The Rest Is Classified
Goalhanger
Enter the secretive world of spies, espionage, and covert operations. Hosted by former CIA analyst turned spy novelist, David McCloskey, and veteran security correspondent, Gordon Corera, this podcast unravels real-life spy stories, intelligence secrets, and the hidden power struggles shaping global events. From Cold War espionage to modern-day intelligence agencies like the CIA, MI6, and Mossad, explore the world of double agents, classified missions, and the shadowy figures who operate in them. Whether you're a true crime addict, a thriller fan, or fascinated by spy stories, this is the show for you.
Episodes
Mentioned books
106 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 44min
133. How Russia Made Trump: Romanian Hackers, WikiLeaks, and Hillary’s Emails (Ep 3)
A deep dive into how cyber intrusions morphed into large-scale information operations. The GRU’s creation of fake fronts, data exfiltration tactics, and sloppy tradecraft that left clues. The curious partnership between WikiLeaks and stolen Clinton campaign material. How leaked DNC emails exposed internal bias and reshaped the political narrative.
224 snips
Mar 1, 2026 • 1h
132. What's Next For Iran?
A live intelligence-driven look at recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran and how leaders were tracked. Discussion of technical and human-source methods used to penetrate Iran’s leadership. Analysis of military aims: degrading command, targeting air defenses and strike timing. Consideration of regional risks, possible retaliation and whether internal protest movements could change the regime.
80 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 49min
131. How Russia Made Trump: Stealing Washington’s Secrets (Ep 2)
A deep dive into Russia's hack-and-leak tactics and how active measures use the internet to amplify influence. A look at GRU history, Unit 26165 and notorious APT groups like Fancy Bear and Cozy Bear. Tales of spearphishing campaigns, the Podesta phish, X-Agent malware and how Ukraine served as a testing ground for later operations.
139 snips
Feb 23, 2026 • 48min
130. How Russia Made Trump: Putin Hacks The 2016 Election (Ep 1)
A deep dive into claims that Russia interfered in the 2016 US election and whether Trump’s rise benefited Putin. Cold War active measures and KGB tactics are linked to modern social media disinformation. The conversation explores cyber operations, forged documents, leaks, and how Ukraine and past covert campaigns became testing grounds for information warfare.
55 snips
Feb 18, 2026 • 41min
129. Al Qaeda’s Deadliest Plot: Why You Can’t Bring Liquids On Planes (Ep 4)
A tense recounting of rushed arrests, surveillance breakthroughs, and the evidence that nearly unraveled a major terror plot. Stories of international intelligence clashes, diplomatic fallout and a mysterious courthouse escape add intrigue. The narrative traces how those events led to the worldwide ban on carrying liquids aboard planes.
78 snips
Feb 16, 2026 • 45min
128. Al Qaeda’s Deadliest Plot: CIA vs Pakistan (Ep 3)
High‑stakes intelligence clash over a planned airline attack. MI5’s patient surveillance meets US urgency and risky moves in Pakistan. Tense liaison breakdowns and a contested arrest spark diplomatic fallout. A deep dive into how cooperation frayed at a pivotal moment.
123 snips
Feb 13, 2026 • 1h
127. Was Epstein A Russian Spy?
John Sipher, former CIA Moscow station chief and Russia expert, weighs in on Jeffrey Epstein’s tangled Russia links. They explore Epstein’s Russian contacts, banking and trafficking ties. The conversation unpacks how Russian intelligence operates, kompromat dynamics, and whether Epstein’s networks could have been useful to Moscow.
91 snips
Feb 11, 2026 • 34min
126. Al Qaeda’s Deadliest Plot: The Terror Attack That Never Happened (Ep 2)
An inside look at how MI5 covertly surveilled an East London bomb factory and captured audio-visual evidence. The story covers bomb-making techniques using hollowed batteries, dyed liquids and improvised initiators. It follows links to Pakistan, plans to smuggle liquid explosives onto aircraft, and the chilling scale and coordination that could have targeted US cities.
126 snips
Feb 9, 2026 • 47min
125. Al Qaeda’s Deadliest Plot: How MI5 Stopped Another 9/11 (Ep 1)
A tense reconstruction of how an extremist cell in East London prepared a large-scale airline attack. Investigation trails start at Heathrow luggage and odd store purchases. Surveillance, covert entries and planted bugs reveal secret meetings, suspicious supplies and a rented flat that became a focal point for the plot.
36 snips
Feb 4, 2026 • 51min
124. Kim Philby: Britain’s Most Notorious Traitor (Ep 4)
A tense Cold War spy drama about Kim Philby’s role inside British intelligence and the nightmare of SIS being penetrated. The show follows a risky defection, the high-stakes decisions in Istanbul, and how those choices ripple through Philby’s career and personal life. It ends by questioning whether sympathy for a traitor is possible.
