The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels
Episodes
Remembering Len Deighton – Spy Writers Club
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week had some sad news as we learned that Len Deighton passed away at the age of 97. He’s a huge part of how we think of modern espionage f...
Interview – Dave Hutchinson on science fiction, spies and le Carre
16 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I speak with author Dave Hutchinson about his science fiction writing, how that’s overlapped with espionage and his favorite le...
Drinks and le Carré with Henry Jeffreys
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk with drinks writer Henry Jeffreys about how John le Carré used various alcoholic beverages in his work. We talk about Henry’...
Matt Kindt on John le Carre and The Circus: Losing Control
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk with the writer of the new comic book miniseries The Circus: Losing Control set in the world of John le Carré. We talk about ...
The Night Manager – Season 2 Episode 6 Recap
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk with Clay about the season finale of THE NIGHT MANAGER season 2. We talk about Roper and Roxy, blue cars and that finale episo...
The Night Manager – Season 2 Episode 5 Recap
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk with returning le Carré Cast guest Mark Meynell about the fifth episode of THE NIGHT MANAGER season 2. We talk about that sho...
The Night Manager – Season 2 Episode 4 Recap
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk with returning le Carré Cast MVP Matthew Bradford about the fourth episode of THE NIGHT MANAGER season 2. We talk about how t...
Best of 2025 – Part 2
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I return with more of my favorite moments from episodes this past year. I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for a great 2025 and have a wonde...
The Night Manager – Season 2 Episode 3 Recap
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk with Clay about the third episode of THE NIGHT MANAGER season 2. We talk about the throple action, wearing business attire on ...
Best of 2025 – Part 1
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I picked some of my favorite moments from episodes this past year. I hope you enjoy it. We’ll be back soon with part 2! Ben H. ...
The Night Manager – Season 2 Episodes 1 and 2 Recap
04 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk with Scott and Cam of the SpyHards podcast about the first two episodes of THE NIGHT MANAGER season 2. We talk about a season ...
Playing George Smiley – John Ramm Interview
01 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk with John Ramm, who is currently portraying George Smiley in the play The Spy Who Came in from the Cold at Soho Place. We talk...
2 Questions on le Carre
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special end of year episode, I welcome back my guests from this past year to answer two questions – Which le carre novel would you want ...
An American in le Carre’s London
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I welcome le Carré superfan Clay Douglass Major to the show. We talk about his trip to London to see new theater production of The S...
The Russia House by John le Carré Explored – Part 2
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, writer and podcaster Keir Graff returns to continue discussing John le Carré’s novel The Russia House. We talk about Barley Bl...
The Russia House by John le Carré Explored – Part 1
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, writer and podcaster Keir Graff joins to discuss John le Carré’s novel The Russia House. We talk about whether book people wou...
Helen Lewis – The Genius Myth
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with Helen Lewis and her new book, The Genius Myth. We talk about how to think about artists with problematic pasts, the infl...
Federico Varese on – Tradecraft: Writers on John le Carré
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we welcome Federico Varese to the show. Federico is the co-curator of the new exhibition being held by the Bodelian Libraries showing...
Dr. Jessica Douthwaite on the exhibition – John le Carré: Tradecraft
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Jessica Douthwaite to the show. Jessica is the co-curator of the new exhibition being held by the Bodelian Libraries s...
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy – 50 years, 50 facts – 11 to 20
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we continue to celebrate 50 years of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by counting up to 50 interesting things about the book. For numbers ele...
Queer Betrayal in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we continue our year long look at Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy with Tiffany Babb. We talk about her article “Because He Loved You”: ...
Our Game by John le Carré Explored – Part 2
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, novelist Michael Idov returns to discuss John le Carré’s novel Our Game. Michael has written for numerous publications, was th...
Our Game by John le Carré Explored – Part 1
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, novelist Michael Idov joins me to discuss John le Carré’s novel Our Game. Michael has written for numerous publications, was t...
The Constant Gardener by John le Carré Explored – Part 2
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, novelist Scott O’Connor returns to continue our discussion of John le Carré’s novel The Constant Gardener. We explore si...
The Constant Gardener by John le Carré Explored – Part 1
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, creative writing teacher and acclaimed writer Scott O’Connor joins to explore the layered complexities of John le Carré’...
High Church/Low Church – An explainer
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this mini episode, Mark Meynell returns to explain just what that whole High Church/Low Church concept discussed in A Murder of Quality is about. M...
A Legacy of Spies by John le Carre Explored – Part 2
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest episode of the le Carré Cast, host Jeff continues his discussion with Mark Meynell about the themes and narrative intricacies of John l...
A Legacy of Spies by John le Carre Explored – Part 1
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the le Carré Cast, host Jeff speaks with Mark Meynell, a freelance writer and author of ten non-fiction books, about his transitio...
Interview – Nick Harkaway on Upcoming le Carre Projects
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In part two of my discussion with Sleeper Beach novelist Nick Harkaway we discuss the latest in le Carré news. Nick talks about the upcoming adaptati...
Interview – Nick Harkaway on Sleeper Beach
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I am pleased to welcome back novelist Nick Harkaway. We discuss his latest work, Sleeper Beach, the second in his Titanium Noir series...
Tod Hoffman on le Carré’s Landscape
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I welcome Tod Hoffman, author of Le Carré Landscape, to the show. Tod is a former Canadian Intelligence Officer and used that knowled...
Legacy of Spies TV series – Emergency Podcast
15 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we break down the news of a new George Smiley TV series – Legacy of Spies. I have TV and Film expert Matthew Bradford on to talk...
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy – 50 years, 50 facts – 1 to 10
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we are celebrating 50 years of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by counting up to 50 interesting things about the book. For numbers one to te...
Ben H. Winters on reading John le Carre
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I speak to author Ben H. Winters about his Crime Reads article “In Praise of Reading Le Carré’s Entire Oeuvre In Order...
Karla’s Choice by Nick Harkaway Explored Part Two
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we continue to look at Nick Harkaway’s 2024 George Smiley novel, Karla’s Choice. You can find part one here. Steven Ritter...
Karla’s Choice by Nick Harkaway Explored Part One
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we look at Nick Harkaway’s 2024 George Smiley novel, Karla’s Choice. Steven Ritterman, le Carré expert and collector, joi...
The le Carre Cast 2024 recap
26 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I’ve pulled some of my favorite clips from shows this past year. If you missed an episode or enjoyed the shows from this past ye...
The Great Blurb Scandal
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode the le Carré Cast delves into the world of true crime with a look at one of the strangest moments in le Carré’s literary history....
Absolute Friends by John le Carré Explored Part 2
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we continue to look at John le Carré’s 2003 novel, Absolute Friends. Shane Whaley, host of the Spybrary podcast, is back to bre...
Absolute Friends by John le Carré Explored Part 1
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we look at John le Carré’s 2003 novel, Absolute Friends. Shane Whaley, host of the Spybrary podcast joins the show to look at o...
Interview – David Eldridge on The Spy Who Came in from the Cold Stage Play
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Donate to #TeamEvie and the Literally Healing program at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Go to TinyURL.com/giveTE to make a monetary don...
Interview – Duane & Meredith Swierczynski on #TeamEvie
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Donate to #TeamEvie and the Literally Healing program at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Go to TinyURL.com/giveTE to make a monetary don...
Interview – Nick Harkaway on Karla’s Choice
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Donate to #TeamEvie and the Literally Healing program at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Go to TinyURL.com/giveTE to make a monetary don...
The Honourable Schoolboy by John le Carré Explored Part 3
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we continue our look at John le Carré’s 1977 novel, The Honourable Schoolboy. Find Part 1 here and Part 2 here. Writer Paul Fre...
The Honourable Schoolboy by John le Carré Explored Part 2
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we continue our look at John le Carré’s 1977 novel, The Honourable Schoolboy. Find Part 1 here. Writer Paul French returns to t...
The Honourable Schoolboy by John le Carré Explored Part 1
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we begin our look at John le Carré’s 1977 novel, The Honourable Schoolboy. I’m pleased to welcome writer Paul French to t...
After le Carré: Jonathan Ray on Sarah Gainham
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1 can be found here. Part 2 can be found here. We delve into the fascinating life of the enigmatic author Sarah Gainham, also known as Rachel Ame...
After le Carré: Sarah Gainham Explored Part 2
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1 can be found here. We are back with part 2 of this look at the novelist Sarah Gainham. I continue to be joined in the discussion with writer Je...
After le Carré: Sarah Gainham Explored Part 1
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discovering Sarah Gainham: Unveiling the Overlooked Cold War Novelist In this episode of the le Carré Cast, we introduce a new feature – ‘...
In Depth with Shaun McKenna: Adapting John le Carré for Radio
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The le Carré Cast, I interview acclaimed playwright and screenwriter Shaun McKenna. Sean discusses his journey into writing, his c...
A Most Wanted Man by John le Carré Explored Part 2
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we continue our look at John le Carré’s 2008 novel, A Most Wanted Man. I’m pleased to welcome back poet Clarissa Aykroyd ...
A Most Wanted Man by John le Carré Explored Part 1
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we look at John le Carré’s 2008 novel, A Most Wanted Man. I’m pleased to welcome poet Clarissa Aykroyd to the show. We ta...
Tinker at 50 w/ Dominic Sandbrook
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Le Carré Cast, Jeff interviews British historian Dominic Sandbrook. They delve into Sandbrook’s introduction to John le Carr...
The BBC George Smiley Radio Dramas with Mac Rogers – Part 3
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I’m excited to welcome back Mac Rogers, playwright and audio dramatist for the epic conclusion of our look at the BBC George Smiley radio dramas...
The BBC George Smiley Radio Dramas with Mac Rogers – Part 2
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I’m excited to welcome back Mac Rogers, playwright and audio dramatist to continue to discuss the BBC George Smiley radio dramas. In this second...
The BBC George Smiley Radio Dramas with Mac Rogers
12 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode I am pleased to welcome Mac Rogers, playwright and audio dramatist to discuss the BBC George Smiley radio dramas. In this first part we t...
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Shabby 70’s London Part 2
26 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode I return with Phil Tinline and Bernard Hughes. We continue discussing Phil’s article in the New Statesman on the London of Tinker T...
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Shabby 70’s London Part 1
04 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode I’m excited to welcome Phil Tinline and Bernard Hughes to the show. We discuss Phil’s article in the New Statesman on the Lon...
Adam Sisman on The Secret Life of John le Carré – Interview
21 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode I’m excited to welcome John le Carré’s biographer Adam Sisman to the show. We discuss his latest book The Secret Life of Joh...
A Private Spy: The letters of John le Carré Explored Part 3
06 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We continue our three part look at A Private Spy: The letters of John le Carré edited by Tim Cornwell. In part 3 we’ll be talking about what we...
A Private Spy: The letters of John le Carré Explored Part 2
22 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We continue our three part look at A Private Spy: The letters of John le Carré edited by Tim Cornwell. In part 2 we’ll be talking about what we...
A Private Spy: The letters of John Carré Explored Part 1
08 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We’ll be taking a three part look at A Private Spy: The letters of John le Carré edited by Tim Cornwell. In this episode we’ll be talking...
Single and Single by John Carré Explored Part 2
27 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we continue our look at John le Carré’s 1999 novel, Single and Single. Returning to discuss the book is espionage and nonfictio...
Single and Single by John Carré Explored Part 1
11 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we look at John le Carré’s 1999 novel, SIngle and Single. Joining me to discuss the book is espionage and nonfiction author Ada...
Secret And Beyond – Political Thrillers with Frank Sennett
27 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Frank Sennett joins the show to talk about political thrillers and Mick Herron and John le Carré. We talk about US versus UK spy novels, Matt Helm, a...
Guillam Coffee and Abdelraham Fathalla – Interview
10 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We raised $1300 for Room to Read this holiday season. Thanks to everyone who donated. If you still wanted to donate, go here or share the link –...
Secret and Beyond – John le Carré’s battle with book titles
01 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Donate to Room to Read here or share the link – http://tinyurl.com/spiesread We are back with a look at some of John le Carré’s unused bo...
Top 5 letters in A Private Spy: The Letters of John le Carré
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Donate to Room to Read here or share the link – http://tinyurl.com/spiesread We are back with a look at the new release A Private Spy: The Lette...
Dead Drop – Letters in Spy Fiction and Reality Part 2
14 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We are back with part 2 of our look at the letter in spy fiction and reality. Listen to part 1 here. We talk about the novel to read if you want to im...
John le Carré’s London
31 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We talk with Richard Hutt the writer of the new map titled John le Carré’s London from Herb Lester Associates. We talk about his previous map, ...
The Secret History of Spy Letters
16 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The book A Private Spy: The Letters of John le Carré has just been released in the UK. We’ll be taking a look at that book once it’s rele...
A Small Town in Germany by John le Carré Explored Part 2
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we finish our look at A Small Town in Germany, John le Carré’s fifth novel. Returning to discuss the book is espionage author J...
A Small Town in Germany by John le Carré Explored Part 1
29 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we look at A Small Town in Germany, the novel that comes midway between John le Carré’s breakout success – The Spy Who Ca...
Collecting John le Carré
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We talk with one of the foremost collectors of John le Carré novels, Steven Ritterman, whose collection of pristine le Carré editions numb...
The Looking-Glass War by John le Carré Explored Part 2
24 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Find Part One Here. In this episode we continue to take a deep dive into the intricacies of one of John le Carré’s most unjustly overlooked nov...
The Looking-Glass War by John le Carré Explored Part 1
18 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we take a deep dive into the intricacies of one of John le Carré’s most unjustly overlooked novels – The Looking-Glass Wa...
Laura Marsh on John le Carré – Episode 13
15 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I speak to Laura Marsh about her essay on le Carré and Silverview in the February 10th edition of The New York Review of Books. Laura...
John le Carré in The Spy Writers Club – Episode 12
22 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we explore what happens when you get a whole gaggle of Cold War spy novelists together in one room. This is an adaption of an earlier ...
Silverview by John le Carré Explored Part 4 – Episode 11
27 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the final episode of this four part look at Silverview Matthew Bradford and I continue to discuss John le Carré’s final complete novel. We d...
Silverview by John le Carré Explored Part 3 – Episode 10
20 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In Part three of this four part look at Silverview Matthew Bradford and I continue to discuss John le Carré’s final complete novel. In this thi...
Silverview by John le Carré Explored Part 2 – Episode 9
13 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In Part two of this four part look at Silverview Matthew Bradford and I continue to discuss John le Carré’s final complete novel. In our second...
Silverview by John le Carré Explored Part 1 – Episode 8
06 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In Part one of this four part look at Silverview I welcome back Matthew Bradford to discuss John le Carré’s final complete novel. In our first ...
Call for the Dead by John le Carré Explored Part 2 – Episode 7
23 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In Part Two of this deep dive into Call for the Dead I welcome back guest Bee to discuss John le Carré’s first novel. We continue to get lots o...
John le Carré – His Lips are Sealed – Episode 6
03 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we explore a previously hidden chapter of le Carré’s life. Was this the moment everything changed for him? Listen for answers t...
Call for the Dead by John le Carré Explored Part 1 – Episode 5
12 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In Part One of this deep dive into Call for the Dead I welcome guest Bee to discuss John le Carré’s first novel. In this provocative conversati...
A Murder of Quality by John le Carré – Explored – Episode 4
14 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I am joined by Matthew Bradford of doubleOsection.blogspot.com to do a deep exploration of the sometimes overlooked John le Carré nov...
John le Carré – A rememberance – Episode 3
14 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Just after the passing away of John le Carré in December 2020, I spoke with Matthew Bradford of double0section.blogspot.com about le Carrê’s i...
His Secret Sharer – The hidden truths of John le Carré – Episode 2
14 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I provide an introduction to the world’s most famous spy writer. John le Carré began writing novels as a way to relieve the boredom...
An introduction – Episode 1
14 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I’m quite excited to launch something that has been in the process for awhile, a podcast dedicated to the works of John le Carré. The goal of t...