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The Rest Is Classified

Latest episodes

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Jun 3, 2025 • 55min

52. Bin Laden vs the CIA: Declaring Jihad (Ep 2)

Discover how a seemingly ordinary Saudi millionaire transformed into the architect of a global terrorist network. Delve into the pivotal year of 1979, where key events like the Grand Mosque siege fueled Osama bin Laden's extremist beliefs. Explore his evolution from a shy student to a charismatic jihadist as he built Al-Qaeda. Uncover the challenges within the CIA to track bin Laden and the stark contrast between the agency’s early operations and his rising influence. A gripping examination of ideology, power, and the roots of modern extremism awaits!
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37 snips
Jun 1, 2025 • 58min

51. Bin Laden vs the CIA: The Origins of Al-Qaeda (Ep 1)

Discover the intriguing early life of Osama bin Laden, a complex figure shaped by wealth and strict beliefs. Examine how key events like the Iranian revolution and the Soviet invasion transformed him from a privileged individual into a radical leader. Delve into the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood, his mentorship with Abdullah Azzam, and the pivotal moments that led to the formation of Al-Qaeda. This exploration highlights bin Laden's profound impact on global terrorism and U.S. foreign policy, presenting a narrative that merges history with contemporary implications.
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11 snips
May 27, 2025 • 47min

50. The Man Who Tried To Kill The KGB: On the Run from Russia (Ep 2)

Dive into the gripping story of Vasily Mitrokhin, the KGB archivist who dared to expose the secrets of his former employers. Experience the high-stakes drama of his family's escape from Russia, fraught with emotional turmoil and chaos. Discover the behind-the-scenes negotiations between British and American intelligence that shaped his future. The episode reveals the shocking impact of Mitrokhin's leaks on Western espionage and explores the often painful realities faced by defectors challenging oppressive regimes.
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30 snips
May 25, 2025 • 48min

49. The Man Who Tried To Kill The KGB: A Traitor in the Kremlin (Ep 1)

Discover the thrilling tale of Vasily Mitrokhin, a disillusioned KGB archivist who daringly stole top-secret documents to expose his former masters. His meticulously copied files became a weapon against the KGB, reshaping our understanding of its global operations. Delve into the escapades of lesser-known spies and their perilous journeys, as Mitrokhin navigates a world fraught with peril while working with MI6. The story uncovers the hidden dynamics of espionage and the personal sacrifices made in the name of truth.
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50 snips
May 20, 2025 • 55min

48. The Leak That Changed The World: Death of Privacy (Ep 6)

Exploring the complex legacy of Edward Snowden, the conversation navigates his controversial motives and the broader implications for privacy in the digital age. It highlights gripping conflicts between the UK government and The Guardian over leaked documents and the intricate process of data destruction, likened to a covert operation. Listeners are drawn into unsettling personal anecdotes about digital paranoia, ultimately questioning the ethical landscapes of journalism and surveillance shaped by Snowden's revelations.
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58 snips
May 18, 2025 • 41min

47. The Leak That Changed The World: Spying on the World (Ep 5)

The podcast dives into the ongoing fallout from Edward Snowden's leaks, highlighting how global surveillance practices extend beyond the U.S. Britain’s controversial 'Mastering the Internet' initiative raises eyebrows. The ethical dilemmas faced by journalists reveal the complexities of publishing leaked information. Snowden's tense recruitment in Moscow adds another layer to his story, as discussions explore the intricate balance between privacy and national security in a digital age. What are the real costs of these revelations on international relations?
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49 snips
May 13, 2025 • 40min

46. The Leak That Changed The World: Snowden On The Run (Ep 4)

The podcast uncovers Edward Snowden’s dramatic escape from Hong Kong fueled by fears of U.S. repercussions. It dives deep into his groundbreaking revelations about government surveillance, sparking global conversations on privacy. Listeners explore the tensions surrounding his quest for asylum amidst geopolitical chaos. The chaos in Moscow, as journalists chase after a missing figure, adds a thrilling twist. Unique insights on online security and the ongoing impact of Snowden’s leaks make this a gripping listen.
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29 snips
May 12, 2025 • 46min

45. The Leak That Changed The World: America Exposed (Ep 3)

This riveting discussion centers on Edward Snowden's dramatic decision to expose NSA secrets. The hosts delve into his strategic choice of journalists and the ethical complexities of whistleblowing. Tensions rise as they reveal how he navigated secure communication and the emotions in a Hong Kong hotel. Insights into the reactions of journalists add depth to the narrative, highlighting the balance of skepticism and intrigue. They even explore a playful meeting involving a Rubik's Cube, showcasing the blend of humor amidst the gravity of national security revelations.
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70 snips
May 6, 2025 • 38min

44. The Leak That Changed The World: Stealing State Secrets (Ep 2)

Dive into the fascinating journey of Edward Snowden, from his tech-savvy youth to a controversial whistleblower. Discover how he accessed and leaked 1.5 million classified files while grappling with moral dilemmas. Explore the complexities of NSA's X-Keyscore data collection tool and the misconceptions surrounding it. Unravel the innovative tactics employed in digital whistleblowing and the challenges of maintaining anonymity. The podcast also teases upcoming interviews and exclusive content related to espionage.
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128 snips
May 4, 2025 • 49min

43. The Leak That Changed The World: Snowden Hacks the System (Ep 1)

Dive into the complex world of Edward Snowden, where he's seen as both a hero and a villain. Explore his journey from a self-taught tech enthusiast to a controversial whistleblower, driven by a mix of libertarian ideals and concerns over state corruption. The discussion also highlights the implications of his NSA revelations on privacy and surveillance. Journey back to the nostalgia of early internet days as the hosts connect the dots between Snowden's formative experiences and the controversial decisions he made. Uncover the inner workings of the NSA through insightful stories from former employees.

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