Cold War Conversations By cover art

Cold War Conversations

By: Ian Sanders
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  • Summary

  • Award-winning real stories of the Cold War told by those who were there. Every week we interview an eyewitness of the Cold War. Across soldiers, spies, civilians, and others, we aim to cover the whole range of Cold War experiences. Hosts Ian Sanders, James Chilcott, and Peter Ryan bring your ears into the heart of the Cold War. Reading a history book is one thing, but hearing a human voice, with every breath, hesitation and intonation brings a whole new dimension to understanding what it was like to be there. We cover subjects such as spies, spying, the Iron Curtain, nuclear weapons, warfare, tanks, jet aircraft, fighters, bombers, transport aircraft, aviation, culture, and politics. We also cover personalities such as Fidel Castro, JFK, Ronald Reagan, Nikita Khrushchev, Leonid Brezhnev, Yuri Andropov, Mikhail Gorbachev, Konstantin Chernenko, Margaret Thatcher, John F. Kennedy, Josef Stalin, Richard Nixon, Lech Walesa, General Jaruzelski, Nicolae Ceaușescu. Other subjects include Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Romania, Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin, West Berlin, East Berlin, Cuban missile Crisis, Berlin Airlift, Bay of Pigs, SALT, Perestroika, Space Race, superpower, USSR, Soviet Union, DDR, GDR, East Germany, SDI, Vietnam War, Korean War, Solidarność, Fall of the Wall, Berliner Mauer, Trabant, Communist, Capitalist, Able Archer, KGB, Stasi, STB, SB, Securitate, CIA, NSA, MI5, MI6, Berlin Wall, escape, defection, Cuba, Albania, football, sport, Bulgaria, Soviet Union, Poland, China, Taiwan, Austria, West Germany, Solidarity, espionage, HUMINT, SIGINT, OSINT, IMINT, GEOINT, RAF, USAF, British Army, US Army, Red Army, Soviet Army, Afghanistan, NVA, East German Army, KAL007, T-72, T-64, Chieftain, M60 The podcast is for military veterans, school teachers, university lecturers, students and those interested in Cold War history, museums, bunkers, weapons, AFVs, wargaming, planes, A Level, GCSE students
    © 2023 Cold War Conversations
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Episodes
  • America's Cold War Scottish Bastion (345)

    America's Cold War Scottish Bastion (345)
    May 10 2024
    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/1549/9781849955546 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/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod 00:00 Introducing Cold War Conversations and David Mackay 01:54 David Mackay: From Paratrooper to Cold War Historian 05:30 The Strategic Importance of Scottish Bases in the Cold War 08:32 Project Genetrix: Balloons, Espionage, and Cold War Ingenuity 16:49 The U.S. Submarine Base in Scotland: Strategic Decisions and Local Impact 26:55 Espionage and Security: Spies, Spetsnaz, and Surveillance 33:20 The Soviet Presence in Scotland: Trawlers, Spies, and Local Encounters 41:25 Close Encounters of the Naval Kind 42:09 The Cat and Mouse of Cold War Submarines 42:53 Espionage and a High Seas Emergency 44:13 Gathering Intel 46:21 Signals Intelligence and the Scottish Connection 56:14 The Strategic Importance of Machrihanish 01:04:56 Prestwick Airport: A Cold War Crossroads 01:08:29 Reflecting on the Cuban Missile Crisis 01:11:37 Personal Anecdotes and Cold War Reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • The Challenges of a Christian East German Childhood (344)

    The Challenges of a Christian East German Childhood (344)
    May 3 2024
    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/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod 00:00 Introduction to Cold War Conversations 00:35 Growing Up in East Berlin: A Personal Journey 00:48 Family Background and Political Challenges 01:17 School Life and Ideological Indoctrination 01:44 The Impact of Glasnost and Political Changes 03:30 Navigating the Complexities of East German Society 23:01 Reflections on East German Education and Military Training 25:55 Facing the Draft and the Pressure to Conform 41:37 The Punk Scene and Resistance in East Berlin 46:35 Concluding Thoughts and the Legacy of the Cold War Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    53 mins
  • Commanding a Cold War US Navy Nuclear Missile Submarine (343)

    Commanding a Cold War US Navy Nuclear Missile Submarine (343)
    Apr 26 2024
    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/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod 00:00 A Harrowing Introduction to Admiral Rickover 00:33 Joining the Cold War Underwater: Bill Woodman's Journey 02:40 The Rigorous Path to Becoming a Submariner 04:33 The interview with Admiral Rickover 11:09 From Nuclear Power School to Submarine Command 15:50 Commanding the Depths: Life as a Submarine Commander 31:37 The Psychological and Family Challenges of Submarine Life 40:27 Life Aboard a Nuclear Submarine: The Stark Realities 41:36 Routine and Readiness: The Cycle of a Submariner 43:12 Rigorous Testing: Ensuring Operational Excellence 47:22 The Unthinkable Scenario: Letters of Last Resort and Defence Conditions 49:45 Cold War Cat and Mouse: Encounters at Sea 51:04 Leadership Under Pressure: A Harrowing Rescue at Sea 01:00:46 Interactions and Exercises: Allied Navies and the Soviet Shadow 01:07:05 Reflections on Command and the Unseen Challenges of Submarine Life 01:13:59 Submarine Cinema: Authentic Portrayals and Personal Recommendations 01:15:27 Closing Thoughts and Acknowledgments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 22 mins
World Social Sciences
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Featured Article: The Best History Podcasts of All Time


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Profile Image for J.Brock

Very interesting

I'm basing this review on the first episode, and it's a good place to start. But looking ahead the coming episodes look even more interesting as life in East Germany becomes central focus. The first episode was more an overview by an American who lived there for a time. Can't wait to see where it goes.

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Fantastic

Okay, some of the topics are more intriguing then others, however all are narrated fantastically well and for any history- or Cold War fan, these are just solid gold! 5/5!

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Profile Image for A.Vatti

Just the best Podcast about the Cold War!!!

From 1947 to 1989 an undeclared War raged around the world. Affecting millions of people and threatening the Planet as a hole with Mutually Assured Destruction shortened to MAD which it really was.
Ian takes you on a journey through this time a journey from the depths of the Barent Sea through the Air over cold North Atlantic into the Woods of the Fulda Gap further to the Dschungels of Vietnam and down the streets of Urban Dschungels like Cities form Moskau, Prag to London, New York, and Washington DC and of course the Capital of Spys Berlin. But all those places together with the man-made means of War ranging from gigantic nuclear submarines to jet Fighters and strategic bombers down to the Tanks and nuclear-tipped Missiles. All are just the Stage for the real focus of Ian's work, the People who worked, played, and sometimes fought but always lived through it. So if you ever wondered how it was to play cat and mouse white the Soviet Navy and Air Force or how a real Soviet Spy control his emotions while he had two separate families and tried not to be caught by the FBI. Or how it felt to be brought up in a closed upcountry always under watchful eyes which didn't belong to your parents. Go ahead and listen to Ian and his guest from around the Globe but be aware you will be hooked does fascinating stories. You do help to preserve this immensely important part of human history.

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