on D-Day. But in the days before Allied forces reached Normandy, another battle was unfolding behind closed doors. A battle of judgment, uncertainty, and leadership under immense pressure.   In this episode of Army Matters, LTG (Ret.) Leslie Smith sits down with filmmaker Anthony Maras, director, co-writer, editor, and producer of Pressure, now in theaters. This historical thriller focuses on the 72 tense hours before D-Day and the difficult decisions that faced General Dwight D. Eisenhower and meteorologist Captain James Stagg. The film examines a rarely considered side of history: decision making in times of uncertainty with millions of lives hanging in the balance.    Known for building tension through films rooted in real events, including Hotel Mumbai, Maras discusses leadership under emotional pressure, how to make slow-moving weather patterns thrilling, and what really happened in the moments leading up to D-Day. Guest: Anthony Maras, Director, Pressure Has a member of the Army positively changed your life? Now is your chance to thank them publicly with a shoutout via our Hooah Hotline and have it possibly appear on an upcoming episode of AUSA’s Army Matters podcast! AUSA’s Army Matters podcast can also be heard on Wreaths Across America Radio on Monday at 8 pm Eastern. You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app. Search the word Wreath.  Donate: If you are interested in supporting AUSA’s educational programs, such as this podcast, please visit www.ausa.org/donate.  Feedback: How are we doing? Email us at [email protected].  Disclaimer: AUSA’s Army Matters podcast primary purpose is to entertain. The podcast does not constitute advice or services. While guests are invited to listen, listeners please note that you are not being provided professional advice from the podcast or the guests. The views and opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of AUSA.

History often remembers the invasion: the beaches, the Soldiers, and the first waves crashing ashore on D-Day. But in the days before Allied forces reached Normandy, another battle was unfolding behind closed doors. A battle of judgment, uncertainty, and leadership under immense pressure.   In this episode of Army Matters, LTG (Ret.) Leslie Smith sits down with filmmaker Anthony Maras, director, co-writer, editor, and producer of Pressure, now in theaters. This historical thriller focuses on the 72 tense hours before D-Day and the difficult decisions that faced General Dwight D. Eisenhower and meteorologist Captain James Stagg. The film examines a rarely considered side of history: decision making in times of uncertainty with millions of lives hanging in the balance.    Known for building tension through films rooted in real events, including Hotel Mumbai, Maras discusses leadership under emotional pressure, how to make slow-moving weather patterns thrilling, and what really happened in the moments leading up to D-Day. Guest: Anthony Maras, Director, Pressure Has a member of the Army positively changed your life? Now is your chance to thank them publicly with a shoutout via our Hooah Hotline and have it possibly appear on an upcoming episode of AUSA’s Army Matters podcast! AUSA’s Army Matters podcast can also be heard on Wreaths Across America Radio on Monday at 8 pm Eastern. You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app. Search the word Wreath.  Donate: If you are interested in supporting AUSA’s educational programs, such as this podcast, please visit www.ausa.org/donate.  Feedback: How are we doing? Email us at [email protected].  Disclaimer: AUSA’s Army Matters podcast primary purpose is to entertain. The podcast does not constitute advice or services. While guests are invited to listen, listeners please note that you are not being provided professional advice from the podcast or the guests. The views and opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of AUSA.

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This episode is 26 minutes long.

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This episode was published on June 17, 2026.

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History often remembers the invasion: the beaches, the Soldiers, and the first waves crashing ashore on D-Day. But in the days before Allied forces reached Normandy, another battle was unfolding behind closed doors. A battle of judgment,...

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