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A photojournalist in Cold War Eastern Europe (232)
23 april 2022 · 1 uur 3 min
During the 1970s and 1980s, Arthur Grace travelled extensively behind the Iron Curtain, working primarily for news magazines. One of only a small corps of Western photographers with ongoing access, he was able to delve into the most ordinary corners of people's daily lives, while also covering significant events. His remarkable book Communism(s) A Cold War Album is effectively psychological portraits that leave the viewer with a sense of the gamut of emotions in that era. Lees meer
Illustrated with over 120 black-and-white images-nearly all previously unpublished- Communism(s) gives an unprecedented glimpse behind the veil of a not-so-distant time filled with harsh realities unseen by nearly all but those that lived through it. Shot in the USSR, Poland, Romania, Yugoslavia and the German Democratic Republic, here are portraits of factory workers, farmers, churchgoers, holidaymakers and loitering teens juxtaposed with Social Realist-designed apartment blocks, annual May Day Parades, Poland's Solidarity movement (and the subsequent imposition of martial law) and the vastness of Moscow's Red Square.
Buy the book here https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9788862087674
Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll get a sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews here. It really helps us get new guests on the show.
0:00 Introduction to Cold War Conversations and Arthur Grace
2:37 Sponsor: Cold War Conversations merchandise and donations
5:31 Arthur Grace's experiences in Romania
15:45 Encounters and photo opportunities in East Germany
21:23 Anti-government memorials and Solidarity movement in Poland
33:39 The art and challenges of photojournalism during the Cold War
40:42 Trans… -
Escaping from Cold War Romania (231)
16 april 2022 · 1 uur 15 min
Zsolt Akos Pall was 17 when he decided to flee Cold War Romania for a better life in the West.
It’s a heart-warming story of the generosity of strangers. Young Zsolt finds compassionate border guards, gets lost in Vienna and has incredible luck wherever he turns as he negotiates the iron curtain as well as many other international borders to reach his brother in Sweden
However, his escape is bittersweet as we hear of his emotional farewell to his parents, not knowing if he’d ever see them again.
Cold War history is disappearing; however a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll get a sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show. Lees meerThere’s further information here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode231/
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.
0:00 Introduction and Zolt Acos Powell's decision to flee Cold War Romania
7:52 Zolt's parents' reaction and his journey to the Hungarian border
16:00 Zolt's escape and experiences at the Hungarian border station
24:01 Zolt's journey to Vienna and his first day there
36:10 Zolt's journey from Vienna to Germany and his encounters along the way
48:06 Zolt's attempt to cross the border, arrival in Germany and journey to Stuttgart
53:02 Zolt's first impression of Hamburg
1:04:01 Zolt's arrival in Sweden and reuniting with his brother
1:07:38 The repercussions faced by Zolt's parents and their arrival in Sweden
1:10:44 Conclusion, mention of financial supporters and the Cold War Conversations store
Table o… -
A Hungarian childhood in Cold War Romania (230)
9 april 2022 · 49 min
Zsolt Akos Pall was born in a small town in the Hungarian speaking part of Romania.
For ordinary people, life in Romania in the 1980s was very hard and it could be even worse if you were a part of the Hungarian Szekler minority since the Communist government persecuted the Hungarian minority. They even made them change their Hungarian names into Romanian. Zsolt's brother was renamed Istvan to Stefan. However, Zsolt was baptised Zsolt, since there was no Romanian equivalent to it.
Zsolt describes the shortages, his schooling and many other stories of life in Romania during this period.
We end the episode with Zsolt’s plans to escape to Sweden. Don’t miss Part 2!
Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll get a sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.
I am delighted to welcome Zsolt Akos Pall to our Cold War conversation…
There’s further information here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode230/
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.
0:00 Introduction and early life in Romania
2:36 Life under communism and experience of the Hungarian minority in Romania
15:56 Impact of shortages on daily life and industry
18:47 School life, propaganda, and societal structure under the regime
27:02 Cold War hobbies: Young pioneer experience and photography
32:59 Brother's journey out of Romania and Western influences
38:35 Zsolt's escape attempt and first love
41:12 Life goals in Hungary, brother's journey to Sw… Lees meer -
The shooting down of KAL007, the Able Archer exercise and the nuclear war scare of 1983 (229)
2 april 2022 · 1 uur 24 min
The year 1983 was one of the most dangerous in human history. While the Cuban crisis was exceptionally dangerous and both the United States and the Soviet Union had significant nuclear arsenals in 1962, a war in 1983 would have likely ended the human race. Lees meer
Brian Morra was Chief of Intelligence Analysis for US Forces Japan at Yakota airbase when on 1st September 1983 an unarmed Korean airliner was shot down by a Soviet fighter causing the deaths of 269 people. He describes the less well known subsequent incidents between Soviet and US military aircraft which almost resulted in a shooting war between the two superpowers.
During this period the Soviet leadership believed the US was going to launch a nuclear attack on their country. Their paranoia was heightened by several incidents during 1983 which are dramatized in Brian’s new novel “The Able Archers”, which is based on his experiences during that period.
UK listeners buy the Able Archers book here
US listeners buy the Able Archers book here
Robert M. Gates, former CIA Director and Secretary of Defence describes “The Able Archers” as “a powerful reminder of the value of human judgment—and the continuing peril posed by nuclear-armed powers.”I could really use your support to continue the podcast. A simple monthly donation will get you the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
I am delighted to welcome Brian Morra to our Cold War conversation…Brian's Web site https://brianjmorra.com/
There’s further information on this episode in our show notes which can also be found as a link in your podcast app here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode229
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook or click here https://www.facebook.c… -
Charlotte Philby talks about her grandfather Soviet spy Kim Philby & her book "Edith & Kim" (228)
26 maart 2022 · 1 uur 11 min
In June 1934, Kim Philby met his Soviet handler, the spy Arnold Deutsch. Kim Philby was a British intelligence officer and a double agent for the Soviet Union. In 1963 he was revealed to be a member of the Cambridge Five, a spy ring that had divulged British secrets to the Soviets during World War II and in the early stages of the Cold War.
The woman who introduced Philby to Deutsch was Edith Tudor-Hart and her story has never been told.
Edith Tudor Hart changed the course of 20th-century history. Then she was written out of it.
I speak with Charlotte Philby, granddaughter of Kim Philby. Charlotte has written "Edith and Kim" which draws on the Secret Intelligence Files on Edith Tudor Hart, along with the private archive letters of Kim Philby. This finely worked, evocative and beautifully tense novel tells, for the first time, the story of the woman behind the Third Man.
We also hear from Charlotte what it was like having Kim Philby as her grandfather, including details of visits to see him in Moscow during the Cold War. It’s a fascinating insight into one of the most notorious spies of the Cold War.
Now, this podcast relies on your support to enable me to continue to capture these incredible stories and make them available to you.
If you’d like to continue to hear the podcast and help preserve Cold War history, you can support me via one off or monthly donations.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ for more details.
If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.
I am delighted to welcome Charlotte Philby to our Cold War conversation…
Book giveaway details further information here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode228/
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Col… Lees meer -
The first woman to graduate from French Commando school (227)
19 maart 2022 · 1 uur 19 min
Maura McCormick was posted to Berlin as a Signals Intelligence voice interceptor (Russian). Her workplace was the Teufelsberg U.S. listening station, aka Field Station Berlin.
Maura shares her early impressions of Berlin and working at the Tberg. She talks about her impressions of the infamous James Hall, a United States Army warrant officer and signals intelligence analyst who sold eavesdropping and code secrets to East Germany and the Soviet Union from 1983 to 1988.
Maura also recounts a close call with Hüseyin Yıldırım, a Turkish-American auto mechanic who was a Stasi courier for the espionage activities of James Hall.
Maura often visited East Berlin where she tells of an unusually close encounter with a chimney sweep that almost resulted in an international incident.
In West Berlin, Maura became the first woman to graduate from French Commando school. The commandant had a nightly call to Paris to confirm that she had survived the day's training…
Now if you think there is a vast army of research assistants, audio engineers and producers putting together this podcast you’d be wrong. This podcast relies on your support to enable me to continue to capture these incredible stories and make them available to everyone for free.
If you’d like to help to preserve Cold War history and enable me to continue to produce this podcast you can via one-off or monthly donations.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ for more details.
Do join our Facebook discussion group where the cold war conversation continues between episodes. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.
0:00 Introduction and Maura McCormick's role in the Cold War
2:35 Interview with Maura McCormick begins
5:56 Maura's first posting in Berlin and impressions of West Berlin
16:21 Maura's interaction with Stasi spies James Hall and Hüseyin Yıldırım
24:52 Maura's acclimatization trip to East Germany and encounters
36:04 Maura's experiences in East Berlin and close encounter with East German lead… Lees meer -
Betrayed by comrades (226)
12 maart 2022 · 1 uur 6 min
Liz Kohn has been researching Alice Glasnerová, who was imprisoned as part of the early Cold War Czechoslovak show trials known as the Slansky trials.
These were among the most notorious show trials of the 20th century, with the prosecution and sentencing to death of Rudolf Slánský, general secretary of the Czechoslovak Communist party, and 10 other defendants, who had been arrested in a brutal purge ordered by Stalin.
Alice Glasnerová was Liz’s father’s first wife. When Liz started researching Alice’s life she had never seen a picture of her and had never read a word she had written. All I knew was that she had been married to her father and had been a member of the communist party. Liz has pieced together a tragic story of a couple although deeply in love, who were separated by the difference in their political views which ultimately resulted in pain, disillusion and betrayal.
Now if you think there is a vast army of research assistants, audio engineers and producers putting together this podcast you’d be wrong. This podcast relies on your support to enable me to continue to capture these incredible stories and make them available to everyone for free.
If you’d like to help to preserve Cold War history and enable me to continue to produce this podcast you can via one-off or monthly donations.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ for more details.
If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.
0:00 Introduction to Liz Kohn and her research on Alice Glasnerova
6:17 Alice Glasnerova's political journey and experiences in the Soviet Union
14:58 Alice's experiences in Spain and the aftermath
17:13 Alice's journey to America and the impact of Anti-Semitism
20:02 Alice's return to Czechoslovakia and involvement in the war
27:21 The communist takeover in Czechoslovakia and its impact on A… Lees meer -
My father, the KGB spy (225)
5 maart 2022 · 1 uur 24 min
In 1978, Ieva Lesinska was a university student in Soviet Latvia with dreams of becoming a writer. She had just spent a heady month in New York visiting her father, Imants Lesinskis, a Soviet translator working at the United Nations. However, he was an employee of the KGB and a member of the Communist Party. Lees meer
During her trip to the US, Ieva’s father informed her that he and his wife Rasma were about to defect. He offered her a blunt choice: take a taxi to the Soviet Embassy and denounce him as a traitor, or stay with him and never see her mother or her homeland of Latvia again. She chose to stay.
The new family officially became East German immigrants with new identities: Peter and Linda Dorn, and their daughter Evelyn. They were citizens of nowhere who possessed re-entry permits but no passports. In 1985, soon after Mr Lesinskis publicly disclosed confidential items on various KGB operations in Latvia, he died under mysterious circumstances.
Watch the film about Ieva story here:
UK https://amzn.to/3In12Ra US https://amzn.to/3xRZsBXThis podcast relies on listener support to enable me to continue to capture these incredible stories and make them available for free. You can support my work and help to preserve Cold War history via one-off or monthly donations
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ for more details.
Do join our Facebook discussion group where the cold war conversation continues between episodes. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.
I am delighted to welcome Ieva Lesinska to our Cold War conversation…
There’s further information here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode225/
0:00 Introduction and story of Ieva Lesinska's parents as sleeper agents
2:26 Ieva Lesinska on her childhood and family history in Soviet Latvia
17:03 Revelation of Ieva's father's KGB affiliation and defection plans
23:02 Ieva Lesinska's journey to the United States and her decision to stay
39:13 Ieva Lesinska's adjustment to new life and identity i… -
"Three, Two, one, detonation..." a Royal Navy nuclear test veteran remembers (224)
26 februari 2022 · 47 min
The British Nuclear Test Veterans Association (BNTVA) is the Charity for UK Nuclear Veterans and last year they very kindly invited me to the annual conference. I met many veterans including Peter Lambourne and this is his story.
Peter joined the Royal Navy aged 15. He describes those early days including serving on HMS Wizard during the Cod War with Iceland in 1961.
In 1962 Peter was then posted to HMS Resolution which was the codename for the nuclear bomb testing base on Christmas Island.
Peter’s base was less than 20 miles away from where hydrogen bombs were being detonated and he shares his experiences of those detonations.
Many servicemen and islanders who were present at Christmas Island from 1957 to 1962 later reported severe health problems, which they attributed to the nuclear bomb tests – from cancers to organ failure. Whilst Peter’s health has appeared unaffected, his children and grandchildren have suffered from cancers.
In 2023 the UK finally awarded a medal to the nuclear test veterans.
Now if you think there is a vast army of research assistants, audio engineers and producers putting together this podcast you’d be wrong. This podcast relies on your support to enable me to continue to capture these incredible stories and make them available to everyone for free.
If you’d like to help to preserve Cold War history and enable me to continue to produce this podcast you can via one off or monthly donations.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ for more details.
Do join our Facebook discussion group where the cold war conversation continues between episodes. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.
0:00 Introduction and Peter Lambourne's background
1:06 Peter's posting to HMS Resolution and nuclear bomb testing on Christmas Island
2:29 Call for podcast support and donations
3:33 Peter's experience in the Cod War with Iceland and posting to Christmas Island
12:10 Witnessing hydrogen bomb detonations on Christmas Island
17:06 The terrify… Lees meer -
The Stasi Poetry Circle (223)
19 februari 2022 · 1 uur 8 min
In 1982 the East German Ministry for State Security is hunting for creative new weapons in the war against the class enemy – and their solution is stranger than fiction. Rather than guns, tanks, or bombs, the Stasi develop a programme to fight capitalism through rhyme and verse, winning the culture war through poetry – and the result is the most bizarre book club in history.
I speak with Philip Oltermann the author of The Stasi Poetry Circle. Philip has used unseen archival material and exclusive interviews with surviving members to tell the incredible hidden story of a unique experiment: weaponising poetry for politics.
Now if you think there is a vast army of research assistants, audio engineers and producers putting together this podcast you’d be wrong. This podcast relies on your support to enable me to continue to capture these incredible stories and make them available to everyone for free.
If you’d like to help to preserve Cold War history and enable me to continue to produce this podcast you can via one off or monthly donations.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ for more details.
Do join our facebook discussion group where the cold war conversation continues between episodes. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.
I am delighted to welcome Philip Oltermann to our Cold War conversation…
Book giveaway and further information here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode223/
0:00 Introduction with Philip Oltermann
6:09 Discussion on GDR's policies towards arts and culture
13:22 The Stasi's involvement with writing circles and their shift in approach
21:01 Role of poetry and culture as a weapon in the Cold War
28:37 The story of Annegret Gollin and Stasi's fear of subversive literature
34:57 Stasi's recruitment process and the impact on Annegret Gollin.
39:03 Introduction to Alexander Ruika, a talented poet and spy
44:27 Discussion on the fear of nuclear war in the 1980s
49:39 Introduction to Uwe Berger, the teacher of the Stasi poet… Lees meer -
The start of the Cuban revolution & the launch of Apollo 8 (222)
16 februari 2022 · 36 min
The phrase “history is human” was coined by two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian David McCullough. He says “History is about life. It isn't just about dates and quotations from obscure treaties and the like; it's about people", which is exactly what Cold War Conversations is about. Lees meer
I discovered this phrase listening to the History Daily podcast presented and narrated by Lindsay Graham. This podcast takes you back in time to explore a momentous moment that happened "on this day" in history using fully immersive, sound design, original music and a compelling narrative style.
I really enjoy it and I'm sure you will too. I am sharing two short Cold War episodes on this bonus episode. If think you'd enjoy the History Daily podcast follow or subscribe by searching “History Daily Podcast”. or click on this link https://pod.link/1591095413Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
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Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
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Cold War British Army fighting tactics in West Germany (221)
12 februari 2022 · 1 uur 5 min
Frank Baldwin was commissioned into the Royal Artillery in 1979 and served for ten years, rising to the rank of Major. The first battlefield study he planned was in 1989 for HQ 4th Armoured Division. Since then, he has been a guide or historian for over 200 realities of war tours, battlefield studies and staff rides.
Frank reels off lots of great anecdotes as he takes us through the initial years of the BAOR and the British Army’s plans for the defence of West Germany.
He talks about the evolution of doctrines, on both the Soviet and NATO sides including their nuclear war-fighting techniques.
Frank also describes working with Warsaw Pact observers of NATO military exercises and the British view of the effectiveness of other NATO armies as well as the armies of the Warsaw Pact. Lees meerMaps and material to accompany this episode are here https://www.staffrideservices.com/?p=461
Now if you are enjoying these podcasts I’m asking for you to support my work with a small monthly donation. Your donations enable me to continue to capture these incredible stories and make them available for free to others.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ for more details.
Do join our Facebook discussion group where the cold war conversation continues between episodes. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.
I am delighted to welcome Frank Baldwin to our Cold War conversation…
Battlefield tour website
Story of a BAOR Cold war tour
Maps and material on BAOR and the Cold war. Cold war background material
Frank Baldwin's blog The Observation Post
0:00 Introduction and overview of the episode
2:37 Discussion on the planning and strategy during the Cold War
8:50 The concept of flexible response and the shift in NATO's planning
19:39 Tactics and maneuvers in the face of Russian forces
27:14 The Battle Group trainer and war simulation
33:04 Introduction of CSC and Stockholm agreement, and experiences during Iron Hammer exercise
37:07 Interaction with officers from the Warsaw pa… -
The West Berlin village surrounded by the Berlin Wall (220)
5 februari 2022 · 1 uur 12 min
When the Cold War split Berlin in half, between East and West, one neighbourhood was trapped in the middle and became a symbol of Cold War tensions.
For more than twenty years, the hamlet of Steinstücken was caught in a tug-of-war between the Americans, the Soviets and the East Germans.
Steinstücken officially belonged to the U.S. Occupation Sector of Berlin. But, it was located outside the city boundaries, completely surrounded by East German territory. No West Berlin-owned roads or trails connected it to the city. It was a de facto Western island in a Communist sea.
We speak with Cold War veteran Don Smith the author of Steinstuecken: A Little Pocket of Freedom, a photo and fact-packed book which describes the challenges America faced in occupied Berlin and the personal stories of the citizens of Steinstücken who faced East German soldiers on a daily basis.
Buy the book here and support the podcast Lees meerUK listeners https://amzn.to/3Aux9dW
US listeners https://amzn.to/3r47PZi
Don’s web site http://steinpocket.com/
Now if you think there is a vast army of research assistants, audio engineers and producers putting together this podcast you’d be wrong. This podcast relies on your support to enable me to continue to capture these incredible stories and make them available to everyone for free.
If you’d like to help to preserve Cold War history and enable me to continue to produce this podcast you can via one-off or monthly donations.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ for more details.
Do join our Facebook discussion group where the cold war conversation continues between episodes. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.
I am delighted to welcome Don Smith to our Cold War conversation…
There’s further information including videos here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode220/
0:00 Introduction and background of Steinstücken
5:21 History and life in Steinstücken during the Cold War
14:03 The unique nature of German farming and how Steinstücken… -
Tales of a West German football fan in the Soviet bloc (219)
29 januari 2022 · 38 min
You will remember Karl-Heinz from our episode 218 where he talked about being a signaller on the West German destroyer "Hamburg" in the late 70s.
Today we follow his post navy life as a travelling supporter of football club HSV Hamburg where he followed them all over the Soviet bloc talks about watching them play Dynamo Berlin the Stasi side and drinking with Liverpool, Newcastle and Hamburg legend Kevin Keegan in a hotel bar in Tiblisi.
And his Cold War encounters don’t stop there. While working in Chile he met General Pinochet, the military dictator of Chile from 1973 to 1990 and living across the street from Margot Honecker the wife of East German leader Erich Honecker who was also an influential member of that country's Communist regime until 1989.
If you have listened this far, I know you are enjoying the podcasts so I’m asking for one-off or monthly donations to support my work and enable me to continue producing the podcast. If you become a monthly supporter via Patreon, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you, audio and other extras as well as basking in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show. Lees meerIf you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.
I am delighted to welcome Karl-Heinz to our Cold War conversation…
There’s further information on this episode here including videos here . https://coldwarconversations.com/episode219/
0:00 Introduction to the episode and Karl Heinz's experiences with the KGB
2:02 Request for donations and support for the podcast
4:01 Karl Heinz's recollections of visits to East Berl… -
Serving on the West German destroyer "Hamburg" (218)
22 januari 2022 · 36 min
Karl-Heinz served in the Bundesmarine as a Signalman on the West German destroyer "Hamburg" in the late 70s.
He talks of his training, his role and shares details of manoeuvres in the North Sea and Baltics involving East German and Soviet ships.
He also speaks about a cruise to West Africa where the sailors were briefed to stay away from any East German merchant marine sailors and not to engage with them in any form – he and his mates didn’t keep to the rules…
If you have listened this far, I know you are enjoying the podcasts so I’m asking for one-off or monthly donations to support my work and enable me to continue producing the podcast. If you become a monthly supporter via Patreon, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you, audio and other extras as well as basking in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.
I am delighted to welcome Karl-Heinz to our Cold War conversation…
There’s further information on this episode in our show notes here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode218/
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.
0:00 Introduction and Overview of the Episode
2:29 Sponsor: Request for Donations and Support
3:15 Karl Heinz's Entry and Role in the West German Navy
10:56 Karl Heinz's Posting to the Destroyer Hamburg and West Africa Tour
18:03 Interaction with East German Sailors
22:27 Military Drills and Exercises in the North Sea and the Baltic
28:00 Anti Submarine Warfare Practice and Duration of Service
30:41 Cold War Travel Restrictions
30:49 Acknowledgments to Patreon Supporters
32:01 Engagi… Lees meer -
The CIA director responsible for creating spy devices (217)
15 januari 2022 · 1 uur 7 min
After service in the US Army during the Vietnam War Bob Wallace was recruited into the CIA.
In the CIA his initial assignments were as a field case officer. He rose through the ranks at the agency and was Chief of Station in three locations where he directed the full range of CIA activities.
In 1995 Bob became deputy director of the Office of Technical Service and in 1998 was appointed its director responsible for creating spy devices and capabilities necessary to conduct clandestine operations with safety and security. In other words, Bob was the "Q" of the CIA. Lees meerBuy Bob's book here
UK listeners https://amzn.to/3pBDrF4
US listeners https://amzn.to/3qvX0xDThis podcast relies on listener support to enable me to continue to capture these incredible stories and make them available for free. You can support my work and help to preserve Cold War history via one-off or monthly donations
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/for for more details.
Do join our Facebook discussion group where the cold war conversation continues between episodes. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.
I am delighted to welcome Bob Wallace to our Cold War conversation…
There’s further information here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode217/
0:00 Introduction and Bob's journey to the CIA
7:00 The professional career training program at the CIA
14:21 Use of technology in clandestine operations in the 1970s
20:07 Development of devices for espionage operations
42:04 Role as Director of The CIA's Office of Technical Service
48:41 The science of disguise and examples of successful disguises
54:31 The role of Hollywood in disguise techniques
58:31 Reflections on the Cold War era and thoughts on the future of espionage
1:00:24 Inspiration from James Bond movies and spy fiction
1:02:31 Closing remarks and appreciation
Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
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Vietnam War draftee to US Army Rangers (216)
8 januari 2022 · 54 min
Bob Wallace joined the US Army in 1968 as a reluctant conscript. He describes the draft process, and his attempts to avoid conscription.
After basic training, Bob is assigned to a long range reconnaissance unit and ambush unit in five or six man teams in the Mekong delta.
We hear of the reconnaissance and ambush tactics as well as some poignant memories of those that didn’t make it back.
This podcast relies on listener support to enable me to continue to capture these incredible stories and make them available for free. You can support my work and help to preserve Cold War history via one off or monthly donations
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ for more details.
Do join our Facebook discussion group where the cold war conversation continues between episodes. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.
I am delighted to welcome Bob Wallace to our Cold War conversation…
There’s further information on this episode here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode216/
0:00 Introduction and request for donations
1:03 Introduction to guest, Bob Wallace, Vietnam War Veteran
3:21 Bob Wallace's early life and journey to the US Army
13:25 Bob's arrival in Vietnam and military training experiences
21:21 Bob's leadership experiences and decision to turn down promotions
24:54 Discussion on Bob's deployment to Vietnam and role in a Ranger reconnaissance team
35:43 Bob's experiences in identifying hostile targets and ambush operations
40:51 Bob's first time under fire and personal reflections on combat
42:38 Bob's visit to the Vietnam War Memorial and remembering fallen comrades
46:02 Introduction of Bob's book, "9 from the 9th", and discussion on shared experiences
49:18 Acknowledgment of patrons and call to donate
50:54 Closing remarks and promotion of the Cold War Conversations store
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Helping the Refuseniks (215)
1 januari 2022 · 49 min
Refusenik was an unofficial term for individuals—typically, but not exclusively, Soviet Jews—who were denied permission to emigrate, primarily to Israel, by the authorities of the Soviet Union and other countries of the Eastern bloc. The term refusenik is derived from the "refusal" handed down to a prospective emigrant from the Soviet authorities.
Eric Hochstein was a staff member for Senator Carl Levin of Michigan working on human rights. Human rights were a big issue for Senator Levin.
Eric went as part of a standard commercial tour of the SU for two weeks from Sep 28th,1980, where he visited Moscow, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Odessa, and Leningrad. Eric and his colleagues used this trip to peel off and visit various Refusenik families to bring them news, messages and supplies.
Only protected by a US passport and a tourist visa Eric travelled by public transport under surveillance from the KGB carrying supplies for the families included Levi jeans which were better than money in the Soviet Union of the 1980s.
0:00 Introduction
2:50 Guest Introduction: Eric Hochstein
6:51 Lead-up to Eric Hochstein's trip to the USSR
13:41 Arrival and first impressions of the Soviet Union
23:39 Interaction with Refusenik families and their conditions
29:42 Anecdotes about being followed by the KGB
36:04 Soviet people's awareness about the United States and the West
40:12 Impressions of Leningrad and merchandise scarcity in Soviet Union
45:12 Acknowledgement and thanks to patrons
46:41 Cold War Conversations store promotion
Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨
I could really use your support to help me to capture and preserve these amazing stories of the Cold War.
If you could make either a one-off or better still sign up to monthly donations to help me to find the time to produce and finance the project.
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If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conver… Lees meer -
Eyewitness to the 1991 Soviet Coup with Brett Elliott (214)
25 december 2021 · 50 min
Today’s episode is different. Brett Elliott died earlier this year and I was contacted by his ex-wife Polly who offered me a cassette tape. Lees meer
Polly and Brett had met in college and got to know each other in Russian Club at Oklahoma State. In the summer of 1991, they went to Moscow to pursue Polly’s goal of being a reporter in Russia and Brett’s goal of further studying Russia.
They both worked together covering the Bush Gorbachev summit, with Polly as a reporter and Brett as an interpreter. Polly left Russia early, but Brett stayed a few weeks more and witnessed the collapse of the Soviet Union, August 19-21, 1991. During a rare phone call, Polly begged him to be careful, and he famously said she was worse than the coup leaders if she wanted to deny him getting out to witness history…
Polly's book is available on the links below
US Listeners https://amzn.to/3mEuPMa
UK listeners https://amzn.to/3CLuHjyWe have photos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode214/
This podcast relies on listener support to enable me to continue to capture these incredible stories and make them available for free. You can support my work and help to preserve Cold War history via one-off or monthly donations
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ for more details.
Do join our Facebook discussion group where the cold war conversation continues between episodes. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.
This episode is the audio from the cassette of Brett describing his experiences just two weeks after the coup. Being on cassette the sound quality is not great, but I am delighted and honoured to welcome Brett Elliott to our Cold War conversation…
0:00 Introduction and appeal for donations
1:47 Brett and Polly's experience in Russia
5:55 Brett's account before and during the coup
14:09 Brett's analysis of the coup leaders' strategy
16:03 Reaction to the arrival of armored vehicles in Moscow
21:23 Protestors' response to the show of military force
28:45 The marc… -
Working in the nuclear missile compartment of a Cold War Royal Navy Polaris submarine (213)
18 december 2021 · 48 min
John Andrews joined the Royal Navy in 1981 and went on to serve aboard the HMS Repulse, one of the UK’s Polaris nuclear missile submarines from 1982.
His role was Missile Compartment Control Patrol which included security of the nuclear missile compartment as well as assisting in the maintenance of the missile tubes and the nuclear missiles themselves.
John shares details of life aboard the ship including missile launch tests, alcohol, practical jokes, escape procedures from a submerged submarine and many more.
This podcast relies on listener support to enable me to continue to capture these incredible stories and make them available for free. You can support my work and help to preserve Cold War history via one-off or monthly donations
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ for more details.
Do join our Facebook discussion group where the cold war conversation continues between episodes. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.
Now, this episode was recorded at the Hack Green Nuclear Bunker Soviet Threat event so you will hear some background noise, but I am delighted to welcome John Andrews to our Cold War conversation…
There’s further information on this episode in our show notes which can also be found as a link in your podcast app here.
0:00 Introduction and guest John Andrews' role in the Royal Navy
3:05 Detailed background of John's service
6:13 Discussion on John's claustrophobia and PTSD diagnosis
9:02 Recollection of a missile launch test
15:32 Understanding of ship-wide activities
20:38 Role of detonators in missile launch
24:28 Monitoring radiation exposure and experiences with PTSD
28:17 Relationships and interactions with officers
31:40 Family communication on the submarine
37:52 Running quiet on the submarine when being followed
42:22 Rivalry between submarines and crews
44:30 Closing remarks by Ian Sanders
43:55 Acknowledging patrons and call for donations
44:45 Cold War Conversations store advertisement
Table of contents powered… Lees meer -
British Army "stay behinds" the Special OP Troop (212)
11 december 2021 · 1 uur 20 min
I speak with Colin Ferguson a veteran from the British Army‘s covert Special Observation Post Troop which was founded in 1982.
The "stay behind" Special OP Troop consisted of selected soldiers in 6 man patrols whose task was to dig in large underground hides known as "mexe" shelters along the inner German border. They would then allow the main Soviet forces to pass over them before deploying to two smaller observation posts (Ops) where they would engage the enemy with the long-range guns and rockets of the British Army.
Colin, covers in detail, selection, training and deployment as well as how the mexes were constructed. Do check out Colin’s podcast, “The Unconventional Soldier” which offers first-hand accounts of past conflicts, military history, book and film reviews, plus guests, dits and digression
This podcast relies on listener support to enable me to continue to capture these incredible stories and make them available for free. You can support my work and help to preserve Cold War history via one off or monthly donations
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/for more details.
Do join our Facebook discussion group where the cold war conversation continues between episodes. Lees meerThis episode is dedicated to remembering two members of the Special Op Troop. Lance Bombardier Steve Cummins, who is pictured on the episode cover and Gunner Miles Amos who lost their lives in 1989 when their vehicle struck a mine near Londonderry. We thank them for their service.
I am delighted and honoured to welcome Colin Ferguson to our Cold War conversation…
There are photos and further info here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode212/
0:00 Introduction
0:24 Interview with Colin Ferguson, a veteran from the British Army's covert Special OP troop
7:22 Basic training for the artillery and assignment to the 12th air defense regiment
14:24 Volunteering and initial training for the Special OP troop
20:30 The selection process for the Special OP troop and field experience… -
A Cold War childhood in Albania (211)
3 december 2021 · 1 uur 1 min
Lea Ypi grew up in one of the most isolated countries on earth, a place where communist ideals had officially replaced religion. Albania, the last Stalinist outpost in Europe, was almost impossible to visit, almost impossible to leave. It was a place of queuing and scarcity, of political executions and secret police. To Lea, it was home. People were equal, neighbours helped each other, and children were expected to build a better world. There was community and hope.
Then, in December 1990, a year after the fall of the Berlin Wall, everything changed. The statues of Stalin and Hoxha were toppled. Almost overnight, people could vote freely, wear what they liked and worship as they wished. There was no longer anything to fear from prying ears. But factories shut, jobs disappeared and thousands fled to Italy on crowded ships, only to be sent back. Predatory pyramid schemes eventually bankrupted the country, leading to violent conflict. As one generation's aspirations became another's disillusionment, and as her own family's secrets were revealed, Lea found herself questioning what freedom really meant.
Free is an engrossing memoir of coming of age amid political upheaval. With acute insight and wit, Lea Ypi traces the limits of progress and the burden of the past, illuminating the spaces between ideals and reality, and the hopes and fears of people pulled up by the sweep of history. Lees meerBuy the book and support the podcast
UK buyers https://amzn.to/2ZVgRx4
US buyers https://amzn.to/3psOkr8
Now time doesn’t come free and I’m asking listeners to support my work recording these incredible stories via a small (or large)l donation. If you become a monthly supporter via Patreon, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners c… -
The Cold War handshake in the heavens - the Apollo-Soyuz mission (210)
27 november 2021 · 1 uur 16 min
On 17 July 1975 the first manned international space mission, carried out jointly by the United States and the Soviet Union. Millions of people around the world watched on television as a United States Apollo module docked with a Soviet Union Soyuz capsule.
The project, and its memorable handshake in the heavens, was a symbol of détente between the two superpowers during the Cold War, and it is generally considered to mark the end of the Space Race.
Unthinkable only years earlier the Apollo–Soyuz mission was made possible by the thaw Soviet-US relations. According to Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev, "The Soviet and American spacemen will go up into outer space for the first major joint scientific experiment in the history of mankind. They know that from outer space our planet looks even more beautiful. It is big enough for us to live peacefully on it, but it is too small to be threatened by nuclear war.”
Our guest is Cold War Conversations favourite, author Stephen Walker, the author of Beyond: The Astonishing Story of the First Human to Leave Our Planet and Journey into Space.
Buy the book here and support CWC
UK https://amzn.to/3wOBZRI
US https://amzn.to/30vgsld Lees meerDo check out our two previous episodes with Stephen. Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode172/ and the Forgotten Cosmonaut here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode192/
I’m asking listeners to support my work and enable me to continue recording these incredible stories. If you become a monthly supporter via Patreon, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.
I am delighted to welcome Stephen Walker back to our Cold War co… -
Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev - aspiring actor and poetry fan (209)
14 november 2021 · 1 uur
Now, what do you think of when you hear the name Leonid Brezhnev who ruled the Soviet Union for 18 years from the 1960s to the 1980s? Lees meer
An old guy waving weakly from the Lenin mausoleum?
Well, think again! We speak with Susanne Schattenberg, the author of a new biography that systematically dismantles the stereotypical and one-dimensional view of Brezhnev as the stagnating Stalinist by drawing on a wealth of archival research and documents not previously studied in English.
The Brezhnev that emerges is a complex one, from his early apolitical years, as an aspiring actor and poetry fan, through his swift and surprising rise through the Party ranks.
We talk about his hitherto misunderstood role in Khrushchev's ousting and appointment as his successor, to his somewhat pro-Western foreign policy aims, deft consolidation and management of power, and ultimate descent into addiction and untimely death.
For Schattenberg, this is the story of a flawed and ineffectual idealist - for the West, this biography makes a convincing case that Brezhnev should be reappraised as one of the most interesting and important political figures of the twentieth century.Buy the book here and support CWC
UK https://amzn.to/3kCUaVn
US https://amzn.to/3c9fOvZ
Now time doesn’t come free and I’m asking listeners to support my work recording these incredible stories via a small (or large)l donation. If you become a monthly supporter via Patreon, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.
I am delighted to welcome Susanne Schattenberg to our Cold War conversation…
Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciatedSupport the project! https://coldwarconv…
-
Born into a family of Canadian Communists (208)
13 november 2021 · 1 uur 6 min
Fred Weir was a third-generation red diaper baby from Toronto and a long-time member of the Communist Party. His uncle, trained at the Lenin School in Moscow in the 1920s as an agent of the Communist International, the Comintern and spent many years in the USSR.
Fred had visited a few times, had studied Russian history up to the graduate level, but never wanted to live there until Gorbachev came to power in 1985. The new general secretary, the party’s first to be born after the revolution, talked, unlike any Communist leader since the original Bolsheviks. Suddenly, there was the electrifying prospect of socialism powered from below, a system focused on creative human potential rather than crop statistics.
Now I know some of you skip this bit, but if you want to continue hearing these Cold War stories I’m asking listeners to pledge a monthly donation of at least $4, £3 or €3 per month to help keep the podcast on the air, although larger amounts are welcome too.
If you donate monthly via Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee you will get the sought after CWC coaster and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.
I am delighted to welcome Fred Weir to our Cold War conversation…
There’s further information here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode208/
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.
Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated Lees meerSupport the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
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Berlin: Capital of Spies (207)
6 november 2021 · 55 min
For almost half a century, the hottest front in the Cold War was right across Berlin. From summer 1945 until 1990, spying was part of everyday life in both East and West Berlin.
I speak with historian Bernd von Kostka of the Allied Museum in Berlin-Dahlem who has co-authored with Sven Felix Kellerhoff the book Capital of Spies: Intelligence agencies in Berlin during the Cold War recently published by Casemate.
The book describes the spectacular successes and failures of the various secret services based in the city and in this episode we will concentrate on one of the chapters detailing the work of the various Allied listening stations. Lees meerBuy "Capital of Spies" and support the podcast here
UK Listeners https://amzn.to/3mFb3jK
US Listeners https://amzn.to/3waLwSL
This podcast relies on listener support to enable me to continue to capture these incredible stories and make them available for free. You can support my work and help to preserve Cold War history via one off or monthly donations
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/for more details.
Do join our Facebook discussion group where the cold war conversation continues between episodes. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.
I am delighted and honoured to welcome back Bernd von Kostka to our Cold War conversation…
There’s further information here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode207/
Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye.Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
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Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
0:00 Introduction and discussion on Berlin's role in the Cold War
2:42 Historical significance of Teufelsberg in Berlin
9:14 Listening stations in Berlin: Marienfelde and Templehof
16:28 Collaboration between the Western powers in Berlin
20:47 Technology and ope… -
How a Soviet conscript became a NATO General (206)
30 oktober 2021 · 1 uur 2 min
In 1985, an eighteen-year-old named Riho Terras arrived at the Soviet armed forces’ large conscript assessment facility in Tallinn obeying his conscription orders.
Little did he know that 26 years later he would be a NATO General.
Riho shares his experiences in the Soviet Navy with us in some detail. We hear about his service on the Soviet frigate Zadornyy including trips to the Mediterranean and Cuba as well as monitoring NATO warships.
Riho also shares his experiences of Estonian independence and the challenges of converting the country into an independent nation.
I’m extremely grateful to Elisabeth Braw, a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute who facilitated this interview via her Englebert Ideas essay.
Thanks to all of you for listening to the podcast. It is an absolute passion for me to save these stories from being forgotten and sharing them weekly for free for everyone to hear.
Whilst this is a passion, I am asking if each listener could make either a one-off or better still sign up for monthly donations to help me to find the time to produce and finance the project.
If you’d like to know more just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.
I am delighted to welcome Riho Terras to our Cold War conversation…
There’s further information about this episode here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode206/
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.
Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye. Lees meerSupport the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
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Terrorism in the Cold War (205)
23 oktober 2021 · 1 uur
I talk with the writers and editors of Terrorism in the Cold War a new two volume book that uses a wide range of case studies including Polish Military Intelligence and Its Secret Relationship with the Abu Nidal Organization and Gladio – Myth and Reality: The Origins and Function of Stay Behind in the Case of Post-war Austria.
The book sheds new light on the relations between state and terrorist actors, allowing for a fresh and much more insightful assessment of the contacts, dealings, agreements and collusion with terrorist organizations undertaken by state actors on both sides of the Iron Curtain.
You will learn that these state-terrorism relationships were not only much more ambiguous than much of the older literature had suggested but are, in fact, crucial for the understanding of global political history in the Cold War era.
If you are enjoying the podcast I could use some support to enable me to continue recording these incredible stories. If you become a monthly supporter via Patreon, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.
There's more in the episode notes here coldwarconversations.com/episode205/
I am delighted to welcome Thomas Riegler, Przemyslaw Gasztold and Adrian Hänni to our Cold War conversation…
Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated. Lees meerSupport the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
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0:00 Introduction
0:10 Examination of state terrorism relationships during the Cold Wa… -
Emanuela - a Cold War Romanian Childhood (204)
16 oktober 2021 · 1 uur 4 min
Emanuela Grama was born in the mid-1970s’ in a small provincial town in Eastern Romania. She provides us with a great insight into life in the Romanian provinces during the 1980s. Lees meer
Emanuela lived in a small two-bedroom flat and tells of her parents working in a factory while her grandparents looked after her.
Her father listened secretly to Radio Free Europe and collected stamps so he could legitimately write to people in the West.Her parents told her not to talk at school about what was said at home and to be very careful what she said to friends.
Emanuela vividly recalls the day the revolution started in 1989, Emanuela was at home alone and she described the instant atmosphere of change and the weeks and months after.
We also hear about Emanuela’s book, Socialist Heritage: The Politics of Past and Place in Romania which traces the transformation of Bucharest’s Old Town district where under socialism, politicians and professionals used the district’s historic buildings to emphasize the city’s Romanian past and erase its ethnically diverse history.
I’m asking listeners to support my work and enable me to continue recording these incredible stories. If you become a monthly supporter via Patreon, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode, visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.
Further details , including photos are in our episode notes at https://coldwarconversations.com/episode204/
James Chilcott is our host and I am delighted to welcome James and Emanuela to our Cold War conversation…
Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated.
Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
Fac… -
Pete - a BRIXMIS driver behind enemy lines in East Germany (203)
9 oktober 2021 · 1 uur
Pete Curran served with BRIXMIS, the British Military Liaison Mission in East Germany. Their operation was established by a post-WWII Allied occupation forces' agreement, where British, US and French missions had relative freedom to travel and collect intelligence throughout East Germany from 1947 until 1990.
Pete’s story starts with details of his vetting interview, driver training, and his first tour in East Germany. We also hear of the intelligence scoops he was involved in and some of his close scrapes while evading both the Soviets and the Stasi including one with a Soviet helicopter.
We also hear of the role of the driver in the three-man teams, the incredible camaraderie of the unit, as well as the pressure on their loved ones.
I know from my stats that a lot of you really enjoy the podcast. It is an absolute passion for me to save these stories from being forgotten and sharing them weekly for free for everyone to hear.
Whilst this is a passion, I am asking if each listener could make either a one-off or better still sign up for monthly donations to help me to find the time to produce and finance the project.
If you’d like to know more just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.
I am delighted to welcome Pete Curran to our Cold War conversation… Lees meerUK BRIXMIS books https://amzn.to/3ljkK6I
US BRIXMIS books https://amzn.to/3ae2HZs
There’s further information including videos here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode203
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.
Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated.
Radio GDR
If you are interested in East Germany we can highly recomme… -
MKUltra - the CIA’s mind control project & the mysterious death of Frank Olson (202)
2 oktober 2021 · 1 uur 2 min
Frank Olson was an American bacteriologist, biological warfare scientist, and employee of the United States Army Biological Warfare Laboratories. In 1953 at a meeting in rural Maryland, he was covertly dosed with LSD by his boss Sidney Gottlieb, who was the head of the CIA's MKUltra mind control program.
Nine days later, Olson plunged to his death from the window of the Hotel Statler. The U.S. government first described his death as a suicide, and then as misadventure, while others allege murder. The story was made into the Netflix film "Wormwood".
I speak with Paul Vidich, the acclaimed author of The Coldest Warrior, An Honorable Man, The Good Assassin and The Mercenary. He is also the nephew of Frank Olson. Lees meerUK link to Paul Vidich Books
US link to Paul Vidich Books
This podcast relies on listener support to enable me to continue to capture these incredible stories and make them available for free. You can support my work and help to preserve Cold War history via one-off or monthly donations
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ for more details.
If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.
I am delighted to welcome Paul Vidich to our Cold War conversation…
Further information on this episode https://coldwarconversations.com/episode202/
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.
Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye.Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
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0:00 Introducti… -
Flying into nuclear mushroom clouds (201)
25 september 2021 · 58 min
Squadron Leader John Robinson AFC (ret’d) was an RAF pilot who was tasked to fly into the mushroom clouds of nuclear bomb tests to capture samples at Operation Buffalo at Maralinga in 1956, and Operation Grapple, at Christmas Island in 1957.
He tells of his recruitment into RAF, initial training and his cloud sampling missions as well his experiences of watching the tests from as little as five miles away.
It is reckoned that over 22,000 British servicemen participated in the British and American nuclear tests and clean-ups between 1952-1965, along with scientists from the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment and civilians. The majority of men have passed away, and around a tenth of the men remain.
I was honoured that the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association (BNVTA) invited me to their annual reunion and enabled me to capture some of their veterans’ stories.
I could really use your help to support my work and enable me to continue producing the podcast. If you become a monthly supporter, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.
I am delighted to welcome John Robinson to our Cold War conversation…
There’s further information including videos on this link https://coldwarconversations.com/episode201/
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.
Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye. Lees meerSupport the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
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Life in the underground Soviet music scene Part 3 (200)
18 september 2021 · 58 min
We hear of Joanna's heartbreak when her visa is refused, preventing her from marrying Yuri. However, using an ingenious method she manages an emotional reunion and eventual marriage as the Soviet Union begins to dissolve. Lees meer
Details of the book giveaway are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode200/
Part one is here and part 2 here
Joanna’s book, Red Wave written with her singer/songwriter daughter, Madison, includes Stingray’s extensive collection of photographs, artworks, and interviews with the musicians.
Buy the book and support the podcast here
UK listeners https://amzn.to/3rwItSz
US listeners https://amzn.to/3zyvbHX
If you are enjoying the podcasts I’m asking for donations to support my work and enable me to continue producing the podcast. If you become a monthly supporter via Patreon, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.
I am delighted to welcome Joanna Stingray to our Cold War conversationSupport the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
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Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations0:00 Introduction and book giveaway announcement
2:54 Interview with Joanna Stingray begins
12:08 Joanna's risky journey to Leningrad with her mother
24:34 Joanna's reunion and NBC coverage in Russia
30:19 Joanna's dilemma about leaving Russia and her marriage
34:03 Rise of rock bands amidst political changes in Russia
39:16 Joanna's unconventional Russian wedding
46:07 Impact of Glasnost and fall of communism on Russian bands… -
Life in the underground Soviet music scene Part 2 (199)
15 september 2021 · 59 min
Joanna is questioned by the KGB and the FBI, falls in love with Yuri and starts to smuggle the bands' music out of the Soviet Union to produce the album. Lees meer
Details of the book giveaway are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode199/
Part one is here and part 3 here
Joanna’s book, Red Wave written with her singer/songwriter daughter, Madison, includes Stingray’s extensive collection of photographs, artworks, and interviews with the musicians.
Buy the book and support the podcast here
UK listeners https://amzn.to/3rwItSz
US listeners https://amzn.to/3zyvbHX
If you are enjoying the podcasts I’m asking for donations to support my work and enable me to continue producing the podcast. If you become a monthly supporter via Patreon, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.I am delighted to welcome Joanna Stingray to our Cold War conversation…
Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
0:00 Introduction and Joanna Stingray's background
3:15 Joanna Stingray's first encounter with the KGB
9:27 Joanna's experiences with the band Kino and living in Soviet Union
15:11 The idea of bringing Soviet music to the US and collaboration with David Bowie
20:12 Struggles with record companies and signing with Big Time Records
22:29 Dealing with the FBI and KGB while collecting content for the album
26:57 Reception of the Red Wave album and its impact
31:20 Smuggling the Red Wave album int… -
Life in the underground Soviet music scene Part 1 (198)
11 september 2021 · 52 min
Joanna Stingray was only 23 years old when she first set foot in the USSR and started meeting now-legendary musicians and artists of the Soviet underground. By 1985, she was writing and recording with them, and smuggling their music to the West in order to produce the groundbreaking album Red Wave: 4 Underground Bands from the USSR.
This is her testimony of youthful fortitude and rebellion, her love story, and proof of the power of music and youth culture over stagnancy and oppression. Lees meerDetails of the book giveaway are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode198/
Part 2 is here and part 3 here
Joanna’s book, Red Wave written with her singer/songwriter daughter, Madison, includes Stingray’s extensive collection of photographs, artworks, and interviews with the musicians.
Buy the book and support the podcast here
UK listeners https://amzn.to/3rwItSz
US listeners https://amzn.to/3zyvbHX
If you are enjoying the podcasts I’m asking for donations to support my work and enable me to continue producing the podcast. If you become a monthly supporter via Patreon, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.
I am delighted to welcome Joanna Stingray to our Cold War conversation…
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.
Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye.
Help Support the podcast by shopping at Amazon.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/bestsellers/books/12447630031/ref=pd_zg_hrsr_books&tag=cwcp-21
Help support the podcast with a CWC mug… -
Popular Cold War culture of the 1980s (197)
8 september 2021 · 53 min
Over the past, nearly two decades, the Stuck in the 80s podcast has emerged as the go-to for all aspects of 1980s nostalgia from a North American point of view. And, much like Cold War Conversations, Stuck in the 80s is an award-winning podcast.
Recognizing that decade’s popular culture was heavily influenced by the Cold War, co-host Peter Ryan organized a discussion with its curators, Steve Spears and Brad Williams.
Key topics that are covered include some of the most important songs, films, television programs of the 80s that were Cold War oriented, some of which may surprise listeners. Also discussed are the key personalities of the 1980s Cold War period, from both sides of the Iron Curtain.
This special edition of Cold War Conversations will also features a playlist on Spotify, featuring many of the songs discussed during this lively episode. We thank Brad and Steve for the chance to organize a cross-podcast discussion today and encourage listeners to visit their website sit80s.com to learn more about their dedication to keeping the nostalgia of the 1980s alive.
Help me to continue producing the podcast. Single or monthly donations really helps keep the podcast on the air.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ Lees meerIf a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.
I am delighted to welcome Peter Ryan, Steve Spears and Brad Williams to our Cold War conversation…Videos relating to this episode are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode197/
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation.
Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated.Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
Facebook https://www.facebo… -
Soviet and U.S. Military Liaison Missions & US Counterintelligence SOXMIS & USMLM (196)
4 september 2021 · 1 uur 12 min
I speak with Aden Magee who operated as the commander of a highly specialized Counterintelligence (CI) unit in West Germany during the last decade of the Cold War.
We talk about his book The Cold War Wilderness of Mirrors - Counterintelligence and the U.S. and Soviet Military Liaison Missions 1947–1990. This is a rare book that details some never-before documented accounts of the Soviet Military Liaison Mission (SMLM) in West Germany and the U.S. Military Liaison Mission (USMLM) in East Germany and shows how they were microcosms of the Cold War strategic intelligence and counterintelligence landscape.
I also discuss with Aden how the book shows the impact of CIA Director James Angleton’s legacy which restricted counterintelligence operations long after his departure. Lees meerBuy the book and help support the podcast.
UK listeners buy here
US listeners buy here
What do you think the podcast is worth to you?Single or monthly donations really help keep the podcast on the air.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation.
I am delighted to welcome Aden Magee to our Cold War conversation…Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
0:00 Introduction and discussion about weapons cache sites and suitcase nukes
0:17 Introduction to guest Aden McGee and his new book about strategic intelligence and counterintelligence during the Cold War
2:05 Sponsor: Podcast donations and mention of the Cold War Conversations Facebook group
3:47 Importance of documenting Cold War stories and in-depth discussion on the Soviet military liaison missions
10:35 Rotation of tours in East Germany and their intelligence collect… -
Ron - a veteran of the Korean War & the Malayan Emergency (195)
28 augustus 2021 · 56 min
Ron Knight served in the Royal Marines on HMS Belfast during the Korean War of 1950-53. He was a gunner and describes the shore bombardments and how his gun was used in anti-aircraft defence. We also hear Ron describe life aboard the Belfast during this period
Ron also served with the Royal Marine Commando during the Malayan Emergency which was a guerrilla war fought in the Federation of Malaya between Communist pro-independence fighters against the armed forces of the British Empire and Commonwealth between 1948 and 1960.
He shares details of the dangers of jungle warfare including from their own air force!
I’m asking listeners to support my work and enable me to continue producing the podcast. If you become a monthly supporter via Patreon, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us and sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.
I am delighted to welcome Ron Knight to our Cold War conversation…
There’s further information on this episode here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode195/
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode, visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.
Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated.
Please leave a review.
If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a written review. Lees meer0:00 Introduction and Ron Knight's early life and training
2:35 Ron Knight's experiences in the Royal Marines and HMS Belfast
9:01 Discussing air attacks on HMS Belfast and life on board
17:42 Royal Marines' shore raids and interactions with American forces
20:20 Shift in relations with Japan and interactions with Chinese and North Korean POWs
21:45 Enc… -
The Gouzenko Affair - the start of the Cold War (194)
21 augustus 2021 · 1 uur 18 min
Igor Gouzenko exposed Soviet intelligence's efforts to steal nuclear secrets as well as the technique of planting sleeper agents. The "Gouzenko Affair" is often credited as a triggering event of the Cold War, with historian Jack Granatstein stating it was "the beginning of the Cold War for public opinion" and journalist Robert Fulford writing he was "absolutely certain the Cold War began in Ottawa".
I talk with Andrew Kavchak the author of Remembering Gouzenko: The Struggle to Honour a Cold War Hero and Evy Wilson, the daughter of Igor and Svetlana Gouzenko.
If you are enjoying the podcast, you can show your support via a monthly donation of $4, £3 or €3 via Patreon, plus you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.
I am delighted to welcome Andrew and Evy to our Cold War conversation… Lees meerThere’s further information on this episode can be found here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode194/
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.
0:00 Introduction and Background of Igor Gouzenko
2:41 Interview with Andrew Kavchak and Evie Wilson begins
13:55 Aftermath of Gouzenko's Defection and the Following Trials
23:30 Introduction of Evie Wilson, Daughter of Igor Guzenko
33:55 Wilson Family's Relocation and Life in the Greater Toronto Area
43:33 Evie's Discovery of Her Family's Unique Situation and Origin
52:36 The Incident of the Wilsons' Mailbox Getting Blown Up
1:00:22 Evy Wilson's Life and Relatives in the Soviet Union
1:04:26 Andrew Kavchak's Journey to Commemorat… -
Flying the F-111 nuclear bomber (193)
14 augustus 2021 · 1 uur 29 min
Rick Shreve was a USAF F111 pilot based at RAF Lakenheath in the UK. We hear about his early USAF career as a fighter pilot, then we move onto his transfer to the F111 and how he was trained to carry out nuclear as well as conventional missions against the Warsaw Pact forces in Europe. He describes his low-level training missions to attack targets in the Soviet Union and East Germany and recalls a near-fatal incident amongst the Scottish lochs.
Rick was also part of one of the crews that flew on Operation El Dorado Canyon, the operation to bomb Libya in April 1986 in retaliation for the West Berlin discotheque bombing ten days earlier.
Rick gives you a frank view of his role in the USAF and his approach to the huge responsibilities he carried.
In his later career, he flew civil airliners with Pan-Am and recalls how he was astonished to fly over the Warsaw Pact airfield he had been tasked to attack in the event of war…
If you have listened this far, I know you are enjoying the podcasts so I’m asking for donations to support my work and enable me to continue producing the podcast. If you become a monthly supporter, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us and sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.
I am delighted to welcome Rick to our Cold War conversation…
There’s further information including photos and videos here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode193/
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode, visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.
Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated.
0:00 Introduction and Rick Shreve's initial experie… Lees meer -
The forgotten cosmonaut (192)
11 augustus 2021 · 57 min
This week it's the 60th anniversary of the flight of Gherman Titov on Vostok 2. The forgotten 2nd cosmonaut overshadowed by the exploits of his friend Yuri Gagarin.
Titov’s 25.3 hours and 17 orbits flight was much more ambitious than Gagarin’s and more dangerous. It was also a very political flight, intending to distract the world from the building of the Berlin Wall a number of days later.
However, there’s more to Titov than his flight, he was different character to most of the Soviet cosmonauts with a love of pre-Soviet literary classics and enjoying his own company.
He was also one of the most colourful characters of the Soviet space program leading a wild life back on Earth with various car crashes and scrapes.
I’m sure regular listeners will be pleased to hear we have Stephen Walker back, the author of Beyond: The Astonishing Story of the First Human to Leave Our Planet and Journey into Space. Lees meerDo check out our previous episode on Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode172/
I’m asking listeners to support my work and enable me to continue recording these incredible stories. If you become a monthly supporter via Patreon, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.
I am delighted to welcome Stephen Walker back to our Cold War conversation…
There’s further information on this episode in our show notes which can also be found as a link in your podcast app here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode192
Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye.
0:00 Introduction and overview of German Titov's character
0:45 The political implications of Titov's groundbreaki… -
A workers view of Poland from Łódź in 1986 (191)
7 augustus 2021 · 54 min
Evan McGilvray has written a number of books on Poland as well as biographies. He is well versed in Poland and Polish society and away from the usual locations of Krakow and Warsaw.
Evan first visited Poland in 1986, 5 years after the declaration of martial law which triggered the suppression of the free trade union Solidarity in December 1981. He visited some friends he had made via correspondence, who lived in the city of Łódź. He provides us with a great insight away from the intelligentsia as his friends were workers. We hear in some detail how the communist party was perceived, life as a worker, as well as views on Lech Walesa and Solidarity.
In the 1990s Evan interviewed General Jaruzelski, who as First Secretary of the Polish United Workers' Party (aka the communist party) gave the martial law order in 1981 and remained head of state until 1989.
Extra info, and videos are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode191/
If you are enjoying the podcast please tell your friends you can really help us grow the number of listeners.
Now I need help to continue to track down these unknown stories of the Cold war and ensure they are preserved before they are lost. If you can spare it I’m asking listeners to pledge a small monthly amount per month to help keep us on the air (larger amounts are welcome too) plus you can get a sought after CWC coaster as a monthly financial supporter of the podcast and you bask in the warm glow of knowing you helping preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
Peter Ryan is our host today and I am delighted to welcome Evan McGilvray to our Cold War conversation…
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.
0:00 Introduction
3:00 Interview with Evan McGilvray: His interest in Poland and first impressions
16:45 Life in Poland: The average worker, shopping, … Lees meer -
Unforgotten in the Gulf of Tonkin (190)
31 juli 2021 · 1 uur 8 min
On November 18, 1965, U.S. Navy pilot Willie Sharp ejected from his F-8 fighter after being hit while positioned over a target in North Vietnam. With a cloud layer beneath him, he did not know if he was over land-where he would most certainly be captured or killed by the North Vietnamese or over the Gulf of Tonkin. As he ejected, both navy and air force aircraft were already heading toward him to help.
Thanks to Dennis DeFreitas and his Youtube video of Willie’s shootdown available here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md9oNlLYEr8
Co-host James Chilcott speaks with former military flight test engineer Eileen A. Bjorkman, who has written “Unforgotten in the Gulf of Tonkin A Story of the U.S. Military's Commitment to Leave No One Behind” The book includes nail-biting descriptions of air combat, flight, and rescue as Bjorkman places Willie Sharp's story in the larger context of the U.S. military's bedrock credo-No Man Left Behind-and calls attention to the more than eighty thousand Americans still missing from conflicts since World War I. She also explores the devastating aftershocks of the Vietnam War as Willie Sharp struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder. Lees meerBuy the book and support the Podcast
UK listeners buy the book here https://amzn.to/3rtpJDe
US Listeners buy the book here https://amzn.to/3zwLVPA
If you have listened this far, I know you are enjoying the podcasts so I’m asking for donations to support my work and enable me to continue producing the podcast. If you become a monthly supporter, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.
I am delighted to welcome Eileen Bjorkman to our Cold War conve… -
Philippe - A French soldier in Cold War Berlin (189)
24 juli 2021 · 59 min
The French Forces in Berlin were the units of the French Armed Forces stationed from 1945 until the end of the Cold War-era in West Berlin according to the agreements of the Yalta Conference and Potsdam Conference.
The troops were the French counterparts to the United States' Berlin Brigade and the United Kingdom's Berlin Infantry Brigade in the city.
Philippe was stationed in Berlin from 1972 to 1973 with the French army for his military service. He did not volunteer and was not too happy at first, but started enjoying life outside of the “Quartier Napoleon” as it was called, near the Tegel airport.
His role was in Signals intelligence and during the day he listened to FM radio transmissions of the East German Army as well as the Soviets (GFSA).
If you are enjoying the podcast, you can help me to keep producing these episodes by a small monthly donation via Patreon, plus you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us and sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.
I am delighted to welcome Philippe to our Cold War conversation…
There’s further information on this episode here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode189/
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode, visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.
0:00 Introduction and Philippe's experience in Berlin
4:58 Philippe's training and move to Landau
13:43 Philippe's posting to Berlin and initial impressions
18:15 French counterintelligence's investigation into Philippe's relationship
22:35 The French sector in Berlin and tensions with American interests
28:42 French military lifestyle in Berlin
33:53 Attitude of … Lees meer -
A Czechoslovak family's escape to Austria (188)
17 juli 2021 · 1 uur 3 min
We continue Drea Hahn’s story with her family’s escape to Austria and the realities of being a refugee.
In 1986, under the pretext of a “ski trip” to Yugoslavia Drea’s family escaped to Austria. We hear about the sadness of being unable to tell anyone they were leaving and how her relatives were summoned to the police station to be detained for questioning. They didn’t communicate with anyone at “home” until 1989 or 1990 because it was too dangerous.
Once, in Austria, there was no certainty that that Drea’s family wouldn’t be handed back to Czechoslovakia as Austria was neutral and the government was keen to stay on good terms with their neighbours.
Drea’s family were in Austria for about 2 years living in a single room with a shared bathroom. We hear from her about the challenges of life as a child refugee in rural Austria.
In 1988 permission was granted to emigrate to the US and we hear of their elation when they arrive.
Extra info, photos and videos are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode188
If you are enjoying the podcast please leave a written review in Apple podcasts or share us on social media. By telling your friends you can really help us grow the number of listeners.
Now I need help to continue to track down these unknown stories of the Cold war and ensure they are preserved. If you can spare it I’m asking listeners to pledge a small monthly amount per month to help keep us on the air (larger amounts are welcome too) plus you can get a sought after CWC coaster as a monthly financial supporter of the podcast and you bask in the warm glow of knowing you helping preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ Lees meerI am delighted to welcome Drea Hahn back to our Cold War conversation…
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode, visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.
0:00 Introduction to Drea Hahn's family's escape fro… -
Drea - A Cold War Czechoslovak childhood (187)
10 juli 2021 · 54 min
Drea Hahn was born in Czechoslovakia in 1980 in Teplice. Her mother was a secretary and her father was an engineer but refused to join the communist party and this was a source of tension in Drea’s family.
She was partly raised by her grandparents and her grandmother shared stories about growing up in “the Protectorate”, the name given to the area of Czechoslovakia occupied by the Germans in World War 2.
Drea tells of a typical Czech childhood – her school friends, fond memories of school trips, and summers at their chata (country house).
A more sinister side of life was getting in trouble for being a chatty kid and being cautioned with the phrase “walls have ears”.
Extra info, and videos are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode187/
If you are enjoying the podcast please leave a written review in Apple podcasts or share us on social media. By telling your friends you can really help us grow the number of listeners.
Now I need help to continue to track down these unknown stories of the Cold war and ensure they are preserved. If you can spare it I’m asking listeners to pledge a small monthly amount per month to help keep us on the air (larger amounts are welcome too) plus you get a sought after CWC coaster as a monthly financial supporter of the podcast and bask in the warm glow of knowing you helping preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
I am delighted to welcome Drea Hahn to our Cold War conversation…
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode, visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.
0:00 Introduction to the episode and guest Drea Hahn
0:47 Request for listener support
2:29 Drea's fascination with everyday history and her decision to share her experiences
7:54 Drea's family background during World War 2
15:14 The presence and regulation of religion in Czechoslovakia during the Cold War
17:47 The impact of social… Lees meer -
An evening with Kim Philby (186)
7 juli 2021 · 1 uur
Ben Brown is the writer of A Splinter of Ice, a play that portrays the meeting in Moscow in 1987 of one of the greatest novelists of the 20th century, Graham Greene and his old MI6 boss, Kim Philby, one of Britain's most notorious spies... and a traitor. Lees meer
Graham Greene never divulged any details of the meeting and Ben’s play imagines what might have been. We discuss the play, as well as how Philby and Greene’s lives intertwined.
It’s a story of two men catching up on old times, but with a new world order breaking around them how much did the writer of The Third Man know about Philby's secret life as a spy? Did Philby betray his friend as well as his country..?
A trailer and other videos are available in our episode notes here www.coldwarconversations.com/episode186/
If you have listened this far, I know you are enjoying the podcasts so I’m asking for one-off or monthly donations to support my work and enable me to continue producing the podcast. If you become a monthly supporter, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.
I am delighted to welcome Ben Brown to our Cold War conversation…
There’s further information on this episode here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode186/
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.
0:00 Introduction to the episode and discussion on "A Splinter of Ice"
3:07 Deep dive into Kim Philby’s life, his relationship with Graham Green, and their portrayal in the media
17:25 Exploration of Philby's rise in the security se… -
Behind enemy lines in East Germany with a US Military Liaison Mission driver Part 2 (185)
3 juli 2021 · 49 min
We return to the 2nd part of Tom Favia’s story with the US Military Liaison Mission which the Soviet Union permitted to operate in East Germany, ostensibly for monitoring and furthering better relationships between the Soviet and Western occupation forces. The British & French also had missions as did the Soviets in West Germany. Lees meer
Part 1 is here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode183/
As you would expect there are some incredible incidents that Tom shares with us including one with a drunk Soviet Major who tries to defect. Tom was with USMLM when the Wall opened in Nov 1989 and describes the uncertainty of the time with Soviet soldiers selling parts of tanks and munitions.
If you have listened this far, I know you are enjoying the podcasts so I’m asking for donations to support my work and enable me to continue producing the podcast. If you become a monthly supporter, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us and sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.
I am delighted to welcome back Tom Favia to our Cold War conversation…
There’s further information on this episode can be found here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode185
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode, visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.
Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated.
Radio GDR
If you are interested in East Germany we can highly recommend our friends over at Radio GDR.Please leave a review.
If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a written review.0:00 Introduction and Tom Favia's experiences with the US military liaison mission
1:23 Request for d… -
Ethel Rosenberg (184)
26 juni 2021 · 1 uur 2 min
Ethel Rosenberg is a controversial figure and generates polarising views varying from an innocent mother caught up in Cold War hysteria to a willing and ruthless accomplice to her husband’s Cold War espionage betraying secrets to the Soviets.
Anne Sebba’s new book “Ethel Rosenberg – A Cold War tragedy” (“An American tragedy” in the US) provides a more nuanced view of Ethel that is not just about innocence and guilt but of a talented singer and mother of two children, betrayed by her family and the American judicial system. Aged 37, in 1953 she becomes the first woman in American history to be executed for a crime other than murder.
Whatever your views about Ethel Rosenberg this episode will detail more of who Ethel was and how the American judicial system was manipulated to ensure her conviction.
Anne’s book is available on these links.
UK listeners https://amzn.to/3wGZD1z
US listeners https://amzn.to/2TObJra
If you’ve listened this far, I know you are enjoying the podcasts so I’m asking for a small monthly donation to support my work and allow me to continue producing the podcast. As a monthly supporter, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us and sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.
I am delighted to welcome Anne Sebba to our Cold War conversations... Lees meerThere's more information as well as a book giveaway in the episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode184/
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode, visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.0:00 Introduction to Ethel Rosenberg's story
1:32 Request for financial support for the podca… -
Behind enemy lines in East Germany with a US Military Liaison Mission driver Part 1 (183)
19 juni 2021 · 1 uur 6 min
Tom Favia served with the USMLM, The US Military Liaison Mission which the Soviet Union permitted to operate in East Germany at the end of World War 2 for monitoring and furthering better relationships between the Soviet and Western occupation forces. The British & French also had missions in East Germany and the Soviets has theirs in West Germany.
Tom tells the amazing story of his recruitment from being an art student to being deployed “behind enemy lines” in East Germany. He also describes his earlier career on the Inner German border and then we move to his USMLM career. We hear about his driver training, planning procedures and the process for exiting West Berlin as well as details of the vehicles including the “James Bond switches”.
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I am delighted to welcome Tom Favia to our Cold War conversation…
There’s further information on this episode can be found here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode183/ Lees meerPart 2 is here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode185
If you can’t wait for next week’s episode, visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.
Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye.
Radio GDR
If you are interested in East Germany we can highly recommend our friends over at Radio GDR.0:00 Introduction and guest introduction
3:08 Journey…