Cold War Conversations

This week it's the 60th anniversary of the flight of Gherman Titov on Vostok 2. The forgotten 2nd cosmonaut overshadowed by the exploits of his friend Yuri Gagarin.Titov’s 25.3 hours and 17 orbits flight was much more ambitious than Gagarin’s and more dangerous. It was also a very political flight, intending to distract the world from the building of the Berlin Wall a number of days later. However, there’s more to Titov than his flight, he was different character to most of the Soviet cosmonauts with a love of pre-Soviet literary classics and enjoying his own company.He was also one of the most colourful characters of the Soviet space program leading a wild life back on Earth with various car crashes and scrapes. I’m sure regular listeners will be pleased to hear we have Stephen Walker back, the author of Beyond: The Astonishing Story of the First Human to Leave Our Planet and Journey into Space.Do check out our previous episode on Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode172/I’m asking listeners to support my work and enable me to continue recording these incredible stories. 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 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 Stephen Walker back 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. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode192Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye.0:00 Introduction and overview of German Titov's character0:45 The political implications of Titov's groundbreaking flight2:20 Guest introduction: Stephen Walker3:53 The Cold War context of Titov's flight7:22 Titov's rebellious nature and the cosmonaut program's rule-breaking26:37 Training for Titov's mission, Vostok 229:24 The significance and firsts of Titov's 25-hour mission35:14 Titov's life post-mission: fame, scandal, and tragedy42:13 The technical issues and risks of Titov's mission47:38 Titov's role in the Soviet Moon mission and the Spiral project52:23 Reflections on Titov's legacy 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

Evan McGilvray has written a number of books on Poland as well as biographies. He is well versed in Poland and Polish society and away from the usual locations of Krakow and Warsaw.Evan first visited Poland in 1986, 5 years after the declaration of martial law which triggered the suppression of the free trade union Solidarity in December 1981. He visited some friends he had made via correspondence, who lived in the city of Łódź. He provides us with a great insight away from the intelligentsia as his friends were workers. We hear in some detail how the communist party was perceived, life as a worker, as well as views on Lech Walesa and Solidarity.In the 1990s Evan interviewed General Jaruzelski, who as First Secretary of the Polish United Workers' Party (aka the communist party) gave the martial law order in 1981 and remained head of state until 1989. Extra info, and videos are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode191/If you are enjoying the podcast please tell your friends you can really help us grow the number of listeners.Now I need help to continue to track down these unknown stories of the Cold war and ensure they are preserved before they are lost. If you can spare it I’m asking listeners to pledge a small monthly amount per month to help keep us on the air (larger amounts are welcome too) plus you can get a sought after CWC coaster as a monthly financial supporter of the podcast and you bask in the warm glow of knowing you helping preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Peter Ryan is our host today and I am delighted to welcome Evan McGilvray 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.0:00 Introduction3:00 Interview with Evan McGilvray: His interest in Poland and first impressions16:45 Life in Poland: The average worker, shopping, self-sufficiency, and popular culture26:16 Surveillance and influence of the Catholic church in Poland29:07 Impressions and interactions with the communist regime in Poland33:05 Impressions of the Soviet Union and Russian forces in Poland36:21 Impressions of Lech Walesa in Poland and his transition to mainstream40:19 Contacts with solidarity in Poland and encounters with General Jaruzelski44:56 General Jaruzelski's efforts to correct the record49:33 Reminder to check out extra information and videosTable 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

On November 18, 1965, U.S. Navy pilot Willie Sharp ejected from his F-8 fighter after being hit while positioned over a target in North Vietnam. With a cloud layer beneath him, he did not know if he was over land-where he would most certainly be captured or killed by the North Vietnamese or over the Gulf of Tonkin. As he ejected, both navy and air force aircraft were already heading toward him to help. Thanks to Dennis DeFreitas and his Youtube video of Willie’s shootdown available here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md9oNlLYEr8Co-host James Chilcott speaks with former military flight test engineer Eileen A. Bjorkman, who has written “Unforgotten in the Gulf of Tonkin A Story of the U.S. Military's Commitment to Leave No One Behind” The book includes nail-biting descriptions of air combat, flight, and rescue as Bjorkman places Willie Sharp's story in the larger context of the U.S. military's bedrock credo-No Man Left Behind-and calls attention to the more than eighty thousand Americans still missing from conflicts since World War I. She also explores the devastating aftershocks of the Vietnam War as Willie Sharp struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder.Buy the book and support the PodcastUK listeners buy the book here https://amzn.to/3rtpJDeUS Listeners buy the book here https://amzn.to/3zwLVPAIf 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, 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 Eileen Bjorkman to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information and details of our book giveaway here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode190/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. T0:00 Introduction and Overview of the episode2:47 Guest Introduction: Eileen Bjorkman6:37 Combat Search and Rescue during the Vietnam War11:53 Willie Sharp's Mission and Rescue Operation28:56 Willie's Ejection, Descent, and Capture40:31 Willie's Escape and Confrontation with Fishermen47:17 Final Rescue Operation and Post-Rescue Plans52:04 Improvements in Rescue Operations during the War1:02:08 Reflection on Dramatic Events and Acknowledgment of Patrons1:03:21 Encouragement to Join Facebook Discussion Group 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

The French Forces in Berlin were the units of the French Armed Forces stationed from 1945 until the end of the Cold War-era in West Berlin according to the agreements of the Yalta Conference and Potsdam Conference. The troops were the French counterparts to the United States' Berlin Brigade and the United Kingdom's Berlin Infantry Brigade in the city. Philippe was stationed in Berlin from 1972 to 1973 with the French army for his military service. He did not volunteer and was not too happy at first, but started enjoying life outside of the “Quartier Napoleon” as it was called, near the Tegel airport.His role was in Signals intelligence and during the day he listened to FM radio transmissions of the East German Army as well as the Soviets (GFSA). If you are enjoying the podcast, you can help me to keep producing these episodes by a small monthly donation 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, 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 Philippe to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information on this episode here.  https://coldwarconversations.com/episode189/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 in Facebook.0:00 Introduction and Philippe's experience in Berlin4:58 Philippe's training and move to Landau13:43 Philippe's posting to Berlin and initial impressions18:15 French counterintelligence's investigation into Philippe's relationship22:35 The French sector in Berlin and tensions with American interests28:42 French military lifestyle in Berlin33:53 Attitude of Berlin locals towards foreign soldiers38:39 Sightseeing and political discussions in East Berlin46:30 Leaving Berlin and life after service50:31 Communication and encryption methods during the Cold WarTable 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

We continue Drea Hahn’s story with her family’s escape to Austria and the realities of being a refugee. In 1986, under the pretext of a “ski trip” to Yugoslavia Drea’s family escaped to Austria. We hear about the sadness of being unable to tell anyone they were leaving and how her relatives were summoned to the police station to be detained for questioning. They didn’t communicate with anyone at “home” until 1989 or 1990 because it was too dangerous.Once, in Austria, there was no certainty that that Drea’s family wouldn’t be handed back to Czechoslovakia as Austria was neutral and the government was keen to stay on good terms with their neighbours.Drea’s family were in Austria for about 2 years living in a single room with a shared bathroom. We hear from her about the challenges of life as a child refugee in rural Austria.In 1988 permission was granted to emigrate to the US and we hear of their elation when they arrive.Extra info, photos and videos are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode188If you are enjoying the podcast please leave a written review in Apple podcasts or share us on social media. By telling your friends you can really help us grow the number of listeners.Now I need help to continue to track down these unknown stories of the Cold war and ensure they are preserved. If you can spare it I’m asking listeners to pledge a small monthly amount per month to help keep us on the air (larger amounts are welcome too) plus you can get a sought after CWC coaster as a monthly financial supporter of the podcast and you bask in the warm glow of knowing you helping preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ I am delighted to welcome Drea Hahn back to our Cold War conversation…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.0:00 Introduction to Drea Hahn's family's escape from Czechoslovakia1:27 Listener support and testimonials8:08 Comparison of individual and family escapes from the Eastern Bloc12:04 Access to STB files and the decision to escape19:20 Planning and executing the escape to Austria27:36 The tense border crossing and seeking asylum in Austria33:07 Adjusting to life as refugees in Austria41:28 Visit from grandparents and the Czechoslovakian government's persuasion program45:48 Journey to America and initial days in the new country51:03 The fall of the Berlin Wall and the Velvet Revolution: Impact and decisions57:50 The role of Cold War Conversations podcast in uncovering personal historiesTable 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

Drea Hahn was born in Czechoslovakia in 1980 in Teplice. Her mother was a secretary and her father was an engineer but refused to join the communist party and this was a source of tension in Drea’s family. She was partly raised by her grandparents and her grandmother shared stories about growing up in “the Protectorate”, the name given to the area of Czechoslovakia occupied by the Germans in World War 2. Drea tells of a typical Czech childhood – her school friends, fond memories of school trips, and summers at their chata (country house).A more sinister side of life was getting in trouble for being a chatty kid and being cautioned with the phrase “walls have ears”.Extra info, and videos are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode187/If you are enjoying the podcast please leave a written review in Apple podcasts or share us on social media. By telling your friends you can really help us grow the number of listeners.Now I need help to continue to track down these unknown stories of the Cold war and ensure they are preserved. If you can spare it I’m asking listeners to pledge a small monthly amount per month to help keep us on the air (larger amounts are welcome too) plus you get a sought after CWC coaster as a monthly financial supporter of the podcast and bask in the warm glow of knowing you helping preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/I am delighted to welcome Drea Hahn to our Cold War conversation…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 in Facebook.0:00 Introduction to the episode and guest Drea Hahn0:47 Request for listener support2:29 Drea's fascination with everyday history and her decision to share her experiences7:54 Drea's family background during World War 215:14 The presence and regulation of religion in Czechoslovakia during the Cold War17:47 The impact of socialism and communism on daily life21:35 Misconceptions about the isolation of the Eastern Bloc30:56 Drea's parents' wedding and her birth33:29 Ideological teachings in school and the fear of non-conformity38:16 Travel restrictions and permits within Eastern Bloc countries44:13 Membership in the Communist Party and the associated documentation47:50 Teaser for the next episode48:26 Acknowledging the supporters and patrons of the podcastTable 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

Ben Brown is the writer of A Splinter of Ice, a play that portrays the meeting in Moscow in 1987 of one of the greatest novelists of the 20th century, Graham Greene and his old MI6 boss, Kim Philby, one of Britain's most notorious spies... and a traitor. Graham Greene never divulged any details of the meeting and Ben’s play imagines what might have been. We discuss the play, as well as how Philby and Greene’s lives intertwined. It’s a story of two men catching up on old times, but with a new world order breaking around them how much did the writer of The Third Man know about Philby's secret life as a spy? Did Philby betray his friend as well as his country..? A trailer and other videos are available in our episode notes here www.coldwarconversations.com/episode186/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, 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 Ben Brown to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information on this episode here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode186/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 to the episode and discussion on "A Splinter of Ice"3:07 Deep dive into Kim Philby’s life, his relationship with Graham Green, and their portrayal in the media17:25 Exploration of Philby's rise in the security services and overlooked communist credentials25:05 Discussion on why Green left MI6 and the research used for the play31:05 Examination of John La Carre's opinion of Philby and his influence on La Carre's work35:04 Discussion on the political climate in the 1930s, the rise of fascism and its impact44:59 Discussion on actors' preparation for their roles in the play51:35 Exploration of Philby's life in Russia, his struggles and the role of Ruth in his lifeTable 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

We return to the 2nd part of Tom Favia’s story with the US Military Liaison Mission which the Soviet Union permitted to operate in East Germany, ostensibly for monitoring and furthering better relationships between the Soviet and Western occupation forces. The British & French also had missions as did the Soviets in West Germany. Part 1 is here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode183/As you would expect there are some incredible incidents that Tom shares with us including one with a drunk Soviet Major who tries to defect. Tom was with USMLM when the Wall opened in Nov 1989 and describes the uncertainty of the time with Soviet soldiers selling parts of tanks and munitions. 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 back Tom Favia to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information on this episode can be found here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode185If 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.Radio GDRIf you are interested in East Germany we can highly recommend our friends over at Radio GDR.Please leave a review.If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a written review.0:00 Introduction and Tom Favia's experiences with the US military liaison mission1:23 Request for donations and benefits for monthly supporters2:56 Tensions and incidents with the Soviets7:36 Dealing with Stasi and interactions with East German citizens13:19 Disclosure of mission details and important findings21:30 The opening and aftermath of the Berlin Wall27:11 Challenges post the fall of the Berlin Wall and other intelligence organizations31:33 Experiences leading up to unification day in East Germany34:07 Recruitment into the on-site inspection agency and working out of Frankfurt38:33 Cold War souvenirs and remembering fallen comrades43:25 Episode wrap up, acknowledgements of patrons, and sign offTable 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

Ethel Rosenberg is a controversial figure and generates polarising views varying from an innocent mother caught up in Cold War hysteria to a willing and ruthless accomplice to her husband’s Cold War espionage betraying secrets to the Soviets.Anne Sebba’s new book “Ethel Rosenberg – A Cold War tragedy” (“An American tragedy” in the US) provides a more nuanced view of Ethel that is not just about innocence and guilt but of a talented singer and mother of two children, betrayed by her family and the American judicial system. Aged 37, in 1953 she becomes the first woman in American history to be executed for a crime other than murder.Whatever your views about Ethel Rosenberg this episode will detail more of who Ethel was and how the American judicial system was manipulated to ensure her conviction. Anne’s book is available on these links.UK listeners https://amzn.to/3wGZD1zUS listeners https://amzn.to/2TObJraIf you’ve listened this far, I know you are enjoying the podcasts so I’m asking for a small monthly donation to support my work and allow me to continue producing the podcast. As 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 Anne Sebba to our Cold War conversations...There's more information as well as a book giveaway in the episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode184/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.0:00 Introduction to Ethel Rosenberg's story1:32 Request for financial support for the podcast5:10 Ethel Rosenberg's early life and family12:26 The political climate in 1936 and Ethel's meeting with Julius Rosenberg16:14 The changing perceptions of the Soviet Union and Ethel and Julius's loyalty27:31 Book giveaway announcement33:30 Ethel's knowledge of Julius's espionage activities and the arrest41:25 Legal proceedings and Ethel's decision to take the 5th Amendment47:21 Discussion on the Vannona decrypts and Ethel's role54:08 Importance and relevance of Ethel's story todayTable 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

Tom Favia served with the USMLM, The US Military Liaison Mission which the Soviet Union permitted to operate in East Germany at the end of World War 2 for monitoring and furthering better relationships between the Soviet and Western occupation forces. The British & French also had missions in East Germany and the Soviets has theirs in West Germany. Tom tells the amazing story of his recruitment from being an art student to being deployed “behind enemy lines” in East Germany. He also describes his earlier career on the Inner German border and then we move to his USMLM career. We hear about his driver training, planning procedures and the process for exiting West Berlin as well as details of the vehicles including the “James Bond switches”. If you’ve listened this far, I know you are enjoying the podcasts so I’m asking for a small monthly donation to support my work and allow me to continue producing the podcast. As 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 Tom Favia to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information on this episode can be found here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode183/ Part 2 is here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode185If 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 – goodbye.Radio GDRIf you are interested in East Germany we can highly recommend our friends over at Radio GDR.0:00 Introduction and guest introduction3:08 Journey of Tom Favia from art school to the US Army9:56 Tom Favia's role on the inner German border and experiences17:18 Arrival and first impressions of West Berlin and initial training25:11 Changes to recruitment and training after the Nicholson incident33:10 Operational and representational headquarters in East and West Berlin39:30 Gathering information from the Soviets at parties44:34 Procedures for a mission and crossing from West Berlin to East Germany51:08 Navigation and target selection during Cold War 1:00:17 Incidents where the Soviets tried to hinder their mission 1:01:33 Acknowledging the patrons and show wrap-upTable 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