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From CIA Secrets to Bestsellers: Barry Eisler on Writing What’s Real

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Oct 1, 2025

Guest

Barry Eisler

Barry Eisler, a former CIA covert operations officer turned bestselling thriller novelist, shares his insights on blending truth with fiction in storytelling. He discusses the inspiration behind his latest novel, The System, exploring themes of power and compromise in Washington. Eisler elaborates on his research methods, which include personal experience and expert interviews, ensuring authenticity in his writing. He also critiques political communication strategies and proposes innovative solutions, such as universal basic income, to reshape economic narratives.

59:46

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INSIGHT

Power Shapes Politicians' Priorities

Barry Eisler says novels show how power reshapes ideals and priorities once people enter government.
Real power, he argues, lies with military‑industrial, Wall Street, Silicon Valley and lobbying, not congressional politics.

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ADVICE

Layer Your Research Before Writing

Use three research levels: personal experience, internet for foundation, then books for depth.
Finally interview real experts and iterate your questions from prior research before writing.

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ADVICE

Do A Final Expert Check

After drafting scenes, show passages to real practitioners who do the thing you describe.
Use their feedback to correct small but glaring errors before publication.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

From CIA Operations to Fiction

00:41 • 2min

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Inspiration Behind The System

02:37 • 2min

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Depicting Silicon Valley and Real Characters

04:36 • 2min

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Research Methods for Authentic Fiction

06:11 • 2min

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Accuracy Checks and Expert Feedback

08:20 • 2min

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Thoughts on Tulsi Gabbard and Intelligence Leadership

10:40 • 2min

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How Much Do Leaders Know About Covert Actions?

12:14 • 4min

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Should Career Operatives Resist Orders?

16:16 • 2min

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Secrecy, Classification, and Backchannels

18:05 • 7min

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Why Democrats Fail at Communication

24:52 • 7min

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Narrative, Text vs Subtext, and Winning Debates

31:54 • 6min

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Crafting Political Narratives That Stick

37:51 • 9min

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Policy Priorities: UBI and Cutting Military Spending

46:50 • 6min

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Oligarchs, Corporate PR, and Worker Ownership

53:00 • 4min

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American Foreign Policy Motivated by Domination

57:07 • 1min

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Marketing Lessons Hidden in The System

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In 'The System', Robert B. Reich examines how wealth and power have combined to install an oligarchy, eroding democracy and exacerbating income inequality. He critiques myths like meritocracy and corporate social responsibility, arguing that these concepts are used to justify the accumulation of wealth by the elite. Reich advocates for systemic change to reclaim power for the majority.

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What happens when a former CIA operative turns bestselling novelist? Barry Eisler has the answer. In this episode of Remarkable People, Guy Kawasaki explores Barry’s transformation from covert missions to crafting thrillers that keep readers up all night. From his early days in intelligence to his sharp-eyed commentary on government overreach, Barry shares how truth and fiction often blur. His newest book, The System, is a riveting example of how storytelling can illuminate the darker corners of power. This conversation will challenge how you see politics, justice, and the art of suspense.

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Guy Kawasaki is on a mission to make you remarkable. His Remarkable People podcast features interviews with remarkable people such as Jane Goodall, Marc Benioff, Woz, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Bob Cialdini. Every episode will make you more remarkable.

With his decades of experience in Silicon Valley as a Venture Capitalist and advisor to the top entrepreneurs in the world, Guy’s questions come from a place of curiosity and passion for technology, start-ups, entrepreneurship, and marketing. If you love society and culture, documentaries, and business podcasts, take a second to follow Remarkable People.

Listeners of the Remarkable People podcast will learn from some of the most successful people in the world with practical tips and inspiring stories that will help you be more remarkable.

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