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
72 snips
Feb 2, 2026 • 49min
123. Kim Philby: Communist Double Agent In London (Ep 3)
A dramatic rise from war correspondent to a top intelligence officer with unprecedented access. Tensions between political loyalty and personal friendship shape key decisions. Charming social skills and bureaucratic manoeuvres win him critical roles in counter‑Soviet work. Lax wartime security and risky document handling put lives and operations in peril.
111 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 1h 2min
122. Kim Philby: An Assassin In Spain (Ep 2)
A tangled spy recruitment and the formation of a Cambridge spy ring. Secret Soviet handlers and shifting loyalties amid Stalinist purges. Use of journalism as cover and a mission to infiltrate Franco’s circle in Spain. Near-death front-line reporting and the struggle to stay connected to Moscow during wartime chaos.
164 snips
Jan 26, 2026 • 1h 5min
121. Kim Philby: Stalin’s Mole Inside MI6 (Ep 1)
A deep dive into the life of Kim Philby, from his eccentric father’s influence to his boarding school struggles. The hosts trace his radicalization at Cambridge, travels across Europe, and a swift, risky marriage in Vienna. They outline the covert recruitment that turned him into a mole and the choices that set his spy career in motion.
Jan 24, 2026 • 13min
The Persian (Extract)
Phaedra Al-Casey, audiobook performer and voice actor, narrates the prologue of David McCloskey’s thriller. She brings to life a Tehran family’s ordinary birthday morning that spirals into sudden violence. Moments of domestic warmth clash with shattering attack and desperate escape. The narration also reveals a distant clandestine operation observing the chaos.
71 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 42min
120. Greenland Intelligence Scoop: Trump, Xi, and Putin's Battle for the Arctic
Explore the icy intrigue surrounding Greenland as hosts unpack Trump's shifting stance on its ownership. Discover why Russia's Arctic ambitions and China's Polar Silk Road pose serious threats. The melting Arctic opens new shipping routes, prompting a review of U.S. intelligence operations and regional security. They assess the impact of espionage on diplomatic relations and highlight the strategic importance of Greenland. Is the Arctic set to become the next battleground for great power competition?
39 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 53min
119. Inside Iran: Why Trump Didn’t Intervene (Ep 2)
Explore the complexities of revolutions with insights from Iran's 1979 upheaval, examining missed intelligence and the Shah's health. Compare the dynamics of past events, like the Arab Spring, to contemporary Iran and Syria. Discover why some regimes resist change and how external interventions can complicate outcomes. Learn what key indicators to watch for in predicting Iran's future, all while navigating the unpredictable landscape of political shifts. It’s a deep dive into history’s lessons and the art of intelligence analysis.
77 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 59min
118. Inside Iran: Can You Predict A Revolution? (Ep 1)
The latest discussion dives into the seismic protests unfolding in Iran and the intense regime crackdown. Hear insights from a former CIA operative on parallels with Syria and the challenges of intelligence amidst internet blackouts. The hosts analyze the critical factors, from elite cohesion to socioeconomic failures, that fuel the unrest. They also unpack the complexities of predicting revolutions, emphasizing the need to monitor security forces' loyalty and the regime's eroding legitimacy. It's a thought-provoking exploration of a nation on the brink.
65 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 49min
117. Epstein Files Declassified: Mossad, Israel and Ghislaine Maxwell (Ep 2)
The hosts dive into the intriguing connections between Robert Maxwell, his daughter Ghislaine, and Jeffrey Epstein. They question whether Epstein served as an intelligence asset and explore the theory of a Mossad-backed blackmail operation. Maxwell's ties to MI6 and his mysterious death are discussed, alongside his relationship with Israeli officials. The hosts argue that while Epstein had significant social ties, there’s no strong evidence he operated as a formal spy. Conspiracy theories abound, but they ultimately find the claims unsubstantiated.
119 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 39min
116. Epstein Files Declassified: Was He A Spy? (Ep 1)
Was Jeffrey Epstein an undercover agent for an intelligence agency? Dive into the intriguing theories surrounding his connections to wealth and power. Explore his biography, key relationships with figures like Les Wexner and Ghislaine Maxwell, and the controversial details of his past convictions. Uncover claims of kompromat collection and the spy-like nuances of his life, while assessing the likelihood of state involvement in his activities. Get ready for a deep dive into the shadowy world of espionage entwined with Epstein's infamous legacy.
17 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 5min
Ex-CIA Officer On How The Cubans Failed Maduro in Venezuela
In this engaging discussion, former CIA officer Dave Fitzgerald, a seasoned expert on Latin American operations, unpacks the tumultuous relationship between Cuba and Venezuela. He sheds light on Cuba's pivotal role in providing security for Maduro and their historical ideological alliance. Fitzgerald discusses the significant failings of Cuban intelligence during attempts to capture the Venezuelan president and compares their influence with Russian interests. His insights reveal the complexities of espionage and international politics in the region.
