Cold War Conversations

Honecker emerged as an ambitious political player and became the shadowy mastermind behind the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961, a crucial moment in twentieth-century history.Author Nathan Morley brings to life the story of the longtime leader of the German Democratic Republic. Drawing from a wealth of untapped archival sources – and firsthand interviews with Honecker’s lawyers, journalists, and contemporary witnesses – Morley paints a vivid portrait of how an uneducated miner’s son from the Saarland rose to the highest ranks of the German Communist Party.Having survived a decade of brutality in Nazi prisons, and frequently on the verge of being relegated to obscurity, he managed to overthrow strongman Walter Ulbricht at the height of the Cold War and reigned supreme over the GDR between 1971-1989.However, by 1980, the Honecker honeymoon was on the wane as a decade of economic and social difficulties blighted the GDR. Then, as tumultuous changes swept through the Soviet bloc, everything in and around him collapsed in 1989. His health, his certainties, his ideology, his apparatus of power, and his beloved SED party.0:00 Introduction and discussion on the life of Eric Honecker5:42 Overview of Honecker's early life and family background13:49 Honecker's return to Germany and the state of the country19:37 Honecker's post-war life and rise in East German politics28:01 Honecker's struggle with the exodus of East Germany's population34:53 Operation Rose: The division of Berlin44:10 Public perception of Honecker in East Germany46:05 Intensifying economic struggles in East Germany and Poland55:26 Honecker's refusal to follow Gorbachev's reforms and health decline1:01:19 Honecker's extradition and trial in Berlin1:03:17 Honecker's release and final years in Chile1:05:29 Honecker's funeral and tributes received1:06:51 Mention of the book "The Man Who built the Berlin Wall" by Nathan Moreley and podcast extras1:07:22 Acknowledgement of podcast's financial supporters and closing remarksBuy the book here https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781399088824The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link.Book giveaway entry info here https://coldwarconversations.com/giveaway/Episodes mentioned:History of East Germany https://coldwarconversations.com/episode284/Doping of East German athletes https://coldwarconversations.com/episode264/Polish strikes in 1980 https://coldwarconversations.com/episode152/Extra episode information https://coldwarconversations.com/episode302/Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversationsRadio GDRIf you are interested in East Germany we can highly recommend our friends over at Radio GDR. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tom Sullivan was a tank platoon commander in Korea in the early 1980s responsible for six tanks and their crewWe hear why he joined the US Army, his training, and his first impressions of Korea in the Winter of 1982.He is assigned to Second Platoon, C Company, 1-72 Armor under the toughest Company Commander in the Brigade who had very high standards, no humour, and was a rigid disciplinarian with an uncompromising approach.Tom shares details of his fellow soldiers, including Vietnam veterans, the living conditionsHe explains the challenges of operating armour where the winter weather is brutal, and the majority of the terrain is hills, mountains, rice paddies, and dirt roadsWe discuss the threat the North Koreans posed and the scarce hope that reinforcements would arrive in sufficient time should the North Koreans decide to attack.  0:00 Introduction and background of Tom Sullivan4:56 Training to become an armored officer and the role of international instructors14:12 Arrival in Korea, transfer to Camp Casey and introduction to the unit20:35 Initial challenges and observations in Korea27:57 Exercise with Korean army units: Team Spirit and deployment experience32:00 Living conditions and navigating the difficult Korean terrain39:00 Proximity to the DMZ and observing cross border fire and incursions43:38 Using the M48 tank in Korea and facing the North Korean armored threat51:08 Being within North Korean artillery range and potential infiltration threats57:22 Acknowledgement of financial supporters and podcast extrasTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨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.Extra episode information https://coldwarconversations.com/episode301/Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In February 1983 US soldier Manuel Alzager was sent to a mysterious posting to the British Zone in the north of West Germany a long way from the main US forces in southern Germany.After a lengthy journey, he is picked up by a West German private and eventually arrives at the 81st USAFAD (US Army Field Artillery Detachment), where his mission is to guard, assemble, and deliver low-yield nuclear artillery rounds to the 7th West German Army Artillery Regiment.He describes how the rounds were assembled as well as their orders in the event of unauthorised intruders. Being stationed in the British Zone of West Germany Manuel also tells us about the love/hate relationship with the Brits where they would fight, make up, drink, and fight again. 0:00 Introduction and overview of the episode0:55 Manuel Altsaga's experience and assignment in West Germany13:25 Mission and protocol related to nuclear artillery rounds21:10 Public awareness and potential spy encounters24:29 Guard duty and response plan for potential attacks30:06 Social interactions and bonding with British soldiers32:14 Manuel's departure from Germany and reflection on his service33:38 Manuel's assignment at Fort Bragg and decision not to re-enlist37:00 Transition to civilian life: College and California National Guard39:17 Acknowledgement of financial supporters and promotion of Facebook discussion groupTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Manuel's other episodes are here:A 17-year-old in the Cold War US Army https://coldwarconversations.com/episode57/Experiences of the Cold War Reforger 82 NATO Exercise https://coldwarconversations.com/episode100/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.Extra episode information https://coldwarconversations.com/episode300/Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Now have you ever heard of Dickey Chapelle? No, I hadn’t either, but I’m delighted to bring you the unknown story of this trailblazing female war correspondent.Dickey’s career started in World War 2 where she reported from some of the Pacific wars’ toughest battlefields of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.During the Cold War, she reported from Hungary during the 1956 Uprising and was held in the infamous Fő Prison and interrogated by the Hungarian security forces.Dickey went on to report from the struggle of the Algerian Liberation Front covering their campaign against French colonial rule as well as becoming the first Western female reporter to march with Castro’s Cuban Revolutionary Army.She was the first woman to be given permission to para drop with the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions' first correspondent to live with anti-communist guerrilla forces in the Mekong Delta.Later, she would become the first female reporter to go on patrol with the First and Third Battalions of the Seventh Marines Regiment which were among the initial US combat troops sent to Vietnam.0:00 Introduction to the episode and the story of Dickie Chapelle1:22 Interview with author Larissa Reinhardt on Dickie Chapelle's journalism career12:46 Chapelle's experiences in the Hungarian revolution and subsequent arrest19:57 Discussion on Chapelle's post-traumatic stress disorder and reporting style21:13 Chapelle's determination to report on the Algerian war of independence25:07 Difficulty of getting such stories published in the US30:02 Chapelle's time in Cuba and her unique reporting strategies38:54 Discussion on the Bay of Pigs incident and CIA's control of information47:52 Early assessment of the Vietnam War by Chapelle52:38 Chapelle's fame in the US and her vocal opposition to the treatment of South Vietnamese56:11 Chapelle's death and its impact on the journalism world57:54 Ian Sanders wraps up the conversation and promotes Larissa's book58:20 Thanks to the financial supporters of the podcastBuy the book here and support the podcast https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781250276575Book giveaway entry info 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 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.Extra episode information https://coldwarconversations.com/episode299/Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I speak with author Ethan Scheiner whose book “Freedom to Win” describes the gripping story of a group of small-town young men who would lead their underdog hockey team from Czechoslovakia against the Soviet Union, the juggernaut in their sport.In 1968 Czechoslovakia experienced the Prague Spring, an attempt to moderate and soften communism. However, a sudden invasion by 500,000 Warsaw Pact soldiers halts the reforms.We hear the inspiring story of how the young players of the national hockey team battle the Soviets on the ice to keep their people’s quest for freedom alive and forge a way to fight back against the authoritarian forces that sought to crush them.0:00 Introduction and background on the episode's guest2:51 Background on the Holik family and their struggle under the Nazi occupation9:37 The unique situation of army teams in Czechoslovakia and the Holik brothers' involvement15:50 Yaroslav Holik: A superhero in Czechoslovakia23:23 The heated 1967 World Championships match between Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union28:48 The impact of the Prague Spring on Czechoslovakia's performance in ice hockey34:21 The Prague Spring and the World Ice Hockey Championships40:37 The aftermath of Dubcek's negotiations with the Soviets49:35 The 1969 World Ice Hockey Championships1:08:08 The consequences for the hockey playersBuy the book here and support the podcast https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781639363513Book giveaway entry info 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 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.Extra episode information https://coldwarconversations.com/episode298/Prague Spring and Cold War Czechoslovakia episodes https://coldwarconversations.com/tag/czechoslovakia/Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The BBC Wartime Broadcasting Service (WTBS) is a little-known piece of Cold War history that would have been for many the last human voice they heard after a nuclear attack on the UK.Iain started work for the BBC in 1988 and due to the pressure on training space, was trained in the nuclear bunker at BBC Wood Norton.After training he went to Broadcasting House in London where he first encountered some of the technical infrastructure the WTBS would use. Iain did a spell in the main control room and recalls the red phone which was the link from Whitehall to initiate the BBC War Book.Over time Iain has collected knowledge on all aspects of the WTBS and he shares details of where it would have been broadcast from, what would have been heard, and who, in the event of an attack, would have descended into the bunkers to broadcast it.Iain also delivers a talk on the subject. There are more details on this link.https://speakernet.co.uk/talk/4000/the-bbc-the-bomb-cold-war-broadcasting-from-the-bunkersHack Green Nuclear bunker that has a preserved BBC studio (as seen in our episode cover) https://www.hackgreen.co.uk/0:00 Introduction to the episode and the BBC wartime broadcasting service2:05 Introduction of the guest, Ian Benson3:04 Ian's fascination with the WTS and his experiences at the BBC8:27 The evolution of the WTS with the onset of the Cold War13:12 The change in broadcasting plans with the advent of transistor radios15:33 The BBC's emergency broadcasting facility and its myths20:01 Changes in television and radio broadcasts during emergencies25:26 Launch and activation of the Wartime Broadcasting Service (WTBS)30:33 The dilemma of duty versus family for BBC staff during emergencies35:59 Regular exercises and resistance from BBC staff towards emergency broadcasting44:36 Conclusion and wrap-up of the episodeTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨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 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.Extra videos and photos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode297/Previous UK Civil Defence episodesHow Cold War Britain Prepared for Nuclear War https://coldwarconversations.com/episode285/Cold War leaflets and documents https://coldwarconversations.com/episode112/Assigned to a government bunker https://coldwarconversations.com/episode107/Visit to a Royal Observer Corps monitoring post and interview with the Chief Observer who served in the post https://coldwarconversations.com/episode30/Alistair McCann has preserved a Royal Observer Corps monitoring post as a museum in Northern Ireland. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode11/Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jonny Whitlam has been a Berlin tour guide since 2010, and since then he’s been showing travellers from across the world the fascinating history of Berlin.We met via social media after I noticed his great videos describing well-known and lesser know 20th-century historical locations in Berlin.We discussed doing an episode to help you see Cold War Berlin sites without needing a tour guide and this episode is the result. However, if you would like a personal tour check out Jonny’s tours on this link. Book your Berlin private tour experience now (whitlams-berlin-tours.com)Jonny is keen to share Berlin’s amazing history with everyone and he has put together The Ultimate Guide to Cold War Berlin which includes an amazing Google map of Cold War sites in Berlin. Despite the name, this list is not exhaustive and we’d welcome suggestions for anything you think we have missed!0:00 Introduction and guest introduction: Johnny Whitlam2:21 Interview with Johnny Whitlam: His experience as a tour guide and significant Cold War sites in Berlin15:49 Must-see locations in Central Berlin according to Johnny Whitlam27:30 Treptower Park: The Soviet Cemetery in Berlin31:50 Ian Sanders shares a story about two brothers rescuing their sibling from East Berlin42:35 Touring Potsdam and Berlin: 47:06 Waldsiedlung : GDR Leaders Housing Estate57:04 Recommended Cold War Museums: Including Allied Museum and DDR Museum1:02:02 Erich Mielke's office at the Stasi MuseumTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨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 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.Extra episode information https://coldwarconversations.com/episode296/Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

South Africa in the 1980s is a brutal, racist Apartheid regime. Those who oppose it risk their lives. Apartheid was a system of institutionalised racial segregation that existed in South Africa from 1948 to the early 1990sSue Dobson is moving easily through the echelons of the racist government in her work as a journalist, whilst concealing her espionage and military training in the Soviet Union, and her intelligence work for the banned African National Congress. She interviewed Apartheid ministers and had a honey trap affair with a police chief involved with the Namibian independence process.However, Sue's cover is blown leading to her desperate flight across Southern Africa with the Apartheid security police snapping at her heels. We hear in detail about her tense three day car journey to the Soviet Embassy in Botswana and how her KGB training saved her life… 0:00 Introduction and Sue Dobson's Espionage Journey2:22 Sue's Role in the South African Bureau of Information and Namibia's Independence8:21 Sue's Encounter with Key Information Source and Communication with ANC13:55 Sue's Meeting with Apartheid Era Figures and Confrontation with Pik Botha18:44 Sue's Moral Dilemma and Justification for Her Actions20:37 Global Attention on South Africa and Tactics Used in Namibia22:37 Sue's Job Offer and Realization of a Potential Exposure24:15 Sue's Escape Plan and Journey through Namibia32:58 Sue's Close Encounter with Surveillance and Journey to Botswana40:12 Sue's Refuge in the Russian Compound and Escape to Europe44:27 Sue's New Life in the UK and Fears of Parcel Bombs and Poisonings47:22 Sue's Decision to Share Her StoryTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link.Listeners can find details of our book giveaway here https://coldwarconversations.com/giveaway/Episode extras including videos and photos https://coldwarconversations.com/episode295/Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

South Africa in the 1980s is a brutal, racist regime. Those who oppose it risk their lives.Sue Dobson, was a young white South African woman who was also a spy for the banned African National Congress. The ANC was a liberation movement known for its opposition to apartheidIn the 1980s she built a legend, a fake persona where she pretends to conform, moving easily through the echelons of the racist government in her work as a journalist, whilst concealing her espionage and military training in the Soviet Union, and her intelligence work.We begin with her childhood and what life was like under apartheid. Sue then describes her journey to joining the African National Congress, her recruitment into the armed wing, and her training in the Soviet Union.0:00 Introduction and brief history of apartheid0:31 Sue Dobson: Life as a spy for the ANC8:35 Geopolitical outlook of South Africa during the Cold War15:40 Sue Dobson's initial contact with the ANC and her training24:38 Living a lie permanently and returning to London27:43 First impressions of the Soviet Union32:57 Building strong bonds with the training team39:55 Shocking news upon return to South Africa and becoming a spy44:31 End of part one and preview for next weekTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Buy the book here and support Cold War ConversationsCold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link.Enter our book giveaway here https://coldwarconversations.com/giveaway/Episode extras including videos and photos https://coldwarconversations.com/episode294/Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In November of 1982, at the height of the Cold War, Samantha Smith, a 10-year-old girl from Manchester, Maine, wrote to the Soviet leader Yuri Andropov and asked him if he was going to wage a nuclear war against the U.S.When an unprecedented response from Andropov arrived, and Samantha received an invitation to visit the USSR, she and her family embarked on a journey that brought the two warring nations closer together.We speak with author Lena Nelson who was born in the Soviet Union and has spent the past 15 years researching and documenting the story of Samantha Smith and creating an archive at https://www.samanthasmith.info/.Lena reveals how Samantha Smith's journey in the summer of 1983 helped melt the hearts of the Soviets and thaw the ice of the Cold War. We talk about the interviews she conducted in both the US and Russia with key players in the events of those days and tell the story of this unprecedented moment in history.0:00 Introduction and interview with author Lena Nelson about Samantha Smith1:35 Sponsor: Support for Cold War Conversations5:24 Samantha Smith's motivation to write to Yuri Andropov and her history of letter writing14:54 Lena's impressions of American life from Samantha Smith's documentary20:49 Samantha Smith's preparation for her trip to the Soviet Union25:41 Samantha Smith's arrival in the Soviet Union and the initial reactions33:54 Natasha's accidental trip to Artek and meeting Samantha Smith43:25 The incident over the colour of hot dogs in the Artek cafeteria and Samantha's image as an ideal American representative48:37 Samantha's post-trip experience and school life57:04 Circumstances of Samantha's tragic death and Lina Nelson's memory of hearing the news in the Soviet Union1:05:16 Lina's collaboration with Jane and the evolution of her project1:07:19 Podcast conclusion, invitation to Facebook discussion group and closing remarks by Ian SandersTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Lena’s book America's Youngest Ambassador: The Cold War Story of Samantha Smith's Lasting Message of Peace is available via this link https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781684750207Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link.Episode extras including videos and photos https://coldwarconversations.com/episode293/ Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices