Cold War Conversations Podcast

Following his RAF Regiment officer training Trevor Howie was posted to 34 Sqn at Raf Akrotiri in Cyprus, commanding C Flight. The RAF regiment was effectively the Royal Air Force’s infantry, providing ground defence for air operations. 34 Sqn had a dual role of providing defence at Akrotiri and in the event of war at RAF Wildenrath in Germany. Trevor vividly describes his time at Akrotiri, including terrorist threats and realistic anti-riot training exercises the enthusiasm of the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders required a hospital ward to be kept available for casualties. In 1986 Trevor became involved in Nuclear Weapon Security training, where the training techniques he introduced were the subject of complaints. His service also includes stints at RAF Greenham Common where he describes providing support to the US nuclear-armed cruise missile deployment there. Don’t miss next week’s episode where Trevor is posted to RAF Gatow in West Berlin as the Station Regiment Officer, responsible for advising the Station Commander on how to defend the Station during times of war, tension or terrorist threat. 0:00 Introduction and brief about Trevor Howie's role during the Cold War 2:31 Trevor Howie's training and role in Cyprus 14:17 Description of weaponry and tactics used during the Cold War 22:30 Potential terrorist incident and precautions taken 30:04 Security and transportation of Britain's nuclear weapons 35:43 Evolution of military readiness and training for competence 42:15 Use and criticism of physical punishment in military training 46:08 Transforming challenges into rewarding experiences during training 48:03 Role in protecting cruise missiles at Greenham Common 54:24 Conclusion: Episode extras and thanking financial supporters Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis is reckoned to be one of the most perilous events in history, when the World faced a looming nuclear collision between the United States and Soviet Union. During those weeks, the world gazed into the abyss of potential annihilation. I speak with Sir Max Hastings whose new history Abyss: The Cuban Missile Crisis 1962 tells the story from the viewpoints of national leaders, Russian officers, Cuban peasants, American pilots and British disarmers. The period is brought to life with eye-witness interviews, archive documents and diaries, White House tape recordings, and top-down analysis. More than purely a focus on the 13 days of the crisis, the book provides context through the Cold War experiences of Fidel Castro’s Cuba, Nikita Khrushchev’s Russia, and Kennedy’s America. Among the areas we discuss are how Cuba became a crisis, the failure of intelligence on both sides, and those nail-biting Thirteen Days in which Armageddon beckoned. Buy the book and support the podcast https://amzn.to/3rlPLsM 0:00 Introduction and discussion on the Cuban missile crisis 7:35 Examination of the decision-making approaches during the Cuban Missile Crisis 15:07 Analysis of Jack Kennedy's political considerations and the missile gap myth 25:58 Comparison of Nikita Khrushchev's wisdom and Putin's actions in Ukraine 33:30 Analysis of fear's role in decision-making during the Cuban missile crisis 40:29 Discussion on the portrayal of military leaders in the Cold War 43:05 Exploration of communication failures and the impact of technology during crises 48:08 Cultural context and perspectives of the missile crisis era 52:10 Personal memories and humor in the face of the missile crisis 57:05 Conclusion and details about Max Hastings' book, "Abyss" Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode255/ Please leave a review. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a written review. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fred Haise was one of the three astronauts on the ill-fated Moon mission when a design fault caused an oxygen tank to explode mid-mission putting the Apollo 13 crew in mortal danger on April 13th, 1970. This was the seventh crewed mission in the Apollo space program and the third meant to land on the Moon. Now as you can imagine I’m genuinely excited to be speaking with one of the Apollo astronauts. Fred and I talk about his life and his almost accidental entry into flying. We cover his admission into the astronaut programme, the family impact, and as you can imagine go into some detail about his experiences on the Apollo 13 mission. Many of you will know of this mission via the Film “Apollo 13” starring Tom Hanks, and Fred shares his views on the film and corrects some of the inaccuracies. Buy Fred's new book Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut's Journey and support the podcast here https://amzn.to/3DvCRzN 0:00 Introduction 6:14 Fred Haise's journey to becoming an astronaut and role in Apollo 11 16:39 Selection and preparation for Apollo 13 mission 32:41 The Apollo 13 crisis: the explosion, aftermath, and survival 51:21 Critical maneuvers to correct trajectory back to Earth 1:03:42 Activation of the command module and return journey 1:11:12 Splashdown and immediate aftermath 1:18:48 Analysis of Apollo 13 film and Fred Haise's book 'Never Panic Early' 1:25:17 Episode extras, acknowledgment of financial supporters, and closing remarks Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community and 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 monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link. I am delighted to welcome Fred Haise to our Cold War conversation… Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode254 Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ All audio/video/photos courtesy of NASA. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Richard Blevins enlisted aged 18 in the US Army in March of 1987. He completed Basic Training & Military Police School training in July of 1987 and was posted to West Berlin as a United States Military Policeman. He describes his selection for Berlin duty while at Rhine-Main AFB in Frankfurt and his first journey across East Germany on the US Duty train to West Berlin. Richard’s first year consisted of patrol duties and combat training as well as serving at Checkpoints Bravo and Charlie as the assistant to the Non-commissioned Officer in Charge. He also got selected as a traffic accident investigator in 1988 where he would patrol with the West Berlin Police and respond to all car accidents involving US military, dependents, and civilian workers as well as West German nationals. Richard also describes how he heard the news on November 8th, 1989, that Erich Honecker had lifted all travel restrictions on East Germans starting at midnight. He is a close friend of Michael Rafferty who appeared in episode 13 with his account of the last days of Checkpoint Charlie. Don’t miss Michael’s video of 1980s Berlin in the episode notes. 0:00 Introduction with Richard Blevins 5:00 Richard's journey to Berlin and first encounter with Soviet troops 15:00 Contrasting West and East Berlin and living conditions 25:00 Richard's assignment to 3rd platoon: Patrol duties, training, and interactions with Royal Military Police 35:00 Liaising with Soviets and training with British units 45:00 Duties at checkpoints Bravo and Charlie 55:00 Living near the Berlin Wall and its transformation post-fall 1:05:00 Friendship with Michael Rafferty and plans to revisit Berlin 1:10:00 Security measures for soldiers and interactions with locals Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community and 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 Richard Blevins to our Cold War conversation… Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode253 Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MZ was an East German motorcycle manufacturer located in Zschopau, Saxony. The acronym MZ stands for Motorenwerke Zschopau GmbH (German for Zschopau engine factory). In the 1980s MZ was regarded by the British motorcycle press as producing ugly and old-fashioned (if worthy) motorcycles however, there was a hard-core set of UK fans who loved this relatively, cheap and easy-to-repair bike. Julian Howe was a big fan of the MZ bike. He tells of a bizarre honeymoon of fellow MZ club members which involved MZ bike fans from across the UK touring Western Europe and the Warsaw Pact Countries. From sharing drinks with border guards to being on the receiving end of CS gas in Krakow it’s a tour through late 1980s Europe on the back of a two-stroke MZ motorbike. 0:00 Introduction and background on MZ motorcycles 1:21 Call for donations and testimonial from a supporter 5:28 The journey begins - crossing the border into East Germany 11:26 Interaction with an East German border guard and reflections on environment 15:20 Entering Poland and experiences with locals 22:19 Crossing through Czechoslovakia into Hungary and visit to a private museum 26:12 Visit to Prague and interactions with locals 29:37 Return journey through East Germany and humorous encounter at the border 33:47 Julian's most memorable experience from his trip and favorite media recommendations 38:29 Closing remarks and appreciation for financial supporters 39:02 Encouragement to join the Facebook group and continue the conversation Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community and 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 Julian Howe to our Cold War conversation… Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode252 Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is the 2nd part of my interview with Lt Col. Stephen Harrison, MBE who served for two years as a full-time Touring Officer with BRIXMIS. The tours were hazardous three-man, vehicle-borne patrols collecting intelligence on the Warsaw Pact forces in East Germany for up to five days and nights over a series of four-month patrolling periods. In this episode, we hear of Stephen’s imprisonment in a Soviet Army gaol, following detention in a Soviet Army garrison town as well as East German and Soviet Army press coverage about his activities. Stephen’s speciality was using his language skills to engage and befriend opposition troops and thereby gaining valuable intelligence. He used to go into bars frequented by Soviet officers and recalls one particular drunken night in Potsdam.. We also hear about his visit to the infamous World War 2 prison camp of Colditz castle where he befriends the staff enabling other BRIXMIS tours to visit regularly. Stephen also shares details of the top-secret Operation Tomahawk, a particularly unpleasant mission which may not be for those of a sensitive disposition. In later years Stephen obtained his Stasi file which reveals that the surveillance on him was far closer than he’d ever believed. 0:00 Introduction and Stephen Harrison's role in BRIXMIS 10:21 Stephen's arrest and time in a Soviet military cell 15:48 Stephen's role as interpreter and socializing with Soviet officers 22:53 Stephen's experiences during town and cultural tours 27:38 Stephen's Stasi files and the accuracy of their reports 33:25 Stephen's work and dealing with detentions 38:49 Operation Tomahawk: Exploiting Soviet military rubbish tips 47:57 Reflecting on the human side of intelligence gathering 49:45 Podcast end notes, acknowledgments and donation information 50:15 Invitation to join the Cold War Conversations Facebook group Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community and 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 Stephen to our Cold War conversation… Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode251/ Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ There is nothing like hearing history from those that were there... 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lt Col. Stephen Harrison, MBE served for two years as a full-time Touring Officer with BRIXMIS. These Tours were hazardous three man, vehicle-borne patrols collecting intelligence on the Warsaw Pact forces in East Germany for up to five days and nights over a series of four-month patrolling periods. They lived in the field and did not carry weapons while Soviet and East German troops were nearly always armed, and their ever-present sentries carried live ammunition. The Tours operated in the closest proximity to these hostile and aggressive Warsaw Pact troops whose orders permitted them to use whatever force necessary, including opening fire, to protect the property they are guarding. We hear in detail about Stephen’s experiences in these demanding and frequently dangerous situations, as well as how he used his language skills to engage and befriend opposition troops gaining valuable intelligence which made him a particular threat to the Soviets. Don’t miss part 2 here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode251/ 0:00 Introduction and Background of Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Harrison 2:19 How to Donate to Cold War Conversations 5:27 Stephen's Experiences and Roles During the Cold War 15:05 Techniques and Strategies Used on Tours 23:14 Emergency Situations and Adaptations During Tours 30:10 Interactions with East German Population and Soviet Troops 41:13 Encounter with Soviet Air Defense System and Other Incidents 47:39 Reflections on Risk-Taking during Operations 47:58 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements of Financial Supporters Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community and 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 Stephen to our Cold War conversation… Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode250/ Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A young Claudia Bierschenk lived at the edge of a world called the GDR, in a village surrounded by hills, valleys and thick forests. Her great uncle lives in the Forbidden Zone, the area where the East German border is a few metres away from West Germany. This is where the villages are like ghosts towns and inhabitants need special permits to enter. Claudia provides a vivid and unique description of entering the Forbidden Zone for the first time after being granted special permits to visit her Great Uncle on his 80th birthday. His house is the last house before the final border fences and Claudia describes up close to the fences, while her grandfather tells her about “rabbit discos”… We also hear more of her life in this isolated area, including strange sports activities and Claudia’s experience of being trained as a 12-year-old Para medic. We end the episode talking about how she and her family experienced the momentous events of 1989 when the border opens, and East Germans are free to cross into West Germany. Claudia has distilled these stories into a book, Never Mind, Comrade, published by Tangerine Press Don’t miss our previous episode with Claudia here https://pod.fo/e/137f1e 0:00 Introduction 1:00 Life and experiences in East Germany featuring Claudia Biashek 10:07 Claudia's family history during World War 2 17:10 Claudia's journey to the restricted zone and first sight of the Berlin Wall 25:35 Claudia's family decision to emigrate and the fears associated 34:35 Claudia's experience during the opening of the borders and crossing into the West 44:27 Adaptation to life in the West 46:00 Introduction to Claudia's book, "Nevermind Comrade" 46:24 Acknowledging financial supporters of the podcast Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community and 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 Claudia to our Cold War conversation… Enter the draw to win a copy of the book here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode249/ Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Radio GDR If you are interested in East Germany we can highly recommend our friends over at Radio GDR. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A young Claudia Bierschenk lived in a village surrounded by hills, valleys and thick forests at the edge of a world called the GDR. It could be beautiful, but the Iron Curtain runs through it, like a tectonic plate separating East and West and Claudia from her West German relatives. She tells of her life in this isolated area, of village life, far away from the socialist showpiece of East Berlin, where there are only two types of yoghurt in the village store. In a series of snapshots, we re-live her childhood of secretly watching West German TV, learning “Marxism-Leninism for kids” at school, and the rare joy of a phone call from the West. We also hear of her parents’ challenges. For her father, it’s his home village, but he is criticised for his liberal views and for wearing Western braces to school. Locals see her mother as an outsider, and she yearns for a life in the West with her sister in West Berlin. Claudia has distilled these stories into a book, Never Mind, Comrade, published by Tangerine Press. Buy the book here https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781910691700 0:00 Introduction and Claudia Bierschenk's early life in the GDR 6:50 Claudia's family occupations and life in a small town 14:08 Education and the system of punishment and reward in East German schools 24:06 Viewing Western television and maintaining contact with relatives in West Germany 33:07 Claudia's family experiences with the Berlin Wall and escape attempts 38:42 School experiences and navigating discussions in East Germany 44:13 Tightening of border controls and holidays in Hungary 49:56 After school activities and sports under the ideology ofEast Germany 51:30 "Nevermind Comrade" book by Claudia Bierschenk 52:00 Acknowledgement of financial supporters and call to action Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ 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 bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping 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 and sharing them on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show. I am delighted to welcome Claudia Bierschenk to our Cold War conversation… Listen to the 2nd part of this interview here. https://pod.fo/e/1395f8 Extra episode info here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode248 All photos are © Claudia Bierschenk. Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Radio GDR If you are interested in East Germany we can highly recommend our friends over at Radio GDR. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1961, members of the Alabama Air National Guard secretly took part in the failed invasion of Cuba by U.S.-backed Cuban exiles known as the Bay of Pigs. This was a covert attempt by the United States to overthrow the Soviet-allied Cuban government of Fidel Castro. Pete Ray was one of eight Alabama guardsmen who flew combat missions on April 19th 1961, which resulted in the deaths of Pete and three members of the Alabama unit. U.S. President John F. Kennedy later acknowledged America's involvement but denied that American military personnel had entered Cuban territory. It was not until 1987 did the U.S. revealed that eight ANG members had indeed flown into Cuban airspace. We hear from Pete Ray’s daughter Janet, who tirelessly worked to find out the truth of what happened that day despite the best efforts of the CIA, the Cubans, and the US government to obstruct her investigations. 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 bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping 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 Janet Ray to our Cold War conversation… Photos and videos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode247/ 0:00 Introduction to the podcast and the story of the Bay of Pigs invasion 2:32 Guest Introduction: Janet Ray, daughter of Pete Ray 4:22 Pete Ray's involvement in the Bay of Pigs invasion 9:34 Aftermath of the Bay of Pigs invasion and the government's cover-up 15:03 Impact of the mercenaries' deaths on their families 18:52 The fear and paranoia in the families following the Bay of Pigs invasion 22:55 Janet's investigation into her father's death and resistance from the CIA 31:58 Janet's interactions with the Bay of Pigs pilots and Fidel Castro 47:15 The truth about Pete Ray's death and the return of his body 55:58 Wrap up and closing comments by Ian Sanders Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paul continues his story with his recruitment into the Army Air Corps. It’s initially delayed with a tour providing airfield repair in West Germany and then the Falklands, but finally, he’s at training at Middle Wallop, the home of the Army Air Corps. He describes the training including underwater escapes, flying and navigation. As a Gazelle crewman, his role was navigator, observer and co-pilot. We hear of exercises including the lesser-known Railex/Probex, a US, French and British exercise to re-open a land corridor to West Berlin should the links be closed by Warsaw Pact forces and the British Frontier Service. Paul’s story is again full of great anecdotes and the dangerous reality of flying low-level missions in a single-engine aircraft including a forced landing with a General on board. 0:00 Introduction and Paul's recruitment into the army air corps 1:30 Sponsor: Call for donations and listener testimonial 8:08 Discussion on practice drills and Paul's deployment to the Falklands 20:02 Surviving training and posting back to Germany 24:17 Transition to a new hangar and memorable encounter with Apache helicopters 28:34 Flying the inner German border and interception of unauthorized flights 33:42 Exercise Railex Probex: A combined US, French, and British exercise 44:08 Winning the Rolls Royce Trophy and personal experiences in the army air corps 54:24 Reflecting on the dangers of the job and the forgotten casualties of the Cold War 58:33 Importance of timing for the general's travels and emergency landing due to engine failure 1:13:59 Return to the Corps of Royal Engineers and posting back to Germany 1:21:16 Paul's sunshine tour in Gibraltar and final tours 1:21:48 Closing remarks and appreciation for patrons Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ 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 bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping 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 Paul to our Cold War conversation… Photos and videos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode246/ Don’t miss our previous episode where Paul joins the Army as a boy soldier in the Royal Engineers here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode245/ Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paul joined the Royal Engineers in 1977, aged 16 as an apprentice. We hear of his experience of joining the army at such a young age and being away from home for the first time. After initial training his first posting was to Osnabruck in 1979. Shortly after his arrival Paul is appointed to the challenging role of driver to the Squadron Sergeant Major With participation in exercises such as Crusader 80 and Active Edge Paul describes in detail the role of Royal Engineers in Cold War Germany, including mine laying, bridge demolition and fixed defence construction. Paul’s story is full of great anecdotes and tales of the reality of life in the British Army of the Rhine. Don’t miss our next episode where Paul joins the Army Air Corps and becomes an Aircrewman Observer on Gazelle helicopters along the Inner German Border. 0:00 Introduction to Paul's journey in the Royal Engineers 1:30 Request for support to keep the podcast running 2:31 Paul's early life and decision to join the army 9:14 Paul's arrival in Osnabruck and his role as a Land Rover driver 29:00 Paul's experiences in Germany and developing an affinity for the country 38:20 Preparation and expectations for exercise Crusader 80 47:00 Cooperation with German farmers during the exercises 59:00 The humanity of the Sergeant Major and the challenges of dispatch riders 35:33 Transition to engineering tasks during the Crusader 80 exercise 42:20 Paul's transition to support troop and working with REME workshop 51:01 Paul's career move and application for the Army Air Corps 52:56 Ian Sanders: Closing thoughts and reminders Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ 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 Paul to our Cold War conversation… Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode245/ Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the early 1980s East Germany had just 5000 members of the Church of Latter-day Saints, many of which had been members since before World War 2. In 1982 East German leader Erich Honecker historically allowed the church to build a temple in Freiberg and in 1988 Mormon missionaries were allowed into East Germany. Ken Brady describes his experiences as a Mormon missionary in East Germany as the country gradually disappeared and was absorbed into West Germany. Ken also gives us a valuable view of life away from Berlin in cities such as Cottbus, Gorlitz, Schwerin, Frankfurt an der Oder and Eisenhüttenstadt. It’s a fascinating story told with humour and candour as Ken grapples with local dialects, the local food and tricks with East German currency. 0:00 Introduction and Ken Brady's early interest in East Germany 7:16 The Church's operations in East Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall 12:24 First impressions of East Germany 21:17 Fear of the Stasi after the fall of the Berlin Wall 28:18 Encounters with locals suspecting them to be CIA agents 34:19 Sightseeing and exploring local culture on days off 42:19 Guidance on political party selection and introduction of West German products 46:17 Teaching religion to those with no prior experience 56:22 Currency Unification and its impact on East Germany 1:09:00 Ken Brady's service in West Berlin 1:18:18 The stark contrast of Soviet architecture 1:21:00 Thanking the Patrons and final remarks Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ 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 Ken to our Cold War conversation… Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode244/ Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Radio GDR If you are interested in East Germany we can highly recommend our friends over at Radio GDR. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

KC flew the US Navy’s airborne Electronic Reconnaissance during the 1980s in the Lockheed EP-3 which is an electronic signals reconnaissance version of the P-3 Orion. He flew as a Navigator, Senior Electronic Warfare Evaluator and Mission Commander. We hear about several missions he was involved in including his first detachment to Athens the then main USN operating base for missions in the Mediterranean and the Adriatic. We also hear about flying in the Baltic from bases in the UK (Mildenhall/Wyton) or FRG (Schleswig-Jagel). Flying from Keflavik in Iceland KC monitored a huge Soviet Navy exercise in the Norwegian Sea involving the Kiev, Kirov, and numerous cruisers, destroyers, and frigates. In the 1980s Libya was claiming the Gulf of Sidra as its territorial waters and KC flew in support of “freedom of navigation” operations involving USN ships. It’s a great insight into a relatively unknown part of Cold War air operations. 0:00 Introduction and KC's experience on the EP3 9:21 Focus on the Adriatic and Yugoslavia and Albania 15:24 The aftermath of the La Belle disco bomb attack and increased security measures 26:10 Busy month flying from Athens 32:27 Continuation of Cold War era aircraft in service today 36:15 The Achilles Lauro cruise ship hijacking, October 1985 54:25 Iowa class battleships and their role in the Cold War 1:02:12 KC's last flight in the Baltic 1:06:15 Instructions for landing in enemy territory 1:13:33 Cold War conversations on Facebook Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ 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 KC to our Cold War conversation… Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode243/ Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ 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. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What is it like to be under secret police surveillance? On 10 March 1983, 12-year-old Carmen Bugan returned from school to find Romanian secret police in her living room. Her father’s protest against the regime had changed her life forever. In recent years Carmen gained access to the files of the Romanian secret police. She herself is surprised by the intimacy of the surveillance. Forgotten conversations, love letters, and arguments are all laid bare via the detailed notes taken by the Securitate. We hear the sadness of discovering friends and family members were involved in informing on them too. Carmen and I discuss the “language of oppression”, the subtle and not-so-subtle methods used to try and ensure a compliant population but still thwarted by humanity even in the darkest recesses of the Romanian prison system. It’s a warning from history and the meaning of freedom in current times. 0:00 Introduction of guest Carmen Bugan and her experience with the Romanian secret police 4:08 Carmen's first experience with the secret police at the age of twelve 10:55 Initial reactions to reading the secret police files and seeing recorded intimate details 18:28 Carmen's discovery of surveillance files and their impact 24:12 Carmen reads out a transcript from the files 33:57 Carmen on the conflicts stirred by the files 41:17 Carmen elaborates on why the secret police needed justifications for arrests 49:21 Carmen discusses how family members justified their involvement with the secret police 1:02:28 Carmen talks about the power of language to harm and inspire 1:13:33 Ian Sanders introduces Carmen Bugan's book and previous episode Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Buy the book here Carmen Bugan Books UK Listeners Carmen Bugan books US listeners Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation me will keep this project going and allow me to continue preserving these incredible stories. You’ll join our community, get a sought-after CWC drinks 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 back Carmen Bugan to our Cold War conversation… Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode242/ Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Don't miss Carmen's previous episode " A Childhood under the eye of the Secret Police" here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode147/ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Keith Bailey Joined British Army at 16 in 1973. He was recruited into the Blues and Royals, (Household Cavalry) and served in West Germany as a gunner in Chieftain tanks. However, he was keen to serve in the Royal Military Police and particularly 19 (Support) Platoon known as "The White Mice". Their role was to track the SOXMIS (Soviet Military Mission) in West Germany. SOXMIS operated under a 1946 agreement where the Soviets, British, US and French agreed to exchange mission groups to patrol the opposing side’s then zones of occupation. The agreement continued to 1990 and needless to say both sides bent the rules somewhat… 0:00 Introduction 2:35 Keith Bailey's Military Career and Transition to the Royal Military Police 16:39 The Role of the RMP during the Cold War and Bailey's Experience 19:11 Joining the 19 Support Platoon and Training 23:29 The Presence of Soviet Troops in West Germany and Interactions 38:07 Soviet Intelligence Gathering and Anecdotes 43:28 Discussion about Soviet Precautions and Protocol for Crossing Sectors 51:35 Keith's Collection of Cold War Photos and Discussion on Detaining SOXMIS Vehicles 1:07:03 Reaction to the Fall of the Berlin Wall and Post-Cold War Interactions 1:18:15 Invitation to Facebook Discussion Group and Closing Remarks Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ 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 Keith Bailey to our Cold War conversation… Episode notes & photos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode241/ Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Graham Bate was 30-year-old Civil Servant when he built his own nuclear bunker in the garden of his rural home 20 miles outside Hull in the UK. It was here that the Bate family expected to survive for at least 3 weeks after a nuclear attack. We speak with Graham Bate and his son Conrad who was 5 years old when the bunker was built and has vivid memories of the period. 0:00 Introduction and background 0:53 Guest Introduction: Graham Bate and his nuclear bunker 2:26 The inception and design of Graham's bunker 7:04 Family's experience and trial run in the bunker 13:27 Reflections on the bunker project 20:10 The family's nuclear emergency plan 29:11 Security measures and local perspectives on the bunker 32:37 Living conditions in the bunker 37:03 Graham's fame and bunker building business 43:39 Impact of the Cold War on the bunker business 46:03 Learning curve and survival in a post-apocalyptic scenario Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will help preserve these accounts and 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 Graham and Conrad Bate to our Cold War conversation… There’s further information on this episode here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode240/ Special thanks to Al McCann who helped facilitate this episode. Please visit his website Northern Ireland's Secret Bunker. A Cold War 'Living' Museum situated in County Armagh https://www.facebook.com/nibunker/ 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.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You might remember listening to short wave radio during the Cold War and coming across weird transmissions of metallic voices reciting random groups of numbers through the ether. These are number stations, shortwave radio stations characterised by broadcasts of formatted numbers, which were being sent to spies operating in foreign countries. Number stations were used widely during the Cold War and we speak with Jo Reggelt. Jo has been working with Simon Mason who was a founding member of ENIGMA, launched in the 80s after identifying several of these stations. We discuss in detail the operations behind the transmissions and the stations themselves. You will hear some sample transmissions which Jo has kindly allowed us to use, including one with drunken Stasi officers serenading their agents after the opening of the Berlin Wall. We also detail a UK spy case that centred on capturing an agent red-handed listening to a numbers station. There’s further information including links here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode239/ 0:00 Introduction 5:06 Overview of Number Stations 20:37 Role of Agents and Attempts to Jam Number Stations 29:51 Identification and grouping of number stations 35:20 Notable Number Stations: Lincolnshire Poacher and CIA, BND Stations 43:15 The Story of Czech Spy: Erwin Van Harlem 54:41 Number Stations in Non-Aligned and NATO Nations 1:02:26 History of South Tyrol and its Role in the Cold War 1:07:27 Impact of the End of the Cold War on Number Stations 1:12:25 Influence of Number Stations on Pop Culture Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ 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. Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Cold War years were a period of unprecedented peace in Europe, yet they also saw a number of localised but nonetheless very intense wars throughout the wider world in which air power played a vital role. I speak with former Cold War Tornado pilot and acclaimed aviation historian Michael Napier who has written Flashpoints: Air Warfare in the Cold War published by Osprey which describes eight of these Cold War conflicts. We discuss the wide range of aircraft types used and the development of tactics over a period of revolution in aviation technology and design which saw some of the most modern technology that the NATO and Warsaw Pact forces deployed. UK listeners buy the book here US listeners buy the book here 0:00 Introduction 2:08 Introduction of guest Michael Napier and discussion on the importance of personalizing conflicts 7:18 Deep dive into the Suez and Congo conflicts 14:54 Role of the UN's air force in conflicts and the impact of combat aircraft 24:08 Introduction to the Indo-Pakistan wars and the Arab-Israeli wars 34:22 The toll of war on pilots and the international nature of conflicts 35:59 Overview of the Iran-Iraq War 40:53 The Falklands War: Initial reactions, strategies, and impact 50:34 Closing remarks, acknowledgments, and store promotion Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ 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. Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode236/ Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ 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.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Marti Peterson was the first female CIA operative to be assigned to Moscow, probably the most challenging posting during the Cold War. Don't miss the previous episode here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode236/ This second episode turns to TRIGON, the code name for Alexandr Ogorodnik. He was an official in the Soviet Embassy in Bogota, Columbia recruited by the CIA in 1973. Marti and TRIGON never met in person, but they shared information through dead drops and intelligence. We hear about the tradecraft involved. Marti is arrested by KGB agents and taken to Moscow's Lubyanka Prison for questioning and talks in detail about that experience. UK listeners buy Marti's the book here and support the podcast US listeners buy Marti's the book here and support the podcast 0:00 Introduction and Marti Peterson's role in the Cold War 2:33 Recruitment of Trigon by the CIA 10:06 Marti's first dead drop for Trigon and surveillance evasion techniques 18:24 Marti Peterson's account of her adrenaline-filled Cold War operations 24:12 The value and dissemination of Trigon's intelligence 29:55 Growing concerns about Trigon's safety and attempts to communicate 33:11 The dead drop and Marti's unexpected encounter 37:12 Marti Peterson's arrest, interrogation, and release 49:59 Marti Peterson's return to the US and the discovery of Trigon's fate 57:38 The aftermath: Trigon's unknown daughter in Bogota and his real identity 1:00:21 Marti's meeting with President Jimmy Carter 1:02:34 Episode notes, acknowledgement of financial supporters and call for donations 1:03:25 The Cold War Conversations online store Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ 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 Marti Peterson to our Cold War conversation… Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode237/ Episode one is here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode236/ Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ 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/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Marti Peterson was the first female CIA operative to be assigned to Moscow, probably the most challenging posting during the Cold War. Her story begins in Laos during the Vietnam War where she accompanied her husband John, a CIA officer. She describes their life in a small city in Laos, and the devastating news she received on October 19, 1972. Marti returned to the United States and one night at dinner a good friend suggested she look into working for the CIA. After making it clear to CIA recruiters that she didn’t want to be a secretary or an admin assistant they trained her to become an operative, effectively a spy. When Marti was posted to Moscow during the day, she worked as a diplomat at the U.S. Embassy. At night, on weekends and during her lunch breaks, she would report to the CIA station in the same building to do her work as an operative. UK listeners buy Marti's the book here and support the podcast US listeners buy Marti's the book here and support the podcast 0:00 Introduction and Marti Peterson's background 1:14 Marti Peterson's life in Moscow as a CIA operative 2:50 Marti's early life and college years 6:20 Marti's experience as a CIA wife and life in Laos 14:22 The path to becoming a CIA operative 36:50 Training and preparation for Moscow 40:10 Arrival and adaptation to life in Moscow 49:54 Social life and intelligence work in Moscow 53:31 Teaser for the next episode about Trigon 54:52 Store promotion and closing remarks Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ 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 Marti Peterson to our Cold War conversation… Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode236/ Listen to episode 2 here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode237/ Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye. The Cold War Conversations Bookshop Help us to continue recording the stories of the Cold War by using our bookshop. Please leave a review. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a written review. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 13th World Festival of Youth and Students was held from 1–8 July 1989 in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea. It was the largest international event staged in North Korea up until then. The event took four years of preparation by the North Korean government, which effectively spent a quarter of the country's yearly budget (US$4.5 billion) on it. Ultimately declared as the largest ever World Festival of Youth and Student with about 22,000 people from 177 countries attending. This event was the last festival held during the Cold War era as waves of unrest began to occur throughout Central and Eastern Europe later on in the year. Greg Elmer has directed the film “The Canadian Delegation” which features long time activist Chris Frazer who was handed the task of assembling a Canadian delegation to North Korea. The film follows Frazer and a number of other delegates as they recount their participation in the Festival as world events continued to unfold around them. 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. Today’s episode is hosted by co-host Peter Ryan. I am delighted to welcome Greg Elmer to our Cold War conversation… 0:00 Introduction and background of the 13th World Festival of Youth and Students 2:21 Interview with Greg Elma: The History and Politics of the Youth Festivals 9:15 Economic implications of North Korea's festival expenditures 12:06 The Canadian Delegation: Composition and Journey to Pyongyang 21:19 Festival Atmosphere and Experiences in North Korea 27:18 Delegates' Realizations and Long-Term Impact of the Festival 36:44 The Canadian Delegation's Response to Tiananmen Square 45:20 Reaction to the Film "The Canadian Delegation" 53:19 How to Access the Film on Vimeo and Future Plans 54:07 Ian Sanders' Closing Remarks and Cold War Conversations' Call to Action Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Watch the film here There’s further information and videos here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode235/ 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. The Cold War Conversations Bookshop Help us to continue recording the stories of the Cold War by using our bookshop. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ian Foulkes was exposed to the deadly nerve agent Sarin in 1983 at the Porton Down Chemical & Biological Defence Establishment., one of the UK's most secretive and controversial military research facilities. Ian describes in detail the process and the ill effects this caused him and shares details of a little-known fatality where 20-year-old Ronald Maddison died 45 minutes after what scientists thought was 200mg of liquid Sarin dripped onto his arm. We also talk about the development of chemical weapons during the Cold War and the history of the Porton Down Chemical & Biological Defence Establishment. Up to 20,000 people took part in various trials at Porton Down from 1949 up to 1989. In 2004 Maddison’s death was ruled to have been Corporate Manslaughter. The MoD withdrew a challenge to this ruling minutes before the hearing. In 2008 the MoD paid 600 veterans of the tests £8k each without admitting liability. 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. 0:00 Introduction and background of the 13th World Festival of Youth and Students 2:21 Interview with Greg Elma: The History and Politics of the Youth Festivals 9:15 Economic implications of North Korea's festival expenditures 12:06 The Canadian Delegation: Composition and Journey to Pyongyang 21:19 Festival Atmosphere and Experiences in North Korea 27:18 Delegates' Realizations and Long-Term Impact of the Festival 36:44 The Canadian Delegation's Response to Tiananmen Square 45:20 Reaction to the Film "The Canadian Delegation" 53:19 How to Access the Film on Vimeo and Future Plans 54:07 Ian Sanders' Closing Remarks and Cold War Conversations' Call to Action Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Do join our Facebook discussion group where the cold war conversation continues between episodes. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1964, pilot Captain Hansen found himself unemployed. He began to send out feelers to several companies including one that had placed an ad in the Washington Post called Air America. When he was called in for an interview which primarily consisted of two questions - can you fly good and do you drink a lot. Air America was the airline owned by the CIA. Its operations were unknown. Its schedules were irregular. Its pilots were shadow people. Its world was the world of spooks, covert air ops, adventure, and danger. Hansen would be flying in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and other locations in Southeast Asia. It could not have been a better fit for Hansen, an addicted adrenaline junkie. He would end up staying in Asia for over a decade and was fortunate enough to live to tell us about it in his book “Flight” Buy Neil's book here Cold War history is disappearing; however a simple monthly donation will help preserve it and 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 Neil Hansen to our Cold War conversation… Further information is here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode233/ 0:00 Introduction of guest, Neil Hansen, and his journey with Air America 2:02 Call for financial support for the Cold War Conversations podcast 3:35 Hansen's recruitment and early experiences with Air America 13:31 Hansen's black flight missions and promotion within Air America 20:13 Hansen's unique flight training methods and handling emergencies 26:12 Planning missions and gathering intelligence in Vietnam and Laos 30:53 Hansen's first-hand account of the Tet Offensive 41:21 Navigating the dangers and challenges in Laos during the Cold War 1:00:01 Hansen's harrowing experience of being shot down and bailing out 1:04:07 The last flight out of Cambodia: Neil Hansen's escape and reflection 1:20:26 Neil Hansen's fight for recognition, his book, and concluding remarks Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ 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. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. 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 Transition and transformation in Poland between 1982 and 1989 46:16 Reflections on Cold War assignments and favorite photographs 48:45 Anecdotes from Moscow, Warsaw and the Gobi Desert 58:11 Arthur's book Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ 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. More episode info here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode232/ 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.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. There’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 of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Sweden, and pivotal decision 44:27 Closing remarks, acknowledgments, and sponsor mentions Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. 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.com/groups/coldwarpod/ 0:00 Introduction and background of Brian Morra 7:12 The 1983 incident involving U.S. Navy aircraft over Soviet territory 17:12 Discussion on the shooting down of the Korean airliner KAL 007 30:03 The hostile incident against the US intelligence collection aircraft 41:44 Discussion on Stanislav Petrov, the man who saved the world 56:14 Leonard Peroot's personality and professional skills and role in defusing the Able Archer 83 crisis 1:04:58 Reflection on the book's portrayal of the 3 major flashpoints of 1983 1:11:39 Recollections of decision-making during the Cold War 1:19:33 Acknowledgement of patrons and how to become a patron 1:21:03 Final goodbye Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Cold War Conversations in Facebook. 0:00 Introduction and reflections on Kim Philby's legacy 1:03 Discussion on Kim Philby and his Soviet handler, Arnold Deutsch 4:21 Exploration of Edith Tudor-Hart's life and her connection to Kim Philby 15:27 Edith Tudor-Hart's involvement in left wing politics and the rise of fascism 18:28 Gender inequalities during the Cold War 22:31 The significance of Edith's portrait in Kim's study 31:43 Charlotte's memories of Kim Philby 35:15 The impact of Kim Philby's legacy on Charlotte's career 57:55 Edith's life as depicted through her photos 1:02:19 Comparing Edith and Kim Philby's experiences in concealing their beliefs Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 leader 44:13 Maura's interactions with East Germans 48:40 How Maura ended up in French Commando school and her training experiences 1:00:53 Exploring Berlin through books and films 1:07:25 Accidental crossing of the border and reflections on Berlin 1:13:15 First impressions of the Berlin Wall and questioning the depth of the Cold War victory 1:14:28 Acknowledgement of the podcast's patrons and invitation to join the Facebook group 1:15:19 Closing remarks and promotion of the podcast store Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ More info and videos related to this episode here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode227/ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Alice's life 31:04 Alice's arrest and her involvement with Noel Field 43:38 The notorious Slansky trial and its outcomes 49:21 Helena's trial, imprisonment, and post-release struggles 1:00:52 Future plans for the story of Alice and Helena 1:01:59 Closing remarks, appreciation for patrons, and invitation to join the Facebook group Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ You can read more about Liz’s research on her blog https://lookingforalice.com/ There are further videos, photos and information on this episode here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode226/ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. 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/3xRZsBX 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 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 in the US 50:13 Ieva's academic journey in the US, from Ohio State University to University of Colorado 57:42 Maintaining contact with her mother and dealing with homesickness 1:00:39 Ieva's father's mysterious death and his double life as a CIA and KGB agent 1:08:17 Reunion with her mother and her life after liberation in Latvia 1:14:04 Her story being adapted into a film and rejection of the victim narrative 1:17:41 Ieva Lesinska's current life as a journalist and translator 1:19:13 Acknowledging and thanking patrons Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 terrifying contingency plans and impracticality of their landing crafts 21:01 Lack of protective clothing and radiation tracking 24:33 Recreational activities and dynamics of the Navy group on Christmas Island 29:47 The mystery of the "big black line" in Peter's service record and the classified nature of the mission 34:05 The health effects of radiation exposure and the government's avoidance of liability 38:09 Reflections on Christmas Island as part of Peter's naval career 42:57 Closing remarks and thanks to patrons Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ The British Nuclear Test Veterans Association (BNTVA) is the Charity for UK Nuclear Veterans https://www.bntva.com/ There’s further information including videos and photos on this episode here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode224 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/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 poetry circle 57:43 The decline of the GDR and impact on the writing circle 1:02:13 Book giveaway announcement 1:03:12 Acknowledgement of the podcast's patrons and promotion of the Facebook group 1:06:03 Closing remarks and promotion of the podcast's store Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Radio GDR If you are interested in East Germany we can highly recommend our friends over at Radio GDR. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. 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/1591095413 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Maps 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 pact and insights into Russian training methods 46:23 Perception of East Germans and experiences in East Germany 53:00 Post-cold war British army engagements and core values 56:31 Civilian evacuation during the Cold War and the role of German transport 1:00:34 Supporter acknowledgement and episode closing Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 UK 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 got its name 16:10 East Germany's attempt to annex Steinstücken and America's response 20:47 The political dynamics in Steinstücken during the Cold War 30:25 Impact of the Berlin Wall on Steinstücken 38:17 The refugee situation and U.S. military operations in Steinstücken 45:37 Economic and societal implications in Steinstücken and the 4 power agreement 1:01:15 Post Cold War integration of Steinstücken into West Berlin 1:07:04 Podcast patrons and invitation to join the Facebook group Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. 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 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 Berlin and encounters with fans 9:44 Karl Heinz's trip to Tbilisi, Georgia for a football match and interactions with locals 17:32 Encounter with potential KGB agents and misunderstandings with locals 20:38 Karl Heinz's football game experiences in East Berlin 24:57 Karl Heinz's experience in Chile during the time of Pinochet and meeting with Pinochet 30:16 Meeting with Margaret Honecker and her continued belief in the communist cause 32:04 Acknowledgement of patrons and their contributions Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Engaging with the Podcast and Closing Remarks Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Buy Bob's book here UK listeners https://amzn.to/3pBDrF4 US listeners https://amzn.to/3qvX0xD 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 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/ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. If you’d like to know more just go to cwc.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. Peter Ryan is your host today and I am delighted to welcome Eric Hochstein to our Cold War conversation… There’s further information here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode215 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/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. 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/3CLuHjy We 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 march towards the Russian Federation building 31:01 Day 2: Speeches and continued protests 35:07 Brett's journey back home through Yugoslavia 44:22 Brett's reflection on the changes since the uprising 46:00 Ian Sanders: Closing remarks and thanks to patrons 47:13 Ian Sanders: Postscript and store promotion Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 by PodcastAI✨ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. This 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 training 33:08 Survival skills, live field firing and the final exercise of the course 36:48 Historical accuracy of army depictions in movies and use of Soviet vehicles for training 40:31 Deployment of special OP troops, selection of shelter locations and creation of target information packs 50:20 Communication distance with the artillery and encryption of communication 59:45 Participation in Exercise Reforger, end of the Cold War and escape and evasion training 1:02:51 Survival and resistance interrogation course and experiences facing the Soviet army 1:12:13 Reflections on the sacrifices of fellow soldiers and remembering the casualties of the Cold War 1:13:44 Introduction to the "Unconventional Soldier" podcast 1:16:31 Store promotion and closing remarks Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Buy 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 continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook. Schattenberg I am delighted to welcome Lea Ypi to our Cold War conversation… There’s further information here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode210/ 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/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations 0:00 Introduction 1:01 Life in Albania during the Cold War: Lea Ypi's Background 3:08 Lea Ypi's Family History and the Impact of Politics 7:15 Tourism and International Influence in Cold War Albania 15:46 Decoding Family Secrets: The Coded Language of Dissidence 19:25 The Delayed Fall of Communism in Albania and its Aftermath 26:35 Lea Ypi's Exposure to the Outside World and Cultural Shifts 34:39 Childhood Memories: The Tourist Area and Italian Television 42:13 Political Transition in Albania: From Communism to Liberalism 51:48 Rise and Fall of Pyramid Schemes in Transitioning Albania 54:18 Lea Ypi's Journey into Studying and Teaching Marx and Marxism Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Do 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 conversation… There’s further information here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode210/ 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/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations 0:00 Introduction and historic narration of the Apollo-Soyuz mission 1:24 Significance of the Apollo-Soyuz mission in the Cold War context 5:44 Detailed discussion on the Apollo-Soyuz mission: technological, political, and human aspects 10:17 Beginning of the thawing of Cold War tensions and the role of Apollo-Soyuz mission 20:06 Challenges encountered during the Apollo-Soyuz mission: Language and technology 24:38 Profiles of Apollo-Soyuz mission crew members 32:23 Training, first impressions, and cultural exchange between the American and Soviet teams 44:51 The launch of the mission and the first-ever televised Soviet launch 50:23 First meeting in space, exchange of gifts, shared journey, and near disaster 57:41 Troubled return of the Apollo and the aftermath 1:01:53 Legacy of the Apollo-Soyuz mission and the changing dynamics of space travel 1:08:05 Reflections on the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Berlin Wall 1:08:49 Introduction to Stephen Walker's book "Beyond" 1:11:23 Acknowledgement of the show's patrons and supporters 1:12:29 Closing remarks and promotion of the Cold War Conversations store Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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? 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 appreciated 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 2:58 Brezhnev's early life, education, and career 8:07 Start of Brezhnev's political career and navigation of Stalinist purges 23:08 Brezhnev's rise to power and relationship with Khrushchev 34:06 Brezhnev's leadership style, reforms, and international crisis 38:12 Brezhnev's portrayal as a Western statesman and health decline 49:34 Brezhnev's involvement in Afghanistan and Poland's situation 56:41 Closing remarks and promotion of Cold War Conversations store Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 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 3:00 Introduction of guest Fred Weir and discussion on his early life 9:16 Recollection of the Prague Spring and its impact 15:24 Decision to stay in Moscow after the collapse of the Soviet Union 19:03 Socializing with local Communist Party members and life in Soviet Union 25:48 Covering the impact of Glasnost and Perestroika 35:41 The transition from Yeltson's to Putin's leadership 39:15 Fred Weir's experiences during the 1991 coup 52:09 Predicting and understanding the collapse of the Soviet Union 55:13 Life after the collapse of the Soviet Union 1:00:34 Acknowledging the support of patrons 1:01:20 Cold War Conversations discussion group on Facebook 1:02:28 Cold War Conversations store Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Buy "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/ 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 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 operations at Teufelsberg 27:47 Infiltration of Field Station Berlin by Soviet and East German agents 38:32 US counterintelligence's awareness of spy activities 43:33 Exposure and fate of the spies post-arrest 47:59 Fate of Teufelsberg after the Wall opened 50:07 Sponsor: Promotion for Bernd's book "Capital of Spies" 51:57 Closing remarks and promotion for the Cold War Conversations store Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices