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
29 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.
33 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.
31 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.
46 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 55min
106. Hunting Al-Qaeda: Anatomy Of A Terrorist (Ep 1)
A haunting tale unfolds around the 2009 CIA bombing in Afghanistan, where a Jordanian doctor turned Al-Qaeda operative orchestrated chaos. The hosts dissect the duality of Humam al-Balawi’s life, from a modest physician to a digital jihadist. With insights into CIA operations and the challenges of counterterrorism, they explore the intricate web of intelligence that led to his identification. Intriguing stories of surveillance and interrogation reveal how he shifted from a seemingly benign figure to a pivotal key in the Al-Qaeda narrative.
45 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 42min
105. The Chinese Spy Scandal: Mastering LinkedIn (Ep 2)
In 2017, a former CIA officer fell into a dangerous trap after a LinkedIn message promised consulting work. The discussion reveals how Chinese intelligence used sophisticated recruitment tactics, including a covert phone and approaches through think-tank ties. A series of meetings in Shanghai escalated his involvement, leading to alarming consequences. Mallory's frantic attempts to maneuver his way out and the shocking revelation of incriminating messages unfold as the hosts explore the broader implications of espionage. A cautionary tale for anyone in the open world of social media.
88 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 43min
104. The Chinese Spy Scandal: Breaching Westminster (Ep 1)
A recent MI5 alert revealed that LinkedIn is being used for a large-scale Chinese espionage campaign targeting parliament. The hosts dissect two high-profile cases of alleged spying, discussing how digital tactics, like fake profiles and hijacked meetings, are modernizing recruitment. They delve into the complexities surrounding insider insights and the influence of the United Front on UK politics. The ramifications of espionage are examined through the collapse of a key trial and international responses from allies like Australia and Canada.
