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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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Episode notes

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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.

insights

INSIGHT

Deception Undermines Central Control

Eisler notes intelligence work depends on deception, making centralized oversight difficult.
He warns leaders often don't fully grasp covert actions and rank‑and‑file rationalizations complicate control.

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

• Mentioned in 22 episodes

Area 51

An Uncensored History of America's Top Secret Military Base

Annie Jacobsen

This book provides a comprehensive and gripping narrative of the activities at Area 51, based on interviews with eyewitnesses and formerly classified information. It covers the base's history from its creation at the end of World War II to modern-day operations, including nuclear testing, the development of secret aircraft, and the involvement of various government agencies. Jacobsen's research uncovers the intricate and often secretive operations of the base, making it a seminal work on the subject.

#1221

• Mentioned in 32 episodes

Utopia for Realists

The Case for a Universal Basic Income, Open Borders, and a 15-hour Workweek

Rutger Bregman

In *Utopia for Realists*, Rutger Bregman argues that visionary ideas, often considered utopian, can be implemented to create a more equitable and productive society. He advocates for a universal basic income, a shorter workweek of 15 hours, and open borders. Bregman supports these ideas with historical examples, such as Richard Nixon's proposed basic income and the successful Mincome project in Canada, as well as current data and academic studies. The book challenges conventional wisdom and encourages readers to dream big and strive for a better future.

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• Mentioned in 8 episodes

The System

Who Rigged It, How We Fix It

Robert Reich

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.

#854

• Mentioned in 42 episodes

Moral Ambition

Rutger Bregman

Rutger Bregman's 'Moral Ambition' delves into the complexities of ambition and its potential for positive societal impact. The book challenges conventional notions of success and encourages readers to consider how their ambitions can contribute to a better world. Bregman argues that individuals can leverage their drive and determination to create meaningful change, focusing on ethical considerations and collective well-being. He explores various examples of individuals who have successfully channeled their ambition for the greater good, offering practical insights and inspiring narratives. The book ultimately promotes a vision of ambition that is both personally fulfilling and socially responsible.

#38607

A Clean Kill in Tokyo

Barry Eisler

#16020

• Mentioned in 3 episodes

Everything you always wanted to know about sex, but were afraid to ask

David Ruben

David R. Reuben

David Reuben's "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex But Were Afraid to Ask" is a comprehensive guide to human sexuality that was highly influential upon its release. The book covers a wide range of topics related to sex, including anatomy, physiology, psychology, and social aspects. Reuben's writing style is straightforward and informative, making complex topics accessible to a broad audience. The book's frank discussion of sexuality challenged prevailing social taboos and contributed to a greater understanding of sexual health and well-being. While some of the information in the book may be outdated by today's standards, it remains a significant work in the history of sex education.

#91990

Ass Is A Poor Receptacle For The Head

Barry Eisler

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• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Rules for Revolutionaries

Guy Kawasaki

Rules for Revolutionaries is a book by Guy Kawasaki about how to thrive in a corporate environment by thinking differently and challenging the status quo.

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.

Episodes of Remarkable People organized by topic: https://bit.ly/rptopology

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