
The Rest Is Classified
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.
Latest episodes

12 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 39min
42. Putin’s Minions: The Master in Moscow (Ep 2)
The game is afoot, and the stakes are higher than ever. Who was the real villain in the Minions spy saga? How did a fintech tycoon become a key player in Russian espionage? And what does this case reveal about the Kremlin's increasingly brazen tactics?
As the story of the Bulgarian spy ring unfolds, a web of deception and international intrigue emerges. The key to the puzzle lies in the identity of the handler, a man whose double life and connections to Russian intelligence raise troubling questions about the reach of the Kremlin's power.
Listen as Gordon and David follow the money, messages, and Minions to expose the truth behind this audacious act of espionage.
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Order a signed edition of David's latest book, The Seventh Floor, via this link.
Pre-order a signed edition of Gordon's latest book, The Spy in the Archive, via this link.
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Email: classified@goalhanger.com
Twitter: @triclassified
Assistant Producer: Becki Hills
Producer: Callum Hill
Senior Producer: Dom Johnson
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36 snips
Apr 27, 2025 • 38min
41. Putin’s Minions: How Russia Spies (Ep 1)
A quirky Russian spy ring in the UK showcases the absurdity and seriousness of modern espionage. Characters range from a fading hotel owner to an eyelash champion, all while the Kremlin's operatives engage in risky plots. The podcast interweaves humor with insights on cybersecurity, open-source intelligence, and the dangers faced by investigators. It highlights the complexities of tracking diplomats and high-tech operations, revealing a chaotic world where seemingly laughable situations mask grave threats to Western security.

21 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 51min
40. Iran vs Israel: Mossad Assassinates Iranian Mastermind (Ep 2)
The podcast explores the chilling advancements in modern warfare, particularly focusing on the assassination of a prominent Iranian nuclear scientist. It discusses the use of remote-controlled weaponry by Israel, hinting at a future dominated by AI-assisted killings. The meticulous planning and execution by Mossad reveal not only tactical brilliance but also troubling ethical implications. As autonomous weapons loom on the horizon, the conversation questions our readiness for a world where drones and robots could execute lethal missions without human oversight.

46 snips
Apr 20, 2025 • 51min
39. Iran vs Israel: Inside the Shadow War (Ep 1)
Uncover the tense shadow war between Iran and Israel as intelligence agencies grapple for supremacy. Delve into the life of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, the architect of Iran's nuclear ambitions, and the implications of his assassination. Explore cutting-edge military technology, including robotic assassinations, raising ethical questions about modern warfare. The geopolitical chess match reveals Israel's desperate measures against perceived existential threats. Such high-stakes maneuvers redefine the future of conflict in an increasingly complex world.

5 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 9min
Introducing... Legacy
Join historians as they unravel the intriguing life of Sigmund Freud, revealing his unexpected ties to espionage. They dive into his influential work, 'The Interpretation of Dreams,' discussing its groundbreaking concepts like the Oedipus complex. The podcast explores how Freud's ideas reshaped our understanding of dreams and their significance in psychology. Engaging anecdotes and historical context bring his theories to life, showing their relevance even in today's world.

38 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 46min
38. CIA Mind Control: America’s Secret Cartel (Ep 4)
Explore the CIA's mind control experiments during the Cold War and their chilling impact on society. Discover how films like The Manchurian Candidate mirrored fears of psychological manipulation. The agency's MKUltra program not only sought to dominate minds but also unintentionally fueled the 1960s counterculture revolution. Delve into the ethical dilemmas and the unintended legacy of these covert operations as they intertwine with both pop culture and humanitarian discussions.

9 snips
Apr 13, 2025 • 50min
37. CIA Mind Control: Sex, Drugs, and Mysterious Deaths (Ep 3)
Dive into the CIA's chilling MKUltra program, where mind control experiments mingled with LSD and ethical dilemmas. Uncover the haunting tale of Frank Olson's mysterious death linked to these experiments, raising questions about accountability. Discover Operation Midnight Climax, where agents bizarrely used drugs and prostitutes to manipulate behavior. The discussion reveals the dark side of espionage and the troubling legacy of governmental abuses in the name of national security. Prepare for a captivating journey into the shadows of intelligence history!

33 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 54min
36. CIA Mind Control: Fighting Communism with LSD (Ep 2)
Dive into the bizarre world of the CIA's mind control experiments with LSD during the Cold War. Discover the eccentric Sidney Gottlieb, who spearheaded chaotic drug trials that included laced coffee and psychedelic office parties. Hear about the ethical dilemmas and chaotic outcomes of the MKUltra program, highlighted by the agency's reckless behavior and their obsession with psychological manipulation. This eye-opening tale blends humor and horror, revealing the dark legacy left behind by these covert operations.

45 snips
Apr 6, 2025 • 46min
35. CIA Mind Control: The Origin of MK Ultra (Ep 1)
What happens when the CIA attempts to weaponize the mind? Delve into the shocking MKUltra program, where unknowing Americans became the subject of controversial mind control experiments. Explore Sidney Gottlieb's chilling legacy and the ethical dilemmas faced during the Cold War. Discover the dark history of biological warfare and how it set a precedent for today's covert operations. With tales of dubious practices and urgent paranoia, this narrative blurs the lines between science and ethics, leaving listeners questioning the true costs of power.

62 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 40min
34. Putin's War: The Battle for Kyiv (Ep 4)
Delve into the chaos of Ukraine's defense as President Zelensky rises to the occasion, showcasing leadership amid threats and challenges. Discover the intelligence failures that caught Russia off guard, revealing the stark contrast between expectations and reality. Explore how modern communication and intelligence sharing empowered Ukrainian resistance against a larger foe. The discussion also highlights the broader implications for international relations and military strategy, painting a vivid picture of a conflict marked by miscalculations.