

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

Mar 12, 2025 • 48min
28. The Spy Who Betrayed Oppenheimer: The Manhattan Project (Ep 2)
What makes a man betray his closest friends? How did a German refugee help Stalin build the bomb? And why did British intelligence fail to spot the most dangerous spy in the Manhattan Project?Klaus Fuchs was brilliant, quiet, and unassuming. A physicist at the cutting edge of nuclear science, he worked at the heart of Britain’s secret atomic weapons program before being sent to the United States to join the Manhattan Project. But, all the while, Fuchs was passing the most closely guarded secrets of the West straight to the Soviet Union.Listen as David and Gordon uncover how Fuchs’ communist beliefs and wartime alliances led him to become one of the most infamous spies 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

Mar 10, 2025 • 47min
27. The Spy Who Betrayed Oppenheimer: Fighting the Nazis (Ep 1)
Who was the Russian spy working under Oppenheimer to build the atomic bomb? Why was it so dangerous to be a communist in Nazi Germany? And how did a young science prodigy become one of the most notorious spies in history?Klaus Fuchs was born into a left-wing family at the beginning of the 20th century. Vehemently opposed to the fascist politics of his German homeland during the 1930s, Fuchs flees Hitler's repressive state and finds himself caught up in the horrors of World War Two. When a group of ambitious communists reach out to save him, his life is changed forever. This is the story of the communist spy who infiltrated the Manhattan Project.Listen as Gordon and David begin to tell the fascinating tale of Klaus Fuchs, the atomic spy.-------------------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

50 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 27min
26. The Intelligence War: Trump and the End of American Support for Ukraine
In a pivotal discussion, the podcast dives into Donald Trump's recent halt on intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Experts analyze the historical context and the implications this pause might have on the ongoing conflict. The dialogue highlights the vital intertwining of military technology with intelligence support, shedding light on Ukraine's shifting strategies against Russia. Furthermore, the stakes of US-UK intelligence collaboration come into focus, emphasizing the uncertainties faced by frontline personnel and future spy tales from the Cold War.

Mar 5, 2025 • 42min
25. Trump vs the CIA: The Halloween Massacre (Ep 2)
When the CIA is forced to downsize, who gets cut? What happens to the intelligence left behind? And how does political control change the way spies operate?In the late 1970s, Jimmy Carter’s CIA director launched a brutal purge, firing hundreds of intelligence officers in what became known as the Halloween Massacre. Now, with Trump taking his own axe to Langley, David and Gordon ask: is history repeating itself? And what happens when America’s spies become the target?-------------------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

80 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 52min
24. Trump vs the CIA: Purging the Deep State (Ep 1)
Explore the tumultuous relationship between Trump and the CIA, highlighting efforts to control the agency's direction and reshape its priorities. Delve into historical parallels with Carter's controversial reforms, leading to events like the Halloween Massacre. The podcast also uncovers recent upheavals within the CIA workforce and the implications of shifting focuses, such as counter-narcotics over traditional threats. Critical discussions touch on officer safety, data security, and the agency's evolving role in the political landscape.

91 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 39min
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.

68 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 38min
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.

72 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 46min
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.

53 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 42min
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 • 35min
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.


