Cold War Conversations

Commodore Eric Thompson MBE is the author of the book “On Her Majesty’s Nuclear Service. He is a career nuclear submarine officer who served from the first days of the Polaris missile boats until after the end of the Cold War. He joined the Navy in the last days of Empire, made his first sorties in World War II type submarines, and went on to become the top Engineer in charge of the Royal Navy’s operational nuclear submarine force based at Faslane. In this vivid personal account of his submarine operations, he reveals top-secret submarine patrols, hush-hush scientific trials, and a chat with British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.It is essentially a human story, rich in both drama and comedy, like the Russian spy trawler that played dance music at passing submarines. There was never a dull moment. Behind the lighter moments was a deadly serious game. Eric’s chat reveals some the secretive life of submarines and the men who served on them.If you donate monthly via Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee you will get the sought after CWC coaster 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’d like to thank some of our recent reviewers incldung Faye Dingaway, Syb 1, Cold War Gav and Romford Stu.I am delighted to welcome Eric Thompson 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/episode162/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/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vadim was at school in Moscow during the 1970s and 80s. He attended an Advanced English Studies School where all subjects were taught, however the focus was on English.He provides us with insights into the setup of Soviet education as well as the school life, teaching methods and pop culture.We hear how the British newspaper “Morning Star” was a key teaching aid for Soviet English students.Now I know some of you skip this bit, but if you want to continue hearing these Cold War stories I’m asking listeners to pledge a monthly donation of at least $4, £3 or €3 per month to help keep the podcast on the air, although larger amounts are welcome too. If you donate monthly via Patreon you will get the sought after CWC 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.Peter Ryan conducts the interview for us and I am delighted to welcome Vadim 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/episode161/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 Vadim's education in the Soviet Union2:08 Interview with Vadim begins7:26 The impact of usage on language proficiency and importance of language education in the Soviet Union10:19 Influence and censorship of Western music and pop culture in the Soviet Union18:21 Exposure to Western broadcasts: BBC, Radio Free Europe, and Voice of America20:48 Access to English language literature in the Soviet Union30:10 Censorship and perception of English-language movies32:10 Interactions with native English speakers and international visitors at school43:15 Communist ideology in Soviet Education47:20 Shift in English education after Glasnost and Perestroika49:02 Special thanks to Patreons49:51 How to support Cold War Conversations podcastChapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We continue the story of Bill, a US Army Intelligence Analyst with Combined Analysis Detachment-Berlin (CAD-B) from episode 127. Germany has now been re-unified and Russian troops have withdrawn from East Germany. Bill tells us of the little known story of continued US Army involvement in intelligence gathering alongside the German security services, the BND.We hear about "Operation Giraffe", described as the largest intelligence service procurement campaign of the West since the end of World War II, how Russian sources recruited during the Cold War were managed and, how Britain’s MI6 was cut out of receiving the information they had received freely during the Cold War. Bill tells us of a joint BND/CIA mission to monitor the disposal of Russian nuclear weapons.It’s a fascinating look into the murky world of human intelligence gathering, corruption, and rivalry in the immediate post Cold War period.I could really use your support to help me to continue to produce these podcasts. A monthly donation of $4, £3 or €3 via Patreon will really help and you will get the sought after Cold War Conversations 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/Thanks to all our latest supporters including Tim Simmons, Fredrik Lundberg, Mary J O’Grady, Robert Ritchie, and Katie Brown.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 Bill 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. 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 Overview of the Episode1:50 Sponsor: Patreon and How to Support the Podcast3:30 Bill's Story of Intelligence Gathering and Shift in Work Post Cold War9:00 Fear of Soviet Agents within BND and Discussion on Rosenholz Files14:11 CIA and BND's Joint Mission and Tracking Movement of nuclear warheads out of East Germany18:52 Cooperation with the CIA, Role of Aldrich Ames, and Friction over Source Management24:04 Potential Risks of Espionage and the Downsizing of the Unit28:46 Arrest of BND Team Members for Espionage and the Subsequent Trial33:38 Bill's Visit to Zossen-Wünsdorf, Former Soviet Forces Headquarters in Germany38:33 Bill's Aspiration to Write a Book about CAD B and the Organization Post the Allied Missions40:02 Sponsor: Acknowledgment of Sponsors and How to Support the PodcastChapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Charlie was 19 in 1956. A trip home from work by tram ended up with him being thrust into the heart of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, a nationwide revolution against the Hungarian People's Republic and its Soviet-imposed policies, lasting from 23 October until 10 November 1956.I’m in conversation with Charlie and his daughter Angela as Charlie describes how he and his friends attacked the Communist held Budapest radio station and graphically details his experiences and what he saw during those momentous days.He also recalls his escape from Hungary and his later life in Wales and return visit to the country of his birth while it was still within the orbit of the Soviet Union.I do need your help to allow me to find the time to continue producing and preserving these Cold War stories. I’m asking listeners to pledge a monthly donation of at least $4, £3 or €3 per month to help keep the podcast on the air, although larger amounts are welcome too. As a thank you you will get the sought-after Cold War Conversations drinks coaster and you 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 helps us get new guests on the show.I am delighted to welcome Charlie and Angela to our Cold War conversation…There’s further information on this episode including photos and videos in our show notes, which can also be found as a link in your podcast app here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode159/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.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

Professor Timothy Garton Ash is a British historian, author, commentator and Professor of European Studies at Oxford University. Professor Garton Ash witnessed some of the most critical moments in the Eastern Bloc during the 1980s as these populations threw off Communist rule.He provides us with vivid details of his time in East Germany, Gdansk, Poland where in 1980 the first free trade union in the Eastern Bloc was formed, and his time with then dissident Vaclav Havel when the Czechoslovak Communist government resigned in 1989.Professor Garton Ash genuinely had a front row seat to history and provides us with fascinating and profound analysis of those incredible years.I do really need your help to allow me to find the time to continue producing and preserving these Cold War stories. I’m asking is for listeners to pledge a monthly donation of at least $4, £3 or €3 per month to help keep the podcast on the air, although larger amounts are welcome too. If you donate monthly via Patreon you will get the sought after CWC 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 Professor Garton Ash to our Cold War conversation…UK listeners - Professor Garton Ash's books are available hereUS listeners - Professor Garton Ash's books are available hereThere’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/episode158/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.Episode photo by By Daniel Vegel (www.vegeldaniel.com) - This file has been extracted from file: Timothy-Garton-Ash-Daniel-Vegel-CEU-Lecture-2017.jpg, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59301308Support 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 Professor Timothy Garton Ash2:02 Donations and support options3:23 Professor Timothy Garton Ash's experiences and research in East Berlin12:37 Discussion on the Stasi file and its contents20:05 The eruption of the Solidarity movement in Poland and the strikes in Gdansk33:20 Professor Garton Ash's involvement in the Solidarity movement39:00 The political climate in Poland during the 1980s and the journey towards freedom43:59 Hungary's role in the fall of the Soviet block45:30 The Velvet Revolution in Prague and Vaslav Havel's leadership54:07 Reflection on pivotal moments of the Cold War era in Eastern Europe1:02:00 The regional collaboration of anti-communist groups during the Cold War1:09:02 Acknowledgements and closing remarks from Ian SandersChapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ian Black is a former RAF Fighter Pilot with a passion for photography and motorcycles. He began his flying career with the legendary McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom in RAF Germany at the height of the Cold War. After three years flying as a navigator Ian underwent Pilot Training in 1984-1986 during which time he was awarded prizes for flying ability , aerobatics and unsurprisingly navigation skills. On completion of his flying training Ian was selected to fly the English electric Lightning in the Air Defence Role. Twenty five years earlier, Ian’s father had been one of the RAF’s first Lightning Pilots and his son was set to become the last. Serving on 11(F) Squadron. Now I really need your help to allow me the time to continue producing and preserving these Cold War stories. A monthly donation to help keep us on the air is only about $3, £3 or €3 per month (larger amounts are welcome too) plus you can get a sought after CWC coaster as a monthly financial supporter and you 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 Ian Black to our Cold War conversation…Check our Ian's great photography books here https://www.firestreakbooks.com/There’s further information on this episode in our show notes,plus a book giveaway which can also be found as a link in your podcast app here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode157/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 to guest Ian Black and his flying career15:45 The use of IFF identification and challenges during the Cold War28:09 RAF's vetting process and the lack of background checks in the 70s and 80s33:19 Realistic training methods of the RAF and struggles with pilot training41:32 Recommendation of Cold War TV on YouTube43:32 Ian Black's experience flying the English Electric Lightning55:23 Interception of a Russian bomber: a life-defining moment1:00:20 Air refueling: strategy, coordination, and challenges1:09:24 The responsibilities and challenges of flying a single-seat Lightning1:12:28 Ian Black's photography, Firestreak Books, and future projects1:17:44 acknowledgement of financial supporters1:18:33 Closing remarks and continuation of the Cold War conversation on FacebookChapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Zdanowski was born and raised in the UK, but his interest with the Cold War goes back generations. His grandfather having emigrated from Poland to the United Kingdom during the second world war and was a distinguished member of the RAF in the battle against Germany. Michael’s interest in the Cold War prompted him to pursue a doctorate focused around the Sovietisation of Estonia post-WW2, which he researched over a number of years. His findings indicated a wholesale imperialistic strategy that centered around language, culture and moving large numbers of Russians into Estonia. However, his findings also demonstrate a great deal of Estonian resistance to these efforts, with the local population finding ways of celebrating their local culture and heritage through covert means. It is a story of attempted social engineering that underestimated the desire of a people to be conquered.If you can spare it I’m asking listeners to contribute at least $3 USD 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 are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Co-host Peter Ryan conducts our chat and I am delighted to welcome Michael Zdanowski 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/episode156/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=uSupport 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 Michael Zdanowski's family history2:41 Interview with Michael Zdanowski about his interest in the Cold War10:55 Michael's university studies and encounters with Cold War era tutors16:48 Discussion on Soviet migration and cultural imperialism in Estonia29:18 Resistance of Estonians against Soviet rule and preservation of culture34:56 Independence movements in Soviet Socialist Republics39:11 Influence of Western culture in Estonia during the Cold War41:42 Enduring impact of the Soviet era on Estonia45:27 Rapid fire discussion on Cold War themed books and films52:23 Imaginary dinner party with Cold War personalities53:51 Additional resources and donationsChapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is Part 2 of our conversation with Colin Munro who was the British Deputy Head of Mission in East Berlin from 1987 to 1990. In this episode we move to the monumental events of 1989 as the GDR was wrought by internal protest prior to the opening of the Wall in Berlin. It’s a fascinating account of Colin’s contacts who were giving him insights into the eventual fall of the GDR.0:00 Introduction and Colin Munro's views on Brezhnev1:50 Sponsor: Listener Donations Appeal2:28 Political situation in East Germany in 198910:01 Soviet embassy's uncertainty about orders to Soviet forces in East Germany19:12 Colin Munro's personal experience during the opening of the Berlin Wall22:30 UK government's position on German unification30:02 The economic collapse of East Germany and the decision for a currency union32:37 The 2+4 negotiations for German unification35:20 The end of the Cold War and Thatcher's political career40:27 Closing remarks and acknowledgmentsTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Do you know how much $3 USD is in Pounds? It’s 76 pence which equals about 20p or 75c per episode if you sign up as a monthly financial supporter of the podcast. Higher amounts are welcome too. It’s very straightforward and you can stop whenever you want. Plus monthly supporters get the sought after CWC coaster too!Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Thank you so much to our generous supporters who help keep us on the air.If that’s not your cup of tea then leave a written reviews in Apple podcasts or share us on social media. By telling your friends you can really help the podcast grow.In today’s episode, Colin tells of translating for Margaret Thatcher during a phone call with Helmut Kohl, UK imports from the GDR and of a drunken Harry Tisch, the East German Trade Union leader.We welcome Colin 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/episode155/If you like what you are hearing, please leave reviews in Apple podcasts and share us on social media.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.Thankyou 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.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

Colin Munro was the British Deputy Head of Mission in East Berlin from 1987 to 1990. Although the UK did not recognise East Berlin as part of the GDR in 1973 it established an Embassy “to” the GDR (not in the GDR) in East Berlin to provide a diplomatic presence.As Deputy Head of Mission Colin was effectively the Deputy Ambassador and was responsible for improving trade, ensuring correct dealings on status of Berlin and try to promote peaceful change. 0:00 Introduction and Colin Munro's roles in East Berlin1:03 UK's stance on East Berlin and the GDR2:24 Sponsor: Financial Supporters 2:42 Divided city of Berlin and its status7:04 Colin's account of a sit-in at the embassy in East Berlin15:31 Story of the sit-in at the Danish embassy17:05 Trade between the UK and East Germany26:18 Personal encounters with East German politburo members33:01 Opening of the Hungarian border and its perception40:56 Discussion on the unification of Germany44:45 Show notes and appreciation of the podcast's patrons45:37 Invitation to join the Facebook discussion group and closing remarksTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Do you know how much $3 USD is in Pounds? It’s 76 pence which equals about 20p or 75c per episode if you sign up as a monthly financial supporter of the podcast. Higher amounts are welcome too. It’s very straightforward and you can stop whenever you want. Plus monthly supporters get the sought after CWC coaster too!Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If that’s not your cup of tea then leave a written reviews in Apple podcasts or share us on social media. By telling your friends you can really help the podcast grow.Back to today’s episode, Colin tells of life in the Embassy with some fascinating insights into the unique difficulties of being a diplomat in a capital city that the UK did not recognise..We welcome Colin 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/episode154/If you like what you are hearing, please leave reviews in Apple podcasts and share us on social media.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. Radio GDRIf you are interested in East Germany we can highly recommend our friends over at Radio GDR.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 this episode we talk with Col. Keith Nightingale who served in the US military from 1965 to 1993. He completed two tours of Vietnam; the first as a Senior Advisor to a Vietnamese Ranger unit and the second as a rifle company commander in the 101st Airborne.  Keith used the experience of his first tour to write ‘Just another day in Vietnam’ which gives a vivid first-hand account of a jungle operation with the South Vietnamese Rangers against the Viet Cong. UK listeners can buy Keith's book here https://amzn.to/3lWljkbUS listeners can buy Keith's book here https://amzn.to/33VRcTDIf you can spare it I’m asking listeners to contribute at least $4 USD 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 are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Co-host James conducts our chat and I am delighted to welcome Keith Nightingale 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/episode153/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.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 Keith Nightingale's early experiences in Vietnam1:02 Interview with Colonel Keith Nightingale and discussion about his book "Just another day in Vietnam"7:13 Keith's assignment to the 52nd Rangers and comparison with US army14:22 Keith's first experience in combat and discussion on PTSD20:25 The writing process of Keith's book and the decision to write in third person27:20 The B52 strike against the POW camp and the aftermath of the battle40:02 Major Hep's leadership and influence on Keith Nightingale53:21 Public attitudes towards the Vietnam War and preparing for a second tour1:00:34 Reflections on the war, its impact and lessons learned1:09:07 Keith's reflections on Vietnam and his book, closing remarks from Ian Sanders1:10:04 Acknowledgement of financial supporters and politburo level Patreons: Sam Hardwick, Nicholas Butler, and Jeffrey JonesChapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices