

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

96 snips
May 18, 2025 • 39min
47. The Leak That Changed The World: Spying on the World (Ep 5)
The podcast dives into the ongoing fallout from Edward Snowden's leaks, highlighting how global surveillance practices extend beyond the U.S. Britain’s controversial 'Mastering the Internet' initiative raises eyebrows. The ethical dilemmas faced by journalists reveal the complexities of publishing leaked information. Snowden's tense recruitment in Moscow adds another layer to his story, as discussions explore the intricate balance between privacy and national security in a digital age. What are the real costs of these revelations on international relations?

81 snips
May 13, 2025 • 38min
46. The Leak That Changed The World: Snowden On The Run (Ep 4)
The podcast uncovers Edward Snowden’s dramatic escape from Hong Kong fueled by fears of U.S. repercussions. It dives deep into his groundbreaking revelations about government surveillance, sparking global conversations on privacy. Listeners explore the tensions surrounding his quest for asylum amidst geopolitical chaos. The chaos in Moscow, as journalists chase after a missing figure, adds a thrilling twist. Unique insights on online security and the ongoing impact of Snowden’s leaks make this a gripping listen.

54 snips
May 12, 2025 • 44min
45. The Leak That Changed The World: America Exposed (Ep 3)
This riveting discussion centers on Edward Snowden's dramatic decision to expose NSA secrets. The hosts delve into his strategic choice of journalists and the ethical complexities of whistleblowing. Tensions rise as they reveal how he navigated secure communication and the emotions in a Hong Kong hotel. Insights into the reactions of journalists add depth to the narrative, highlighting the balance of skepticism and intrigue. They even explore a playful meeting involving a Rubik's Cube, showcasing the blend of humor amidst the gravity of national security revelations.

123 snips
May 6, 2025 • 36min
44. The Leak That Changed The World: Stealing State Secrets (Ep 2)
Dive into the fascinating journey of Edward Snowden, from his tech-savvy youth to a controversial whistleblower. Discover how he accessed and leaked 1.5 million classified files while grappling with moral dilemmas. Explore the complexities of NSA's X-Keyscore data collection tool and the misconceptions surrounding it. Unravel the innovative tactics employed in digital whistleblowing and the challenges of maintaining anonymity. The podcast also teases upcoming interviews and exclusive content related to espionage.

190 snips
May 4, 2025 • 47min
43. The Leak That Changed The World: Snowden Hacks the System (Ep 1)
Dive into the complex world of Edward Snowden, where he's seen as both a hero and a villain. Explore his journey from a self-taught tech enthusiast to a controversial whistleblower, driven by a mix of libertarian ideals and concerns over state corruption. The discussion also highlights the implications of his NSA revelations on privacy and surveillance. Journey back to the nostalgia of early internet days as the hosts connect the dots between Snowden's formative experiences and the controversial decisions he made. Uncover the inner workings of the NSA through insightful stories from former employees.

24 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 37min
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
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

48 snips
Apr 27, 2025 • 36min
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.

28 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 49min
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.

52 snips
Apr 20, 2025 • 49min
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.

10 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.


