The Poet's Game: writing a bestselling spy thriller, with Paul Vidich
SpyMasters5 Jun 2025

The Poet's Game: writing a bestselling spy thriller, with Paul Vidich

In this episode, Antonia Senior dives deep into Paul Vidich’s gripping spy novel The Poet’s Game. We unpack the central theme of trust in espionage, the moral ambiguity faced by CIA agents, and how contemporary political tensions shape the narrative. We also explore how Vidich portrays psychological depth, ideological conflict, and the literary influences that define modern spy fiction. Topics Discussed: Trust and betrayal between handlers and assets The CIA director’s discovery of compromising material on the president How politics and ideology shape spy operations Psychological depth of characters like Alex Matthews The renaissance of spy fiction in today’s world Perfect for fans of: John le Carré • Charles Cummings David McCloskey • Political thrillers • CIA novels 00:00 – Introduction to *The Poet's Game* 04:00 – Trust and Relationships in Espionage 06:42 – The Complexity of Intelligence Work 10:00 – Moral Ambiguity in Spy Fiction 12:33 – Contemporary Setting and Political Context 15:33 – Character Development and Psychological Depth 18:04 – The Role of Ideology in Espionage 20:57 – The Poet’s Network and Literary Influences 24:06 – The Future of Alex Matthews 26:32 – The Renaissance of Spy Fiction 29:38 – Influences and Responsibilities of Spy Novelists Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Episoder(56)

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Stalin's Apostles: The Cambridge Five and the Making of the Soviet Empire Pt.2

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The Cambridge Five are surrounded by myth. It was time for a new sober and revealing history of the most deadly spy ring ever. Paul Burke talks to Antonia Senior about her new thrilling account of Bur...

9 Apr 1h 13min

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12 Mar 56min

Spies and Other Gods: James Wolff on British intelligence, secrecy, and the “soul” of spying

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Former British intelligence officer (writing under a pseudonym), James Wolff, joins Antonia Senior for a smart, funny, unflinching conversation about his daring new novel Spies and Other Gods — a spy ...

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12 Feb 43min

From CIA to Spy Novelist: The Israel–Iran Shadow War Behind The Persian | David McCloskey

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