

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

47 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 44min
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.

14 snips
Apr 13, 2025 • 48min
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!

42 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 52min
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 • 45min
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 • 38min
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.

43 snips
Mar 30, 2025 • 35min
33. Putin’s War: How Russian Intelligence Failed (Ep 3)
Explore how Russia misjudged the invasion of Ukraine, encountering fierce resistance instead of a quick victory. Dive into the chaotic opening days, marked by critical intelligence failures and logistical struggles. Discover how Putin's inner circle misled him, influencing strategic decisions. The resilience of Ukrainian forces during the battle for Hostomel Airport highlights unexpected twists and the urgency of global diplomatic relations in a looming crisis. Zelensky's leadership emerged as a symbol of unity and bravery against tyranny.

71 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 43min
32. Putin’s War: The CIA Warn Zelensky (Ep 2)
Discover how Ukraine defied expectations in its resistance against Russia. Explore the crucial role of Western intelligence in shaping Kyiv's military strategies. Delve into the skepticism that surrounded intelligence assessments and the chilling effects of declassifying sensitive information. Learn about CIA Director Bill Burns' urgent warnings during his visit to Ukraine and the psychological complexities faced by Ukrainian leadership amid crisis. Uncover the significance of accountability and historical documentation in understanding the conflict.

79 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 46min
31. Putin’s War: The Secret Plot to Invade Ukraine (Ep 1)
The podcast reveals how Western intelligence agencies uncovered Putin's plans to invade Ukraine, diving into the crucial military tensions and troop movements that heightened concerns. It discusses the flawed assumptions behind the invasion and highlights a mission by the CIA director to deter aggression. Humorous anecdotes illustrate tough diplomatic conversations amidst rising global tensions. The engaging dialogue examines the historical context and implications of these events on international relations, providing insight into the psychological stakes of high-stakes diplomacy.

Mar 19, 2025 • 45min
30. The Spy Who Betrayed Oppenheimer: Showdown with MI5 (Ep 4)
What happens when the world’s most valuable spy is finally caught? How did British and American intelligence hunt him down? And, was Klaus Fuchs a hero, a villain, or something in between?Klaus Fuchs' final days as a free man were marked by growing suspicions, clandestine exchanges, and a relentless pursuit by MI5. The secrets he passed had already set the stage for a nuclear-armed Cold War, irreversibly altering the balance of global power. As the truth emerged, so too did the cost of his betrayal - a world reshaped by espionage, ideological conviction, and the stolen intelligence that fuelled an arms race.Listen as David and Gordon take you inside the mind of the man who stole the bomb - and the world he left in his wake.-------------------Order a signed edition of David's latest book, The Seventh Floor, via this link.-------------------Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.nordvpn.com/restisclassifiedIt’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee!Email: classified@goalhanger.comTwitter: @triclassifiedAssistant Producer: Becki HillsProducer: Callum HillSenior Producer: Dom JohnsonExec Producer: Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 17, 2025 • 50min
29. The Spy Who Betrayed Oppenheimer: Deception at Los Alamos (Ep 3)
How did a Russian spy end up at the heart of the Manhattan Project? What happened when Soviet intelligence lost track of their own spy? And how did one man hand Stalin the bomb on a silver platter?Klaus Fuchs was already one of the most valuable spies in history, feeding atomic secrets to the Soviet Union. But when he disappeared in 1944, his handlers feared the worst. In reality, he was about to get even closer to the ultimate prize: the blueprints for the atomic bomb.This week, Gordon and David uncover how Fuchs embedded himself in Los Alamos, the most classified site on Earth, and carried out one of the greatest intelligence coups of the 20th century.-------------------Order a signed edition of David's latest book, The Seventh Floor, via this link.-------------------Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.nordvpn.com/restisclassifiedIt’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee!Email: classified@goalhanger.comTwitter: @triclassifiedAssistant Producer: Becki HillsProducer: Callum HillSenior Producer: Dom JohnsonExec Producer: Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


