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
132 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 46min
57. Why Israel Attacked Iran
Tensions mount as Israel strikes Iran, escalating their long-simmering conflict. The assassination of key nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, using advanced technologies, underscores the drastic tactics Israel employs to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Delve into the ethics of targeted killings amidst murky moral dilemmas and the role of Iran's Revolutionary Guards. The dynamics of this shadow war are explored, revealing the complexities of modern espionage, military strategy, and the balance between covert operations and direct action.
33 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 1h 3min
56. Bin Laden vs the CIA: Death in Pakistan (Ep 6)
Explore Osama bin Laden's surprising life in hiding, managing Al-Qaeda while living a mundane existence in Pakistan. Discover the chilling details of the Navy SEAL raid, including the dramatic moments and the aftermath of his death. The podcast delves into the evolution of U.S. military tactics leading up to the operation, and the unique atmosphere of the White House Correspondents Dinner on the day of the raid. Lastly, reflect on bin Laden's lasting legacy and its impact on global security and modern terrorism.
60 snips
Jun 15, 2025 • 57min
55. Bin Laden vs the CIA: The Hunt for the World's Most Wanted (Ep 5)
The relentless hunt for Osama bin Laden reveals a web of intrigue and intelligence. A fleeting sighting and valuable interrogation finally point the CIA in the right direction. The complexities of US-Pakistani relations add another layer of challenge, while elaborate surveillance uncovers the unexpected location of bin Laden. Deliberations at the highest levels demonstrate the weight of decisions that could lead to capture or catastrophe. Discover the intricate dance of intelligence and strategy that defined this historic manhunt.
60 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 43min
54. Bin Laden vs the CIA: 9/11 (Ep 4)
On a fateful September morning, the meticulously planned 9/11 attacks exposed America's surprising vulnerabilities. Discover the behind-the-scenes dynamics among Osama bin Laden, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, and the Al-Qaeda operatives chosen for this horrific mission. The intelligence failures and miscommunications leading up to the attacks reveal a somber narrative of missed warnings. As chaos ensued on that day, contrasting responses in Afghanistan highlight the grim celebration of tragedy, setting the stage for a relentless decade-long hunt for the mastermind behind it all.
63 snips
Jun 8, 2025 • 59min
53. Bin Laden vs the CIA: The Great Escape (Ep 3)
Explore the chilling evolution of Osama bin Laden from a wealthy Saudi to a global terrorist icon after his return to Afghanistan. Discover how he leveraged media to enhance his jihadist image while Al-Qaeda grew stronger. Delve into the CIA's frantic yet often thwarted attempts to capture him, including the bizarre Trod Pints Plan. The podcast highlights critical missed opportunities and internal struggles within the CIA that exacerbated the threat leading up to the devastating 1998 embassy bombings and ultimately 9/11.
49 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 53min
52. Bin Laden vs the CIA: Declaring Jihad (Ep 2)
Discover how a seemingly ordinary Saudi millionaire transformed into the architect of a global terrorist network. Delve into the pivotal year of 1979, where key events like the Grand Mosque siege fueled Osama bin Laden's extremist beliefs. Explore his evolution from a shy student to a charismatic jihadist as he built Al-Qaeda. Uncover the challenges within the CIA to track bin Laden and the stark contrast between the agency’s early operations and his rising influence. A gripping examination of ideology, power, and the roots of modern extremism awaits!
126 snips
Jun 1, 2025 • 56min
51. Bin Laden vs the CIA: The Origins of Al-Qaeda (Ep 1)
Discover the intriguing early life of Osama bin Laden, a complex figure shaped by wealth and strict beliefs. Examine how key events like the Iranian revolution and the Soviet invasion transformed him from a privileged individual into a radical leader. Delve into the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood, his mentorship with Abdullah Azzam, and the pivotal moments that led to the formation of Al-Qaeda. This exploration highlights bin Laden's profound impact on global terrorism and U.S. foreign policy, presenting a narrative that merges history with contemporary implications.
29 snips
May 27, 2025 • 45min
50. The Man Who Tried To Kill The KGB: On the Run from Russia (Ep 2)
Dive into the gripping story of Vasily Mitrokhin, the KGB archivist who dared to expose the secrets of his former employers. Experience the high-stakes drama of his family's escape from Russia, fraught with emotional turmoil and chaos. Discover the behind-the-scenes negotiations between British and American intelligence that shaped his future. The episode reveals the shocking impact of Mitrokhin's leaks on Western espionage and explores the often painful realities faced by defectors challenging oppressive regimes.
43 snips
May 25, 2025 • 46min
49. The Man Who Tried To Kill The KGB: A Traitor in the Kremlin (Ep 1)
Discover the thrilling tale of Vasily Mitrokhin, a disillusioned KGB archivist who daringly stole top-secret documents to expose his former masters. His meticulously copied files became a weapon against the KGB, reshaping our understanding of its global operations. Delve into the escapades of lesser-known spies and their perilous journeys, as Mitrokhin navigates a world fraught with peril while working with MI6. The story uncovers the hidden dynamics of espionage and the personal sacrifices made in the name of truth.
89 snips
May 20, 2025 • 53min
48. The Leak That Changed The World: Death of Privacy (Ep 6)
Exploring the complex legacy of Edward Snowden, the conversation navigates his controversial motives and the broader implications for privacy in the digital age. It highlights gripping conflicts between the UK government and The Guardian over leaked documents and the intricate process of data destruction, likened to a covert operation. Listeners are drawn into unsettling personal anecdotes about digital paranoia, ultimately questioning the ethical landscapes of journalism and surveillance shaped by Snowden's revelations.
