338 episodes

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

Cold War Conversations Ian Sanders

    • History
    • 4.9 • 51 Ratings

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

    The Soviet Afghan War

    The Soviet Afghan War

    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/episode338
    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/ColdWarPod
    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
    Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
    Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod
    00:00 Introduction to the Complexity of the Soviet-Afghan War
    00:26 Diving Deep into the Soviet-Afghan War with Nick Gearing
    01:38 Nick Gearing's Personal Journey and Initial Exposure to War Veterans
    03:13 Exploring the Intricacies and Origins of the Soviet-Afghan War
    16:17 The Soviet Military's Challenges and Adaptations in Afghanistan
    28:52 Evaluating the Soviet Strategy and Its Impact on the War
    32:51 Unveiling the Truth: The Soviet Union's Hidden War
    33:44 Gorbachev's Legacy and the Path to Peace
    34:27 Glasnost and the Afghan War: A Shift in Soviet Media
    37:19 The Impact of Western Weapons on the Afghan Battlefield
    39:31 The Unseen Side of War: Defections and Captivity
    44:24 The Brutal Reality of Conscript Life in the Soviet Army
    48:46 Drug Abuse Among Soviet Soldiers in Afghanistan
    50:47 The Endgame: Soviet Withdrawal and the Geneva Accords
    53:22 Najibullah's Struggle and the Fate of the Communist Government
    54:46 Revisiting the Afghan War: Memory and Media in Russia
    57:51 Exploring the Soviet-Afghan War Through Books, Films, and Music
    01:03:17 Closing Thoughts and Acknowledgments
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 1 hr 9 min
    Turning Point: The Bomb and the Cold War Podcast

    Turning Point: The Bomb and the Cold War Podcast

    Turning Point: The Bomb and the Cold War, is a nine-part documentary series from director Brian Knappenberger, that provides a comprehensive appraisal of the events that led to the Cold War and traces the conflict around the world and through the decades.
    While the Cold War ended in 1991, even a casual appraisal of current headlines reveals that relations between the United States and Russia — the one-time centre of the Soviet Union — remain tense, to say the least. The global repercussions of the Cold War continue to ripple through the current geopolitical landscape to this day, but it can be difficult to understand just how a mid-20th century struggle for ideological dominance continues to ensnare countless nations in ongoing unrest.
    To tell this story, the series draws on more than 100 interviews with subjects ranging from past and present world leaders (Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas) to historians as well as everyday people whose lives were drastically altered by the events of the Cold War. As the history unfolds, each episode considers the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine as an example of how the history being examined is directly tied to the events of today. “Nearly every part of the war in Ukraine is an echo of the Cold War,” Knappenberger explains.
    Watch the series here https://www.netflix.com/title/81614129
    Watch the trailer here https://youtu.be/qHuuLo-CSRo?si=ZaNGZyeP0nZe5Nwp
    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/ColdWarPod
    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
    Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
    Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

    00:00 The Chilling Call: A Cold War Nightmare
    00:21 Welcome to Cold War Conversations
    00:39 Inside 'Turning Point: The Bomb and the Cold War' Documentary
    01:02 The Cold War's Legacy and Today's Nuclear Threats
    03:15 The Making of a Cold War Documentary
    05:09 Why the Cold War Story Matters Now
    06:17 The New Cold War: A Hot and Unstable Conflict
    10:24 The Munich Security Conference: A Turning Point
    13:32 Crafting the Documentary: Challenges and Insights
    15:06 Personal Connections and the Impact of Nuclear Weapons
    19:32 The Importance of First-Person Cold War Accounts
    19:59 Daniel Ellsberg: A Courageous Insider's Perspective
    23:19 Uncovered Stories: The Challenges of Time Constraints
    23:46 Exploring Untold Cold War Stories
    24:37 The Intriguing Case of the AIDS Misinformation Campaign
    28:14 The Ripple Effects of Cold War Decisions
    28:45 Project Sapphire: Securing Nuclear Materials Post-Soviet Union
    30:47 The Budapest Memorandum and Ukraine's Nuclear Dilemma
    34:43 Post-Cold War Transitions and the Rise of Putin
    41:18 Reflecting on the Series: Favorite Moments and Missed Opportunities
    44:48 Dream Interviews: Cold War Figures Who Left a Mark
    49:03 Closing Thoughts and Acknowledgments
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 55 min
    Sex, spies and scandal : the John Vassall affair

    Sex, spies and scandal : the John Vassall affair

    Alex Grant’s new book Sex, Spies and Scandal The John Vassall Affair has everything: a honey trap, industrial-scale espionage, journalists jailed for not revealing their sources and the first modern tabloid witch-hunt, which resulted in a ministerial resignation and almost brought down Harold Macmillan’s government.
    With access to newly released MI5 files and interviews with people who knew Vassall from the 1950s until he died in 1996, this book sheds new light on a neglected spy scandal. Despite having been drugged and sexually assaulted by the KGB in Moscow, as a gay man John Vassall was shown no mercy by the British press or the courts.
    Sentenced to eighteen years in jail, he served ten years, despite telling MI5 everything. Once released, he found that many of his old friends and lovers had been persecuted or dismissed from the civil service in Britain, America and Australia.
    Unlike the Cambridge Five, who courted attention, after leaving prison Vassall changed his name to avoid the media and lived quietly in London.
    Buy the book and support the podcast here https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781785907883
    Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode336/
    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/I
    f 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/ColdWarPod
    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
    Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
    Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

    00:00 Introduction to Cold War Conversations and the John Vassal Affair
    00:36 Unveiling the John Vassal Spy Scandal
    05:49 The Life and Times of John Vassal
    16:15 Vassal's Recruitment by Soviet Intelligence
    37:08 Vassal's Espionage Activities in London
    41:28 The Cold War Thaw and Social Dynamics in Moscow
    42:24 Vassal's Entrapment and the Lax Security
    43:56 The Discovery of a Spy Within the Admiralty
    46:55 The Fallout of Vassal's Capture and Its Impact
    48:33 The Dramatic Arrest of John Vassal
    49:35 Vassal's Immediate Confession and Relief
    53:05 The Aftermath: Legal Proceedings and Public Reaction
    01:05:41 Vassal's Life Post-Imprisonment and Legacy
    01:09:48 Revisiting the Impact of Vassal's Espionage
    01:11:57 Uncovering New Insights from the National Archives
    01:16:55 Reflecting on Vassal's Life and the Broader Historical Context
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 1 hr 30 min
    V -Bombers: Britain's Nuclear Frontline in the Cold War

    V -Bombers: Britain's Nuclear Frontline in the Cold War

    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/1549/9781911667872
    Enter 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/ColdWarPod
    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
    Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
    Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod
    00:00 Introduction
    00:35 Dr. Tony Redding's Deep Dive into V Bombers
    05:59 The V Force: Britain's Nuclear Deterrent in the Cold War
    11:22 The Evolution of Nuclear Deterrence: From Bombers to Submarines
    24:10 The V Force's Combat Readiness and Training Rigors
    34:26 Surviving a Nuclear Strike: The V Force's Strategic Planning
    38:57 Airborne vs. Ground Alert: The Strategic Dilemma
    40:12 The Impracticality of V Bombers in Nuclear Strikes
    40:56 The Struggle for Airborne Endurance and Refueling
    41:25 Exploring Overseas Basing and Tanker Fleet Limitations
    42:46 Soviet Fears
    44:19 Security Measures and Vulnerabilities at RAF Bases
    47:46 Humorous and Harrowing Tales from the Aircrew
    52:13 The Mental and Emotional Toll on Aircrews
    57:31 Vetting and Security Concerns within the V Force
    01:00:48 Navigating Soviet Defenses: A Hypothetical Mission
    01:05:13 The Unique Challenges and Strategies of V Bombers
    01:10:11 Secret Agreements and the Route Over Sweden
    01:11:45 The Grim Realities of a Nuclear Mission
    01:18:52 Decoy Tactics and Morale Issues
    01:21:29 Conclusion and Further Resources
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 1 hr 28 min
    On the Streets of Cold War Estonia fighting for Independence

    On the Streets of Cold War Estonia fighting for Independence

    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/ColdWarPod
    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
    Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
    Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

    00:00 Introduction
    01:38 Timo’s summer in Estonia during the Cold War
    09:52 The 1991 Soviet Coup and its impact on Estonia
    20:34 Tom joins a demonstration
    29:47 The confrontation between Estonian and Russian troops near the occupied TV tower
    40:36 Estonians switched off the TV signal to calm down the Russians
    41:57 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

    • 52 min
    Borderlands and Battles: A Finnish Town's Cold War Story

    Borderlands and Battles: A Finnish Town's Cold War Story

    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/ColdWarPod
    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
    Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
    Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod
    00:00 Intro
    01:26 Timo's early life
    04:41 Timo's grandparents' experiences of World War II
    08:59 Incidents of people coming over the border
    08:56 Estonian man's escape
    28:32 Timo's trip to Moscow with his father in 1977
    32:03 Finns remaining in areas handed over to the Soviet Union
    39:34 Visits to Prague, Hungary and Romania
    41:34 First Impressions of Prague
    43:18 The challenges of Hungarian visitor registration
    45:49 Trouble getting into Romania from Hungary
    54:37 Polish smugglers on the train
    59:04 Timo's fascination with Estonia.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 1 hr 9 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
51 Ratings

51 Ratings

Moi085 ,

If only all history was ‘taught’ like this,

… we mightn’t be so lost today. Since stumbling upon Cold War Conversations, my Netflix is unwatched, the books on my nightstand are gathering dust, and I’ve not been to the pub in a while. In the last week alone I’ve listened to 30 hours worth of fascinating first person accounts and detailed analysis of things I’m likely not to learn about from anywhere else. It’s becoming obvious that what may have started as Cold War Conversations is well on its way to being The Real Cold War Encyclopedia. One of the best podcasts ever.

Berlin Wall Shadows ,

Berlin Wall Shadows - Cold War, I was there.

When memories of the events fade, when your own past begins to turn into history, when decades have gone by, it is fantastic that stories with a great bandwidth are being told and collected, as it happens here by Ian Sanders for the Cold War Conversations Podcast.

It is important to collect this diversity of experiences for future generations to hear.

Prepare to find a relaxed yet informative approach to personal stories from people who were there. People of different stages of life, who lived during the time period of the Cold War. People who were right in the middle of it.

Be fascinated by a variety of first hand stories. Learn about the events that unfolded. Feel as if you are in a direct conversation with witnesses who are sharing with you their very personal accounts of those moving times.

Ian Sanders does it: “Recording the stories of the Cold War before they are lost ... “

Infidel Atheist ,

I was detained in East Berlin

Like your pod cast. Was 1972 In TA reserve trained NBC warfare. 1974 hitch hiked to Berlin went through Check Point Charlie . 1986 spent month in Hungary talked to many East Germans.Sept 1989 took my wife around Europe. Got train Munich to Berlin. On train in DDR border guard gave me a second visit they had a hit on me. Took my wife through Check Point Charlie into East Berlin. Was detained question by 2 North Korean in civilian cloths. Asking if I was military. I guess I had a stasi file. 4 weeks later the wall fell. DDR gone.

Top Podcasts In History

The Rest Is History
Goalhanger Podcasts
The Spy Who
Wondery
Short History Of...
NOISER
The Ancients
History Hit
The Secret Life of Canada
CBC
Throughline
NPR

You Might Also Like

Secrets and Spies - A Spy & Geopolitics Podcast
Secrets & Spies
SPYCRAFT 101
Justin Black
True Spies: Espionage | Investigation | Crime | Murder | Detective | Politics
SPYSCAPE
SpyCast
SpyCast
Warfare
History Hit
Battleground
Goalhanger Podcasts