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 here
To learn more about David visit his website

In this episode of Back in America, Stan Berteloot explores the extraordinary life of Tom Peine, who left a corporate career in Germany to become a deputy sheriff in the deserts of Arizona. At 40, Tom stepped into an entirely new world, navigating America’s complex gun culture, immigration, and race dynamics from the front lines of law enforcement. His story challenges assumptions about identity, resilience, and belonging in America. Join us for a conversation on the twists and tensions of Tom’s unique journey—and what it really means to protect and serve as an outsider on the inside.

Tom's book: Deputy While Immigrant: The Story of a German Who Became a Deputy Sheriff in Arizona

In this provocative episode of Back in America, we sit down with Dr. Patti Fletcher, author of “Disruptors: Success Strategies for Women Who Break the Mold.” Dr. Fletcher challenges traditional notions of empowerment and exposes the systemic barriers holding women back in 2024 America. Drawing from her personal journey—including her family’s legacy of overcoming adversity during the Armenian genocide—she reveals why true disruption requires efficiency, effectiveness, and equity. Listen as Dr. Fletcher explains why she can’t stand the word “empower,” how women can harness their own inherent power, and what it takes to break free from antiquated status quo. If you’re ready to rethink leadership, gender dynamics, and the very language we use around women’s advancement, this episode is a must-listen.

Find Dr. Patti Fletcher's book - Disruptors: Success Strategies for Women Who Break the Mold, on Amazon
Read Back in America's exclusive interview with Dr. Patti Fletcher on Sustack.

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

In this episode of Back in America, we confront one of life’s most challenging realities—caring for a dying loved one at home. Join us as we talk with Dr. Andrea Sankar, professor of medical anthropology at Wayne State University and author of Dying at Home: A Family Guide for Caregiving. Drawing from her experience and extensive research, Dr. Sankar offers profound insights into the emotional and logistical complexities of turning a home into a sanctuary for end-of-life care. Learn about the cultural perspectives on death, the crucial role of community support, and practical advice for caregivers. This heartfelt conversation is a reminder of the importance of compassion and the deep connections that can be forged in the final stages of life. Listen in to gain valuable understanding and support, whether you’re a caregiver, healthcare professional, or someone looking to learn more about end-of-life care. Don’t miss this enlightening discussion, and be sure to subscribe for more impactful stories.

In this episode of “Back in America,” we sit down with Tamar Huggins, founder and CEO of TechSpark, a platform empowering Black, Indigenous, and people of color through technology education. Tamar shares her journey from building computers with her father to launching Sparkplug, an innovative AI tool that translates classical literature into African American Vernacular English (AAVE). We explore the critical issues of AI bias, the importance of diverse training data, and how education can bridge gaps in tech. Tamar explains why she considers Sparkplug a “human AI” and discusses her mission to make technology accessible and inclusive for all students.

In this episode of Back in America, host Stan Berteloot interviews acclaimed journalist Brendan Koerner about his undercover investigation into the world of OnlyFans, a platform that connects adult performers with subscribers, through his Wired cover story - 'She has 80,000 subscribers but she always has time for you'. Koerner reveals the hidden workings of the platform and the surprising reality of its chat services. From his initial encounters to becoming an undercover chatter himself, Koerner exposes the intricate business operations and psychological dynamics that drive OnlyFans. Tune in to uncover the truth about the creators, their chat specialists, and the emotional connections forged in this digital age.

Read the article on the Back in America's Substack blog

Hey everyone, Stan Berteloot here, your host of the Back in America podcast. After a long two-year break, we’re back with fresh, insightful episodes exploring American culture, values, and identity through the eyes of an expatriate.

I’ve been busy working with amazing companies like NeuTigers, Pontosense, and Nytro Marketing, and staying active with Share My Meals, fighting food waste. The world has changed since COVID-19, and so have I. The Me Too movement, Black Lives Matter, and climate change have profoundly impacted me.

We’re back with new interviews, amazing guests, and fascinating stories. Episodes will be released monthly. Meanwhile, check out previous favorites like “Diving on Shipwrecked Slave Ships” and “John Lam: Boston Ballet Principal Dancer.”

Check out AI in Marketing my personally curated and AI-Generated podcast

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