

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

4 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 33min
89. China vs Google: The Battle That Shaped the Internet (Ep 2)
Dive into the thrilling breach at Google's headquarters that revealed a sophisticated cyber attack from China targeting activists. Hosts discuss how this incident catalyzed Google's reversal on censorship and ignited a geopolitical firestorm. Discover the meticulous strategies Google employed to secure their networks and the shocking decision to go public about the hack. The debate unfolds over tech firms' ties to state interests and the long-term implications for global cyber rivalries. A gripping tale of espionage and corporate courage unfolds!

50 snips
Oct 5, 2025 • 42min
88. China vs Google: When Beijing Took on Silicon Valley (Ep 1)
A major cyber attack in 2010 marked a turning point for state-sponsored cyber espionage. Google faced a sophisticated breach traced to China, raising critical questions about corporate responsibility versus government accountability. The hosts explore the ethical dilemmas surrounding Google's entry into China's controlled internet landscape and the implications for freedom of speech. They also delve into the attackers' motives, targeting dissidents and the extensive reach of the breach, highlighting a complex web of modern cybersecurity challenges.

33 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 48min
87. Mossad Pager Attack: Crippling Hezbollah (Ep 2)
Hezbollah's misguided trust in pagers leads to a devastating Israeli ambush. Discover how Mossad crafted a cunning supply chain attack, turning a seemingly innocuous device into a deadly trap. The hosts delve into the psychological warfare behind the operation, emphasizing injury over death to cripple morale. Hear about the shocking details of the explosions that injured thousands and the broader implications on Middle Eastern power dynamics. They also explore the ethics of such tactics and the unfolding military strategies that followed.

114 snips
Sep 28, 2025 • 52min
86. Mossad Pager Attack: The Long War with Hezbollah (Ep 1)
Hezbollah's shift to analog communications sparks an audacious Mossad operation involving pagers. The interconnectedness of technology and psychology plays a vital role as fears of phone surveillance lead Hezbollah away from cell phones. Discover how Mossad infiltrated their supply chain and the intricate financing behind it. Insightful discussions trace Hezbollah's evolution and the implications of past conflicts, setting the stage for a deadly covert operation. Stay tuned for the dramatic continuation of this espionage tale.

8 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 6min
EXCLUSIVE: The Spy Who Smuggled Gordievsky Out of Russia
In a thrilling account, a former MI6 officer recounts the audacious 1985 escape of Oleg Gordievsky, the West's top Russian spy. Discover how the team managed to elude a KGB surveillance unit while hiding Gordievsky in the trunk of their car. Hear about the nail-biting moments of panic during rendezvous and the strategic maneuvers that kept them one step ahead. Also, learn about the high stakes involved in navigating Soviet traffic and the clever tactics used to sneak past border security.

37 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 56min
85. The Man Who Saved The World: The Great Escape (Ep 6)
Oleg Gordievsky plots a risky escape from KGB scrutiny. MI6 devises an intricate plan involving a two-car rendezvous and the creation of a family cover story. Tension builds as Gordievsky navigates mistakes and near captures, eventually hidden in a car boot to evade detection. A critical delay offers a lucky break, allowing him to cross into Finland and secure rescue. The aftermath reveals the toll on his family and his significant influence on Cold War tactics, sparking a debate on the morality of espionage.

28 snips
Sep 21, 2025 • 53min
84. The Man Who Saved The World: A Friendship Shattered (Ep 5)
Oleg Gordievsky faces a life-altering decision as he is recalled to Moscow, leaving MI6 scrambling. The pressures mount as they explore escape plans complicated by personal sacrifice, including leaving his family behind. Intriguing details emerge about KGB interrogation tactics and the tense atmosphere surrounding his impending return. An absurdly precise recognition signal plays a crucial role in the escape plans. As tensions escalate, a literary taunt on a bugged phone creates a thrilling cliffhanger, leaving listeners eager for more.

38 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 51min
83. The Man Who Saved The World: Countdown to Armageddon (Ep 4)
In 1983, the world teeters on the brink of nuclear war as tensions escalate with Operation Able Archer. Oleg Gordievski, a double agent, plays a crucial role in defusing the situation and preventing catastrophe. The discussion dives into the significance of human intelligence, revealing how personal conversations with informants can outsmart traditional methods. Insights into the paranoia within Soviet ranks and the intelligence rivalry among nations illuminate the spy's impact on global politics. The emotional toll on spies balancing secrecy and family life adds a poignant layer to this gripping narrative.

64 snips
Sep 14, 2025 • 49min
82. The Man Who Saved The World: Britain’s Best Ever Agent (Ep 3)
Discover the thrilling life of Oleg Gordievsky, a key MI6 agent navigating the perilous world of espionage in London. Explore the chaotic dynamics of KGB operations and the paranoia that agents faced during the Cold War. Hear about Gordievsky's emotional resilience and the vital intelligence he provided that shifted British strategies. From his tense arrival amidst a politically charged backdrop to conducting a molehunt within British security, each moment offers a gripping insight into the dangerous game of spies.

60 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 48min
81. The Man Who Saved The World: Abandoning Communism (Ep 2)
Delving into the life of Oleg Gordievsky, the discussion explores his complex journey from Moscow to becoming a vital MI6 double-agent. Listeners will learn about the ideological transformations that shaped his defection amidst Cold War tensions. The narrative also highlights the delicate dynamics of intelligence work, including the challenges of cultivating trust between MI6 and the KGB. Personal dilemmas intertwine with professional risks, revealing the emotional stakes involved in Gordievsky's espionage efforts.