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
168 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 49min
115. Intelligence Scoop: Why Venezuela Isn’t About Oil (Ep 2)
The hosts delve into the U.S. motivations for action in Venezuela, challenging the notion that it's solely about oil and drugs. They explore how defectors and CIA operatives enabled critical operations against Maduro's regime. The podcast highlights the strategic significance of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves and historical parallels with past U.S. interventions. Discussions also touch on the geopolitical fallout of Trump's policies and potential influences on the region’s future, raising questions about the stability that follows Maduro's removal.
248 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 48min
114. Intelligence Scoop: How Trump Captured Maduro in Venezuela (Ep 1)
Dive into the dramatic tale of how Trump captured Venezuelan President Maduro, unraveling the US’s intricate strategy. Discover the intelligence behind a massive military buildup and the radical shift from law enforcement to military action. Hear about the CIA’s covert operations, including the pivotal human source providing intel on Maduro's habits. Explore the thrilling night of the raid, complete with fast-roping troops and firefights, and witness the complexities of operational success against the backdrop of legal dilemmas.
43 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 55min
113. How To Protect Your Secrets: Is The Toaster Spying On You? (Ep 2)
In this enlightening discussion, Glenn Chafetz, a former CIA officer and pioneer in tradecraft, shares his expertise on modern surveillance. He highlights the vulnerabilities of everyday devices, from washing machines to drones, that may be spying on us. Glenn dives deep into metadata risks, the implications of AI on identity security, and the challenges of encrypted communication against malware like Pegasus. He also critiques loyalty programs and cash decline as threats to privacy, urging listeners to consider how data collection impacts their lives.
127 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 51min
112. How To Protect Your Secrets: Inside China’s Technical Surveillance Playbook (Ep 1)
Glenn Chafetz, former CIA officer and the agency's first Chief of Tradecraft and Operational Technology, shares insights into the evolution of surveillance technology. He discusses how the proliferation of data and surveillance tools has changed privacy expectations. Chafetz explains the risks of modern surveillance, the sinister roles of data brokers, and the challenges posed by biometric technologies. He also highlights the alarming implications for personal anonymity in an age where every device can be a data-collection platform.
43 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 49min
111. The Man Behind The CIA: Shooting In The White House (Ep 2)
Explore the intriguing world of Wild Bill Donovan, the architect of the OSS, as he navigates the complexities of espionage from a posh London hotel. Discover his midnight meeting with FDR post-Pearl Harbor and the race to centralize intelligence. Delve into Donovan's unique recruitment methods, risky operations, and connections with British allies. Learn about his daring presence at D-Day and the struggles he faced after the war, including rivalries with Hoover and the CIA's formation. Reflect on Donovan's enduring legacy in spy culture.
36 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 49min
110. The Man Behind The CIA: Charming Mussolini and Stealing From MI6 (Ep 1)
Discover the fascinating life of Wild Bill Donovan, the man who shaped the modern CIA. From his working-class roots to his heroic exploits in WWI, Donovan's journey is anything but ordinary. The hosts delve into his eccentric leadership style, his turbulent relations with J. Edgar Hoover, and his secretive missions abroad. Hear about his charm offensive with British officials and the influence of MI6. Explore how he transformed America's fragmented intelligence system into a cohesive agency, forever altering the landscape of espionage.
18 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 42min
109. Hunting Al-Qaeda: The CIA’s Deadliest Day (Ep 4)
The devastating aftermath of the 2009 Camp Chapman attack reveals the chilling reality of trusting a double agent. The hosts explore Balawi's complicated journey within Al-Qaeda and how deception played a crucial role in the attack. As they detail the explosive moment, the immediate human toll and subsequent CIA casualties come to light. The discussion evolves into the agency's rapid retaliatory measures and the long-term psychological scars left on its personnel. This gripping narrative highlights the delicate balance of trust and betrayal in the world of espionage.
15 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 53min
108. Hunting Al-Qaeda: From Jihadist To Spy (Ep 3)
Explore the riveting story of Jennifer Matthews, a trailblazing CIA analyst underestimated by her peers. Discover the tension surrounding the meeting with a double agent, al-Balawi, and the flawed intelligence that set the stage for danger. Delve into the logistics of planning at Camp Chapman, where Matthews navigated internal doubts and high-stakes pressure. From her remarkable career trajectory to the frantic December wait, this narrative captures the complexities of counterterrorism in the War on Terror.
Dec 11, 2025 • 12min
Introducing: The Rest Is Science
Dive into the mind-bending world of gravity and reality! Explore how everyday objects attract one another, and laugh along as astrology hilariously meets science. Discover Einstein’s revolutionary ideas, including how gravity twists space-time. Learn why time itself shifts depending on your location on Earth. With captivating analogies, the hosts reveal the strange truths behind gravitational interactions and challenge perceptions of reality. Get ready for unexpected insights that will change how you view the universe!
28 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 53min
107. Hunting Al-Qaeda: The War On Terror (Ep 2)
After 9/11, the U.S. pursued dangerous Al Qaeda operatives, leading to a complex situation involving a jihadist-turned-agent. The podcast dives into the controversial recruitment of Humam al-Balawi by Jordanian intelligence, exploring the challenges of trusting someone with a hostile past. Hear about Balawi's integration with the Taliban, his risky attempts to gather intelligence, and how his connections escalated CIA interests. The narrative unfolds the precarious balance between operational excitement and inherent risks in the War on Terror.
