
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

73 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 41min
23. Why Trump Wants Greenland: The Lost Nuclear Bomb (Ep 2)
Can nuclear missiles really vanish without a trace? The narrative intertwines a 1968 B-52 crash in Greenland with alarming environmental consequences and ongoing cover-ups. Discussions unfold on Greenland's strategic significance, as the U.S. contemplates its purchase amidst geopolitical tensions. The hosts unravel the complex legacy of nuclear secrecy, the health impacts from contamination, and Greenland's push for independence in a rapidly changing Arctic landscape. It's a thrilling blend of history, mystery, and contemporary security issues.

54 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 40min
22. Why Trump Wants Greenland: Secret Bases, The Arctic Circle, and Project Iceworm (Ep 1)
The discussion dives into Donald Trump's controversial interest in Greenland, highlighting its strategic military relevance and rare mineral resources. Listeners learn about the Cold War-era secret military base, Camp Century, and the audacious plans that once existed there. Personal anecdotes add humor to the exploration of unique Arctic challenges. The gripping recounting of a flight emergency adds tension, while a connection to a 90s action film unveils surprising historical parallels. Lastly, a reflection on Joachim Piper sheds light on the moral complexities of ambition during WWII.

60 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 48min
21. Death on the Thames: The Poisoned Umbrella (Ep 2)
Dive into the chilling tale of Georgi Markov, a Bulgarian dissident mysteriously murdered in 1978 London. Discover the elaborate use of a poisoned umbrella and the shadowy figures from the KGB and Bulgarian intelligence. Delve into the intricate web of Cold War espionage, political assassinations, and the investigative challenges faced by British authorities. As the story unfolds, questions of motive and perpetrator remain tantalizingly unresolved, hinting at the dark complexities of political intrigue.

44 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 44min
20. Death on the Thames: An Assassin in London (Ep 1)
Delve into the chilling story of Georgi Markov, a Bulgarian dissident who faced assassination in London during the Cold War. Explore the complexities of his mysterious poisoning, believed to involve ricin, and the broader implications for freedom of expression. Discover the legacy of the BBC World Service, offering crucial news amid political oppression. The investigation leads to eerie insights from Porton Down, exposing the dark realities of chemical warfare. This gripping tale intertwines espionage, investigative struggles, and the fight for truth.

29 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 37min
19. Attack on Greenpeace: Death in the Pacific (Ep 2)
Did the French secret service orchestrate a state-sponsored act of terrorism against Greenpeace? Discover the shocking bombing of the Rainbow Warrior and the ensuing chaos that led to a frantic manhunt for the culprits. The narrative reveals the tragic death of a crew member and the political fallout in France. Dive into the moral complexities and accountability issues faced by those involved, and uncover how this incident shapes contemporary covert operations and environmental activism.

42 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 41min
18. Attack on Greenpeace: France’s Nuclear Bomb (Ep 1)
In the 70s and 80s, France's nuclear testing in the Pacific sparked outrage among environmentalists. Greenpeace, with its fearless Rainbow Warrior, took on this battle, leading to a dramatic espionage mission. A covert French operation aimed to infiltrate and sabotage the ship using limpet mines. Tensions escalated as the activists faced a deadly game of cat and mouse with French intelligence. The shocking sinking of the Rainbow Warrior not only highlighted the dangers of state-sponsored sabotage but also the heavy costs of political maneuvering in the name of national security.

25 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 46min
17. Crossing the Iron Curtain: Revenge in Russia (Ep 4)
The gripping tale of Adolf Tolkachev unfolds as he navigates the treacherous world of espionage, risking everything for the CIA. Tension rises with the mounting pressures from the KGB, revealing the psychological strain of being a mole. Betrayal and ultimate capture spotlight the harsh realities of intelligence work. The narrative emphasizes the crucial role of human intelligence during the Cold War, contrasting it with modern recruitment methods. Themes of sacrifice, regret, and the enduring complexities of espionage resonate throughout this captivating conclusion.

12 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 49min
16. Crossing the Iron Curtain: Escape From the KGB (Ep 3)
Discover the high-stakes world of espionage in Cold War Moscow. A CIA spy grapples with the harrowing decision to use a suicide pill while facing the KGB's relentless pursuit. Tensions escalate as music from Western bands becomes a lifeline for an informant amid a repressive regime. Explore the ethical dilemmas of managing spies and the clever tradecraft utilized in the cat-and-mouse game of intelligence operations. With personal anecdotes and historical insights, this narrative captures the gripping reality of life undercover.

4 snips
Feb 1, 2025 • 11min
The Seventh Floor (Extract)
Dive into the thrilling world of espionage as a CIA officer uncovers a mole within the agency. The intrigue escalates with a Russian agent's secret that leads to a deadly chase. Friendship and betrayal ripple through the narrative, reflecting on loyalty in a treacherous business. Plus, there's a sneak peek into a new streaming series that combines supernatural elements with mystery. Tension builds as the hunt intensifies, revealing both heroes and hidden enemies.

32 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 47min
15. Crossing the Iron Curtain: The Cold War’s Most Valuable Spy (Ep 2)
The podcast dives into the gripping story of Adolf Tolkachev, a CIA mole in Moscow during the Cold War. It examines the perilous world of espionage and strategies for covert communication, including the use of dead drops. Tolkachev's motivations to spy and the risks he faced from the KGB are explored, revealing the spy's dilemma of pay versus loyalty. The crucial role of photography in gathering intelligence is also discussed, highlighting how Tolkachev’s contributions transformed the CIA's understanding of Soviet military capabilities.