The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels

This episode we close out our look at Eric Ambler with a special bonus – my conversation with legendary bookstore owner and editor Otto Penzler. We discuss his time meeting Eric Ambler and his attempt to get Ambler to sign his Ambler collection All that and much more in this episode! Jeremy’s twitter – @JeremyDuns Jeremy’s […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

This episode we continue to look at an author worth reading after you’ve finished looking at all of the works of le Carré – Eric Ambler. We discuss Ambler’s post WW2 work, his obsession with coups, and his somewhat unreliable autobiography. Plus, that terrible cover art! All that and much more in this episode! Passage […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

This episode we look at another author to explore once you’ve finished looking at all of the works of le Carré. This time it is the granddaddy of thrillers, Eric Amber. We discuss how Ambler’s political worldview influenced his writing, themes in common with le Carré, and Plus we explore his early reading influences and […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

This episode we are back from a summer break with part two of our discussion of John le Carré’s 1979 novel Smiley’s People with returning guest Charles Beaumont, a former undercover MI6 operative and author of A Spy Alone and A Spy at War. We debate Connie Sachs repetitive return, talk Smiley and sex-clubs and […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

This episode we discuss John le Carré’s 1979 novel Smiley’s People with guest Charles Beaumont, a former undercover MI6 operative and author of A Spy Alone and A Spy at War. Beaumont describes first discovering le Carré at university through The Honorable Schoolboy and argues the Cold War novels still illuminate modern Russia’s state cruelty […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

This episode I’m joined by author David Goodman, author of A Reluctant Spy and the new sequel Solitary Agents. We talk about reading John le Carré as a kind of travelogue and why place matters so much in spy fiction. David shares how his dissertation on spy novels was a stepping stone to writing espionage […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

This episode I welcome back author and Bond expert Jeremy Duns to tackle the “le Carré or Fleming?” debate from a different angle: what they thought of each other. We talk generational differences (Fleming shaped by WWII, le Carré by Cold War service.) We read an Allen Dulles interview where Fleming praises The Spy Who […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

This episode we have another episode of le Carré Cast Reads, where we look at a book that I think fellow le Carré fans will enjoy. This time it’s the nonfiction memoir My Family and Other Spies. I’m joined by it’s author Alistair Wood. Alistair grew up living in the Service’s training camp and his […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

This episode we are back with author James Wolff to continue to discuss John le Carré’s novel The Naïve and Sentimental Lover. We talk more about these characters, James Kennaway’s Some Gorgeous Accident, and the reality of marriage vs reality. What song by a well known band is based on the novel? What did le […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

This episode I’m pleased to have returning guest, author James Wolff to the show. We discuss John le Carré’s novel The Naïve and Sentimental Lover. If you’ve never read the novel and aren’t really interested in doing so, this is the show for you! We talk about the strange love triangle at the heart of […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

This episode I welcome podcaster Matt Gourley to the show for a wide ranging conversation about all things George Smiley. We talk about Matt’s work podcasting on James Bond, how he started reading le Carré, and the difference between Bond and Smiley. We make an attempt to cast Tinker, Tailor using only former James Bond […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

This week had some sad news as we learned that Len Deighton passed away at the age of 97. He’s a huge part of how we think of modern espionage fiction and many of his works will stand the test of time. This seemed like a good moment to remember a singular moment in spy […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode, I speak with author Dave Hutchinson about his science fiction writing, how that’s overlapped with espionage and his favorite le Carré novel. We talk about his book series set in a near future Europe that has splintered into tiny nation states, his latest novel The Essence which returns to the spy world […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode, I talk with drinks writer Henry Jeffreys about how John le Carré used various alcoholic beverages in his work. We talk about Henry’s interactions with le Carré while he working in publishing, le Carré’s legacy and what goes into the drink called a White Lady. In addition, we explore different types of […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode, I talk with the writer of the new comic book miniseries The Circus: Losing Control set in the world of John le Carré. We talk about Matt’s fascination with spies, his research for the comic and how he got the Circus out of Vauxhall Cross and back where it belongs. In addition, […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode, I talk with Clay about the season finale of THE NIGHT MANAGER season 2. We talk about Roper and Roxy, blue cars and that finale episode body count. Plus, what could happen in season 3? Finally, is this – The Night Manager, or how I learned to stop worrying and love (?) […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode, I talk with returning le Carré Cast guest Mark Meynell about the fifth episode of THE NIGHT MANAGER season 2. We talk about that showdown between Pine and Roper, Teddy’s reversal and where things might go in that final episode of the season. Plus, did Roxy just swipe right on Roper? Finally, […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode, I talk with returning le Carré Cast MVP Matthew Bradford about the fourth episode of THE NIGHT MANAGER season 2. We talk about how things got supercharged with this episode. Roper returns! Columbian Motorcycles! David Farr’s Dreams! Plus, those Columbian locations, Hugh Laurie’s birthday and ALL CAPS EMAILS! Finally, this episode changes […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode, I return with more of my favorite moments from episodes this past year. I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for a great 2025 and have a wonderful 2026! Nick Harkaway Federico Varese Michael Idov Matthew Bradford Tiffany Babb Clay Major Steven Ritterman Jeff’s site – SpyWrite.com Jeff’s twitter – @spywrite Listen on […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode, I talk with Clay about the third episode of THE NIGHT MANAGER season 2. We talk about the throple action, wearing business attire on covert missions, and why you should always make sure to keep at least 20 million dollars in your bank account. Plus, that shocking episode ending reveal!! Finally, where […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode, I picked some of my favorite moments from episodes this past year. I hope you enjoy it. We’ll be back soon with part 2! Ben H. Winters Mark Meynell Keir Graff Scott O’Connor Tod Hoffman Helen Lewis Jessica Douthwaite Jeff’s site – SpyWrite.com Jeff’s twitter – @spywrite Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode, I talk with Scott and Cam of the SpyHards podcast about the first two episodes of THE NIGHT MANAGER season 2. We talk about a season of THE NIGHT MANAGER that never happened due to le Carré’s view of a second season, whether we are happy how they are staking out new […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode, I talk with John Ramm, who is currently portraying George Smiley in the play The Spy Who Came in from the Cold at Soho Place. We talk about how he ended up with the role, differences between the Festival run and the run on the West End, and working with the cast. […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this special end of year episode, I welcome back my guests from this past year to answer two questions – Which le carre novel would you want to read again for the very first time? Why? and What le Carre novel would you most want to pick up and re read right now? Why? […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode, I welcome le Carré superfan Clay Douglass Major to the show. We talk about his trip to London to see new theater production of The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, his visit to Oxford and the le Carré exhibition and touring some of the famous Smiley sites of London. We […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode, writer and podcaster Keir Graff returns to continue discussing John le Carré’s novel The Russia House. We talk about Barley Blair, Katya and that ending. Plus differences between the movie and the book. Plus, some fun comments from le Carré himself about the book. All that and much more in this episode. […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode, writer and podcaster Keir Graff joins to discuss John le Carré’s novel The Russia House. We talk about whether book people would make good spies and le Carré’s eye for local details. We also discuss whether this book has more P.G. Wodehouse than other le Carré novels. Plus, would an editor nowadays […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode, we talk with Helen Lewis and her new book, The Genius Myth. We talk about how to think about artists with problematic pasts, the influence of wives on “geniuses” and how to create a legacy. Plus, what would a le Carré video game look like? All that and more in this episode. […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode, we welcome Federico Varese to the show. Federico is the co-curator of the new exhibition being held by the Bodelian Libraries showing off some of the materials the library has in the John le Carré archive. He also served as editor of Tradecraft: Writers on John le Carré a new collection of […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Jessica Douthwaite to the show. Jessica is the co-curator of the new exhibition being held by the Bodelian Libraries showing off some of the materials the library has in the John le Carré archive. We talk about how Jessica became involved, what a curator does, and how the exhibition […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode we continue to celebrate 50 years of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by counting up to 50 interesting things about the book. For numbers eleven to twenty point five I’m welcoming Matthew Bradford back to the podcast. We talk that about some of our favorite characters in the novel. From Connie Sachs to […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode, we continue our year long look at Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy with Tiffany Babb. We talk about her article “Because He Loved You”: The Queer Betrayal of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. We explore how queerness is portrayed in the novel, the complex relationship between Bill and Jim, and why le Carré’s approach […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode, novelist Michael Idov returns to discuss John le Carré’s novel Our Game. Michael has written for numerous publications, was the Editor in chief of GQ Russia, is also a screenwriter and director and author of the new spy novel The Collaborators. We talk about where Our Game should fit in the le […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode, novelist Michael Idov joins me to discuss John le Carré’s novel Our Game. Michael has written for numerous publications, was the Editor in chief of GQ Russia, is also a screenwriter and director and author of the new spy novel The Collaborators. We talk about why we enjoy one of le Carré’s […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode, novelist Scott O’Connor returns to continue our discussion of John le Carré’s novel The Constant Gardener. We explore significant characters like Tessa and Arnold Bloom, discussing their roles and revelations about sexuality and societal norms in Kenya. We also talk about the moral complexities faced by Justin, and just what the one […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode, creative writing teacher and acclaimed writer Scott O’Connor joins to explore the layered complexities of John le Carré’s novel The Constant Gardener. The discussion ranges from O’Connor’s initial discovery of le Carrés works while researching for his own novel, Half World, to the idea that readers often connect with books differently depending […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this mini episode, Mark Meynell returns to explain just what that whole High Church/Low Church concept discussed in A Murder of Quality is about. Mark explains the historical and social distinctions between the two, detailing how Anglicanism and its relationship with non-conformist denominations shaped British society and class systems over time. He also touches […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In the latest episode of the le Carré Cast, host Jeff continues his discussion with Mark Meynell about the themes and narrative intricacies of John le Carré’s A Legacy of Spies. The conversation explores how le Carré revisits and deconstructs the world and characters he created in The Spy Who Came in From the Cold, […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode of the le Carré Cast, host Jeff speaks with Mark Meynell, a freelance writer and author of ten non-fiction books, about his transition to writing fiction and his recent book, ‘A Wilderness of Mirrors.’ The discussion covers Mark’s discovery of John le Carré’s works, particularly A Legacy of Spies. They delve into […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In part two of my discussion with Sleeper Beach novelist Nick Harkaway we discuss the latest in le Carré news. Nick talks about the upcoming adaptation of one of his novels into an Amason Prime show Kill Jackie, season 2 of The Night Manager and an update about the new comic series, The Circus: Losing […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode I am pleased to welcome back novelist Nick Harkaway. We discuss his latest work, Sleeper Beach, the second in his Titanium Noir series of futuristic mysteries. We talk about his earlier nonfiction book The Blind Giant, how we should be using technologies, and what does it mean when tech companies turn un-Evil. […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode I welcome Tod Hoffman, author of Le Carré Landscape, to the show. Tod is a former Canadian Intelligence Officer and used that knowledge to write his insightful book looking at le Carré’s work. We discuss le Carré’s use of interrogation in his novels, slow moving bureaucracy versus moving quickly and his decision […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode we break down the news of a new George Smiley TV series – Legacy of Spies. I have TV and Film expert Matthew Bradford on to talk through what we know and might expect to come. We talk about the long gestating project, producers, and casting. All that and much more in […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode we are celebrating 50 years of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by counting up to 50 interesting things about the book. For numbers one to ten I’m welcoming Matthew Bradford back to the podcast. We talk that iconic cover, opening line and dig into the mystery of who the novel was dedicated to. […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode I speak to author Ben H. Winters about his Crime Reads article “In Praise of Reading Le Carré’s Entire Oeuvre In Order”. We talk about the joys of reading an author’s work from start to finish, the connection between author and reader as well as The Looking Glass War as The Bad […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode we continue to look at Nick Harkaway’s 2024 George Smiley novel, Karla’s Choice. You can find part one here. Steven Ritterman, le Carré expert and collector, returns to talk through what we thought about this new Smiley novel. Plus, an exclusive discussion with Nick Harkaway about Karla’s choice. All that and much […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode we look at Nick Harkaway’s 2024 George Smiley novel, Karla’s Choice. Steven Ritterman, le Carré expert and collector, joins me to talk through all of our thoughts on this Smiley continuation novel. We talk reference Jurassic Park’s famous quote “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode I’ve pulled some of my favorite clips from shows this past year. If you missed an episode or enjoyed the shows from this past year, I think you’ll enjoy it. Listen in for the cream of the crop! Dominic Sandbrook on le Carré Paul French on The Honourable Schoolboy Mac Rodgers on […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

This episode the le Carré Cast delves into the world of true crime with a look at one of the strangest moments in le Carré’s literary history. You won’t read about this one in Sisman’s biography! Settle in for the case of the fake blurbs. Further Reading Sources used to write this post are below. […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode we continue to look at John le Carré’s 2003 novel, Absolute Friends. Shane Whaley, host of the Spybrary podcast, is back to break down all of the action in this novel. We talk about the dramatic end of the novel, Mundy and Sasha’s motives and talk about the dangers of entrapment. Plus, […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode we look at John le Carré’s 2003 novel, Absolute Friends. Shane Whaley, host of the Spybrary podcast joins the show to look at one of his favorite le Carré novels. We talk about the enigma that is Absolute Friends lead character Ted Mundy. How many trips over the wall does it take […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

Donate to #TeamEvie and the Literally Healing program at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Go to TinyURL.com/giveTE to make a monetary donation to the Literally Healing program or go to TinyURL.com/TeamE24, pick a book and make sure to pick Team Evie as the shipping location. That’s so much for your support. In this episode […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

Donate to #TeamEvie and the Literally Healing program at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Go to TinyURL.com/giveTE to make a monetary donation to the Literally Healing program or go to TinyURL.com/TeamE24, pick a book and make sure to pick Team Evie as the shipping location. That’s so much for your support. In this episode […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

Donate to #TeamEvie and the Literally Healing program at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Go to TinyURL.com/giveTE to make a monetary donation to the Literally Healing program or go to TinyURL.com/TeamE24, pick a book and make sure to pick Team Evie as the shipping location. That’s so much for your support. In this episode […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode we continue our look at John le Carré’s 1977 novel, The Honourable Schoolboy. Find Part 1 here and Part 2 here. Writer Paul French returns to the show for our epic finale looking at The Honourable Schoolboy. We talk more about the politics of Southeast Asia in the 1970’s, Jeff throws out […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode we continue our look at John le Carré’s 1977 novel, The Honourable Schoolboy. Find Part 1 here. Writer Paul French returns to the show to share his extensive knowledge of China and Hong Kong. We talk about the political background surrounding China and the UK when THS was written, the Ko brothers, […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode we begin our look at John le Carré’s 1977 novel, The Honourable Schoolboy. I’m pleased to welcome writer Paul French to the show. Paul has extensive knowledge of China and Hong Kong and is the perfect person to discuss this particular novel. We talk about where le Carré got his ideas for […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

Part 1 can be found here. Part 2 can be found here. We delve into the fascinating life of the enigmatic author Sarah Gainham, also known as Rachel Ames, with her godson Jonathan Ray, a drinks editor for The Spectator. We explore Rachel’s mysterious persona, her connections with spies and diplomats, and her life as […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

Part 1 can be found here. We are back with part 2 of this look at the novelist Sarah Gainham. I continue to be joined in the discussion with writer Jeremy Duns. The episode begins with a recounting of a passage from ‘The Stone Roses,’ one of Gainham’s novels. We then discuss several of Gainham’s […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

Discovering Sarah Gainham: Unveiling the Overlooked Cold War Novelist In this episode of the le Carré Cast, we introduce a new feature – ‘After le Carré,’ spotlighting authors beyond John le Carré. Jeff welcomes back Jeremy Duns, writer and spy fiction enthusiast, to discuss Sarah Gainham, a lesser-known but richly talented spy novelist. They delve […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode of The le Carré Cast, I interview acclaimed playwright and screenwriter Shaun McKenna. Sean discusses his journey into writing, his collaboration process for bringing le Carré’s complex characters to life on BBC Radio 4, and the challenges of adapting intricate novels for audio. about his adaptation of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode we continue our look at John le Carré’s 2008 novel, A Most Wanted Man. I’m pleased to welcome back poet Clarissa Aykroyd to the show. If you missed Part 1, you can find it here. We talk about parallels between the novel’s characters and another famous spy duo, Jackson Lamb and Catherine […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode we look at John le Carré’s 2008 novel, A Most Wanted Man. I’m pleased to welcome poet Clarissa Aykroyd to the show. We talk through the motivations of the various players, whether le Carré succeeded at creating fully realized characters and le Carré’s difficult writing women. All that and more in this […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode of the Le Carré Cast, Jeff interviews British historian Dominic Sandbrook. They delve into Sandbrook’s introduction to John le Carré’s works, particularly Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and discuss the author’s literary impact and historical context. The conversation covers le Carré’s influence during Britain’s 1970s cultural and political landscape, along with Sandbrook’s personal […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

I’m excited to welcome back Mac Rogers, playwright and audio dramatist for the epic conclusion of our look at the BBC George Smiley radio dramas. In this third and final part we dig into The Honourable Schoolboy, Smiley’s People and The Secret Pilgrim. The best way to find a corpse, how stories differ when told […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

I’m excited to welcome back Mac Rogers, playwright and audio dramatist to continue to discuss the BBC George Smiley radio dramas. In this second of three parts we dig into some of the biggest of le Carré’s novels – The Spy Who Came in from the Cold and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. Plus we discuss […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

This episode I am pleased to welcome Mac Rogers, playwright and audio dramatist to discuss the BBC George Smiley radio dramas. In this first part we talk about Mac’s journey to writing for audio, reading le Carré and listening to the audio drams. Plus we dive into aspects of the audio format and the first […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

This episode I return with Phil Tinline and Bernard Hughes. We continue discussing Phil’s article in the New Statesman on the London of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by John le Carré and how it’s different from the London of today. Topics include the le Carré and conspiracies, a discussion of Adam Sisman’s latest book, and […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

This episode I’m excited to welcome Phil Tinline and Bernard Hughes to the show. We discuss Phil’s article in the New Statesman on the London of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by John le Carré and how it’s different from the London of today. Topics include the political background of Tinker, whether Tinker was a case […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

This episode I’m excited to welcome John le Carré’s biographer Adam Sisman to the show. We discuss his latest book The Secret Life of John le Carré which looks at le Carré affairs which Sisman left out of his previous biography. Topics include why Sisman felt he needed to write this new book, the push […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

We continue our three part look at A Private Spy: The letters of John le Carré edited by Tim Cornwell. In part 3 we’ll be talking about what we learned about le Carré’s novels. Returning to discuss the book is Guillam groupie, Matthew Bradford., we discuss le Carrê on James Bond, The Night Manager adapations, […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

We continue our three part look at A Private Spy: The letters of John le Carré edited by Tim Cornwell. In part 2 we’ll be talking about what we learned about le Carré’s professional life. Returning to discuss the book is Circus cognoscente, Matthew Bradford. We discuss le Carré’s feudin’ and fightin’ with critics and […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

We’ll be taking a three part look at A Private Spy: The letters of John le Carré edited by Tim Cornwell. In this episode we’ll be talking about what we learned about le Carré’s personal life. Returning to the podcast to discuss the book is living le Carré encyclopedia Matthew Bradford. We discuss whether the […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode we continue our look at John le Carré’s 1999 novel, Single and Single. Returning to discuss the book is espionage and nonfiction author Adam Brookes. We discuss Adam’s interactions with shady Russians in the 90’s, why le Carré just can’t quit Russia, and that wild ending. Plus, is there such a thing […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode we look at John le Carré’s 1999 novel, SIngle and Single. Joining me to discuss the book is espionage and nonfiction author Adam Brookes. We discuss Adam’s first encounters with le Carré, the British boarding school system and tropes seen in le Carré’s female characters? Plus, whether the first chapter of the […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

Frank Sennett joins the show to talk about political thrillers and Mick Herron and John le Carré. We talk about US versus UK spy novels, Matt Helm, and favorite Herron and le Carré novels. Plus we talk about how to write politics in fiction without alienating readers and how one author used the nuclear option […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

We raised $1300 for Room to Read this holiday season. Thanks to everyone who donated. If you still wanted to donate, go here or share the link – http://tinyurl.com/spiesread We are back with a interview with founder of Guillam Coffee and le Carré superfan Abdelrahman Fathalla. We talk about why he named his business after […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

Donate to Room to Read here or share the link – http://tinyurl.com/spiesread We are back with a look at some of John le Carré’s unused book titles. These have been gathered from Adam Sisman’s biography, John le Carré: A Life, as well as a few from A Private Spy: The letters of John le Carré. […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

Donate to Room to Read here or share the link – http://tinyurl.com/spiesread We are back with a look at the new release A Private Spy: The Letters of John le Carré. I’m pleased to welcome Steven Ritterman, one of the foremost collectors of le Carré in the world, to the show. Steven reveals his top […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

We are back with part 2 of our look at the letter in spy fiction and reality. Listen to part 1 here. We talk about the novel to read if you want to imagine you’re a CIA analyst, the first techno-thriller and learn about how real spies are communicating right now! All that and much […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

We talk with Richard Hutt the writer of the new map titled John le Carré’s London from Herb Lester Associates. We talk about his previous map, The Secret City, reading le Carré in lockdown, the difficulties and joys in finding locations le Carré used in his novels and challenge the listener to find le Carré’s […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

The book A Private Spy: The Letters of John le Carré has just been released in the UK. We’ll be taking a look at that book once it’s released in the US in December, but this is a perfect time to take a look at the usage of the humble letter in espionage. We talk […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode we finish our look at A Small Town in Germany, John le Carré’s fifth novel. Returning to discuss the book is espionage author James Wolff. We discuss how his treatment of female characters, whether this is a Agatha Christie novel in disguise and whether this could ever be adapted for television? Plus, […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode we look at A Small Town in Germany, the novel that comes midway between John le Carré’s breakout success – The Spy Who Came in from the Cold – and the novel that solidified his place as one of the world’s best spy novelists – Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. I’m joined to […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

We talk with one of the foremost collectors of John le Carré novels, Steven Ritterman, whose collection of pristine le Carré editions numbers over 300 items. We learn about the Haycroft-Queen list, rare signed editions, and Steve’s undercover mission to meet le Carré himself.  All that plus talk on champagne toasts with Otto Penzler, meeting Eric Ambler, […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

Find Part One Here. In this episode we continue to take a deep dive into the intricacies of one of John le Carré’s most unjustly overlooked novels – The Looking-Glass War. I’m again joined by critic and author Jeremy Duns. We talk class and Britain’s role in the world, how the book could be adapted […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode we take a deep dive into the intricacies of one of John le Carré’s most unjustly overlooked novels – The Looking-Glass War. I’m joined by critic and author Jeremy Duns. We talk about weird relationships, how the book is a proto-Slow Horses, and get the first ever comparison of le Carré and […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

Just after the passing away of John le Carré in December 2020, I spoke with Matthew Bradford of double0section.blogspot.com about le Carrê’s impact on espionage fiction. Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Google Podcasts Listen on Spotify RSS Feed  The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode I provide an introduction to the world’s most famous spy writer. John le Carré began writing novels as a way to relieve the boredom of his duties as an upper-class raised British diplomat. That was what the world was told. The reality was that he wrote under a pseudonym; in truth he […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

I’m quite excited to launch something that has been in the process for awhile, a podcast dedicated to the works of John le Carré. The goal of this podcast is to do deep dives on each of his works, round table discussions on various topics related to the novels. films and TV programs. I hope […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode I speak to Laura Marsh about her essay on le Carré and Silverview in the February 10th edition of The New York Review of Books. Laura is currently the literary editor at the The New Republic and previously wrote for and was an editor at The New York Review of Books. Her […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode we explore what happens when you get a whole gaggle of Cold War spy novelists together in one room. This is an adaption of an earlier piece that can be found here with links to various sources. Also there is a photo of the attendees. Find more podcasts like this in the […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In the final episode of this four part look at Silverview Matthew Bradford and I continue to discuss John le Carré’s final complete novel. We discuss the climatic conclusion of Silverview! We also talk about where Silverview fits among le Carré’s work and some talk on collecting the book. All that and much more in […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In Part three of this four part look at Silverview Matthew Bradford and I continue to discuss John le Carré’s final complete novel. In this third part we explore the plot and espionage in the novel. We discuss the way betrayal is different in this novel, what’s up with Edward’s creepy obsession with basements, and […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In Part two of this four part look at Silverview Matthew Bradford and I continue to discuss John le Carré’s final complete novel. In our second part we talk about the settings of the novel. We discuss le Carré success in capturing life in a coastal town, the connection between W.G. Sebald’s The Rings of […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In Part one of this four part look at Silverview I welcome back Matthew Bradford to discuss John le Carré’s final complete novel. In our first part we talk about the main characters in this novel. We discuss surprise over the speedy release of the novel, how this novel revisits many of le Carré’s favorite […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In Part Two of this deep dive into Call for the Dead I welcome back guest Bee to discuss John le Carré’s first novel. We continue to get lots of hot takes on the novel from someone who has done a very close reading of le Carré’s work, but especially Call for the Dead. We […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode we explore a previously hidden chapter of le Carré’s life. Was this the moment everything changed for him? Listen for answers to that and much, much more. Previous discussion of this topic is here. Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Google Podcasts Listen on Spotify RSS Feed  The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In Part One of this deep dive into Call for the Dead I welcome guest Bee to discuss John le Carré’s first novel. In this provocative conversation we get plenty of hot takes on the novel from someone who has done a very close reading of all of le Carré’s work, but especially Call for […] The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/