The Eastern Border

Greetings, Comrades!I currently have no voice, due to illness. So, Alice took over for this episode, and did it her own style. So, what we have here is a very hardcore episode, containing the look in the life of a true Soviet woman in the year of 1960 – because we had ALL the Latvian Soviet Woman magazines from that year, which allows for a very interesting perspective. Both of the good things and bad. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades!I've been really ill past week. You'll hear that on the show. And, besides watching Stalin documentaries to fall asleep, and history of Crimea for a future episode, I went full zombie mode...and experienced Russian news. Being unable to think clearly and in massive pain is the only way how a reasonable person could take this on. This episode goes weird, really fast. Enjoy! Also, please visit theeasternborder.lv for all the source links, as that list is too long to publish here.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades! Our new Stalin ep is here again. By this time, Stalin and Exile have become comedy terms. But there are unfunny things in this episode too. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades!We bring you the latest episode of October, the one about InTourist, and the very weird experience of being a foreign tourist in the USSR! Hope you’ll love it! Enjoy! And no, I won't be giving lengthy descriptions of the episode, Not today! :DSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades! Today’s episode was made out of schedule, but it was so timely, and so urgent, that I just had to do it. Special thanks to Travis J. Dow, my Dark Myths colleague and friend from the Bohemican podcast (and many others) for inspiration here. It’s about radicalism in Russia, about trolls, about how your opinion can easily be swayed and what you should watch out for. I mean, they got me! I was outraged about what turned out to be totally fake news last week. So, instead of being angry at people who’re literally burning cinemas in Russia because of a movie about Nicholas the 2nd, I got worried about…nonsense. Anyhow, very complex episode, hope that you’ll like it, but for the most part – this is supposed to remind everyone that in this modern day, everyone needs to adjust their angry reactions for the likely possibility of trolling. Enjoy. Stalin coming monday or tuesdaSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades! Today, I want to give you an episode about something completely different. About one of the…strangest..communes out there. I’ve been wanting to make an episode about this sub-denomination of the Orthodox church and their weird destinies for a while now, so now that I had the chance, I did. And It came out as one strange episode. Hope you’ll like it!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades! As we've just returned from our vacation to Berlin, it's due time to present this episode on STASI, the dreaded KGB analogue of East Germany, that surpassed the "sword and shield of the communist party" in many different ways. Sorry that the beginning of this episode is so disjointed. The construction company, building an extra floor on my local shashlik bar decided that it was just the perfect day to do more construction, so I had to re-record everything multiple times. Sill, hope you'll like it. Enjoy some German communism, comrades! Also, here's the link for the SUDIO earphones: https://goo.gl/J3wL96Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades! Welcome to the one of the most depressive episodes I've ever made. Bonus points for you, if you caught the song reference in the title. This episode is about tragedy. Deep, personal tragedy and how it makes monsters out of men. Don't want to spoil much else here. Also, about how sources and research can be tricky sometimes and why making this stuff isn't easy - I take jab at one of the books I use, because ohboy...we came to a point, where the uncertainties and errors were just too much. And also, to the point where there are people out there who actually attribute things to Stalin which he has never done to make him more evil - most probably, because they didn't know of all the things he actually did, and those, really, are quite enough. Hope you'll like the episode. It's not funny, however. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades!I got terribly ill – had tonsilitis in a heavy form. Basically, I was tormented with fever so I couldn’t script as well as I wanted, and then, turns out that with a terribly sore throat, recording is literally impossible to do. But – as I’m almost ok now, recorded this episode, which I admit, isn’t the best one that we’ve ever made – but it’s full with fun statistics, and is all about the communal flats. And why people in modern day Russia still live in those quite often. Basically – enjoy. Tons of comparisons, lots of history and some modern day economics. Hope you’ll like it, despite the flaws. Ooh, and we have pictures this time!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades!I had two scripts prepared, one for this and one for Stalin, for this week - and this won out in the social media voting. So here you go. Honestly - I'm normally very, VERY critical of my episodes, but this is what I consider to be one of my top tier shows. A must listen. Because...wow. The work I put in here, in my opinion, really paid off. And the things I discovered, were truly surprising and weird. But I guess, it's how podcasting goes. This is a "fun" episode. And if it isn't - well, how much more in dark comedy and depression should I go to make it fun? Also, if you're from Sweden, please write to us - as we're visiting very soon for a day.Enjoy!KristapsSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades!This episode is a "fun" one, and as it contains crime, violence, descriptions of gory events, explicit language, secret marriages and conspiracies, it's not suited for younger listeners. Yes, we've now managed to get into the period, where, as we discovered in the last episode, Stalin's decided to "do practical things" and "take matters further". It's the story leading up to, and all about the grand Tbilisi heist in 1907. Also, it's my birthday tomorrow (and my half brother's too, by the way, he's exactly 3 years younger than I am) so we're going to a party later today, so the book for the patrons is going to be out on the 29th or 30th. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades!This episode will be a bit dry. It's mostly about lies...and actually, the differences between Social Democracy and Socialism, and how zealous people can screw things over. But seriously, it's a bit dry, as we're preparing to talk about the true crime stories of Stalin himself - this is how Stalin basically became a terrorist, after almost bankrupting the Bolshevik party. And how that party was made. It's very weird - but pull through, as this is necessary. And in the end - it'll make you think, and we'll get to the more funnier stuff soon enough. But this time...this time it's all about data and facts as they'll be extremely important to understand the context. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Listeners!Firstly, here’s the link to Time Cube. http://timecube.2enp.com/ Don’t know what time cube is? Don’t worry. It comes up in the 2nd hour of this discussion that you should really listen through. This one is all about ideologies. And religions. And how they both get so intertwined, especially in the United States, that they affect modern political decision making. Our guest is the amazing David Sheally, and we make a lot of jokes and a lot of tangents…but…but this episode turned out so good, and so well done – and so important, that I’ve decided to include it in the main feed as well. But really – be sure to listen throught. It all comes to a point in the end.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades!In this episode, me and Brandon Newberg from the Dead Ideas podcast discuss Stalin's relationships with Tito. And who was more bad ass. But then, philosophy and analytics get in the way, we get sidetracked and stuff becomes way more awesome. Sorta. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades! This PSA is here, to inform you that you should watch our fist ever video episode about our three-day Soviet car festival, which ended in a Latvian tank museum and which I filmed. I'm not very great with a cam, tho. So, like said in this PSA - click here, to watch our first ever video episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP7RW7SyDfYSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades!Alice is still away, and I feel like a lost puppy. I can’t find where any of my stuff is, and nobody pokes me and everything’s pretty much not nice. For those of you, who’re not yet married – it’s actually a wonderful feeling, when you understand that you function so much as a team with your “other half” that you begin to miss them intensely after a while, and can barely function. But, nonetheless, even though I can’t release Stalin episodes now, as Alice would be super angry at me, I can do other things. Such as, for one, doing the other part of my show, which are the current events that are happening here, in The Eastern Border. And they sometimes get scary and make you think. That was my goal with this episode, so…please, enjoy!Also, super huge thanks to my fellow Dark Myths colleagues, the Secret Transmission podcast, for editing this, without them, this episode would’ve never be released.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades!Alice is away for three weeks, working in a children's camp. That means I don't have an editor, so regular episodes are taking a small break - but, in this sunny time, this means, you get specials! And some other stuff later on, but we'll see. Anyhow, here's an episode that we wanted to do for a while now, it's about the Bulgarian prophetess Vanga, together with Sam from the Strange Matters podcast. A bit less Soviet stuff, a bit more philosophical discussion on the nature of man and why it's really hard to actually make some concrete statements about this nice, old Bulgarian lady. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades!On today’s episode, we answer many important questions. And give out some others. But it doesn’t matter, as Uncle Joe responds to them all, with a) escaping from prison and b) urging more people to a violent uprising. This is how it goes in the USSR. Hope you’ll like the show. And send in your questions!Do svidaniya, tovarischi!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades!This is our next Stalin episode AND our anniversary episode. And it's not quite awesome, as I'm suffering from a food poisoning now. But it's pretty good still. However, there are a few things I'd like to say.Firstly, thank you for being here. Secondly...well...this is going to get explicit: People send me death threats. People want to beat me up. People used to tell me that I'll never finish college, because I'm obviously too stupid and not "organised enough" - I've been dumped, because they thought I'd never achieve anything and that I'm just "dumb and base" and that I'd never be worthy of them. Well, look at where we are after two years. And if you mistake being rude sometimes for being dumb, that's your own problem. I've never been a conformist, never tried to be liked by anyone just because it looks good, just because it's the popular, nice thing to say. And now...now I'm here. And you're here. And I thank you for that. And together, we can say surely to the Putin's agents and the arrogant stuck-up people, and the people who think I'm weird, because I actually talk with US people - The Eastern Border shall live on. Happiness is Mandatory! I love you all!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades!My usual Stalin episode is written down, and all I needed was to record it. But then, as sometimes happens, my dad arrived, and this time, he was carrying some documents and books with him. They turned out to be Soviet reports of various peace conferences - and the collected works of Anna Sakse, a children's writer...and a massive, massive propaganda master and state-paid spreader of lies, bashing the west at every opportunity. And this just turned out to be SO amazing, that I couldn't resist - no, I must give you this! This episode will make you cringe, will make you laugh a bit...but when you think about it, it's actually pretty sad. Anyhow, enjoy - and Stalin and PDRP coming up soon!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades!In this episode, we discuss Stalin. ALL that is Stalin. Superman can take a rest...if he was real, and Stalin were the head of the USSR, Supes would end up in a GULAG. We're talking about a man, who almost killed his father, when he was 7. Intentionally. Also, he's endured almost everything. And yeah...this is the happiest episode of the series that I have to make about the person who's responsible for the genocide of my people. About one of the greatest men in history...and one of the most evil, bloodthirstiest men in history. Enjoy. Or not. It's more about me, telling the story this time.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades!Today is a special day – we bring you the final episode of the Red Dawn series, about Lenin’s death…and eternal life in mausoleum, people’s memory, anecdotes and culture. It…was amazing in the beginning, but turned out to be a laughing stock in the end. Next time, we’re moving to the Man of Steel – Stalin. But for now, remember: Lenin lived, Lenin lives, Lenin – Eternally Alive! Enjoy, comrades! And…I actually apologize, because after ww2, it does get kinda boring for a while.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades! I'll be honest with you - the previous week has been a living hell for me, I'm dealing with a dying grandfather, for whom I have to do all the paperwork while he's still here with us. And it's hard. And Alice has exam season. And Alice spilled water on her laptop, so I had to re-record the whole episode. And then, we had to fix some factual errors in our episode, as it turns out, some of the documentaries that we watched were literally based in nothing. But...we pulled through. We did our best, and clenched our teeth and did amazing things. Like the Soviet people, during the NEP era, when they finally got some opportunities to do some private enterprises. Or, like Stalin, who, even though, curbed all of those private business activities, nonetheless kind of represents the stereotypical NEP-man in the political world. He was shrewd, cunning, tough, witty and...indescribably selfish, evil and with no sense of honor or loyalty to his allies. But...in a way, that's how the businessmen in the NEP were, and Stalin probably has more in common with Ostap Bender and Voland than he probably had imagined. And I'll leave this long description at that, comrades. Enjoy the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades!We are honored to bring you The Greatest episode. Our humble show was visited by the Grandmaster of podcasting himself - Dan Carlin. We talked about Russian and Eastern European politics, role of new media in modern society, a bit about podcasting and then some Soviet history. It was a lot of fun, and I have to say that Dan's also a really kind and nice person. (Besides having the wisdom of ages, and reaching almost divine status in podcaster circles.) For an independent, Latvian podcast that started out in Hardcore History forums, it was very awesome to get his approval on what we're doing. And humbling. I truly hope you'll appreciate this interview, but even more so - that it'll make you reflect a bit.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, comrades! Today, we have an episode, discussing the tribes. Both of Native Americans and ancient Balts. Why? Because sometimes I feel like I have to explain why I feel closer to them rather than the colonial people. We are joined by Andrew James Cotter from Iroquois History and Legends Podcast http://www.longhousepodcast.com/ and discuss reservations, oppression, culture, tribal customs and myths that sometimes are there when you mention tribes to someone. Hope you'll enjoy this.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades!Today’s episode had a very troubled production. Basically, we had to re-do the script completely, when in the fact-checking segment of the production, we were forced to throw out huge chunks of the material, because it just couldn’t be verified and turned out to be published in some very shady news sites. And it’s no wonder, really, seeing how history is used these days to advance political agendas. For that, we also advance the timeline in Russia a bit, and you get to listen about the gruesome murders of the Romanovs. And the reasons why all of us, in the Baltics, were actually able to beat Bolsheviks in 1918 – 1920. Because “war communism” encapsulates many meanings. Enjoy. If you can.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades!This episode, quite probably, is the closest we’ll ever get to being a true crime podcast. You see, we acquired the Soviet criminal code. With comments. Educational edition. So, to have a break from doing our narrative episodes, we decided to do this. But, you see, comrades, reading this book is like staring into the eye of madness itself. There might be laws in these books, but there is no order. Oh, and everyone’s a criminal. And corruption is, essentially, de facto supported, encouraged and, if you think about how things are, simply inevitable. So, we threw out what script we had prepared, called my little brother – otherwise, he was very lonely this Easter, as his wife and kid is in the countryside, opened a beer and tried to make some sense of all of this. This is a chill episode, as…well, going easy, and with dark humour was literally the only way how to cover this actually very dark and serious subject. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades!In this episode of our Russian Revolution series, we look at the events that led to the independence of Latvia and Estonia! That’s because Lithuania shall get paired with Poland in the next episode. Sorry for the delays, but this has proven to be one of the most research intensive episodes to date. I hope you’ll enjoy this one!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades!The regular episode is shortly coming up, just in a day or two – but so many of you have sent in questions regarding the Russian state and media responses to the USA missile strike on Syria, that I just had to talk about this. It’s my journalistic duty, and hey, I might not be here for long, if this continues like this, so might as well make more episodes. At any rate, this is a sporadic and nervous, direct discussion and translation episode, a complete extra that had to be put out there ASAP. But I sincerely hope you’ll learn something from it. Also, here are the links to all the sources, for our new listeners:https://lenta.ru/news/2017/04/07/dam_edge/https://lenta.ru/news/2017/04/07/putin/https://lenta.ru/news/2017/04/07/note/https://lenta.ru/news/2017/04/07/mid/http://vesti.lv/news/tramp-raspyal-russkogo-malychika-v-siriiSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades!Let’s strike a deal, you enjoy this episode now, and I make the Baltics independence one a great show? In all seriousness, that subject turned out to be way, way bigger than I had originally anticipated, so I pulled our prepared April the 1st episode and made a switcheroo. So that I wouldn’t have to give you a sub-par episode on how Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania even begun. It’s like a trick, really. But made with Science! MAD SCIENCE! Just like this show, where I, Chris Cogswell from Mad Scientist Podcast and David Flora of Blurry Photos fame discuss the utter weirdness that was the Soviet Science. State-funded psychics! Scientific truths, determined by propaganda! Cow-Antilope hybrids! An army of super-soldiers, composed of human-orangutan hybrids! Volunteers! All that and more, in this, for once, light-hearted and fun episode! Enjoy!Oh, and we’re back to the serious stuff next time, I sincerely want to make that episode great.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades! Here we are, with the 6th part of our series on the Russian revolution. Creating this episode and explaining what was going on in this time period was about as difficult as explaining the thoughts of a sugar cube, slowly dissolving into a cup of coffee. I, personally, blame Trotsky. And Lenin. If you're not constantly asking "What? But...why?" as you're listening to this episode about everyone's war against everyone, ridiculous decrees and attempts to consolidate power, you're doing it wrong. Also, tragic story of Ukraine. With hetmans and warlords and everything. And no, this is not about a video game. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades!This episode is dedicated to all the women podcasters out there! I wish all the best for you and for your shows!In this, special episode, I and Our Dark Lady (being from our Dark Myths podcast collective) Matilda Clare Testoni from the Singing Bones podcast, discuss the International Women’s Day, Valentina Tereshkhova and how Eastern European women differ culturally and where all of this comes from. And how much of this is actually real and how Soviet government used it for their own political gains. I treated this subject with a lot of respect, because…well, you’ll hear on your own. I hope you’ll find this episode interesting.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades!This is part 5 of our Red Dawn series – here, I talk about the events that commenced in October 1917, and how the whole insurrection happened. Because there was no second revolution. There was, however, a coup, beginning of a civil war and a bunch of decrees. This is when Lenin finally gets to put his theoretical ideas into practice. Enjoy! Oh, and also: for all of our Patreon subscribers, the next part of Anna Politkovskaya’s “Russian Diary” is also already waiting for you on our Pateron site!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades! This episode is pretty bad. Like Nicky the 2nd's government. But we have to get over this one, to get to better episodes in the future. I apologize for inconvenience, but due to source overload, making this one felt like a real chore. All in all, we did our best. I hate dry facts, but...this is what we have. Then again...this is the same kind of nonsense, the citizens must've felt in Russia. I'll do better next time. When the events make more sense.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades!Today’s episode is an extra – a report about how it’s like to live in the pro-Russian separatist territories in eastern Ukraine. Don’t worry, I’ll hit the revolution soon enough – in fact, I already started recording that episode, but…I received fresh information about what’s going on in Donetsk and Luhansk literally yesterday morning – so I spent the whole day, translating matherials, scripting and recording, to bring you the most current, most accurate report, straight from the people, about how it’s like in eastern Ukraine today. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Citizens!In this episode, we shall look at the second largest country on planet earth, an important member of NATO, and a place where a lot of Latvian refugees went in the aftermath of WW2. Also, a lot of people from USA wanted to migrate there following the Trump elections. The problem is – politics of Canada, it’s history and issues aren’t well known and understood outside that country, yet, it’s often used as an example of healthcare and other issues. So, we try to figure out what’s the context of Canadian politics, it’s political history and what’s up with all the singing lumberjacks anyway.Enjoy! Sapere Aude!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades!This episode is all about Lenin's youth, and what he was doing starting from the point of his brother's execution, up to revolution. Turns out, he was a bit of a lazy jerk. And the factual list of things is long, tedious and...actually, not that fun. Instead, what IS fun are stories about Lenin from this time period, from his contemporaries, excerpts from his works and talking about his general ideas. Because seriously, I'm not going to list all the socialist gatherings in Europe he went to - but I'm giving you, comrades, a feel on what went down in these gatherings. Oh, and to help me with that, this week we have Prof. CJ on the show, from Dangerous History Podcast. He's very knowledgeable about revolutions and revolutionaries, and makes sure that everything I speak a bit more understandable. Also: Warning! We do have a sound issues near the end of the episode, that couldn't be fixed - it sounded fine on skype, but Zencastr had some lags apparently. Alice did what she could.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades!Today’s episode will be slightly different than planned, but nonetheless interesting! Today we’ll find out why Czar Nicholas II wasn’t as meek or neutral as people tend to portray him. In fact, Bolsheviks learned a lot from him. In the bad way. All in all, enjoy this, longer than usual episode, while we set the stage for even more Lenin. And go and listen to Inward Empire show in the mean time.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades! This is our first episode in the Russian Revolution series, which we have dubbed "Red Dawn" as we enjoy bad cinematography. The episode itself is the story of Lenin's childhood, as we decided to split up his biography in two parts. I hope we can match Mike Duncan in quality and do this properly. As it's one of the murkiest things in Soviet history, to be honest. Anyways, enjoy! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades!We've been pretty dark this year, this year has been pretty dark this year, so we decided to go completely silly. And dark. And myths. Okay, sorry about the puns. Basically, I love the British panel show QI. And like all podcasters, we do like a bit of a vacation. So, we came together with other podcasts - Twilight Histories, Astonishing Legends, Rumor Flies and Blurry Photos and made a tipsy parody of QI, hopefully Stephen Fry won't kill us. It contains a lot of facts and a lot of banter from your favourite podcasts. Merry Christmas, everyone! Hopefully, you'll get a good laugh. See you on the 28th, with our question/answer show! We'll post updates on social media on the specific times!And finally: You know, I run not only this, but also the Dark Myths podcast - https://www.acast.com/darkmyths/ It's let's mysterious than it sounds, it's basically me, interviewing other other members of that podcasting community. If you listen to any other shows in our collective, you might find it fun.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades! I received an ominous call from Russia last night. Warning me about dire threats to my life. This episode is all about that. And more.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades! I’ve managed to catch flu right now – but thankfully, we have this – an interview with Johan Andersson, lead designer of Paradox, who’s behind the grand strategy games that I (and at least some of you) enjoy: Crusader Kings 2, Europa Universalis 4 and Hearts of Iron 4. We hope you’ll enjoy this! Oh, and to the people who have just come here from Paradox forums: check out our other episodes too!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades!We have reached the conclusion of our GULAG series. It has been a dark and terrible story…and it has no happy ending. But at the end of the episode, you’ll understand me, and possibly any other Baltic person that you may know, so much better. This one is about the scars. And it’s not pretty.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, listeners! In today’s episode, we are joined by Stephanie Ellaine Hunt, leader of the Drinking Liberally New York section to talk about Trump election, to discuss “how it is” and make some sense about how to still stay friendly to each other in this partisan environment. Also, we discuss race issues, women’s issues, LGBT rights and why, exactly, are minorities and these aforementioned groups afraid of Trump. And should Trump voters be afraid of Trump? Maybe there can be something good from this election? Who knows. In the next episode, which shall be released soon, we’ll be talking with Ben. That one was recorded before election – but it will be interesting to listen to that, after both election and after this episode. Enjoy. Also, music was taken from a royalty-free site, and it’s Actionable by talented Ben Sound.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So, we finally deliver you our reading of A. Politkovskaya's "A Russian Diary". Full book, chapter by chapter, will go to our Patreon/Paypal supporters, as a thank you, but this - this is a prologue to get you interested, comrades!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While we work on our final, all-encompassing episode on GULAG (and KGB) which has consumed all free time and energy in the known universe, at least the parts of it, that are available in Latvia, we present to you our interview with the Dead Ideas podcast on the Red Scare, Duck & Cover, communism, answers to questions about communism, bits of Star Trek and why USA actually doesn’t have 50 states. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we take a step back from the darkness and turn on to an interview about the ancient tribes that lived in modern day Latvia, especially the Curonians! In an interview with a person that's a good candidate of being the most interesting man ever to live!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Halloween is here. It's also bullshit. This is...real tragedy. This episode is about the genocide against my people. The most depressing and hardest one to make so far. But I just have to tell this story. I don't ask you to enjoy. I ask you to learn...and never repeat this again.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades! We continue our series on the penal system of the USSR, this time exploring KGB. History of the institution, how it operated, who benefited…who suffered. It’s weird like that. And deeply personal.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades! This is part 1 of our multi-part series about GULAGs and the Soviet prisons, punishments and other...non-human activities, that turned people into subjects. A hard theme, if there ever was one.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.