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
Nov 17, 2025 • 46min
100. Putin's Secret Army: Fighting With Assad In Syria (Ep 3)
Discover the rise of Evgeny Prigozhin, a former restaurateur turned mastermind behind the Wagner Group, as he forges a path in the geopolitical landscape. The hosts delve into the group's brutal tactics in Syria, its connections with the Russian military, and the murky world of mercenary operations. Learn about the shadowy offensive at Deir Ezzor and how Prigozhin navigated the dangerous waters of power struggles within Russia. The episode unveils the intersection of disinformation and warfare, offering a thrilling glimpse into modern conflict.
5 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 10min
The Rise Of Putin: Joining The KGB
Mark Galeotti, a leading expert on Russian organized crime and security services, joins the hosts to delve into Vladimir Putin's intriguing beginnings. He shares insights on Putin's modest roots in Leningrad and the harsh realities of his youth that fueled his ambition. The conversation reveals how Putin's drive for social mobility led him to join the KGB, a bold move motivated by a quest for significance and security. Galeotti discusses the streetwise toughness that shaped Putin's character, positioning him for a powerful future.
34 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 44min
99. Putin's Secret Army: Trump, Wagner And Russia (Ep 2)
Delve into the shadows of political manipulation as hosts explore the Internet Research Agency’s role in the 2016 US election. Discover Yevgeny Prigozhin’s rise from caterer to Kremlin fixer, leveraging PR tricks and media stunts. The podcast reveals how the IRA crafted targeted disinformation and the surprising tactics they used, from fake accounts to real-world stunts. Was their impact on voter behavior or trust in information more profound? Join the conversation on the murky intersection of state interests and private operations.
36 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 42min
98. Putin’s Secret Army: The Rise Of Prigozhin (Ep 1)
Dive into the dramatic rise of Yevgeny Prigozhin, from humble beginnings as a restaurateur to becoming the leader of the Wagner Group. The discussion unfolds his criminal past and how prison shaped his entrepreneurial instincts. Discover how he captured Putin’s trust through elite catering and secured lucrative government contracts. The hosts also explore Prigozhin’s chilling role in countering dissent and his later international influence operations, leaving listeners eager for the next intriguing installment.
35 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 51min
97. Selling The World's Secrets: Why The Brits Won The Falklands War (Ep 2)
Dive into the intricate world of espionage as the hosts explore the CIA's secretive role in major geopolitical events. Discover how the agency collaborated with the German BND to buy Crypto AG, manipulating encrypted communications across nations. The conversation highlights the impact of this on the Falklands War and showcases thrilling anecdotes of intelligence wins, all while grappling with the dangers faced by unsuspecting engineers. They even draw parallels between past operations and today’s tech challenges, keeping listeners gripped until the end.
52 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 41min
96. Selling The World's Secrets: Is The CIA Reading Your Messages? (Ep 1)
The CIA's covert control of Crypto AG reveals a shocking history of deception and surveillance. Dive into the fascinating world of encryption, from the legacy of the Enigma machine to modern spying techniques. Learn how the CIA and its allies exploited supposedly secure devices sold to various nations, leading to major geopolitical events. Personal ties between key figures fueled decades of clandestine operations, and a mysterious death adds an edge of intrigue. Discover how this intelligence coup transformed global espionage.
12 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 10min
Did Fidel Castro Kill JFK?
Exploring tantalizing theories, the hosts dive into whether Fidel Castro ordered the assassination of JFK. They discuss the Cuban embassy's suspicions about Lee Harvey Oswald and Castro's motives stemming from CIA plots against him. Key details about Oswald's questionable trip to Mexico City and its implications for the assassination are examined. The episode unpacks the high-stakes espionage drama of the era, leaving listeners pondering the intricate connections between the Cuban leader and the tragic event.
17 snips
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.
34 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.
28 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.
