Cold War Conversations

Frank Olson was an American bacteriologist, biological warfare scientist, and employee of the United States Army Biological Warfare Laboratories. In 1953 at a meeting in rural Maryland, he was covertly dosed with LSD by his boss Sidney Gottlieb, who was the head of the CIA's MKUltra mind control program.Nine days later, Olson plunged to his death from the window of the Hotel Statler. The U.S. government first described his death as a suicide, and then as misadventure, while others allege murder. The story was made into the Netflix film "Wormwood".I speak with Paul Vidich, the acclaimed author of The Coldest Warrior, An Honorable Man, The Good Assassin and The Mercenary. He is also the nephew of Frank Olson. UK link to Paul Vidich BooksUS link to Paul Vidich BooksThis 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.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 Paul Vidich to our Cold War conversation…Further information on this episode https://coldwarconversations.com/episode202/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.Thank 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/@ColdWarConversations0:00 Introduction and background of Frank Olsen2:22 Introduction to guest, Paul Vidich and his book, "The Coldest Warrior"5:29 Frank's involvement in the Artichoke Committee and MK Ultra18:40 Frank's psychological turmoil and the lead up to his mysterious death24:55 Investigation into Sydney Gottlieb's motives and the aftermath of Frank's death33:02 The Olsen family's pursuit for truth and meeting with President Ford38:04 Political implications of the Olsen case for President Ford's administration42:42 Connection between the Olsen case and harsh interrogation programs45:48 Meetings with key figures from the MK Ultra project50:38 Exhumation and examination of Frank Olsen's body57:01 Thanks to patrons, episode notes, Facebook group, and storeTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Squadron Leader John Robinson AFC (ret’d) was an RAF pilot who was tasked to fly into the mushroom clouds of nuclear bomb tests to capture samples at Operation Buffalo at Maralinga in 1956, and Operation Grapple, at Christmas Island in 1957. He tells of his recruitment into RAF, initial training and his cloud sampling missions as well his experiences of watching the tests from as little as five miles away. It is reckoned that over 22,000 British servicemen participated in the British and American nuclear tests and clean-ups between 1952-1965, along with scientists from the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment and civilians. The majority of men have passed away, and around a tenth of the men remain.I was honoured that the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association (BNVTA) invited me to their annual reunion and enabled me to capture some of their veterans’ stories. I could really use your help to support my work and enable me to continue producing the podcast. If you become a monthly supporter, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask 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 John Robinson to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information including videos on this link https://coldwarconversations.com/episode201/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.Thank 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/@ColdWarConversations0:00 Introduction and Squadron Leader John Robinson's Cold War journey2:03 Sponsor: Cold War Conversations' Patron Support4:13 John Robinson's early career and Cold War aircraft training15:11 Special duties in Australia and encounter with atom bombs28:30 The mission into the mushroom cloud and gathering radiation data34:33 Life in Christmas Island and preparations for larger weapons45:52 Post atom bomb missions and John's illness 48:19 John Robinson's radiation exposure and journey back home52:04 High altitude sampling and ditching the aircraft plan53:42 Closing remarks by Ian Sanders and appreciation for patrons54:50 Cold War Conversations store reminderTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We hear of Joanna's heartbreak when her visa is refused, preventing her from marrying Yuri. However, using an ingenious method she manages an emotional reunion and eventual marriage as the Soviet Union begins to dissolve.Details of the book giveaway are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode200/Part one is here and part 2 here Joanna’s book, Red Wave written with her singer/songwriter daughter, Madison, includes Stingray’s extensive collection of photographs, artworks, and interviews with the musicians.Buy the book and support the podcast hereUK listeners https://amzn.to/3rwItSzUS listeners https://amzn.to/3zyvbHXIf you are enjoying the podcasts I’m asking for 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 and bask 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 Joanna Stingray to our Cold War conversationSupport 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/@ColdWarConversations0:00 Introduction and book giveaway announcement2:54 Interview with Joanna Stingray begins12:08 Joanna's risky journey to Leningrad with her mother24:34 Joanna's reunion and NBC coverage in Russia30:19 Joanna's dilemma about leaving Russia and her marriage34:03 Rise of rock bands amidst political changes in Russia39:16 Joanna's unconventional Russian wedding46:07 Impact of Glasnost and fall of communism on Russian bands51:05 Shift in Russian society and music taste in the 90s53:53 Closing remarks and patron acknowledgementsTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joanna is questioned by the KGB and the FBI, falls in love with Yuri and starts to smuggle the bands' music out of the Soviet Union to produce the album.Details of the book giveaway are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode199/Part one is here and part 3 hereJoanna’s book, Red Wave written with her singer/songwriter daughter, Madison, includes Stingray’s extensive collection of photographs, artworks, and interviews with the musicians.Buy the book and support the podcast hereUK listeners https://amzn.to/3rwItSzUS listeners https://amzn.to/3zyvbHXIf you are enjoying the podcasts I’m asking for 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 and bask 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 Joanna Stingray to our Cold War conversation…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/@ColdWarConversations0:00 Introduction and Joanna Stingray's background3:15 Joanna Stingray's first encounter with the KGB9:27 Joanna's experiences with the band Kino and living in Soviet Union15:11 The idea of bringing Soviet music to the US and collaboration with David Bowie20:12 Struggles with record companies and signing with Big Time Records22:29 Dealing with the FBI and KGB while collecting content for the album26:57 Reception of the Red Wave album and its impact31:20 Smuggling the Red Wave album into the Soviet Union40:10 Meeting with the KGB and proposal from Yuri46:38 Joanna Stingray's changing relationship with Russia and the music scene54:00 Preview of the next episode and closing remarksTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joanna Stingray was only 23 years old when she first set foot in the USSR and started meeting now-legendary musicians and artists of the Soviet underground. By 1985, she was writing and recording with them, and smuggling their music to the West in order to produce the groundbreaking album Red Wave: 4 Underground Bands from the USSR. This is her testimony of youthful fortitude and rebellion, her love story, and proof of the power of music and youth culture over stagnancy and oppression. Details of the book giveaway are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode198/Part 2 is here and part 3 hereJoanna’s book, Red Wave written with her singer/songwriter daughter, Madison, includes Stingray’s extensive collection of photographs, artworks, and interviews with the musicians. Buy the book and support the podcast hereUK listeners https://amzn.to/3rwItSzUS listeners https://amzn.to/3zyvbHXIf you are enjoying the podcasts I’m asking for 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 and bask 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 Joanna Stingray to our Cold War conversation…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.Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye.Help Support the podcast by shopping at Amazon.https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/bestsellers/books/12447630031/ref=pd_zg_hrsr_books&tag=cwcp-21Help support the podcast with a CWC mug or maybe a t-shirt?https://www.redbubble.com/people/Coldwarpod/shop?asc=u 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/@ColdWarConversations0:00 Introduction and Joanna Stingray's journey into the Soviet Underground1:23 Sponsor: Patreon introduction and shoutout2:46 Joanna's initial career plans and first visit to Russia6:14 Joanna's struggle with communication and parental concerns11:38 Joanna's first meeting with Boris Grebenschikov14:17 Joanna's first visit to a Soviet apartment18:27 Joanna's realization about her own music and the language of music23:04 Joanna's experience at an underground concert and promise to return to Russia29:49 Joanna's offer to help the Russian music scene36:38 Joanna's first experience at a Russian rock concert and impressions of Soviet bands44:00 Joanna's backstage experiences and encounter with the KGB46:40 Ian's closing remarks and Sponsor: Patreon acknowledgement48:21 Cold War Conversations online store promotionTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Over the past, nearly two decades, the Stuck in the 80s podcast has emerged as the go-to for all aspects of 1980s nostalgia from a North American point of view. And, much like Cold War Conversations, Stuck in the 80s is an award-winning podcast.Recognizing that decade’s popular culture was heavily influenced by the Cold War, co-host Peter Ryan organized a discussion with its curators, Steve Spears and Brad Williams.Key topics that are covered include some of the most important songs, films, television programs of the 80s that were Cold War oriented, some of which may surprise listeners. Also discussed are the key personalities of the 1980s Cold War period, from both sides of the Iron Curtain.This special edition of Cold War Conversations will also features a playlist on Spotify, featuring many of the songs discussed during this lively episode. We thank Brad and Steve for the chance to organize a cross-podcast discussion today and encourage listeners to visit their website sit80s.com to learn more about their dedication to keeping the nostalgia of the 1980s alive.Help me to continue producing the podcast. Single or monthly donations really helps keep the podcast on the air.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 Peter Ryan, Steve Spears and Brad Williams to our Cold War conversation…Videos relating to this episode are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode197/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.Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated.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 Aden Magee who operated as the commander of a highly specialized Counterintelligence (CI) unit in West Germany during the last decade of the Cold War.We talk about his book The Cold War Wilderness of Mirrors - Counterintelligence and the U.S. and Soviet Military Liaison Missions 1947–1990. This is a rare book that details some never-before documented accounts of the Soviet Military Liaison Mission (SMLM) in West Germany and the U.S. Military Liaison Mission (USMLM) in East Germany and shows how they were microcosms of the Cold War strategic intelligence and counterintelligence landscape. I also discuss with Aden how the book shows the impact of CIA Director James Angleton’s legacy which restricted counterintelligence operations long after his departure. Buy the book and help support the podcast.UK listeners buy hereUS listeners buy hereWhat do you think the podcast is worth to you? Single or monthly donations really help keep the podcast on the air.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/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.I am delighted to welcome Aden Magee to our Cold War conversation…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/@ColdWarConversations0:00 Introduction and discussion about weapons cache sites and suitcase nukes0:17 Introduction to guest Aden McGee and his new book about strategic intelligence and counterintelligence during the Cold War2:05 Sponsor: Podcast donations and mention of the Cold War Conversations Facebook group3:47 Importance of documenting Cold War stories and in-depth discussion on the Soviet military liaison missions10:35 Rotation of tours in East Germany and their intelligence collection capabilities14:47 US's approach to counterintelligence and the importance of the USMLM's collection asset19:04 Soviet's stance on guarding their SMLM/SOXMIS post and the normalization of ramming and shooting incidents under international law24:14 Access to the Soviet military liaison mission compound and its implications28:35 Likelihood of more covert activities by the Soviet military liaison mission34:32 U.S. intelligence betrayals to the Soviets and the impact on the Cold War53:42 Soviet penetration agents in the FBI and CIA and case of KGB Colonel Yachenko1:00:32 Lack of urgency in addressing the mole issue within the CIA and the damaging impact of Aldrich Ames' betrayal1:06:21 Conclusion and introduction of Aden Magee's book "The Cold War Wilderness of Mirrors"1:06:57 Sponsor: Acknowledgement of the show's patrons and call to action for listener support1:07:25 Closing remarks and goodbye from host Ian SandersTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ron Knight served in the Royal Marines on HMS Belfast during the Korean War of 1950-53. He was a gunner and describes the shore bombardments and how his gun was used in anti-aircraft defence. We also hear Ron describe life aboard the Belfast during this periodRon also served with the Royal Marine Commando during the Malayan Emergency which was a guerrilla war fought in the Federation of Malaya between Communist pro-independence fighters against the armed forces of the British Empire and Commonwealth between 1948 and 1960.He shares details of the dangers of jungle warfare including from their own air force! I’m asking listeners 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 and bask 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, you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us and sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.I am delighted to welcome Ron Knight to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information on this episode here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode195/If you can’t wait for next week’s episode, visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated.Please leave a review.If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a written review.0:00 Introduction and Ron Knight's early life and training2:35 Ron Knight's experiences in the Royal Marines and HMS Belfast9:01 Discussing air attacks on HMS Belfast and life on board17:42 Royal Marines' shore raids and interactions with American forces20:20 Shift in relations with Japan and interactions with Chinese and North Korean POWs21:45 Encounter with Typhoon Ruth and its impact on HMS Belfast26:58 Incident of a man overboard and transfer to 45 commando29:23 Ron Knight's experiences in the Korean and Malayan jungles38:20 Communication, safety measures and recognizing friendly units in the jungle43:39 Reflecting on dangerous moments in service and transition to HMS Victory51:13 Outro and Patron AcknowledgementTable 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

Igor Gouzenko exposed Soviet intelligence's efforts to steal nuclear secrets as well as the technique of planting sleeper agents. The "Gouzenko Affair" is often credited as a triggering event of the Cold War, with historian Jack Granatstein stating it was "the beginning of the Cold War for public opinion" and journalist Robert Fulford writing he was "absolutely certain the Cold War began in Ottawa".I talk with Andrew Kavchak the author of Remembering Gouzenko: The Struggle to Honour a Cold War Hero and Evy Wilson, the daughter of Igor and Svetlana Gouzenko. If you are enjoying the podcast, you can show your support via a monthly donation of $4, £3 or €3 via Patreon, plus you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask 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 Andrew and Evy to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information on this episode can be found here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode194/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 Background of Igor Gouzenko2:41 Interview with Andrew Kavchak and Evie Wilson begins13:55 Aftermath of Gouzenko's Defection and the Following Trials23:30 Introduction of Evie Wilson, Daughter of Igor Guzenko33:55 Wilson Family's Relocation and Life in the Greater Toronto Area43:33 Evie's Discovery of Her Family's Unique Situation and Origin52:36 The Incident of the Wilsons' Mailbox Getting Blown Up1:00:22 Evy Wilson's Life and Relatives in the Soviet Union1:04:26 Andrew Kavchak's Journey to Commemorate the Gouzenko StoryTable 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

Rick Shreve was a USAF F111 pilot based at RAF Lakenheath in the UK. We hear about his early USAF career as a fighter pilot, then we move onto his transfer to the F111 and how he was trained to carry out nuclear as well as conventional missions against the Warsaw Pact forces in Europe. He describes his low-level training missions to attack targets in the Soviet Union and East Germany and recalls a near-fatal incident amongst the Scottish lochs.Rick was also part of one of the crews that flew on Operation El Dorado Canyon, the operation to bomb Libya in April 1986 in retaliation for the West Berlin discotheque bombing ten days earlier.Rick gives you a frank view of his role in the USAF and his approach to the huge responsibilities he carried.In his later career, he flew civil airliners with Pan-Am and recalls how he was astonished to fly over the Warsaw Pact airfield he had been tasked to attack in the event of war…If you have listened this far, I know you are enjoying the podcasts so I’m asking for donations to support my work and enable me to continue producing the podcast. If you become a monthly supporter, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask 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, you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us and sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.I am delighted to welcome Rick to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information including photos and videos here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode193/If you can’t wait for next week’s episode, visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated.0:00 Introduction and Rick Shreve's initial experiences in the Air Force10:00 Rick's experiences with debriefing, training evaluations, and handling nukes16:18 Rick's transfer to RAF Lakenheath and differences between flying an F 111 and the F4 Phantom26:24 Noise complaints, rules for flying in different countries, and Rick's training in escape and evasion37:27 Details of a nuclear mission and Rick's view on dropping a nuclear weapon46:04 Operation El Dorado Canyon: The 1986 bombing of Libya56:11 Role as the Nuclear Alert Force Commander at Lakenheath1:00:33 Salty Nation: Preparing for operational readiness inspections1:13:48 Rick Shreve discusses dangerous flying incidents and the mindset of military pilots1:19:46 Rick Shreve's transition to Pan Am and his involvement in Desert Storm1:24:13 Reminder for listeners to visit our Facebook discussion 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