Back in America

Stan Berteloot
Back in America

Interviews from a multicultural perspective that question the way we understand America

  1. From CIA Analyst to Novelist: David McCloskey on Espionage, Writing, and America’s Identity

    3 DAYS AGO

    From CIA Analyst to Novelist: David McCloskey on Espionage, Writing, and America’s Identity

    In this episode of Back in America, we sit down with David McCloskey, a former CIA analyst and the author of The Seventh Floor, Moscow X, and Damascus Station. David shares his insights on the current conflicts in the Middle East, discussing the potential for escalation and the complexities facing the intelligence community today. We explore whether Americans are attuned to global events and how domestic issues may overshadow international concerns. David reflects on his experiences living abroad in France and the Middle East, revealing how they transformed his perspective on America’s values and place in the world. Diving into his latest novel, The Seventh Floor, David discusses the themes of political polarization and societal fissures through the lens of his characters. He opens up about his journey from being an intelligence analyst to becoming a novelist, highlighting how writing became both a creative outlet and a means of processing his experiences. David also talks about his writing process, the challenges of authentically portraying espionage, and how he navigates the pressures of social media as an author. We touch on his concerns about the politicization of intelligence agencies and get a sneak peek into his upcoming novel set against the backdrop of the Israel-Iran shadow war. Finally, David shares what America means to him, emphasizing the nation’s ideals of openness and opportunity for all. Join us for a conversation that bridges espionage, literature, and America’s identity. His latest book The Seventh Floor can be found hereTo learn more about David visit his website

    30 min
  2. Rewriting the American Dream: Aquilino Gonell, January 6, and the Power of Storytelling

    SEP 3

    Rewriting the American Dream: Aquilino Gonell, January 6, and the Power of Storytelling

    In this episode, we sit down with Alvaro de Cozar, an award-winning journalist and podcast producer, to explore the power of storytelling in a time of political upheaval and misinformation. I talk with Alvaro about his story and podcast episode on Aquilino Gonell, a Dominican immigrant, former U.S. Army soldier, and U.S. Capitol Police officer who defended the Capitol during the January 6th insurrection. Gonell’s journey from pursuing his American dream to confronting its harsh realities offers a profound reflection on democracy, truth, and what it means to be an immigrant in today’s America. Alvaro, who has a knack for unraveling amazing stories, discusses his approach to bringing stories like Gonell’s to life through his hit podcast, “True Stories,” which has captivated millions of listeners worldwide. He explains the challenge of making such a deeply American narrative resonate with a global audience and his efforts to combat the rewriting of history in a time where truth is often under siege. Join us as we uncover the emotional depth, universal appeal, and raw power of telling the real story behind the headlines. Listen to discover how Alvaro crafts stories that challenge perceptions, inspire empathy, and hold power to account in an era when every narrative is contested. Sources: Hechos Reales  Video shows Trump's role in Jan. 6 at 2024 Democratic National Convention American Shield: The Immigrant Sergeant Who Defended Democracy

    29 min

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Interviews from a multicultural perspective that question the way we understand America

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