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
Oct 29, 2025 • 54min
95. JFK vs the CIA: Death in Dallas (Ep 6)
The fallout from the Bay of Pigs intensified the Kennedy brothers' determination to eliminate Fidel Castro. Learn about the CIA's bizarre assassination plots involving poison pills, including a close call with a frozen one. Tensions escalated as the mob re-entered the scene, collaborating with the CIA in chaotic covert schemes. Amid escalating crises and questionable actions of operatives, JFK's assassination unfolded, igniting conspiracy theories that continue to fuel public distrust. The intricate web of motives and cover-ups marks a pivotal chapter in U.S. history.
9 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 1h 6min
94. JFK vs the CIA: Fighting in Cuba (Ep 5)
The Kennedy administration ramps up its efforts against Castro after the Bay of Pigs fiasco. Wild assassination attempts, including a near miss with a frozen poison pill, highlight the CIA's desperation. The hosts explore JFK's refusal to authorize air support during the invasion, leading to chaos and heavy casualties. Discussions reveal how the failed operation set the stage for increased tensions with Cuba and the implications for U.S. foreign policy. Finally, the episode dives into the fate of captured brigade members and the political fallout that followed.
11 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 10min
Did The Mafia Kill JFK?
This week’s guest is Anthony Scaramucci, former White House Communications Director and co-host of The Rest Is Politics: US. He dives into the theory that the Mafia orchestrated JFK’s assassination, linking mob ties to the Kennedy family and the political implications of Bobby Kennedy's anti-mob crusade. Scaramucci discusses Carlos Marcello’s exile and the Mob's role in JFK's 1960 election victory. He also explores how motivations shifted after the Bay of Pigs fiasco, painting a vivid picture of organized crime's dark influence in that era.
31 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 53min
93. JFK vs the CIA: Bay of Pigs (Ep 4)
Explore the dramatic collapse of the Bay of Pigs invasion and the chaos that ensued. Discover how leaks alerted Castro to U.S. plans and the internal rifts within Kennedy's administration. Learn about the crucial airstrikes that fell short and the dismal conditions faced by Brigade 2506. Delve into the political fallout and how this fiasco forever altered JFK's relationship with the CIA. It's a gripping tale of miscalculation, missed opportunities, and imperial hubris.
61 snips
Oct 19, 2025 • 1h 3min
92. JFK vs the CIA: Raising Hell in Havana (Ep 3)
Dive into the high-stakes drama of the Bay of Pigs invasion! Discover how JFK's critical decision to cancel airstrikes turned the tide against exile forces. Explore the CIA's frantic preparations, recruitment challenges, and the ominous intelligence that loomed over the operation. Hear about bizarre assassination plots involving poisoned pills that never reached Castro. The episode uncovers the political pressures shaping Kennedy's decisions and reveals the uncertain dynamics of groupthink leading to a fateful go-ahead.
23 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 8min
Did The CIA Kill JFK?
Dive into the gripping world of JFK assassination theories! The hosts explore the idea that the CIA might have targeted Kennedy due to defense budget cuts and failed operations in Cuba. They also touch on the lurking motives of the mob and Cuban actors. Expect intriguing insights, including a tease of an insider guest who promises to shed light on the mob's involvement. This series promises to keep you questioning official narratives while unpacking shadowy conspiracies that have captivated the public for decades.
72 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 1h 3min
91. JFK vs the CIA: Killing Castro (Ep 2)
The hosts delve into JFK's hesitant engagement with the CIA's plans to invade Cuba, revealing the creeping urgency behind the operation. They discuss the flawed assumptions the CIA made about Cuban support and the Pentagon's warnings about the need for a larger force. A critical twist comes with JFK's directive to tone down the operation's spectacle, sparking debates on its risks. They also explore an intriguing parallel plot involving mafia-assisted attempts to assassinate Castro, uncovering the complexities and miscalculations that led to a disaster.
73 snips
Oct 12, 2025 • 1h 2min
90. JFK vs the CIA: The Battle for Cuba (Ep 1)
Explore the high-stakes showdown between JFK and the CIA over Cuba. Discover how Fidel Castro transformed the island into a nationalist state that infuriated U.S. leaders. Laugh at the initial absurd CIA plans to thwart him, from bizarre assassination ideas to enlisting the Mafia. Delve into the largest implications of the Bay of Pigs invasion as a cautionary tale in covert operations. Uncover the tangled webs of mob influence and U.S. involvement that would redefine an era.
10 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 6min
EXCLUSIVE: Google's President of Global Affairs on AI, Cyber Attacks and Silicon Valley
Join an enlightening conversation with Kent Walker, as he dives into the Aurora cyber attacks and Google's rapid response strategies. Explore the transition to zero-trust cybersecurity and the reasons behind Google's decision to make the attack public, promoting collective security among companies. Kent reflects on his past in Silicon Valley, recounts tales of early cybercrime, and shares insights on famous hacker Kevin Mitnick. This engaging discussion connects the dots between past and present in the tech world.
43 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 33min
89. China vs Google: The War 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!
