The Rest is Classified: Goalhanger to launch a new podcast about spies and secrets

Today, Goalhanger announces the launch of its next new release of 2024: The Rest Is Classified on Nov 27th. This captivating and insightful series plunges listeners into the secretive world of espionage, spies, and covert operations.

Hosted by two experts with unparalleled access and experience—David McCloskey, a former CIA analyst and bestselling spy novelist, and Gordon Corera, a veteran national security journalist who has covered the field for decades—the show provides a unique and authoritative look into the shadowy realm of global intelligence.

The series will uncover the murky and often misunderstood world of international espionage. Drawing from their extensive backgrounds, McCloskey and Corera tell the hidden stories behind Intelligence operations, and the ever-evolving role of espionage in shaping global politics. Episodes will take listeners into the real world of espionage, from the stories behind today’s headlines to those that have remained classified for decades.

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Episode 1 is the first of a two-part series exploring the 1953 Iranian coup d’état, uncovering the secret history behind the event. It reveals how the CIA and MI6 collaborated in Operation Ajax to overthrow Iran’s elected leader, driven by a power struggle over oil and Cold War politics. The Rest Is Classified exposes the covert tactics, secret deals, and the lasting impact on U.S.-Iran relations.

Upcoming topics for future episodes include the CIA and FBI investigation into Russian “illegals” operating in the US and UK, the first CIA teams on the ground in Afghanistan after 9/11, the eccentric first Chief of MI6 and his legacy, tales of Cold War spies and traitors, the Bangladesh Bank cyber heist, and Edward Snowden.

David McCloskey, the bestselling author of The Seventh Floor, Moscow X, Damascus Station and The Seventh Floor (publishing in the UK in January 2025), is a former CIA analyst. He leverages his experience from field stations across the Middle East during the Arab Spring and his work in the Counterterrorism Center, where he focused on jihadist activities in Syria and Iraq. His background positions him as a leading voice in international intrigue.

Gordon Corera has covered national security issues for more than twenty five years including two decades as a Security Correspondent for BBC News. He is widely respected for his deep coverage of issues relating to terrorism, cyber-security, and espionage. He has interviewed spy chiefs from around the world and presented radio and podcast series including Shock and War: Iraq 20 Years On. He has also authored several acclaimed non-fiction books on intelligence, including MI6: Life & Death In The British Secret Service and Russians Among Us: Sleeper Cells, Ghost Stories, and the Hunt for Putin’s Spies.

“The Rest Is Classified will delve deep into the world of espionage, giving listeners an insider’s perspective. It won’t just debunk myths or challenge fictional portrayals of spies — it will reveal the real, often astonishing, events behind these stories revealing how the truth is often wilder than the fiction," said Corera.

McCloskey added, “By design, the espionage business is secret, and its operations take place below the waterline, but we’re taking you under the surface to uncover the classified details of what really happened. We’ve been in the room, covered these events, and spent years discussing them. Now, we’re opening the door to the realities of a secret world that’s nearly impossible to access through Hollywood or spy novels.”

From Cold War intrigue to modern cyber espionage, The Rest Is Classified offers a compelling listen for history buffs, spy enthusiasts, and anyone curious about international affairs.

The series follows previous Goalhanger productions, including global phenomenons The Rest Is History, The Rest Is Politics, Empire and The Rest Is Entertainment.