In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Shady Characters, hosts Evan Burgher and Tim DeBrincat sit down with Captain Howard Hart, a retired Naval Intelligence Officer turned civic leader in San Juan Capistrano. Hart recounts his 30-year military career, the harrowing morning of September 11th, and the split-second twist of fate that saved his life as the Pentagon was struck — an experience that left him with lifelong survivor’s guilt and a renewed sense of purpose.

From monitoring Soviet submarines and counterterrorism intelligence to rebuilding life after 9/11, Hart’s story spans decades of service and sacrifice. He opens up about the cost of leadership, the responsibility of protecting secrets that safeguard national security, and the often-misunderstood realities of intelligence work — including what the public gets wrong about “Big Brother” and conspiracy theories.

Transitioning from military to civic life, Hart shares how he applied the same principles of duty and communication to his role as San Juan Capistrano’s District 5 Councilmember and former mayor. He discusses the human trafficking ordinance that became his proudest legislative achievement, his advocacy for equestrian heritage and sober living reform, and his ongoing fight against the proposed battery energy storage facility threatening local safety.

At its core, this episode is a reflection on service, stoicism, and community. Hart speaks candidly about faith, leadership under pressure, and the importance of empathy — whether commanding intelligence teams or answering residents’ Facebook comments at 2 a.m.

Equal parts military memoir, civic masterclass, and human story, this conversation reveals the heart behind the uniform — and the man still serving his country, one hometown decision at a time.