Undaunted.Life: A Man's Podcast by Kyle Thompson

DAVID McCLOSKEY | CIA Spycraft and Fixing Plot Holes (Ep. 573)

Feb 29, 2024

Former CIA analyst turned novelist David McCloskey discusses his journey, CIA myths vs realities, security risks at the southern border, and transitioning to writing. He shares insights on espionage narratives and resilience during the interview.

01:17:14

Episode guests

David McCloskey

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Transition from CIA analyst to novelist was influenced by desire for change and risk-taking.

Writing process involves intuitive crafting, multiple drafts, and thorough research for narrative coherence.

Dispelling misperceptions, writing a novel requires hard work, revisions, and attention to detail.

Deep dives

Transition from CIA Analyst to Novelist

David McCloskey, a former CIA analyst, transitioned into becoming a novelist, writing books like 'Damascus Station' and 'Moscow X'. This transition was influenced by his desire for change and a more normal life, moving from DC to Dallas. He took a consulting job before fully committing to writing, a move that required him to 'burn the ships' and take the risk of pursuing his passion for writing.

Introduction

3min

From Jujitsu to CIA Analyst: An Unconventional Journey

7min

Dispelling CIA Misconceptions and Bureaucratic Realities

4min

Decoding the CIA: Myths and Realities

9min

Security Concerns at the Porous Southern Border and Terrorism Risks

6min

Transitioning from CIA to Consulting and Writing

30min

Crafting Realistic Espionage Narratives

14min

Wrapping Up Conversations on Jujitsu and Gift-Giving with Resilience Boost Segment

3min

In this episode, we welcome David McCloskey to the show. He is a former CIA Analyst turned novelist. While in the CIA, he worked in field stations across the Middle East and briefed senior White House officials and Arab royalty. He has written two novels: Damascus Station and his newest book Moscow X. In this interview, we discuss what led him to working at the CIA, common misperceptions of the work the CIA does, what a day in the life of a CIA analyst looks like, whether or not the CIA has “black ops” groups, whether or not the CIA is spying on American citizen, what the federal government knows about potential terrorists crossing our porous southern border, why he decided to leave the CIA and become a professional writer, the major mistakes that he has made in his writing career, misperceptions of the publishing world, his writing and research process, and much more. Let’s get into it…

Episode notes and links HERE.

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