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

This episode I’m pleased to have returning guest, author James Wolff to the show. We discuss John le Carré’s novel The Naïve and Sentimental Lover. If you’ve never read the novel and aren’t really interested in doing so, this is the show for you!

We talk about the strange love triangle at the heart of the novel, the real life comparisons and that repressed english manner.

Is this really a funny novel? Did le Carré invent the throple? And what about that ending?

Plus, Prams!

All that and more in this episode!

James’ Website – https://jameswolffauthor.com/

James’ new novel Spies and Other Gods – https://groveatlantic.com/book/spies-and-other-gods/

Find more on my Substack.

The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

This episode I welcome podcaster Matt Gourley to the show for a wide ranging conversation about all things George Smiley.

We talk about Matt’s work podcasting on James Bond, how he started reading le Carré, and the difference between Bond and Smiley.

We make an attempt to cast Tinker, Tailor using only former James Bond actors, talk about the success of Karla’s Choice and the upcoming Legacy of Spies tv show.

Plus, learn about the difficulty of not asking Patrick Stewart about playing Karla!

All that and more in this episode!

Special thanks to Nathan Copelin for editing and production assistance!

Matt’s Website – https://www.mattgourley.com/

With Gourley and Rust – https://www.patreon.com/withgourleyandrust

James Bonding is here.

Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend – https://www.earwolf.com/show/conan-obrien/

Find more on my Substack.

The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

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 fiction and many of his works will stand the test of time. This seemed like a good moment to remember a singular moment in spy fiction history he made happen.

First rule of Spy Club? Don’t talk about Spy Club.

Previous discussion of this topic is here.

Find more on my Substack.

The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

In this episode, I speak with author Dave Hutchinson about his science fiction writing, how that’s overlapped with espionage and his favorite le Carré novel.

We talk about his book series set in a near future Europe that has splintered into tiny nation states, his latest novel The Essence which returns to the spy world as we follow a minor MI6 functionary drawn into a conspiracy beyond his wildest imagination, and The Honourable Schoolboy.

In addition, we talk about le Carré’s evoking a sense of doom in THS and how it seems like the fall of the Circus has cursed all of England.

Plus, updates on the television adaptation of Europe In Autumn coming from the creative team behind the TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY film!

All that and much more in this episode.

Dave’s books – https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0032CSER4

His latest book The Essence – https://www.newconpress.co.uk/info/book.asp?id=271

His Fractured Europe series – https://www.amazon.com/The-Fractured-Europe-Sequence-4-book-series/dp/B0749RXJDH

Jeff’s site – SpyWrite.com

Jeff’s twitter – @spywrite

The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

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’s interactions with le Carré while he working in publishing, le Carré’s legacy and what goes into the drink called a White Lady.

In addition, we explore different types of wine, making wine in England and the politics of drinking.

Plus, what’s the best drink to pair with reading le Carré?

Here’s a link to the short story discussed in the episode – https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/wp-content/uploads/satevepost/ritual-john-le-carre.pdf

All that and much more in this episode.

Henry’s Substack – https://henryjeffreys.substack.com/

Henry’s book Empire Of Booze – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Empire-Booze-British-History-Through/dp/1805466429/

Henry’s podcast Intoxicating History – https://www.intoxicatinghistory.com/

Jeff’s site – SpyWrite.com

Jeff’s twitter – @spywrite

The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

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 Matt’s fascination with spies, his research for the comic and how he got the Circus out of Vauxhall Cross and back where it belongs.

In addition, Matt reveals he has pages and pages of additional ideas for sequels if this series is a success.

Plus, why the Mothers are a crucial part of the Circus!

The second issue is out now!

All that and much more in this episode.

Matt’s Website – https://www.mattkindtshop.com/

John le Carré’s The Circus: Losing Control – https://www.darkhorse.com/comics/3015-531/john-le-carres-the-circus-losing-control-1/

Jeff’s site – SpyWrite.com

Jeff’s twitter – @spywrite

The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

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 episode body count.

Plus, what could happen in season 3?

Finally, is this – The Night Manager, or how I learned to stop worrying and love (?) this season?

All that and much more in this episode.

Jeff’s site – SpyWrite.com

Jeff’s twitter – @spywrite

The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

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 showdown between Pine and Roper, Teddy’s reversal and where things might go in that final episode of the season.

Plus, did Roxy just swipe right on Roper?

Finally, the last temptation of Jonathan Pine?

All that and much more in this episode.

Mark’s website – https://www.markmeynell.net/

Jeff’s site – SpyWrite.com

Jeff’s twitter – @spywrite

The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

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 things got supercharged with this episode. Roper returns! Columbian Motorcycles! David Farr’s Dreams!

Plus, those Columbian locations, Hugh Laurie’s birthday and ALL CAPS EMAILS!

Finally, this episode changes everything, where are we going in the final two episodes?

All that and much more in this episode.

Matthew’s Website – https://doubleosection.blogspot.com/

Jeff’s site – SpyWrite.com

Jeff’s twitter – @spywrite

The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/

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 wonderful 2026!

Nick Harkaway

Federico Varese

Michael Idov

Matthew Bradford

Tiffany Babb

Clay Major

Steven Ritterman

Jeff’s site – SpyWrite.com

Jeff’s twitter – @spywrite

The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://lecarrecast.com/