Cold War Conversations

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

A documentary series delves into the events of the Cold War, tracing its impact on current global tensions. Interviews with world leaders and ordinary people affected by the conflict shed light on the ongoing repercussions. The series examines the parallels between the Cold War and the current conflict in Ukraine, providing a comprehensive look at how history continues to shape the present.

Explore the scandalous John Vassall affair involving espionage, a honey trap, and media frenzy. Learn about Vassall's recruitment, sexual assault, espionage in Moscow, security concerns in London, and his legal trials. Discover the impact of Vassall's revelations on associated individuals and the legacy of this forgotten spy scandal.

V-Bombers: Britain's Nuclear Frontline in the Cold War is a new book by Dr Tony Redding that takes a deep dive into Britain's V-bomber force's operational nuclear war role. Tony reveals the intense preparations and the stark realities faced by the aircrews, who lived in a perpetual state of wartime readiness despite being in a country at peace. The narrative intertwines technical analysis and personal accounts, offering a comprehensive view of the crews' complex systems and psychological burdens.His meticulous research and vivid anecdotes from the veterans themselves paint a fascinating picture of the V force's potential impact in a nuclear war scenario.It's a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the delicate Cold War balance of deterrence and the harrowing responsibilities entrusted to the men of the V bomber force.Buy Tony’s book on this link and support the podcast at the same time! https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781911667872Enter the book giveaway draw here https://coldwarconversations.com/giveaway/Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode335/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/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 Introduction00:35 Dr. Tony Redding's Deep Dive into V Bombers05:59 The V Force: Britain's Nuclear Deterrent in the Cold War11:22 The Evolution of Nuclear Deterrence: From Bombers to Submarines24:10 The V Force's Combat Readiness and Training Rigors34:26 Surviving a Nuclear Strike: The V Force's Strategic Planning38:57 Airborne vs. Ground Alert: The Strategic Dilemma40:12 The Impracticality of V Bombers in Nuclear Strikes40:56 The Struggle for Airborne Endurance and Refueling41:25 Exploring Overseas Basing and Tanker Fleet Limitations42:46 Soviet Fears44:19 Security Measures and Vulnerabilities at RAF Bases47:46 Humorous and Harrowing Tales from the Aircrew52:13 The Mental and Emotional Toll on Aircrews57:31 Vetting and Security Concerns within the V Force01:00:48 Navigating Soviet Defenses: A Hypothetical Mission01:05:13 The Unique Challenges and Strategies of V Bombers01:10:11 Secret Agreements and the Route Over Sweden01:11:45 The Grim Realities of a Nuclear Mission01:18:52 Decoy Tactics and Morale Issues01:21:29 Conclusion and Further Resources Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Timo takes us on a journey through the tumultuous events of the 1991 Soviet coup attempt, as experienced from the streets of the Baltic States.As the coup unfolds, Timo finds himself in Lithuania, planning to covertly visit the closed city of Kaliningrad. He shares the tension sharing a dining table with a Soviet officer, unknowingly on the eve of the coup.As the coup escalates, Timo's narrative becomes a vivid street-level account of the Estonian people's defiance. He describes the formation of human walls against Soviet tanks, the strategic significance of the TV tower, and the Estonians' ingenious methods of maintaining communication despite Russian interference.Timo's reflections on the morality of his curiosity, the fear of violence, and the spirit of resistance that pervaded Estonia during those critical hours are a testament to the resilience of a nation on the brink of reclaiming its freedom.Timo’s book “Tanks & Roaches” is only currently available in Finnish, Estonian and Slovak and can be purchased on the links here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode334/ Timo can be contacted at timlaine@gmail.com 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. 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 Introduction01:38 Timo’s summer in Estonia during the Cold War09:52 The 1991 Soviet Coup and its impact on Estonia20:34 Tom joins a demonstration29:47 The confrontation between Estonian and Russian troops near the occupied TV tower40:36 Estonians switched off the TV signal to calm down the Russians41:57 The bravery of the four Estonian men who were locked inside the tv tower during the Soviet invasion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Timo takes us to the remote Finnish border town of Kuusamo. He paints a vivid picture of a childhood overshadowed by his grandparent’s memories of their home lost during World War II and their proximity to the Soviet Union. As a child, he was fascinated by the invisible line that marked the end of the world— the heavily guarded border with the USSR. Timo recounts a tense encounter with border guards while visiting his grandparents, and his meeting with a Soviet escaper. He travels to Moscow and Eastern Europe as a young man which further fuels his curiosity about life on the other side of the Iron Curtain. Timo recalls the austere streets of Prague to the bureaucratic maze in Budapest and a harrowing night at the Romanian border.Timo’s book “Tanks & Roaches” is only currently available in Finnish, Estonian and Slovak but can be purchased via our episode extras page here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode333/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/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 Intro 01:26 Timo's early life04:41 Timo's grandparents' experiences of World War II08:59 Incidents of people coming over the border08:56 Estonian man's escape 28:32 Timo's trip to Moscow with his father in 197732:03 Finns remaining in areas handed over to the Soviet Union39:34 Visits to Prague, Hungary and Romania41:34 First Impressions of Prague 43:18 The challenges of Hungarian visitor registration45:49 Trouble getting into Romania from Hungary54:37 Polish smugglers on the train59:04 Timo's fascination with Estonia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices