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
60 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 49min
117. Epstein Files Declassified: Mossad, Israel and Ghislaine Maxwell (Ep 2)
The hosts dive into the intriguing connections between Robert Maxwell, his daughter Ghislaine, and Jeffrey Epstein. They question whether Epstein served as an intelligence asset and explore the theory of a Mossad-backed blackmail operation. Maxwell's ties to MI6 and his mysterious death are discussed, alongside his relationship with Israeli officials. The hosts argue that while Epstein had significant social ties, there’s no strong evidence he operated as a formal spy. Conspiracy theories abound, but they ultimately find the claims unsubstantiated.
95 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 39min
116. Epstein Files Declassified: Was He A Spy? (Ep 1)
Was Jeffrey Epstein an undercover agent for an intelligence agency? Dive into the intriguing theories surrounding his connections to wealth and power. Explore his biography, key relationships with figures like Les Wexner and Ghislaine Maxwell, and the controversial details of his past convictions. Uncover claims of kompromat collection and the spy-like nuances of his life, while assessing the likelihood of state involvement in his activities. Get ready for a deep dive into the shadowy world of espionage entwined with Epstein's infamous legacy.
15 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 5min
Ex-CIA Officer On How The Cubans Failed Maduro in Venezuela
In this engaging discussion, former CIA officer Dave Fitzgerald, a seasoned expert on Latin American operations, unpacks the tumultuous relationship between Cuba and Venezuela. He sheds light on Cuba's pivotal role in providing security for Maduro and their historical ideological alliance. Fitzgerald discusses the significant failings of Cuban intelligence during attempts to capture the Venezuelan president and compares their influence with Russian interests. His insights reveal the complexities of espionage and international politics in the region.
158 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.
235 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.
32 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.
106 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.
