Cold War Conversations

Burt recounts the surreal experience of learning about Fisher's true identity from a newspaper headline, the subsequent FBI interrogations, and the emotional courtroom testimony where he struggled to reconcile his friendship with the stark reality of espionage. Burt's journey leads him to Moscow in a failed attempt to reconnect with Fisher, revealing a labyrinthine world of secrets and paranoia. He shares a heartfelt letter he left for Fisher, expressing regret and longing for a simpler time when art, not intrigue, was their common ground. As a testament to the personal connection they shared, Burt unveils a handcrafted wooden box—a wedding gift made by Fisher himself—symbolizing the genuine human connection that endured despite the shadowy world they navigated. This episode is a poignant exploration of identity, memory, and the complex human relationships that defy the black-and-white narrative of the Cold War. Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode342 The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and viaa simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, 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 welcome one-off donations via the same link. Connect with us on social media for more Cold War content: Twitter: https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations For the perfect gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life, visit our store at https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ If you love history, check out Into History at https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a riveting episode that peels back the layers of Cold War espionage, we sit down with Burt, an artist who unwittingly befriended a man better known as Colonel Abel, the infamous Bridge of Spies Spy who was exchanged for shot down US U2 pilot Gary Powers. Burt knew Abel as Emil Goldfuss but his real name was Willie Fisher from Newcastle Upon Tyne in England. Fisher was a Soviet agent deeply embedded in the fabric of New York City's bustling art scene. Burt's tale unfolds in a studio building exclusively for artists, where he first crossed paths with Fisher in an old-fashioned elevator—an encounter that would mark the beginning of an unexpected friendship. Burt reminisces about their shared moments, from the peculiar request for a cup of turpentine to late-night discussions surrounded by the haze of cigarette smoke. He reflects on the nuances of their bond, the fatherly figure he saw in Fisher, and the mutual need for companionship that transcended the spy's professional obligations. Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode341/ Don’t miss part two of this amazing conversation next week… The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and viaa simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, 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 welcome one-off donations via the same link. Connect with us on social media for more Cold War content: Twitter: https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations For the perfect gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life, visit our store at https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ If you love history, check out Into History at https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Valeriy was a Soviet Navy diver sapper and was born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine. I have used a human translator for this episode so the main voice you will hear is my translator Galina Ryabova who was kindly funded by one of my financial supporters Valeriy opens up about his childhood, the impact of the Great Patriotic War on his family, and his mother's resilience in raising him after his father's untimely death. He shares insights into his schooling, where history and geography sparked his curiosity, and his early military training which set the stage for his specialised role in the Soviet Navy. Valeriy offers a rare glimpse into the life of a Soviet Navy diver sapper, trained in both underwater firearms and explosives, tasked with clearing mines to pave the way for naval infantry. He provides revealing insights into underwater warfare during the 1980s. His unit was stationed near Kaliningrad, where he describes his equipment and the day-to-day life that included guarding, surveillance, and rigorous half-yearly military exercises. Reflecting on the broader scope of the Cold War, Valeri discusses his perceptions of the US and NATO, the political climate under Gorbachev, and the aftermath of the USSR's dissolution. The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, 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. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sirka offers a comprehensive exploration of life in East Germany, detailing the experiences of growing up in Neubrandenburg, the influence of the East German state and the Stasi, and the societal impacts of Mikhail Gorbachev's policies leading up to the fall of the Berlin Wall. She also talks of her intensive gymnastics training and being given pills by her trainer... Sirka also describes the transition to reunification, highlighting the challenges of adapting to a new economic system and the mixed feelings toward sudden exposure to Western consumer culture. Additionally, it includes a reflective conversation on post-reunification life in Germany, discussing Sirka's and her family's adjustment to the changes, including the effects on employment, homeownership, and personal political histories. Video and photo extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode339 The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and viaa simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, 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 welcome one-off donations via the same link. Connect with us on social media for more Cold War content: Twitter: https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations For the perfect gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life, visit our store at https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ If you love history, check out Into History at https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod 00:00 Preview 00:22 Welcome to Cold War Conversations 00:36 Life in East Germany: An Insider's Perspective 01:50 Circa's Childhood and Family Life in Neubrandenburg 03:33 The Impact of World War II on Family Histories 05:42 Navigating Post-War East Germany 07:53 The East German Regime Through a Family's Eyes 10:31 Cultural and Educational Experiences in East Germany 23:23 The Challenges of Consumer Goods and Entertainment 25:39 School Life and Education in East Germany 34:17 Extracurricular Activities: Singing Club and Gymnastics 44:58 The Intensity of Gymnastics Training in East Germany 46:15 The Secret Gymnastics Pills 48:14 The Grueling Training Regime and Its Impact 49:46 The Power of Music and Discipline in a Regimented Society 50:38 The Harsh Realities of Military-Style Training 51:39 Life Under an Autocratic System: Acceptance and Adaptation 55:26 The Transition to College and the End of Gymnastics 55:56 Exploring Moscow: A Glimpse into the Space Race 01:03:37 Witnessing the Winds of Change: The Fall of the Berlin Wall 01:14:21 Navigating the New World: Post-Wall Challenges and Reflections 01:25:05 A Journey Back in Time: Revisiting Memories and the Stasi Files Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Soviet-Afghan War lasted ten years between 1979-1989 and led to the deaths of between 500k and 2m Afghan civilians. I speak with Nick Geering a Russian history and language teacher. From his memories of the haunting sight of uniformed amputees in St Petersburg to the complex origins of the conflict, we explore the intricacies of a war that was both an accident and a tragedy. Our conversation traverses the murky politics that led to the Soviet invasion, the unpreparedness of the conscript-heavy Soviet army, and the brutal reality of life for soldiers caught in the mountainous terrain of Afghanistan. We also discuss the question of international support for the Mujahideen and the controversial impact of Western-supplied weaponry. The episode also shines a light on the deeply entrenched hierarchy within the Soviet military, harrowing drug abuse among troops, and the chilling treatment of prisoners of war on both sides. As we approach the subject of the Soviet withdrawal, we reflect on the war's enduring scars, the fate of the communist Afghan government, and how the conflict is remembered today in Russia. Video and photo extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode338 The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and viaa simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, 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 welcome one-off donations via the same link.   Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod 00:00 Introduction to the Complexity of the Soviet-Afghan War 00:26 Diving Deep into the Soviet-Afghan War with Nick Gearing 01:38 Nick Gearing's Personal Journey and Initial Exposure to War Veterans 03:13 Exploring the Intricacies and Origins of the Soviet-Afghan War 16:17 The Soviet Military's Challenges and Adaptations in Afghanistan 28:52 Evaluating the Soviet Strategy and Its Impact on the War 32:51 Unveiling the Truth: The Soviet Union's Hidden War 33:44 Gorbachev's Legacy and the Path to Peace 34:27 Glasnost and the Afghan War: A Shift in Soviet Media 37:19 The Impact of Western Weapons on the Afghan Battlefield 39:31 The Unseen Side of War: Defections and Captivity 44:24 The Brutal Reality of Conscript Life in the Soviet Army 48:46 Drug Abuse Among Soviet Soldiers in Afghanistan 50:47 The Endgame: Soviet Withdrawal and the Geneva Accords 53:22 Najibullah's Struggle and the Fate of the Communist Government 54:46 Revisiting the Afghan War: Memory and Media in Russia 57:51 Exploring the Soviet-Afghan War Through Books, Films, and Music 01:03:17 Closing Thoughts and Acknowledgments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Turning Point: The Bomb and the Cold War, is a nine-part documentary series from director Brian Knappenberger, that provides a comprehensive appraisal of the events that led to the Cold War and traces the conflict around the world and through the decades. While the Cold War ended in 1991, even a casual appraisal of current headlines reveals that relations between the United States and Russia — the one-time centre of the Soviet Union — remain tense, to say the least. The global repercussions of the Cold War continue to ripple through the current geopolitical landscape to this day, but it can be difficult to understand just how a mid-20th century struggle for ideological dominance continues to ensnare countless nations in ongoing unrest. To tell this story, the series draws on more than 100 interviews with subjects ranging from past and present world leaders (Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas) to historians as well as everyday people whose lives were drastically altered by the events of the Cold War. As the history unfolds, each episode considers the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine as an example of how the history being examined is directly tied to the events of today. “Nearly every part of the war in Ukraine is an echo of the Cold War,” Knappenberger explains. Watch the series here https://www.netflix.com/title/81614129 Watch the trailer here https://youtu.be/qHuuLo-CSRo?si=ZaNGZyeP0nZe5Nwp The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, 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 welcome one-off donations via the same link.   Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod 00:00 The Chilling Call: A Cold War Nightmare 00:21 Welcome to Cold War Conversations 00:39 Inside 'Turning Point: The Bomb and the Cold War' Documentary 01:02 The Cold War's Legacy and Today's Nuclear Threats 03:15 The Making of a Cold War Documentary 05:09 Why the Cold War Story Matters Now 06:17 The New Cold War: A Hot and Unstable Conflict 10:24 The Munich Security Conference: A Turning Point 13:32 Crafting the Documentary: Challenges and Insights 15:06 Personal Connections and the Impact of Nuclear Weapons 19:32 The Importance of First-Person Cold War Accounts 19:59 Daniel Ellsberg: A Courageous Insider's Perspective 23:19 Uncovered Stories: The Challenges of Time Constraints 23:46 Exploring Untold Cold War Stories 24:37 The Intriguing Case of the AIDS Misinformation Campaign 28:14 The Ripple Effects of Cold War Decisions 28:45 Project Sapphire: Securing Nuclear Materials Post-Soviet Union 30:47 The Budapest Memorandum and Ukraine's Nuclear Dilemma 34:43 Post-Cold War Transitions and the Rise of Putin 41:18 Reflecting on the Series: Favorite Moments and Missed Opportunities 44:48 Dream Interviews: Cold War Figures Who Left a Mark 49:03 Closing Thoughts and Acknowledgments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alex Grant’s new book Sex, Spies and Scandal The John Vassall Affair has everything: a honey trap, industrial-scale espionage, journalists jailed for not revealing their sources and the first modern tabloid witch-hunt, which resulted in a ministerial resignation and almost brought down Harold Macmillan’s government. With access to newly released MI5 files and interviews with people who knew Vassall from the 1950s until he died in 1996, this book sheds new light on a neglected spy scandal. Despite having been drugged and sexually assaulted by the KGB in Moscow, as a gay man John Vassall was shown no mercy by the British press or the courts. Sentenced to eighteen years in jail, he served ten years, despite telling MI5 everything. Once released, he found that many of his old friends and lovers had been persecuted or dismissed from the civil service in Britain, America and Australia. Unlike the Cambridge Five, who courted attention, after leaving prison Vassall changed his name to avoid the media and lived quietly in London. Buy the book and support the podcast here https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781785907883 Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode336/ The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, 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/I f a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we welcome one-off donations via the same link.   Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod 00:00 Introduction to Cold War Conversations and the John Vassal Affair 00:36 Unveiling the John Vassal Spy Scandal 05:49 The Life and Times of John Vassal 16:15 Vassal's Recruitment by Soviet Intelligence 37:08 Vassal's Espionage Activities in London 41:28 The Cold War Thaw and Social Dynamics in Moscow 42:24 Vassal's Entrapment and the Lax Security 43:56 The Discovery of a Spy Within the Admiralty 46:55 The Fallout of Vassal's Capture and Its Impact 48:33 The Dramatic Arrest of John Vassal 49:35 Vassal's Immediate Confession and Relief 53:05 The Aftermath: Legal Proceedings and Public Reaction 01:05:41 Vassal's Life Post-Imprisonment and Legacy 01:09:48 Revisiting the Impact of Vassal's Espionage 01:11:57 Uncovering New Insights from the National Archives 01:16:55 Reflecting on Vassal's Life and the Broader Historical Context Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

V-Bombers: Britain's Nuclear Frontline in the Cold War is a new book by Dr Tony Redding that takes a deep dive into Britain's V-bomber force's operational nuclear war role. Tony reveals the intense preparations and the stark realities faced by the aircrews, who lived in a perpetual state of wartime readiness despite being in a country at peace. The narrative intertwines technical analysis and personal accounts, offering a comprehensive view of the crews' complex systems and psychological burdens. His meticulous research and vivid anecdotes from the veterans themselves paint a fascinating picture of the V force's potential impact in a nuclear war scenario. It's a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the delicate Cold War balance of deterrence and the harrowing responsibilities entrusted to the men of the V bomber force. Buy Tony’s book on this link and support the podcast at the same time! https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781911667872 Enter the book giveaway draw here https://coldwarconversations.com/giveaway/ Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode335/ The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, 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 welcome one-off donations via the same link.   Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod 00:00 Introduction 00:35 Dr. Tony Redding's Deep Dive into V Bombers 05:59 The V Force: Britain's Nuclear Deterrent in the Cold War 11:22 The Evolution of Nuclear Deterrence: From Bombers to Submarines 24:10 The V Force's Combat Readiness and Training Rigors 34:26 Surviving a Nuclear Strike: The V Force's Strategic Planning 38:57 Airborne vs. Ground Alert: The Strategic Dilemma 40:12 The Impracticality of V Bombers in Nuclear Strikes 40:56 The Struggle for Airborne Endurance and Refueling 41:25 Exploring Overseas Basing and Tanker Fleet Limitations 42:46 Soviet Fears 44:19 Security Measures and Vulnerabilities at RAF Bases 47:46 Humorous and Harrowing Tales from the Aircrew 52:13 The Mental and Emotional Toll on Aircrews 57:31 Vetting and Security Concerns within the V Force 01:00:48 Navigating Soviet Defenses: A Hypothetical Mission 01:05:13 The Unique Challenges and Strategies of V Bombers 01:10:11 Secret Agreements and the Route Over Sweden 01:11:45 The Grim Realities of a Nuclear Mission 01:18:52 Decoy Tactics and Morale Issues 01:21:29 Conclusion and Further Resources Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Timo takes us on a journey through the tumultuous events of the 1991 Soviet coup attempt, as experienced from the streets of the Baltic States. As the coup unfolds, Timo finds himself in Lithuania, planning to covertly visit the closed city of Kaliningrad. He shares the tension sharing a dining table with a Soviet officer, unknowingly on the eve of the coup. As the coup escalates, Timo's narrative becomes a vivid street-level account of the Estonian people's defiance. He describes the formation of human walls against Soviet tanks, the strategic significance of the TV tower, and the Estonians' ingenious methods of maintaining communication despite Russian interference. Timo's reflections on the morality of his curiosity, the fear of violence, and the spirit of resistance that pervaded Estonia during those critical hours are a testament to the resilience of a nation on the brink of reclaiming its freedom. Timo’s book “Tanks & Roaches” is only currently available in Finnish, Estonian and Slovak and can be purchased on the links here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode334/ Timo can be contacted at timlaine@gmail.com  The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and viaa simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, 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 welcome one-off donations via the same link.   Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod 00:00 Introduction 01:38 Timo’s summer in Estonia during the Cold War 09:52 The 1991 Soviet Coup and its impact on Estonia 20:34 Tom joins a demonstration 29:47 The confrontation between Estonian and Russian troops near the occupied TV tower 40:36 Estonians switched off the TV signal to calm down the Russians 41:57 The bravery of the four Estonian men who were locked inside the tv tower during the Soviet invasion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Timo takes us to the remote Finnish border town of Kuusamo. He paints a vivid picture of a childhood overshadowed by his grandparent’s memories of their home lost during World War II and their proximity to the Soviet Union. As a child, he was fascinated by the invisible line that marked the end of the world— the heavily guarded border with the USSR. Timo recounts a tense encounter with border guards while visiting his grandparents, and his meeting with a Soviet escaper. He travels to Moscow and Eastern Europe as a young man which further fuels his curiosity about life on the other side of the Iron Curtain. Timo recalls the austere streets of Prague to the bureaucratic maze in Budapest and a harrowing night at the Romanian border. Timo’s book “Tanks & Roaches” is only currently available in Finnish, Estonian and Slovak but can be purchased via our episode extras page here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode333/ The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, 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 welcome one-off donations via the same link. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod 00:00 Intro 01:26 Timo's early life 04:41 Timo's grandparents' experiences of World War II 08:59 Incidents of people coming over the border 08:56 Estonian man's escape 28:32 Timo's trip to Moscow with his father in 1977 32:03 Finns remaining in areas handed over to the Soviet Union 39:34 Visits to Prague, Hungary and Romania 41:34 First Impressions of Prague 43:18 The challenges of Hungarian visitor registration 45:49 Trouble getting into Romania from Hungary 54:37 Polish smugglers on the train 59:04 Timo's fascination with Estonia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Leigh joined the RAAF in 1978 to train as a pilot but was scrubbed after a few months and transitioned to training as an Air Electronics Officer (AEO) at the RAAF School of Air Navigation. He flew on the P-3C Orion and was employed in operations across the Indo-Pacific region on maritime patrol surveillance operations in the region - which included both usual surface surveillance of the region and operations alongside the US against Soviet submarines transiting the area. He also had the opportunity to track Soviet SSBNs in the NE Pacific operating with the US Navy. He details many incidents during his career including an “archaeological” mission, accidentally causing a diplomatic incident, as well as monitoring the splash-down and recovery of re-entry vehicles used to test the heat tiles for the Soviet Buran space shuttle. I’m delighted to welcome Leigh Collins to our Cold War Conversation. Episode extras including book recommendations, videos and photos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode332/ The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, 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 welcome one-off donations via the same link. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod 00:00 Intro 01:49 Early interest in aviation and the military 02:47 Aspirations in the RAAF 04:08 Failure as a pilot 06:43 Length of Orion missions 09:05 Soviet naval activity around Australia in the 1980s 16:52 RAF 617 Squadron held their annual reunion in Australia 20:42 Use of GPS on the Orion 24:23 Use of astral navigation using a Sextant 27:59 Viewing the cockpit of the Vulcan 31:10 Monitoring a Russian diesel submarine 33:13 Soviet trawlers during exercises 34:23 Exercise Silent Pearl 43:49 Soviet Buran Space shuttle test bed recoveries 52:52 Incident just out of Darwin where the crew ditched 56:50 Operation Gateway, Australia's long-standing anti-piracy operation 01:03:39 Threat of China during the cold war 01:07:53 September 1993 deployment as a submarine observer 01:12:23 Leigh worked with Sue Boyd from episode 151 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this deeply personal episode, our guest, Norbert, vividly recounts his traumatic childhood journey from Cold War Poland to the United States. With vivid recollections, he describes the struggles of his parents amid food shortages and the poignant decision of the family to leave everything behind for an uncertain future in the United States. We also explore the cultural shock and the struggle to find identity in a new world, as Norbert navigates life as a Polish immigrant in 1980s America. From his first bewildering day at an American school to his father's relentless work ethic in pursuit of the American dream, we witness the sacrifices and choices that shape an immigrant's life. Norbert's narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the Cold War, where his family's German heritage in Poland subjected them to suspicion and prejudice. Our episode starts with his Grandfather’s story in World War 2. Photos and video extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode331/ The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, 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 welcome one-off donations via the same link. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan served in the War Plans office of the US Army VII Corps working on counterattack plans and reorganization of the US Army’s General Defence Plan. He describes the debriefing of a Polish Special Forces operator who had defected to the West and who revealed surprising knowledge of US plans and order of battle. Dan also details his experiences on the Able Archer 83 exercise and his views about how dangerous that was. In addition to his work in the War Plans office, we discuss terror attacks on the US Army in West Germany including the bombing of the LaBelle disco in West Berlin where 2 US soldiers and one Turkish woman were killed and 79 wounded. The terrorist threat to US Forces was significant and this is highlighted by the attempted assassination of General Kroesen commander of United States Army Europe by the Red Army Faction aka The Baader-Meinhof Group. Dan describes his own experiences in the immediate aftermath of the attack., including the issuing of live ammunition to US Forces in the field. Extra info here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode330/  0:00 Introduction 1:32 Dan's Insights in the War Plans Office 10:29 The defector's shocking intel on US plans 18:13 Reflections on Able Archer 83 24:33 Terrorism and the attack on the La Belle disco 33:21 Red Army Faction attempted assassination of General Kroesen 42:20 The impact of these events on US forces 58:41 Dan's views on the sudden changes in Eastern Europe 1:13:38 Podcast extras, appreciation for financial supporters, and closing remarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In August 1989, a group of Hungarian activists did the unthinkable: they entered the forbidden militarised zone of the Iron Curtain - and held a picnic. Word had spread of what was going to happen. On wisps of rumour, thousands of East German 'holiday-makers' had made their way to the border between Hungary and Austria, awaiting an opportunity, fearing prison, surveilled by lurking Stasi agents. The stage was set for the greatest border breach in Cold War history: that day hundreds would cross from the Communist East to the longed-for freedom of the West. The fall of the Berlin Wall, the end of the Soviet Union - the so-called end of history - all would flow from those dramatic hours. Drawing on dozens of original interviews with those involved - activists and border guards, escapees and secret police, as well as the last Communist prime minister of Hungary Matthew Longo's book  "The Picnic - An Escape to Freedom and the Collapse of the Iron Curtain" reconstructs this world-shaping event and its tumultuous aftermath. Freedom had been won but parents had been abandoned and families divided. Love affairs faltered and new lives had to be built from scratch. The Picnic is the story of a moment when the tide of history turned. It shows how freedom can be both a dream and disillusionment and how all we take for granted can vanish instantly... Book giveaway info here https://coldwarconversations.com/giveaway/ Buy the book and support the podcast here https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781847927798 The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, 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 welcome one-off donations via the same link. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod 0:00 Introduction to the episode by Ian Sanders 4:47 Discussion on the political situation in Hungary in the late 80s 13:11 Gorbachev's view on Hungary's reforms and changes 23:26 Reaction of Hungarian hardliners to Imre Nagy's reburial 29:41 The tense atmosphere at the Warsaw pact meeting in Bucharest 37:49 The origin of the idea for a European picnic at the border 48:02 The impact on the Berlin Wall 57:23 The fatal shooting of Werner Schultz 1:00:38 The rapid changes that followed the opening of the border 1:07:42 Victor Orban's reimagining of history 1:11:53 Conclusion and promotion of Matthew Longo's book, The Picnic 1:12:33 Acknowledgements and closing remarks Chapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan served as a lieutenant and captain in a US Army air defence artillery battalion in West Germany from 1980 until 1985. He describes details of Soviet overflights deep into West Germany and we discuss how the Warsaw Pact attempted to track their units. Now who knew that the US Army experimented with geese for perimeter security?! Dan reveals details of this little-known specialist unit. Dan worked with the improved Hawk anti-aircraft missile system. We talk about its capabilities, the challenges of working with 1980s electronics, its deployment and exercises. He describes a live firing exercise where an errant missile almost wiped out a group of VIPS. Don’t miss part 2 in a couple of weeks where Dan describes his experiences in the war plans office of the general staff. Do make sure you check out the episode extras at https://coldwarconversations.com/episode328/ The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, 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. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod 0:00 Introduction and background of Dan 1:32 The Improved Hawk missile system and its capabilities 10:29 Deployment to field locations and the challenges faced 18:13 Encounters with Soviet aircraft and military liaison missions 24:33 The innovative use of intruder geese for security 33:21 Live firing exercises and the dangers involved 42:20 The deactivation of an air defence unit and its implications 58:41 Reflections on service 1:13:38 Podcast extras, appreciation for financial supporters, and closing remarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Jodrell Bank observatory in Cheshire in the UK played a significant secret role during the Cold War. It was established in 1945 by Bernard Lovell, a radio astronomer at the university, to investigate cosmic rays after his work on radar in the Second World War. We hear some intriguing details of the site’s Cold War roles including being Britain’s first nuclear attack early warning station and its signals intelligence collaboration with GCHQ, the UK’s Government Communications Headquarters. Even more surprisingly it’s also revealed how Soviet Scientists also worked at the site and that the Soviets attempted to get Bernard Lovell to defect during a visit to the Soviet Union. I’m given a tour of the non-public areas by Tim O'Brien who is a Professor of Astrophysics. Do make sure you check out the extensive photos I took at https://coldwarconversations.com/episode327/ The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, 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. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod 0:00 Introduction to the podcast 1:00 Jodrell Bank Observatory's role in the Cold War and its establishment 10:08 The birth and evolution of radio astronomy 15:50 The construction and purpose of the world's biggest radio telescope 32:46 The telescope's role during the Cuban missile crisis and its implications 51:05 The mission of GCHQ at Jodrell Bank and intercepting signals from the Soviet Union 1:04:21 Touring the secret tunnel and discussing its potential uses 1:14:51 Recounting the Soviet Luna 15 mission during the American moon landing and the role of Jodrell Bank 1:29:18 Episode extras and thanking financial supporters Chapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the mid-1980s Dag was a T72 tank commander in the NVA, the East German Army and is now a volunteer at the Tank Museum at Bovington in the UK.   He describes his initial tank commander training, the battle readiness of the NVA, and the challenges of a conscript army as well as a startling revelation about a significant change in doctrine in 1987. We also dig deep into the technical details of the T72, including the autoloader, deep water wading, radio communication and its advantages and disadvantages versus NATO tanks. Dag also talks about how Soviet WW2 learnings were applied into the NVA, and his regiment’s role and deployment area in the event of war. Dag shares a frank view and great insight into life in the NVA as a tank commander and the challenges of life beyond the NVA as the Wall opens and all he has known disappears.   Make sure you check out the videos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode326/ The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, 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. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod 0:00 Introduction 10:29 Briefing on NATO armour and perception of NATO as the enemy 18:13 Planning for potential conflict and readiness in the NVA 24:33 Understanding the roles and challenges in a conscript army 33:21 Performance and operational details of the T72 tank 42:20 Training, battlefield strategies and preparations 58:41 East German-Soviet relations and Warsaw Pact exercises 1:13:38 Reflections on service in the NVA and potential conflict with NATO 1:23:59 Reaction to the opening of the Berlin Wall and post-service encounters 1:27:34 Life post-unification: Expectations, reality and personal growth 1:31:28 Podcast extras, appreciation for financial supporters and closing remarks Chapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kate is sent to Moscow in 1985 to write articles for The Morning Star, a left-wing British daily newspaper founded in 1930 as the Daily Worker by the Communist Party of Great Britain. She lives in a block of flats alongside Soviet citizens and enrols her 3 children in Soviet schools. Three weeks after Kate arrives Mikhail Gorbachev comes to power and she finds herself having to cover the disorientating number of rapid reforms and attacks on the Soviet system by its leadership for a newspaper, that had always supported the Soviet Union. Kate is fluent in Russian, speaks with Soviet citizens on the bus or at the shops, and visits every Soviet republic bar one of the then-largest countries on Earth. In 1986 she reported on the Chernobyl disaster and was one of the first journalists to arrive in the area. Buy the book here https://www.bannisterpublications.com/product-page/twilight-of-the-soviet-union The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, 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. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod 0:00 Introduction and background of Kate Clark 1:32 Journey to becoming a Moscow correspondent and life in Soviet Union 11:09 Placing Ket's children in Soviet schools and their adaptation 15:10 Bureaucratic challenges 18:08 Shopping habits and emergence of supermarkets in Soviet Union 21:00 Impact of Mikhail Gorbachev's leadership and his policies 33:34 Cultural accessibility, promotion and diversity in the Soviet Union 44:36 Covering the Chernobyl disaster and its aftermath 57:17 Relations with the British embassy and dealings with Soviet security services 1:04:47 Visit to Afghanistan and reflections on its political challenges 1:09:31 Reflections on the collapse of the Soviet Union and the role of Yeltsin 1:15:30 Kate's book, "Twilight of the Soviet Union", and closing remarks Chapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tim participates in Kangaroo 89, a huge military exercise with the entire Australian Army using an area the size of Western Europe and we hear about the Australian equivalent of Wolfgang the Bratty Man who used to turn up on British exercises in Germany. Tim was also part of an exchange program with the British Army and he describes his experiences there and the advantages and disadvantages between Leopard 1 and the British Challenger 1 tank Tim also worked with the Bundeswehr where he had a fascinating encounter with a former East German tank commander. This is part two of my chat with Tim., Part one is episode 321 here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode321/  Photos, videos and extra episode information here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode324/ The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, 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. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ 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 Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod 0:00 Introduction 1:03 Kangaroo 89: Large-scale military exercise and logistical challenges 9:37 Leopard 1 vs Challenger 1: A comparison and discussion of their advantages 20:26 Evaluation of Russian/Chinese armoured vehicles and Soviet tanks 22:45 Discussion about the arms industry and British involvement in upgrading Iraqi tanks 28:28 Life in the field: Food, rations, and interaction with the local population 34:11 Night fighting capability of Leopard AS1 and limitations of infrared technology 39:24 Cold War tactics and concerns about signals intelligence 45:02 Exchange with the Bundeswehr and bonding with an ex-NVA senior NCO 51:59 Cold War-themed films recommendations and Australian contribution during the Cold War 54:02 Importance of individual Cold War stories and episode extras 55:00 Closing remarks and invitation to join the Facebook discussion group Chapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Since 1985, Ana Montes has been an asset of the Cuban intelligence service. In that time, she’s risen through the ranks to become one of the Pentagon’s most respected voices on Cuban affairs with easy access to classified documents. Peter Lapp reveals Montez's tradecraft and how the FBI found the proverbial "needle in a haystack". To learn more about the woman labelled "one of the most damaging spies in U.S. history" by America's top counter-intelligence official listen to episode 277.  Buy the book here https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781915603326 Extra Photos and videos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode323 Enter the book giveaway here https://coldwarconversations.com/giveaway/ The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, 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. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod 0:00 Introduction to Anna Montez and her role in the Cuban Intelligence Service 7:48 The process of identifying a spy within the US intelligence community 16:43 Introduction of Scott Carmichael and his role in the investigation 28:34 The potential involvement of Anna Montez's family in espionage 34:51 A mistake and the realities of surveillance 41:00 The importance of the Toshiba computer in Anna's arrest 52:22 Arrest of Ana Montez 56:18 The process of reaching an agreement with Ana Montez 1:03:16 Public perception and recognition of Ana Montez post-arrest 1:04:11 Introduction of the book giveaway Chapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices