Cold War Conversations

The phrase “history is human” was coined by two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian David McCullough. He says “History is about life. It isn't just about dates and quotations from obscure treaties and the like; it's about people", which is exactly what Cold War Conversations is about.I discovered this phrase listening to the History Daily podcast presented and narrated by Lindsay Graham. This podcast takes you back in time to explore a momentous moment that happened "on this day" in history using fully immersive, sound design, original music and a compelling narrative style. I really enjoy it and I'm sure you will too. I am sharing two short Cold War episodes on this bonus episode. If think you'd enjoy the History Daily podcast follow or subscribe by searching “History Daily Podcast”. or click on this link https://pod.link/1591095413Support 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

Frank Baldwin was commissioned into the Royal Artillery in 1979 and served for ten years, rising to the rank of Major. The first battlefield study he planned was in 1989 for HQ 4th Armoured Division. Since then, he has been a guide or historian for over 200 realities of war tours, battlefield studies and staff rides. Frank reels off lots of great anecdotes as he takes us through the initial years of the BAOR and the British Army’s plans for the defence of West Germany. He talks about the evolution of doctrines, on both the Soviet and NATO sides including their nuclear war-fighting techniques.Frank also describes working with Warsaw Pact observers of NATO military exercises and the British view of the effectiveness of other NATO armies as well as the armies of the Warsaw Pact.Maps and material to accompany this episode are here https://www.staffrideservices.com/?p=461Now if you are enjoying these podcasts I’m asking for you to support my work with a small monthly donation. Your donations enable me to continue to capture these incredible stories and make them available for free to others. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ for more details.Do join our Facebook discussion group where the cold war conversation continues between episodes. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.I am delighted to welcome Frank Baldwin to our Cold War conversation…Battlefield tour websiteStory of a BAOR Cold war tourMaps and material on BAOR and the Cold war. Cold war background materialFrank Baldwin's blog The Observation Post0:00 Introduction and overview of the episode2:37 Discussion on the planning and strategy during the Cold War8:50 The concept of flexible response and the shift in NATO's planning19:39 Tactics and maneuvers in the face of Russian forces27:14 The Battle Group trainer and war simulation33:04 Introduction of CSC and Stockholm agreement, and experiences during Iron Hammer exercise37:07 Interaction with officers from the Warsaw pact and insights into Russian training methods46:23 Perception of East Germans and experiences in East Germany53:00 Post-cold war British army engagements and core values56:31 Civilian evacuation during the Cold War and the role of German transport1:00:34 Supporter acknowledgement and episode closingTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨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

When the Cold War split Berlin in half, between East and West, one neighbourhood was trapped in the middle and became a symbol of Cold War tensions. For more than twenty years, the hamlet of Steinstücken was caught in a tug-of-war between the Americans, the Soviets and the East Germans. Steinstücken officially belonged to the U.S. Occupation Sector of Berlin. But, it was located outside the city boundaries, completely surrounded by East German territory. No West Berlin-owned roads or trails connected it to the city. It was a de facto Western island in a Communist sea.We speak with Cold War veteran Don Smith the author of Steinstuecken: A Little Pocket of Freedom, a photo and fact-packed book which describes the challenges America faced in occupied Berlin and the personal stories of the citizens of Steinstücken who faced East German soldiers on a daily basis. Buy the book here and support the podcastUK listeners https://amzn.to/3Aux9dWUS listeners https://amzn.to/3r47PZiDon’s web site http://steinpocket.com/Now if you think there is a vast army of research assistants, audio engineers and producers putting together this podcast you’d be wrong. This podcast relies on your support to enable me to continue to capture these incredible stories and make them available to everyone for free. If you’d like to help to preserve Cold War history and enable me to continue to produce this podcast you can via one-off or monthly donations.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ for more details. Do join our Facebook discussion group where the cold war conversation continues between episodes. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.I am delighted to welcome Don Smith to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information including videos here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode220/0:00 Introduction and background of Steinstücken5:21 History and life in Steinstücken during the Cold War14:03 The unique nature of German farming and how Steinstücken got its name16:10 East Germany's attempt to annex Steinstücken and America's response20:47 The political dynamics in Steinstücken during the Cold War30:25 Impact of the Berlin Wall on Steinstücken38:17 The refugee situation and U.S. military operations in Steinstücken45:37 Economic and societal implications in Steinstücken and the 4 power agreement1:01:15 Post Cold War integration of Steinstücken into West Berlin1:07:04 Podcast patrons and invitation to join the Facebook groupTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨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

You will remember Karl-Heinz from our episode 218 where he talked about being a signaller on the West German destroyer "Hamburg" in the late 70s. Today we follow his post navy life as a travelling supporter of football club HSV Hamburg where he followed them all over the Soviet bloc talks about watching them play Dynamo Berlin the Stasi side and drinking with Liverpool, Newcastle and Hamburg legend Kevin Keegan in a hotel bar in Tiblisi. And his Cold War encounters don’t stop there. While working in Chile he met General Pinochet, the military dictator of Chile from 1973 to 1990 and living across the street from Margot Honecker the wife of East German leader Erich Honecker who was also an influential member of that country's Communist regime until 1989.If you have listened this far, I know you are enjoying the podcasts so I’m asking for one-off or monthly donations to support my work and enable me to continue producing the podcast. If you become a monthly supporter via Patreon, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you, audio and other extras as well as basking in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.I am delighted to welcome Karl-Heinz to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information on this episode here including videos here . https://coldwarconversations.com/episode219/0:00 Introduction to the episode and Karl Heinz's experiences with the KGB2:02 Request for donations and support for the podcast4:01 Karl Heinz's recollections of visits to East Berlin and encounters with fans9:44 Karl Heinz's trip to Tbilisi, Georgia for a football match and interactions with locals17:32 Encounter with potential KGB agents and misunderstandings with locals20:38 Karl Heinz's football game experiences in East Berlin24:57 Karl Heinz's experience in Chile during the time of Pinochet and meeting with Pinochet30:16 Meeting with Margaret Honecker and her continued belief in the communist cause32:04 Acknowledgement of patrons and their contributionsTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨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

Karl-Heinz served in the Bundesmarine as a Signalman on the West German destroyer "Hamburg" in the late 70s. He talks of his training, his role and shares details of manoeuvres in the North Sea and Baltics involving East German and Soviet ships.He also speaks about a cruise to West Africa where the sailors were briefed to stay away from any East German merchant marine sailors and not to engage with them in any form – he and his mates didn’t keep to the rules…If you have listened this far, I know you are enjoying the podcasts so I’m asking for one-off or monthly donations to support my work and enable me to continue producing the podcast. If you become a monthly supporter via Patreon, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you, audio and other extras as well as basking in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.I am delighted to welcome Karl-Heinz to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information on this episode in our show notes here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode218/If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.0:00 Introduction and Overview of the Episode2:29 Sponsor: Request for Donations and Support3:15 Karl Heinz's Entry and Role in the West German Navy10:56 Karl Heinz's Posting to the Destroyer Hamburg and West Africa Tour18:03 Interaction with East German Sailors22:27 Military Drills and Exercises in the North Sea and the Baltic28:00 Anti Submarine Warfare Practice and Duration of Service30:41 Cold War Travel Restrictions30:49 Acknowledgments to Patreon Supporters32:01 Engaging with the Podcast and Closing RemarksTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨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

After service in the US Army during the Vietnam War Bob Wallace was recruited into the CIA. In the CIA his initial assignments were as a field case officer. He rose through the ranks at the agency and was Chief of Station in three locations where he directed the full range of CIA activities. In 1995 Bob became deputy director of the Office of Technical Service and in 1998 was appointed its director responsible for creating spy devices and capabilities necessary to conduct clandestine operations with safety and security. In other words, Bob was the "Q" of the CIA.Buy Bob's book hereUK listeners https://amzn.to/3pBDrF4US listeners  https://amzn.to/3qvX0xDThis podcast relies on listener support to enable me to continue to capture these incredible stories and make them available for free. You can support my work and help to preserve Cold War history via one-off or monthly donationsJust go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/for for more details.Do join our Facebook discussion group where the cold war conversation continues between episodes. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.I am delighted to welcome Bob Wallace to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode217/0:00 Introduction and Bob's journey to the CIA7:00 The professional career training program at the CIA14:21 Use of technology in clandestine operations in the 1970s20:07 Development of devices for espionage operations42:04 Role as Director of The CIA's Office of Technical Service48:41 The science of disguise and examples of successful disguises54:31 The role of Hollywood in disguise techniques58:31 Reflections on the Cold War era and thoughts on the future of espionage1:00:24 Inspiration from James Bond movies and spy fiction1:02:31 Closing remarks and appreciationTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨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

Bob Wallace joined the US Army in 1968 as a reluctant conscript. He describes the draft process, and his attempts to avoid conscription. After basic training, Bob is assigned to a long range reconnaissance unit and ambush unit in five or six man teams in the Mekong delta.We hear of the reconnaissance and ambush tactics as well as some poignant memories of those that didn’t make it back.This podcast relies on listener support to enable me to continue to capture these incredible stories and make them available for free. You can support my work and help to preserve Cold War history via one off or monthly donationsJust go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ for more details.Do join our Facebook discussion group where the cold war conversation continues between episodes. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.I am delighted to welcome Bob Wallace to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information on this episode here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode216/0:00 Introduction and request for donations1:03 Introduction to guest, Bob Wallace, Vietnam War Veteran3:21 Bob Wallace's early life and journey to the US Army13:25 Bob's arrival in Vietnam and military training experiences21:21 Bob's leadership experiences and decision to turn down promotions24:54 Discussion on Bob's deployment to Vietnam and role in a Ranger reconnaissance team35:43 Bob's experiences in identifying hostile targets and ambush operations40:51 Bob's first time under fire and personal reflections on combat42:38 Bob's visit to the Vietnam War Memorial and remembering fallen comrades46:02 Introduction of Bob's book, "9 from the 9th", and discussion on shared experiences49:18 Acknowledgment of patrons and call to donate50:54 Closing remarks and promotion of the Cold War Conversations storeTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨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

Refusenik was an unofficial term for individuals—typically, but not exclusively, Soviet Jews—who were denied permission to emigrate, primarily to Israel, by the authorities of the Soviet Union and other countries of the Eastern bloc. The term refusenik is derived from the "refusal" handed down to a prospective emigrant from the Soviet authorities.Eric Hochstein was a staff member for Senator Carl Levin of Michigan working on human rights. Human rights were a big issue for Senator Levin. Eric went as part of a standard commercial tour of the SU for two weeks from Sep 28th,1980, where he visited Moscow, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Odessa, and Leningrad. Eric and his colleagues used this trip to peel off and visit various Refusenik families to bring them news, messages and supplies. Only protected by a US passport and a tourist visa Eric travelled by public transport under surveillance from the KGB carrying supplies for the families included Levi jeans which were better than money in the Soviet Union of the 1980s. 0:00 Introduction 2:50 Guest Introduction: Eric Hochstein 6:51 Lead-up to Eric Hochstein's trip to the USSR13:41 Arrival and first impressions of the Soviet Union23:39 Interaction with Refusenik families and their conditions29:42 Anecdotes about being followed by the KGB36:04 Soviet people's awareness about the United States and the West40:12 Impressions of Leningrad and merchandise scarcity in Soviet Union45:12 Acknowledgement and thanks to patrons46:41 Cold War Conversations store promotionTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨I could really use your support to help me to capture and preserve these amazing stories of the Cold War. If you could make either a one-off or better still sign up to monthly donations to help me to find the time to produce and finance the project.If you’d like to know more just go to cwc.com/donateIf you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.Peter Ryan is your host today and I am delighted to welcome Eric Hochstein to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode215Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye.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

Today’s episode is different. Brett Elliott died earlier this year and I was contacted by his ex-wife Polly who offered me a cassette tape. Polly and Brett had met in college and got to know each other in Russian Club at Oklahoma State. In the summer of 1991, they went to Moscow to pursue Polly’s goal of being a reporter in Russia and Brett’s goal of further studying Russia. They both worked together covering the Bush Gorbachev summit, with Polly as a reporter and Brett as an interpreter. Polly left Russia early, but Brett stayed a few weeks more and witnessed the collapse of the Soviet Union, August 19-21, 1991. During a rare phone call, Polly begged him to be careful, and he famously said she was worse than the coup leaders if she wanted to deny him getting out to witness history…Polly's book is available on the links belowUS Listeners https://amzn.to/3mEuPMaUK listeners https://amzn.to/3CLuHjyWe have photos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode214/This podcast relies on listener support to enable me to continue to capture these incredible stories and make them available for free. You can support my work and help to preserve Cold War history via one-off or monthly donationsJust go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ for more details.Do join our Facebook discussion group where the cold war conversation continues between episodes. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.This episode is the audio from the cassette of Brett describing his experiences just two weeks after the coup. Being on cassette the sound quality is not great, but I am delighted and honoured to welcome Brett Elliott to our Cold War conversation…0:00 Introduction and appeal for donations1:47 Brett and Polly's experience in Russia5:55 Brett's account before and during the coup14:09 Brett's analysis of the coup leaders' strategy16:03 Reaction to the arrival of armored vehicles in Moscow21:23 Protestors' response to the show of military force28:45 The march towards the Russian Federation building31:01 Day 2: Speeches and continued protests35:07 Brett's journey back home through Yugoslavia44:22 Brett's reflection on the changes since the uprising46:00 Ian Sanders: Closing remarks and thanks to patrons47:13 Ian Sanders: Postscript and store promotionTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨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

John Andrews joined the Royal Navy in 1981 and went on to serve aboard the HMS Repulse, one of the UK’s Polaris nuclear missile submarines from 1982.His role was Missile Compartment Control Patrol which included security of the nuclear missile compartment as well as assisting in the maintenance of the missile tubes and the nuclear missiles themselves. John shares details of life aboard the ship including missile launch tests, alcohol, practical jokes, escape procedures from a submerged submarine and many more.This podcast relies on listener support to enable me to continue to capture these incredible stories and make them available for free. You can support my work and help to preserve Cold War history via one-off or monthly donationsJust go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ for more details.Do join our Facebook discussion group where the cold war conversation continues between episodes. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.Now, this episode was recorded at the Hack Green Nuclear Bunker Soviet Threat event so you will hear some background noise, but I am delighted to welcome John Andrews to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information on this episode in our show notes which can also be found as a link in your podcast app here. 0:00 Introduction and guest John Andrews' role in the Royal Navy3:05 Detailed background of John's service6:13 Discussion on John's claustrophobia and PTSD diagnosis9:02 Recollection of a missile launch test15:32 Understanding of ship-wide activities20:38 Role of detonators in missile launch24:28 Monitoring radiation exposure and experiences with PTSD28:17 Relationships and interactions with officers31:40 Family communication on the submarine37:52 Running quiet on the submarine when being followed42:22 Rivalry between submarines and crews44:30 Closing remarks by Ian Sanders43:55 Acknowledging patrons and call for donations44:45 Cold War Conversations store advertisementTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨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