The Rest Is Classified
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.
Intelligence Scoop: How North Korean Hackers Stole $6.3bn in Crypto
Did North Korean hackers just get away with the biggest heist in history? And why does Kim Jong Un run his intelligence agencies like crime syndicates?
Listen as David and Gordon delve into the mad world of North Korean hackers and crypto heists and explore how you steal $6.3bn in 20 minutes, and then use it to make nuclear weapons.
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Watergate: The CIA Conspiracy (Ep 1)
Was the CIA behind the Watergate break-in and cover-up? And why did Langley technicians hand one of Nixon’s burglars a wig, an alias driving license and a camera hidden in a tobacco pouch?
Listen as David and Gordon begin a four-part exploration of the truth behind the infamous Watergate burglaries.
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The US Mercenaries Fighting Haiti’s Deadly Gang War
“Years of political turmoil, corruption and the ascendance of a deadly gang coalition are suffocating Haiti’s capital city. The US and international community have repeatedly tried and failed to help bring order. Now, the remnants of Haiti’s government have rolled the dice with a very different option: a US private security tycoon.”
These are the words of Nick Paton Walsh, CNN’s Chief International Security Correspondent, who has just released a groundbreaking report going inside the secretive operation taking on Haiti’s gangs.
Today David McCloskey is joined by Ni...
Intelligence Scoop: Why Governments Want Us To Stockpile
In the last weeks, we’ve had dire warnings from governments and intelligence agencies across the world, warning of a cyber apocalypse and a global internet meltdown.
At the same time, the British government has told people to start storing 72 hours of supplies and the Pentagon in the US has told its bases they need to survive for 90s days without outside support.
So this week, David and Gordon are asking: are we doomed and should we start prepping?
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Kim Philby: Exiled in Moscow (Ep 6)
Kim Philby was perhaps the greatest spy of the twentieth century, but who was he really working for all along? This is the moment the Philby story reaches its dramatic conclusion…
Listen as David and Gordon wrap up their exploration of Kim Philby.
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Intelligence Scoop: Is Saudi Arabia Spying on Silicon Valley?
Is Saudi Arabia spying inside Silicon Valley? And are America's tech secrets at risk?
Listen as David and Gordon dig into the wild story of an engineer allegedly stealing secrets from Open AI - the makers of ChatGPT.
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Kim Philby: Unmasking MI6’s Greatest Traitor (Ep 5)
Has the past finally caught up with MI6 officer and KGB spy Kim Philby? His best friend has been sent out to confront him - but who will win out?
Listen as David and Gordon reach the penultimate episode in the wild life of MI6’s greatest traitor, Kim Philby.
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Intelligence Scoop: The Biggest Threats to Britain, Live From MI5
What really happened at RAF Fairford? Are Russia and Iran escalating their attacks on the UK? And could AI help terrorists develop deadly bioweapons?
Listen as David and Gordon dissect the key stories from MI5’s annual threat briefing and delve into the true story behind the incident at RAF Fairford.
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Kim Philby: Undercover in Beirut (Ep 4)
Kim Philby is staying one step ahead of his pursuers who suspect the MI6 man is also a KGB agent. Now he’s heading to the Middle East where his past will catch up with him in some unusual ways.
Listen as David and Gordon trace Kim Philby’s journey to Beirut.
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Intelligence Scoop: Former German Spy Chief Arrested for Treason
Germany’s former intelligence chief has been arrested for treason and spying for a foreign power. But who has he been accused of spying for? And how dangerous could this accusation be for the BND?
Listen as David and Gordon dig into the breaking news that the former chief of German intelligence has been arrested on charges of treason and espionage.
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Kim Philby: Interrogated by MI5 (Ep 3)
Two of the Cambridge spies have fled to Moscow and now the finger of suspicion is pointing at the Third Man - Kim Philby. But will the top MI6 officer crack under pressure as the claims against him become public?
Listen as David and Gordon tell the story of Kim Philby’s unravelling.
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London Station (Extract)
To coincide with the release of David's latest novel, London, we have the book’s first two chapters in audiobook form for you to enjoy.
Artemis Procter returns in David McCloskey’s electrifying new spy thriller, where London has devolved into a covert battleground between British and American intelligence services.
London Station by David McCloskey, is OUT NOW in the US and out next week in the UK.
Pre-order a signed edition via this link.
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A ne...
Intelligence Scoop: Could Netanyahu Have Prevented October 7?
The events of October 7 2023 reshaped the Middle East. But could what happened on that fateful day, and everything that has come after, have been prevented?
Listen as David and Gordon dig into whether there is any truth in the reporting that Benjamin Netanyahu was warned about the October 7 attacks, and chose to do nothing.
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Kim Philby: The Russians Make a Fatal Mistake (Ep 2)
Kim Philby is MI6’s man in Washington - whilst also working for the KGB. But he’s about to discover that western intelligence is running a hunt for moles - one that could lead to him.
Listen as David and Gordon go deep into the murky world of Kim Philby in Washington.
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Intelligence Scoop: Is Russia Preparing to Attack Europe?
Are we dangerously underestimating how close we are to war with Putin? Or are we exaggerating the threat Russia poses to Europe?
Listen as David McCloskey and Gordon Corera cut through the fear, the conspiracies and the Kremlin’s deception to reveal what Russia is actually doing, and why.
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Kim Philby: A KGB Spy in Washington (Ep 1)
The greatest traitor MI6 has ever seen - a Soviet mole at the heart of the British Secret Service. Kim Philby is now heading to Washington but can he keep his cool as the net begins to close around him?
Listen as David and Gordon begin the final instalment in their journey into the extraordinarily treacherous life of Kim Philby.
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How Silicon Valley Took Over National Security
Why are Silicon Valley billionaires developing defence tech? Could Elon Musk build a nuclear bomb? And why did Steve Jobs owe his early success to the CIA?
Listen as David is joined by national security journalist Sharon Weinberger to discuss her new book, Valley of Death: How Big Tech Is Fuelling the Future of War.
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The KGB in Iran: Appeasing the Ayatollah with Ben Macintyre (Ep 2)
A KGB officer who has secretly gone over to work for MI6 in revolutionary Iran. But will MI6 be able to get him out of the country when things go wrong?
Listen as David and Gordon are joined by renowned author and journalist, Ben Macintyre, to discuss his latest book: Redwood.
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The KGB in Iran: Defecting to MI6 with Ben Macintyre (Ep 1)
A KGB officer is recruited by MI6 in Iran at a time of revolutionary upheaval. His intelligence helped shape the Cold War. But how far is agent Redwood motivated by some rather personal difficulties?
Listen as David and Gordon are joined by renowned author and journalist, Ben Macintyre, to discuss his latest book: Redwood.
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9/11: The War on Terror (Ep 6)
What was the nature of the intelligence failures leading up to 9/11? Could the attacks have been prevented? And what is the enduring impact, 25 years on, of that grim day in September 2001?
Listen as David and Gordon reach the dramatic conclusion of their exploration of the 9/11 attacks.
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9/11: The Twin Towers Fall (Ep 5)
What happened on 9/11? This is the day itself, as seen through the eyes of those who lived and died…
Listen as David and Gordon take us through the day that changed America, forever.
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THE REST IS CLASSIFIED LIVE 2026 at The Rest Is Fest: Buy your tickets to see David, Gordon and special guest Anthony Scaramucci live on stage at London’s Southbank Centre on 5 September: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/scaramucci-vs-the-rest-is-classified-team-america/
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9/11: Could the Attacks Have Been Prevented? (Ep 4)
By July 2001 the plan for 9/11 was almost complete… All that was missing was a day. How do you set the date the world changes?
Listen as David and Gordon unpack the night before the 9/11 hijackers carried out their plot.
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THE REST IS CLASSIFIED LIVE 2026 at The Rest Is Fest: Buy your tickets to see David, Gordon and special guest Anthony Scaramucci live on stage at London’s Southbank Centre on 5 September: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/scaramucci-vs-the-rest-is-classified-team-america/
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9/11: How Much Did the Saudis Know? (Ep 3)
Fifteen of the nineteen hijackers on 9/11 came from Saudi Arabia, many from a handful of poor remote villages. Who were the men known as ‘the muscle’, and what made them?
Listen as David and Gordon explore the alleged Saudi connection to the 9/11 plot.
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THE REST IS CLASSIFIED LIVE 2026 at The Rest Is Fest: Buy your tickets to see David, Gordon and special guest Anthony Scaramucci live on stage at London’s Southbank Centre on 5 September: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/scaramucci-vs-the-rest-is-classified-team-america/
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9/11: How to Recruit a Hijacker (Ep 2)
What kind of men do you recruit to fly planes into skyscrapers? And as the 9/11 plot developed, why didn’t the CIA spot what was coming?
Listen as David and Gordon chart the mission to recruit the attackers for the 9/11 attacks.
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THE REST IS CLASSIFIED LIVE 2026 at The Rest Is Fest: Buy your tickets to see David and Gordon live on stage at London’s Southbank Centre on 4 September: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/the-rest-is-classified-live/
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The Man Who Briefed the President on 9/11
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What was the first thing the President said after the September 11th attacks? Was 9/11 really a strategic failure? And, would Osama Bin Laden be happy with the post-9/11 world?
Listen as David and Gordon are joined by former acting CIA Director, Michael Morrell, the man who briefed the President on two of the most consequential moments in modern US history: 9/11 and the killing of Bin Laden.
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9/11: The Rise of Osama bin Laden (Ep 1)
9/11 was the most devastating terrorist attack in history, but where did the plot come from? And when a freelance terrorist walks in with a plan to fly planes into American buildings, why did Osama Bin Laden almost say no?
Listen as David and Gordon begin their six-part exploration of how the 9/11 terror attacks came to pass, 25 years on.
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THE REST IS CLASSIFIED LIVE 2026 at The Rest Is Fest: Buy your tickets to see David and Gordon live on stage at London’s Southbank Centre on 4 September: h...
The Secret Spy Network: Can Five Eyes Survive Trump? (Ep 4)
The Five Eyes is an intelligence alliance that has endured for decades. But can it survive Donald Trump in the White House?
Listen as David and Gordon are joined by Richard Kerbaj for the final instalment of their series exploring the tumultuous history of the Five Eyes intelligence sharing alliance.
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The Secret History of the Five Eyes by Richard Kerbaj
The Defector by Richard Kerbaj
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The Secret Spy Network: How Snowden Nearly Destroyed Everything (Ep 3)
The Five Eyes are watching the world. But what happens when one eye is bigger than the other? And what happens when new threats emerge?
Listen as David and Gordon are joined again by author, journalist and filmmaker Richard Kerbaj, to explore the history of the Five Eyes intelligence sharing alliance.
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The Secret History of the Five Eyes by Richard Kerbaj
The Defector by Richard Kerbaj
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The Secret Spy Network: Kim Philby Threatens the Alliance (Ep 2)
An intelligence alliance established to spy on the Soviets during the Cold War. But will it be able to hold together under crisis?
David and Gordon are once again joined by journalist, author and filmmaker Richard Kerbaj, to explore the history of the Five Eyes intelligence sharing alliance.
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The Secret History of the Five Eyes by Richard Kerbaj
The Defector by Richard Kerbaj
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The Secret Spy Network: How The US and UK Spy Together (Ep 1)
It is most powerful intelligence alliance the world has ever seen But what is the Five Eyes and how did it begin?
Listen as David and Gordon are joined by journalist, author and filmmaker Richard Kerbaj, to explore one of the world's most significant and longstanding intelligence sharing alliances.
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The Secret History of the Five Eyes by Richard Kerbaj
The Defector by Richard Kerbaj
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THE REST IS...
The Imitation Game: The Codebreakers Who Defeated Hitler (Ep 2)
Alan Turing is working frantically to break the German codes at Bletchley Park. But can the Brits and Americans really trust each other?
Listen as David and Gordon conclude their two-part exploration of the incredible work undertaken at the predecessor to GCHQ.
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THE REST IS CLASSIFIED LIVE 2026 at The Rest Is Fest: Buy your tickets to see David and Gordon live on stage at London’s Southbank Centre on 4 September: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/the-rest-is-classified-live/
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The Imitation Game: How Alan Turing Broke Enigma (Ep 1)
A secret mission in the middle of a war to Bletchley Park. One that will lead to the closest intelligence alliance in history.
Listen as David and Gordon tell the secret history of how the codebreakers at Bletchley Park worked with their American allies to defeat Hitler.
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THE REST IS CLASSIFIED LIVE 2026 at The Rest Is Fest: Buy your tickets to see David and Gordon live on stage at London’s Southbank Centre on 4 September: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/the-rest-is-classified-live/
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Have the US and Israel Always Spied on Each Other? (Ep 2)
How did Israel’s spy in America Jonathan Pollard wind up getting caught? And what does the sordid episode tell us about the nature of the spy relationship between America and Israel?
David and Gordon explore how an US-Israeli spy stole hundreds of classified documents in the 1980s, and what this story tells us about the contemporary espionage relationships between the US and Israel.
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Did Israel Spy on Trump’s Iran Negotiations? (Ep 1)
Do Israel and America spy on each other? And how do close allies navigate stealing each other’s secrets?
Listen as David and Gordon step inside the tricky intelligence sharing relationship between the US and Israel.
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THE REST IS CLASSIFIED LIVE 2026 at The Rest Is Fest: Buy your tickets to see David and Gordon live on stage at London’s Southbank Centre on 4 September: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/the-rest-is-classified-live/
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The Plot to Destroy Russia’s Gas Empire (Ep 2)
How did a group of civilian divers carry out what’s been described as one of the greatest acts of sabotage of the 21st century? And have they finally been exposed?
Listen as David and Gordon unpack the investigation into who blew up the Nord Stream Pipeline in 2022 with Bojan Pancevski, Chief European Political Correspondent of the Wall Street Journal and author of the newly released book, The Nord Stream Conspiracy.
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Who Blew Up the Nord Stream Pipeline? (Ep 1)
Why did an undersea pipeline that sent Russian gas to Germany explode in 2022? And could a group of Ukrainian operatives really have been behind it?
David and Gordon are joined by Bojan Pancevski, Chief European Political Correspondent of the Wall Street Journal and author of the newly released book, The Nord Stream Conspiracy, to discuss who was really responsible for the explosion of the Nord Stream pipeline in 2022.
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THE REST IS CLASSIFIED LIVE 2026 at The Rest Is Fest: Buy your tickets to see David and Gordon live on s...
The True Story of the Spies Held Hostage by China (Ep 2)
A Chinese fighter jet and American spy plane collide over the South China Seas. And now a US aircrew are held hostage by their Chinese captors.
David and Gordon reach the dramatic crescendo of their story exploring the downing of a US spy plane over the South China Seas.
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THE REST IS CLASSIFIED LIVE 2026 at The Rest Is Fest: Buy your tickets to see David and Gordon live on stage at London’s Southbank Centre on 4 September: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/the-rest-is-classified-live/
...How China Downed a US Spy Plane (Ep 1)
What happens when a Chinese Fighter jet crashes into a US spy plane? The result is death, hostages and a major crisis with lessons for what could spark a war today.
Listen as David and Gordon tell the infamous story of the Hainan Island Incident.
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THE REST IS CLASSIFIED LIVE 2026 at The Rest Is Fest: Buy your tickets to see David and Gordon live on stage at London’s Southbank Centre on 4 September: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/the-rest-is-classified-live/
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The Murder of Litvinenko: Did the British State Hide the Truth? (Ep 6)
Did the British state try to bury the truth of what happened to Alexander Litvinenko? And how did his wife, Marina, continue battling for justice?
Listen as David and Gordon conclude their series on the murder of Alexander Litvinenko.
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THE REST IS CLASSIFIED LIVE 2026 at The Rest Is Fest: Buy your tickets to see David and Gordon live on stage at London’s Southbank Centre on 4 September: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/the-rest-is-classified-live/
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The Murder of Litvinenko: The Killers Escape (Ep 5)
Radioactive poison has been used to kill Alexander Litvinenko on the streets of London. But where will the trail lead and can the police follow it to find his killers?
Listen as David and Gordon reach the penultimate episode in their exploration of the murder of Litvinenko.
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THE REST IS CLASSIFIED LIVE 2026 at The Rest Is Fest: Buy your tickets to see David and Gordon live on stage at London’s Southbank Centre on 4 September: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/the-rest-is-classified-live/
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