Cold War Conversations

In this fascinating interview, Patrick D. Joyce recounts his unique experience growing up as the son of a U.S. diplomat during the Cold War. Living in the diplomatic community of the Soviet Union, Nicaragua, and Cuba, Patrick shares vivid memories of his father's career as a Soviet and linguistic expert, who rose to become Deputy Ambassador at both the Moscow and Havana US embassies. The discussion touches on the juxtaposition of ordinary family life in various U.S. embassies around the world alongside the extraordinary circumstances of espionage and international relations, highlighting the complexities and contradictions of living in hostile countries during tense political times. The narrative weaves through personal anecdotes, school experiences, interactions with local populations, and the evolving geopolitical landscape, providing a deeply personal lens on historical events.Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode347/The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link.Patrick D. Joyce is the author of two Cold War thrillers for young adults: Back in the USSR and Strawberry Fields. Learn more about Patrick and his books at https://patrickdjoyce.com. Obituary in The Foreign Service Journal for Patrick’s father, John M. “Mike” Joyce: https://afsa.org/sites/default/files/flipping_book/070823/90/ “The Old Russian Legacy,” by John M. Joyce, in Foreign Policy (1984): https://www.jstor.org/stable/1148385 “La guerra de la CIA contra Cuba,” the 1987 Cuban TV exposé that aired the night before Patrick’s family departed Havana: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqdlRcs06-YThe Washington Post on the Cuban TV exposé: https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1987/07/25/spy-charges-strain-us-cuban-ties/d1a4ecc6-a7f6-4765-9a74-16a2d925b2eb/James Olson on Foreign Policy’s I Spy podcast, with a recently revealed backstory to the Cuban TV exposé: https://foreignpolicy.com/podcasts/ispy/?episode=the-counterspyFind the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversationsLove history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod0:00 Introduction to Cold War Conversations00:27 Meet Patrick D Joyce: A Diplomat's Son01:37 Early Life and Family Background04:44 Life in the Diplomatic Community09:06 Experiences in the Soviet Union19:00 Return to Moscow in the 80s23:58 Navigating Diplomatic Life29:06 Reflections and Writing Novels30:13 Arrival in Managua: A Soviet Satellite30:52 Life Amidst Conflict: The Contra War32:41 Navigating Diplomatic Challenges35:03 Teenage Adventures in a War-Torn City38:04 Spies Among Us: Embassy Life Revealed40:46 Transition to Havana: A Diplomatic Shift42:54 Living in Havana: Between Luxury and Hostility46:44 A Summer Job in Havana48:04 Suspicions and Scandals: The Spy Question54:31 Return to Moscow: A New Era58:56 Life in Moscow: Socializing and Escaping01:00:18 Final Departure: A Road Trip to Freedom01:01:08 Episode Extras and Acknowledgements Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Warning: This episode does cover the subject of suicide. If you need help please use these links: UK https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ Rest of the World  https://findahelpline.com/i/iasp Tilo shares his raw and powerful testimony of a young man conscripted into the East German military at the height of Cold War tensions. He recounts the daunting prospect of being drafted into the border guards, an assignment he was determined to avoid at all costs due to his moral opposition to the Berlin Wall and the potential to be forced into shooting unarmed escapers.Tilo vividly describes the intense medical and psychological scrutiny he faced from military officials and shares the ingenious way he ensured he wouldn't be placed in the border guards, a tactic that involved a bold statement of conscience in front of a military panel.The episode also delves into the harsh realities of East German military life, from the ritual humiliations of new recruits to the tragic story of a comrade's suicide attempt under the pressures of service. We explore the psychological toll of such an environment and the coping mechanisms soldiers use to survive.Tilo also describes working in an artillery brigade headquarters, an unusual tactic to prevent Allied Military Liaison Missions from identifying their vehicles and an attack by East German paratroops during an exercise. Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode346/The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link.Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversationsLove history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod00:00 Trigger Warning and Introduction00:54 Tilo's Early Life and Draft Experience02:43 Avoiding the Border Guards10:27 Life in the Artillery Brigade14:37 Harsh Realities and Hazing18:14 Comrade's Suicide Attempt35:03 Zyklus 89 Exercise and Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David McKay is a former Cold War special forces officer and author of Bubbleheads, SEALs and Wizards: America's Scottish Bastion in the Cold War.His book highlights the Scottish bases' significant role in supporting the US military over three decades.David brings his expertise into play, examining this intriguing story by reaching out to more than one hundred veterans and expert witnesses. Their contributions reveal the personal stories of history, not high-end diplomacy. We also delve into the espionage efforts mounted by the KGB against these bases through trawlers and agents on the ground. Among the many stories that David details are the nuclear missile submarine operations from Holy Loch, the large radio spy stations and reveals for the first time one of America’s most bizarre intelligence gathering activities of the early Cold War.Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode345/Buy the book and support us here https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781849955546The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we welcome one-off donations via the same link.Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversationsLove history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod00:00  Introducing Cold War Conversations and David Mackay01:54 David Mackay: From Paratrooper to Cold War Historian05:30 The Strategic Importance of Scottish Bases in the Cold War08:32 Project Genetrix: Balloons, Espionage, and Cold War Ingenuity16:49 The U.S. Submarine Base in Scotland: Strategic Decisions and Local Impact26:55 Espionage and Security: Spies, Spetsnaz, and Surveillance33:20 The Soviet Presence in Scotland: Trawlers, Spies, and Local Encounters41:25 Close Encounters of the Naval Kind42:09 The Cat and Mouse of Cold War Submarines42:53 Espionage and a High Seas Emergency44:13 Gathering Intel46:21 Signals Intelligence and the Scottish Connection56:14 The Strategic Importance of Machrihanish01:04:56 Prestwick Airport: A Cold War Crossroads01:08:29 Reflecting on the Cuban Missile Crisis01:11:37 Personal Anecdotes and Cold War Reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tilo offers an engaging and personal account of growing up in East Berlin before the fall of the Berlin Wall. He begins by describing his early childhood in a rundown building in Prenzlauer Berg before moving to a new prefab neighbourhood in Lichtenberg.Tilo’s grandfather on his mother’s side was a  pastor in the Lutheran church and second in command to a Bishop at the end of his career. His grandfather on his father’s side had been a teacher and had joined the Nazi party After the World War Two he was banned from working.Tilo’s family faced educational and career limitations due to their religious and political background compounded by the pervasive influence of the Stasi and party loyalty in determining one’s future.Tilo  also recounts experiences of attending school with a strong military and ideological indoctrination, including paramilitary training and pressure to join the National People's Army (NVA). Despite these challenges, he  describes a vibrant underground punk scene and moments of resistance against the regime.The story reflects on the significant socio-political changes during Tilo’s adolescence, including the impact of Chernobyl, the introduction of Glasnost, and the unexpected persistence of Nazi elements in East German society.The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we welcome one-off donations via the same link.Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversationsLove history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod00:00 Introduction to Cold War Conversations00:35 Growing Up in East Berlin: A Personal Journey00:48 Family Background and Political Challenges01:17 School Life and Ideological Indoctrination01:44 The Impact of Glasnost and Political Changes03:30 Navigating the Complexities of East German Society23:01 Reflections on East German Education and Military Training25:55 Facing the Draft and the Pressure to Conform41:37 The Punk Scene and Resistance in East Berlin46:35 Concluding Thoughts and the Legacy of the Cold War Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bill Woodman is a former US Navy nuclear missile submarine commander, who shares his rich experiences from joining the US Naval Academy in 1964 to commanding two SSBN submarines, the USS James Monroe and the USS Alabama during the Cold War.Bill opens up about his initial aspirations, rigorous training at the Naval Academy, and his challenging interviews with the legendary Admiral Rickover who directed the original development of US naval nuclear propulsion and controlled its operations for three decades.He gives detailed insights into submarine operations, leadership challenges, operational readiness exercises, and the constant concern of being detected by enemy or friendly forces.We also delve into Bill's personal challenges and the pressures on submarine families, his final patrol commanding the USS Alabama, and reflections on movies and literature that accurately depict submarine life.Throughout, Bill shares anecdotes illustrating the camaraderie, mental fortitude, and technical prowess required to lead in the silent, unseen world of submarine warfare.Extra episode content here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode343/The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we welcome one-off donations via the same link.Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversationsLove history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod00:00 A Harrowing Introduction to Admiral Rickover00:33 Joining the Cold War Underwater: Bill Woodman's Journey02:40 The Rigorous Path to Becoming a Submariner04:33 The interview with Admiral Rickover11:09 From Nuclear Power School to Submarine Command15:50 Commanding the Depths: Life as a Submarine Commander31:37 The Psychological and Family Challenges of Submarine Life40:27 Life Aboard a Nuclear Submarine: The Stark Realities41:36 Routine and Readiness: The Cycle of a Submariner43:12 Rigorous Testing: Ensuring Operational Excellence47:22 The Unthinkable Scenario: Letters of Last Resort and Defence Conditions49:45 Cold War Cat and Mouse: Encounters at Sea51:04 Leadership Under Pressure: A Harrowing Rescue at Sea01:00:46 Interactions and Exercises: Allied Navies and the Soviet Shadow01:07:05 Reflections on Command and the Unseen Challenges of Submarine Life01:13:59 Submarine Cinema: Authentic Portrayals and Personal Recommendations01:15:27 Closing Thoughts and Acknowledgments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Burt recounts the surreal experience of learning about Fisher's true identity from a newspaper headline, the subsequent FBI interrogations, and the emotional courtroom testimony where he struggled to reconcile his friendship with the stark reality of espionage.Burt's journey leads him to Moscow in a failed attempt to reconnect with Fisher, revealing a labyrinthine world of secrets and paranoia. He shares a heartfelt letter he left for Fisher, expressing regret and longing for a simpler time when art, not intrigue, was their common ground.As a testament to the personal connection they shared, Burt unveils a handcrafted wooden box—a wedding gift made by Fisher himself—symbolizing the genuine human connection that endured despite the shadowy world they navigated.This episode is a poignant exploration of identity, memory, and the complex human relationships that defy the black-and-white narrative of the Cold War. Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode342The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and viaa simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we welcome one-off donations via the same link.Connect with us on social media for more Cold War content:Twitter: https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversationsFor the perfect gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life, visit our store at https://coldwarconversations.com/store/If you love history, check out Into History at https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a riveting episode that peels back the layers of Cold War espionage, we sit down with Burt, an artist who unwittingly befriended a man better known as Colonel Abel, the infamous Bridge of Spies Spy who was exchanged for shot down US U2 pilot Gary Powers. Burt knew Abel as Emil Goldfuss but his real name was Willie Fisher from Newcastle Upon Tyne in England. Fisher was a Soviet agent deeply embedded in the fabric of New York City's bustling art scene. Burt's tale unfolds in a studio building exclusively for artists, where he first crossed paths with Fisher in an old-fashioned elevator—an encounter that would mark the beginning of an unexpected friendship.Burt reminisces about their shared moments, from the peculiar request for a cup of turpentine to late-night discussions surrounded by the haze of cigarette smoke. He reflects on the nuances of their bond, the fatherly figure he saw in Fisher, and the mutual need for companionship that transcended the spy's professional obligations.Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode341/Don’t miss part two of this amazing conversation next week…The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and viaa simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we welcome one-off donations via the same link.Connect with us on social media for more Cold War content:Twitter: https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversationsFor the perfect gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life, visit our store at https://coldwarconversations.com/store/If you love history, check out Into History at https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Valeriy was a Soviet Navy diver sapper and was born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine. I have used a human translator for this episode so the main voice you will hear is my translator Galina Ryabova who was kindly funded by one of my financial supportersValeriy opens up about his childhood, the impact of the Great Patriotic War on his family, and his mother's resilience in raising him after his father's untimely death. He shares insights into his schooling, where history and geography sparked his curiosity, and his early military training which set the stage for his specialised role in the Soviet Navy.Valeriy offers a rare glimpse into the life of a Soviet Navy diver sapper, trained in both underwater firearms and explosives, tasked with clearing mines to pave the way for naval infantry. He provides revealing insights into underwater warfare during the 1980s.His unit was stationed near Kaliningrad, where he describes his equipment and the day-to-day life that included guarding, surveillance, and rigorous half-yearly military exercises.Reflecting on the broader scope of the Cold War, Valeri discusses his perceptions of the US and NATO, the political climate under Gorbachev, and the aftermath of the USSR's dissolution.The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link.Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversationsLove history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former East German gymnast Sirka shares her experiences growing up under the Stasi regime, intense gymnastics training, and being given pills. She also discusses the challenges of reunification, adjusting to Western culture, and the societal impacts of political changes in East Germany.

The Soviet-Afghan War lasted ten years between 1979-1989 and led to the deaths of between 500k and 2m Afghan civilians. I speak with Nick Geering a Russian history and language teacher. From his memories of the haunting sight of uniformed amputees in St Petersburg to the complex origins of the conflict, we explore the intricacies of a war that was both an accident and a tragedy.Our conversation traverses the murky politics that led to the Soviet invasion, the unpreparedness of the conscript-heavy Soviet army, and the brutal reality of life for soldiers caught in the mountainous terrain of Afghanistan. We also discuss the question of international support for the Mujahideen and the controversial impact of Western-supplied weaponry.The episode also shines a light on the deeply entrenched hierarchy within the Soviet military, harrowing drug abuse among troops, and the chilling treatment of prisoners of war on both sides. As we approach the subject of the Soviet withdrawal, we reflect on the war's enduring scars, the fate of the communist Afghan government, and how the conflict is remembered today in Russia.Video and photo extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode338The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and viaa simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we welcome one-off donations via the same link. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodInstagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversationsLove history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod00:00 Introduction to the Complexity of the Soviet-Afghan War00:26 Diving Deep into the Soviet-Afghan War with Nick Gearing01:38 Nick Gearing's Personal Journey and Initial Exposure to War Veterans03:13 Exploring the Intricacies and Origins of the Soviet-Afghan War16:17 The Soviet Military's Challenges and Adaptations in Afghanistan28:52 Evaluating the Soviet Strategy and Its Impact on the War32:51 Unveiling the Truth: The Soviet Union's Hidden War33:44 Gorbachev's Legacy and the Path to Peace34:27 Glasnost and the Afghan War: A Shift in Soviet Media37:19 The Impact of Western Weapons on the Afghan Battlefield39:31 The Unseen Side of War: Defections and Captivity44:24 The Brutal Reality of Conscript Life in the Soviet Army48:46 Drug Abuse Among Soviet Soldiers in Afghanistan50:47 The Endgame: Soviet Withdrawal and the Geneva Accords53:22 Najibullah's Struggle and the Fate of the Communist Government54:46 Revisiting the Afghan War: Memory and Media in Russia57:51 Exploring the Soviet-Afghan War Through Books, Films, and Music01:03:17 Closing Thoughts and Acknowledgments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices