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
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.
73 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.
15 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.
70 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!
88 snips
Oct 5, 2025 • 42min
88. China vs Google: When Beijing Took on Silicon Valley (Ep 1)
A major cyber attack in 2010 marked a turning point for state-sponsored cyber espionage. Google faced a sophisticated breach traced to China, raising critical questions about corporate responsibility versus government accountability. The hosts explore the ethical dilemmas surrounding Google's entry into China's controlled internet landscape and the implications for freedom of speech. They also delve into the attackers' motives, targeting dissidents and the extensive reach of the breach, highlighting a complex web of modern cybersecurity challenges.
60 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 48min
87. Mossad Pager Attack: Crippling Hezbollah (Ep 2)
Hezbollah's misguided trust in pagers leads to a devastating Israeli ambush. Discover how Mossad crafted a cunning supply chain attack, turning a seemingly innocuous device into a deadly trap. The hosts delve into the psychological warfare behind the operation, emphasizing injury over death to cripple morale. Hear about the shocking details of the explosions that injured thousands and the broader implications on Middle Eastern power dynamics. They also explore the ethics of such tactics and the unfolding military strategies that followed.
182 snips
Sep 28, 2025 • 52min
86. Mossad Pager Attack: The Long War with Hezbollah (Ep 1)
Hezbollah's shift to analog communications sparks an audacious Mossad operation involving pagers. The interconnectedness of technology and psychology plays a vital role as fears of phone surveillance lead Hezbollah away from cell phones. Discover how Mossad infiltrated their supply chain and the intricate financing behind it. Insightful discussions trace Hezbollah's evolution and the implications of past conflicts, setting the stage for a deadly covert operation. Stay tuned for the dramatic continuation of this espionage tale.
8 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 6min
EXCLUSIVE: The Spy Who Smuggled Gordievsky Out of Russia
In a thrilling account, a former MI6 officer recounts the audacious 1985 escape of Oleg Gordievsky, the West's top Russian spy. Discover how the team managed to elude a KGB surveillance unit while hiding Gordievsky in the trunk of their car. Hear about the nail-biting moments of panic during rendezvous and the strategic maneuvers that kept them one step ahead. Also, learn about the high stakes involved in navigating Soviet traffic and the clever tactics used to sneak past border security.
51 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 56min
85. The Man Who Saved The World: The Great Escape (Ep 6)
Oleg Gordievsky plots a risky escape from KGB scrutiny. MI6 devises an intricate plan involving a two-car rendezvous and the creation of a family cover story. Tension builds as Gordievsky navigates mistakes and near captures, eventually hidden in a car boot to evade detection. A critical delay offers a lucky break, allowing him to cross into Finland and secure rescue. The aftermath reveals the toll on his family and his significant influence on Cold War tactics, sparking a debate on the morality of espionage.
