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

Latest episodes

• Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy – Ricki Tarr Declassifed Part 1

  October 5, 2026 · 46 min

  This episode I talk with writer Paul French about all things Ricki Tarr. We explore how Tarr’s backstory reflects the declining British Empire as much as the Cold War, how his past explains his the character we see in the novel and unwrap…

• After le Carre – Eric Ambler Bonus

  September 28, 2026 · 14 min

  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…

• After le Carre – Eric Ambler Part 2

  September 22, 2026 · 38 min

  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…

• After le Carre – Eric Ambler Part 1

  September 7, 2026 · 43 min

  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…

• Smiley’s People by John le Carre – Explored Part 2

  August 5, 2026 · 46 min

  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…

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