

AAI: A Chat With "Poet Laureate" of the CIA Ops Office Cadre, David McCloskey
Oct 23, 2024
David McCloskey, an espionage author and former CIA analyst, shares insights into his latest novel, 'The Seventh Floor.' He humorously reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of writing and the personal journeys tied to crafting espionage narratives. The conversation dives into CIA antics, the tight-knit friendships formed in training, and the delicate balance of trust within the agency. McCloskey also opens up about navigating criticism and imposter syndrome while maintaining a passion for storytelling, all while lamenting his Cleveland Indians.
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Intro
00:00 • 3min
The Thrill and Despair of Baseball Fandom
03:04 • 4min
Baseball, Bonds, and Betrayal
06:38 • 14min
Crafting Authentic CIA Narratives
20:16 • 12min
The Rigorous Journey of Crafting a Novel
31:52 • 4min
Navigating Criticism and Imposter Syndrome
35:23 • 9min
Iranian Recruitment in Israel
44:32 • 4min