

Cold War Conversations
Ian Sanders
Experience the Cold War like never before  with Cold War Conversations — an award-winning podcast recommended by The New York Times.Each week, host Ian Sanders brings you raw, firsthand accounts from the people who lived through one of history’s most tense and transformative eras — soldiers, spies, civilians, and more.These aren’t stories from textbooks. They’re unfiltered voices from the frontlines of history — emotional, gripping, and deeply human.This is Cold War history, told from the inside out.We cover subjects such as spies, spying, the Iron Curtain, nuclear weapons, warfare, tanks, jet aircraft, fighters, bombers, transport aircraft, aviation, culture, and politics.We also cover personalities such as Fidel Castro, JFK, Ronald Reagan, Nikita Khrushchev, Leonid Brezhnev, Yuri Andropov, Mikhail Gorbachev, Konstantin Chernenko, Margaret Thatcher, John F. Kennedy, Josef Stalin, Richard Nixon, Lech Walesa, General Jaruzelski, Nicolae Ceaușescu.Other subjects include Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Romania, Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin, West Berlin, East Berlin, Cuban missile Crisis, Berlin Airlift, Bay of Pigs, SALT, Perestroika, Space Race, superpower, USSR, Soviet Union, DDR, GDR, East Germany, SDI, Vietnam War, Korean War, Solidarność, Fall of the Wall, Berliner Mauer, Trabant, Communist, Capitalist, Able Archer, KGB, Stasi, STB, SB, Securitate, CIA, NSA, MI5, MI6, Berlin Wall, escape, defection, Cuba, Albania, football, sport, Bulgaria, Soviet Union, Poland, China, Taiwan, Austria, West Germany, Solidarity, espionage, HUMINT, SIGINT, OSINT, IMINT, GEOINT, RAF, USAF, British Army, US Army, Red Army, Soviet Army, Afghanistan, NVA, East German Army, KAL007, T-72, T-64, Chieftain, M60The podcast is for military veterans, school teachers, university lecturers, students and those interested in Cold War history, museums, bunkers, weapons, AFVs, wargamers, planes, A Level, GCSE students studying Superpower Relations and the Cold War.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 24, 2025 • 1h 3min
Trust but Verify: When the Soviets Came to South Dakota (427)
 I continue chatting with Dennis Greene about his incredible journey from a challenging childhood in segregated Savannah, Georgia to a distinguished military career.
Dennis is made Senior Flight Commander responsible for 50 Minuteman nuclear missiles. Dennis shares his firsthand experiences of the intense pressure, the psychological toll of nuclear readiness, and the groundbreaking integration of women into the Minuteman 2 system. 
He recounts pivotal moments, from the deactivation of nuclear warheads following the signing of the START1 disarmament treaty to the unique interactions with Soviet counterparts during verification processes.
Episode extras including videos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode427/
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/
Continue the Cold War Conversation via social!
F acebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social
Threads https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations
Twitter/X  https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 

Oct 22, 2025 • 1min
Help Cold War Conversations win an award
 I am trying to win an award for Cold War Conversations in
the Discover Pods Awards for best history podcast 2025 and I need your nomination to get me into the finals.
All I need you to do is to nominate Cold War Conversations in
the history category using this  link.  https://discoverpods.com/2025-podcast-awards/
Podcast Name: Cold War Conversations   
Podcast Website coldwarconversations.com 
Podcast Category: History  
With all your help we can hopefully make it to the finals and I will be in contact again for the final vote!
Thanks for listening and your amazing comments and support.
You’ll find the nominations link here  https://discoverpods.com/2025-podcast-awards/
 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 

Oct 17, 2025 • 57min
From Racially Segregated Savannah to Nuclear Missile Crew Commander (426)
 Dennis Greene, is a former Air Force officer, who shares his incredible journey from a challenging childhood in segregated Savannah, Georgia to a distinguished military career. 
He reflects on his early inspirations, the realities of growing up in a segregated South, and the lessons learned throughout his US military service. 
Dennis discusses the significance of teamwork, overcoming adversity, and the pivotal moments that shaped his life, including his experiences in boot camp, missile training, and the complexities of race within the US military. 
Episode extras including videos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode426/
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/
Continue the Cold War Conversation via social!
F acebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social
Threads https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations
Twitter/X  https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
 
 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 

Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 3min
The KGB defector who saved MI5 and changed the Cold War (425)
 Oleg Lyalin, was a KGB officer whose actions would provide British intelligence with pivotal information during the Cold War. I speak with Richard Kerbaj,  the author of a new book, 'The Defector,' which chronicles Lyalin's story.
 
Lyalin was trained with The KGB’s Department V, which was their sabotage and assassinations department.  He was sent to the UK under the guise of a trade official, where he was tasked with gathering intelligence and plotting assassinations of  British politicians, paralysing the British economy and ways to starve the population by attacking emergency food supplies. 
In early 1971, overwhelmed by personal and professional turmoil, Lyalin approached MI5, revealing his true identity and the KGB's sinister plans against the UK. 
Episode extras including related episodes & videos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode425/
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/
Continue the Cold War Conversation via social!
F acebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social
Threads https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations
Twitter/X  https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
 
 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 

Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 7min
Cold War Kids: The Unique Life of US Military BRATs (424)
 Author Tom Hapgood is a US military BRAT  aka the child of a parent or parents serving full-time in the United States Armed Forces. He talks about his 5 years in West Germany during the Cold War. He shares the challenges of moving every few years, adapting to new cultures, and the rich tapestry of friendships formed along the way.
The term "BRAT" often carries a negative connotation, but Tom sheds light on its origins, suggesting a more nuanced history tied to military families. The stories shared reveal how these children navigated their identities as they lived in foreign lands.
We reflect on the Cold War's influence and  tensions, yet amidst the challenges, there were countless adventures and opportunities for cultural exchange that enriched their lives.
From navigating new cities to forming lifelong friendships, the life of a military BRAT is filled with unique experiences that shape who they become. This episode not only details those experiences but also invites listeners to reflect on their own childhood adventures. 
Do check out Tom's novel Lost Letters based on his experiences as a BRAT. Buy the book here 
Episode extras including videos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode424/
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/
Continue the Cold War Conversation via social!
F acebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social
Threads https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations
Twitter/X  https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
 
 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 

Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 7min
The Cambridge Five Cold War Spy Ring: Philby, Burgess, Maclean, Blunt & Cairncross (423)
 The incredible story of the five most damaging spies in
British history, from their recruitment at Cambridge University to their
infiltration of the government and the security services, all while
successfully eluding prosecution. 
I speak with Shawnna Morris the author of a new book The
Cambridge Spy Ring: The Treachery of the Five Who Got Away.
We explore the backgrounds, motivations, and the intricate web of espionage that defined the lives of Kim Philby, Donald McLean, John Cairncross, Guy Burgess, and Anthony Blunt. 
The Cambridge Five's legacy is one of betrayal, loyalty, and
moral ambiguity. Their actions had far-reaching consequences, not only for themselves but for the intelligence community and the political landscape of the time.
Episode extra including video interviews of the Cambridge Five here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode423/
Book Giveaway entry (until 4th Oct 2025) https://coldwarconversations.com/giveaway1/
Related episodes
Guy Burgess and the Cambridge Spy Ring https://pod.fo/e/a5e38
Charlotte Philby talks about her grandfather Soviet spy Kim Philby & her book “Edith & Kim” https://pod.fo/e/115bd7
An evening with Kim Philby https://pod.fo/e/d8080
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 BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social
Follow us on Threads https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations
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? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod
 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 

Sep 19, 2025 • 60min
Cold War Britain: Fifty years in the shadow of the bomb (422)
 Fraser McCallum is the author of a new book Cold War Britain: Fifty years in the shadow of the bomb which gives a fascinating insight into a period that shaped the fabric of British society.
The Cold War defined the history of Britain in the second half of the twentieth century as much as it did that of the US and the Soviet Union. Cold War Britain is an exploration into the multifaceted dimensions of Britain’s experience during the Cold War era. By weaving together history, politics, literature, and popular culture, this book invites readers to immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of Cold War Britain, offering fresh insights and perspectives into how this global conflict shaped the fabric of British society.
Buy the book here https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9780008743994
Fraser’s Cold War Playlist
Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/cold-war-britain-the-soundtrack-to-the-book/pl.u-NRp7s3pq7o
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2lZ7HBrKKyBj31wXKXx2nq?si=m2U2HNafQ7O13d3NlYHbYw&pi=X-UioH1WQdW2J
Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode422
Enter the book giveaway (expires 27th Sep 2025) 
https://coldwarconversations.com/giveaway/
Related episodes
How Cold War Britain Prepared for Nuclear War https://pod.fo/e/172825
The Cold War Atomic Spies  https://pod.fo/e/1fa45e
Portland Spy Ring Part 1 https://pod.fo/e/292bd
Portland Spy Ring Part 2 https://pod.fo/e/4471e
The Happy Traitor - The Life of Soviet Spy George Blake https://pod.fo/e/b8583
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 BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social
Follow us on Threads https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations
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? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod
 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 

Sep 12, 2025 • 1h 2min
D.B. Cooper: The Unsolved Cold War Aircraft Hijack (421)
 On November 24, 1971, a man using the alias Dan Cooper hijacked a Northwest Airlines flight, demanding a ransom of $200,000 and four parachutes. What followed was a daring escape that has left investigators and enthusiasts puzzled for over five decades.
I sit down with Pat Boland, a true crime aficionado and expert on the D.B. Cooper case. Boland shares her deep dive into the many theories surrounding this infamous hijacking, which remains the only unsolved case of its kind in U.S. history. She recounts the events of that fateful day, painting a vivid picture of Cooper's calm demeanour and meticulous planning.
Throughout the episode, Boland also delves into the forensic evidence—or lack thereof—that has hampered the investigation. From the infamous black tie Cooper left behind to the money discovered years later by a boy on the Columbia River, the clues are tantalizing yet frustratingly inconclusive.
Want to learn more?
Pat Boland Blog 
Pat Boland on Twitter
DB Cooper Facebook Group
Episode extras  https://coldwarconversations.com/episode421/
Live Podcast in London https://coldwarconversations.com/live/
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 BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social
Follow us on Threads https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations
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? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod
 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 

Sep 5, 2025 • 1h 12min
A Royal Scots Dragoon Guard in Cold War Berlin (420)
 I delve into the remarkable life of Peter Stewart, a former Royal Scots Dragoon Guard Chieftain tank driver whose experiences during the Cold War offer a unique perspective on military life. 
Peter's stories are filled with humour and nostalgia, particularly when he recalls his time in Berlin. His anecdotes are both entertaining and thought-provoking. Peter shares tales of training that tested the limits of his physical endurance, the friendships forged in the face of adversity, and the lessons learned that would stay with him for life. 
One of the highlights of the episode is Peter's recounting of Exercise Rocking Horse, an exercise designed to test the readiness of the British Army in the event of a Soviet invasion.
Related episodes
BRIXMIS, the defence of Cold War Berlin & Rudolf Hess https://pod.fo/e/f833
Life as a British Soldier in Cold War West Berlin https://pod.fo/e/163e4
The Last British Commandant in Cold War West Berlin Part 1 https://pod.fo/e/27472
The Last British Commandant in Cold War West Berlin Part 2 https://pod.fo/e/28391
Episode extras  https://coldwarconversations.com/episode420/
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 BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social
Follow us on Threads https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations
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? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod
 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 

Aug 29, 2025 • 56min
The 2nd Most Famous Voice In Cold War Romania (419)
 Irina Nistor worked as a translator of TV programs in Romania under the Communist regime, and is known for secretly voicing over thousands of banned movie titles on VHS tapes smuggled in from the West in the four years between 1985 and the revolution. She was reckeoned to be the 2nd most famous voice in Romania after the Communist leader Nicolae Ceaușescu. 
In a basement with two TVs, a VCR, and a microphone, she voiced four to six films a night, from Doctor Zhivago to cartoons her children watched. Though distribution was handled by her recruiter, Teodor Zamfir, her Romanian-language voice overs spread across the country, reaching crowded living rooms where families gathered around rare VHS players.
These films offered Romanians a forbidden glimpse of life beyond the Iron Curtain—stories free of ideology, filled with possibility and freedom. While her precise role in communism’s fall is immeasurable, Nistor’s voice became one of defiance, opening a window to the wider world and inspiring hope under Ceaușescu’s repressive regime.
Related episodes:
Childhood Memories of the 1989 Romanian Revolution https://pod.fo/e/2d696e
Cold War, Warm Hearts – Hitchhiking behind the 1960s Iron Curtain https://pod.fo/e/2098ae
A Childhood under the eye of the Secret Police https://pod.fo/e/a4730
My life laid bare through secret police files https://pod.fo/e/12e45f
A Hungarian childhood in Cold War Romania https://pod.fo/e/1190aa
Escaping from Cold War Romania https://pod.fo/e/11ad63
Emanuela – a Cold War Romanian Childhood https://pod.fo/e/f0376
Reporting the 1989 Romanian Revolution https://pod.fo/e/1ea8c
Episode extras  https://coldwarconversations.com/episode419/
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 BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social
Follow us on Threads https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations
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? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod
 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 


