Back in America

From CIA Analyst to Novelist: David McCloskey on Espionage, Writing, and America’s Identity

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Episode notes

In this episode of Back in America, we sit down with David McCloskey, a former CIA analyst and the author of The Seventh Floor, Moscow X, and Damascus Station. David shares his insights on the current conflicts in the Middle East, discussing the potential for escalation and the complexities facing the intelligence community today.

We explore whether Americans are attuned to global events and how domestic issues may overshadow international concerns. David reflects on his experiences living abroad in France and the Middle East, revealing how they transformed his perspective on America’s values and place in the world.

Diving into his latest novel, The Seventh Floor, David discusses the themes of political polarization and societal fissures through the lens of his characters. He opens up about his journey from being an intelligence analyst to becoming a novelist, highlighting how writing became both a creative outlet and a means of processing his experiences.

David also talks about his writing process, the challenges of authentically portraying espionage, and how he navigates the pressures of social media as an author. We touch on his concerns about the politicization of intelligence agencies and get a sneak peek into his upcoming novel set against the backdrop of the Israel-Iran shadow war.

Finally, David shares what America means to him, emphasizing the nation’s ideals of openness and opportunity for all.

Join us for a conversation that bridges espionage, literature, and America’s identity.

His latest book The Seventh Floor can be found here
To learn more about David visit his website