The Soviet Life

Kate Saba

The Soviet Life is a podcast that brings the past to life through personal stories and honest conversations about everyday experiences behind the Iron Curtain. Hosted by Kate, who grew up in 1970s–80s Belarus, the show explores how people lived, loved, worked, and endured during the final decades of the USSR — and what followed after its collapse. Featuring voices from across the former Soviet republics, the West, and beyond, each episode bridges generations and cultures to uncover the human side of history. Whether you're a former citizen, a curious learner, or a student of the Cold War, The Soviet Life offers insight, connection, and a powerful reminder of our shared humanity.

  1. 14: More Than Medals - The Soviet Olympic Machine

    2H AGO

    14: More Than Medals - The Soviet Olympic Machine

    In this episode of The Soviet Life, host Kate Saba, explores the powerful role the Olympic Games played in shaping Soviet society. The Olympics were never just about sports - they were a symbol of national pride, political ideology, and global competition. She takes listeners through the USSR’s Olympic history, the intense training system that produced world-class athletes, and the immense pressure those athletes carried as representatives of a superpower. Behind every medal was discipline, sacrifice, and the weight of expectation. The episode also reflects on what changed after the fall of the Soviet Union. How the Olympic mindset evolved from a state-driven mission to a more individual pursuit. And how the legacy of the Soviet sports system continues to influence athletes today. This conversation goes beyond medals and records — it’s about identity, resilience, and the lasting imprint of the Soviet Olympic spirit. Takeaways The Olympics in the USSR were about ideology and national pride.Soviet athletes were seen as symbols of the state.Training for the Olympics began at a very young age.Discipline and resilience were core values in Soviet sports culture.Athletes faced immense pressure to succeed for their nation.The Olympics were a collective experience for Soviet citizens.The 1980 Moscow Olympics revealed deep fractures in the Soviet system.Post-USSR, athletes adapted to a new world of sports.The Olympic mindset evolved from state control to individual ambition.The legacy of the Soviet sports system continues to influence athletes today. Sound Bites "Your body belonged to the state.""Quitting was not an option.""We're watching history skate." Chapters 00:00 - The Olympic Spirit: A Soviet Legacy 06:04 - Olympics as Ideology: The Soviet Perspective 12:04 - Training for Glory: The Life of a Soviet Athlete 18:02 - National Pride and Collective Identity in Sports 24:52 - The 1980 Moscow Olympics: Triumphs and Trials 29:47 - Post-Soviet Transformation: The Evolution of Olympic Mindset Connect with us: Please share your thoughts and stories, reach out at kate@thesovietlife.com. Follow us and leave a review to support the podcast!

    26 min
  2. 13: Red Echoes: The Soviet Legacy in Venezuela

    FEB 9

    13: Red Echoes: The Soviet Legacy in Venezuela

    In this episode of The Soviet Life, host Kate Saba weaves together history, politics, and personal reflection to explore the deep and often overlooked ties between the former Soviet Union and Venezuela. Against the backdrop of recent events involving Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the episode traces the roots of this relationship—from Soviet influence and Cuba’s pivotal role, to the rise of Hugo Chávez and the promises that once inspired so many. Kate reflects not only on political shifts and economic collapse under Maduro’s leadership, but also on her own experiences in Venezuela, offering a rare, human perspective on what life looks like when ideology collides with reality. Through these parallels, the episode invites listeners to consider the lasting impact of socialism, the patterns that repeat across countries and decades, and the quiet warning signs history leaves behind. This is an episode about connection—between nations, between past and present, and between personal memory and global consequence— and a thoughtful reminder that the stories of the Soviet Union are far from over; they continue to echo around the world today. Takeaways The Soviet Union had a significant influence on Venezuela's political landscape.Cuba played a crucial role in exporting socialist ideology to Venezuela.Hugo Chavez's rise to power was marked by promises of social reform.The economic collapse in Venezuela was exacerbated by mismanagement and corruption.Maduro's presidency has been characterized by repression and human rights abuses.The capture of Maduro represents a potential turning point for Venezuela.Charisma in leadership can lead to revolutions but is not sustainable without accountability.The Venezuelan crisis echoes the historical failures of the Soviet Union.Change is an inevitable part of any political system.Lessons from Venezuela can inform current political dynamics globally. Sound Bites "Venezuela's oil was cheaper than water.""Millions of Venezuelans fled the country.""Change is inevitable in any system." Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Soviet Life Podcast 04:59 - Hugo Chavez and the Bolivarian Revolution 11:00 - Venezuela's Alliances Post-Soviet Union 16:06 - Personal Experiences in Venezuela Connect with us: Please share your thoughts and stories, reach out at kate@thesovietlife.com. Follow us and leave a review to support the podcast!

    29 min
  3. 12: The Heart of Soviet Celebrations - Traditions and Memories

    JAN 20

    12: The Heart of Soviet Celebrations - Traditions and Memories

    In this episode of The Soviet Life, host Kate Saba delves into the unique holiday traditions of the former Soviet Union, contrasting them with Western celebrations. She begins by discussing the Old New Year, celebrated on January 13th, which stems from the Julian calendar and serves as a quieter continuation of New Year festivities. Kate highlights how Soviet holidays were not just about fun but were deeply intertwined with state ideology, education, and family traditions. She shares personal stories and reflections on how these holidays shaped her upbringing and continue to influence her life today. The episode further explores significant holidays such as International Women's Day, May Day, Victory Day, and the October Revolution anniversary. Kate emphasizes the emotional weight these holidays carry, particularly Victory Day, which honors the sacrifices made during World War II. She also notes the absence of many Western holidays in the Soviet calendar, such as Valentine's Day and Christmas, and how this has shaped the cultural experiences of those from the former Soviet Union. Through her storytelling, Kate provides listeners with a deeper understanding of the cultural values and traditions that persist in the post-Soviet space. Takeaways Holidays in the USSR were not about fun but served a purpose.The Old New Year is celebrated on January 13th, stemming from the Julian calendar.International Women's Day was a significant celebration for women in the Soviet Union.Victory Day honors the sacrifices of World War II and is deeply emotional for many families.Many Western holidays like Valentine's Day and Christmas did not exist in the USSR. Sound Bites "Holidays in the USSR were very different.""Holidays were meant to educate, unite people.""Victory Day is one of the most emotionally powerful holidays." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Soviet Holidays 02:39 The Old New Year and Its Significance 08:42 Understanding the Purpose of Holidays in the USSR 10:28 Celebrating International Women's Day 14:01 May Day: A Celebration of Labor 16:17 Victory Day: Remembering the Great Patriotic War 18:35 The October Revolution Anniversary 20:04 Holidays That Did Not Exist in the USSR 20:53 Conclusion and Reflection on Soviet Traditions Connect with us: Please share your thoughts and stories, reach out at kate@thesovietlife.com. Follow us and leave a review to support the podcast!

    22 min
  4. 11: Winter Holidays in the Soviet Union: Christmas Without Christmas

    12/24/2025

    11: Winter Holidays in the Soviet Union: Christmas Without Christmas

    In this episode of The Soviet Life, host Kate Saba shares a deeply personal look at winter holidays in the Soviet Union. She explores what it meant to celebrate during a time when Christmas was not officially allowed, and how New Year quietly became the most important and magical holiday of the year. Kate reflects on family gatherings, familiar foods, and the figure many Soviet children grew up believing in—Grandpa Frost, who arrived not on Christmas, but on New Year’s Eve. Through memories and cultural context, she highlights how people found warmth, joy, and connection even within a system filled with restrictions, and how these traditions helped preserve family bonds and cultural identity. The episode also looks at how holiday traditions began to evolve after the collapse of the Soviet Union, as Christmas slowly returned to public life. This reflection-filled episode reminds listeners that holidays, no matter the political system, reveal the universal human need for meaning, hope, and togetherness. Key Takeaways The Soviet Union officially discouraged religious celebrations, including Christmas.New Year became the main winter holiday, taking on many Christmas traditions.Grandpa Frost served as the Soviet version of Santa Claus and visited on New Year’s Eve.Families gathered late into the night to celebrate, exchange gifts, and welcome the New Year together.Traditional foods like caviar and herring under a fur coat played a central role at the holiday table.Children truly believed in Grandpa Frost and looked forward to his visit.Despite restrictions, some families continued to celebrate Christmas quietly at home.After the fall of the Soviet Union, Christmas gradually returned to public and religious life.Holidays reflect a society’s values and the universal human need for celebration.Winter holidays in the Soviet Union were both joyful and constrained. Sound Bites “The Soviet Union was officially atheist.”“Christmas disappeared, but celebration didn’t.”“Grandpa Frost came on New Year’s Eve.”“New Year’s Eve was absolutely magical.” Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to The Soviet Life 01:09 – What winter holidays looked like in the Soviet Union 02:33 – Why Christmas wasn’t celebrated 06:15 – How New Year became the main holiday 07:09 – Grandpa Frost: the Soviet Santa Claus 10:19 – New Year’s Eve traditions and family memories 14:15 – Questions Americans often ask 16:02 – The return of Christmas after the Soviet Union 17:16 – Reflections on holidays, freedom, and meaning Connect with...

    23 min
  5. 10: My Life in the USSR: In Conversation with Elizabeth Milner

    11/30/2025

    10: My Life in the USSR: In Conversation with Elizabeth Milner

    In this heartfelt episode of The Soviet Life, host Kate Saba sits down with Elizabeth Milner — an American who has absolutely no personal ties to the Soviet Union — to explore what Soviet life looks like through fresh, unfiltered eyes. What happens when someone raised in a completely different culture hears about childhood, family life, holidays, and day-to-day realities behind the Iron Curtain? The result is a deeply honest and often surprising conversation that reveals how much of our worldview is shaped by the stories we’ve been told… and how much we miss when we don’t look deeper. Kate walks Elizabeth through the realities of Soviet job security, the structure of education, the rhythm of family life, and the cultural norms that shaped an entire generation. With curiosity and compassion, Elizabeth reflects on everything — from scarcity and communal values to sauna traditions and why New Year celebration replaced Christmas. Together, they explore what it truly felt like to grow up in a system that promised stability but offered little room for personal expression. They uncover the humor, the hardships, the nostalgia, and the resilience that defined everyday Soviet life. This episode isn’t just about history — it’s about identity, perception, and the stories that shape how we understand one another. Whether you have memories of the USSR or you're hearing these experiences for the first time, this conversation is a reminder of how important it is to listen, to question, and to bridge cultures with empathy. You'll hear about: The Soviet Union offered job stability — but often at the cost of personal choice.Education was rigid, structured, and deeply tied to national purpose.Sports in the USSR weren’t just activities — they were a system of early specialization.American perceptions of the USSR focus heavily on control, scarcity, and fear.Soviet cultural values emphasized community, togetherness, and collective responsibility.Money was not celebrated — and sometimes viewed with suspicion.Holidays were reshaped to reflect socialist ideology, making New Year’s the biggest celebration.Family life was shaped by economic limits and shared social expectations.Sauna culture wasn’t just relaxation — it was tradition, community, and health.Understanding history requires listening to perspectives from both inside and outside the experience. Sound Bites: “There was no understanding of money.”“There were not a lot of choices.”“It was a privilege to get soap.” Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Soviet Life and Perspectives 02:38 – Job Stability in the Soviet Union vs. Today 05:34 – Education Systems: A Comparative Analysis 10:45 – Sports and Extracurricular Activities in the USSR 13:35 – Cultural Perceptions of the Soviet Union 19:58 – Scarcity...

    59 min
  6. 9: Failing Is Not an Option: the Alex Matusevich Story

    11/10/2025

    9: Failing Is Not an Option: the Alex Matusevich Story

    In this deeply inspiring episode of The Soviet Life, host Kate Saba sits down with Alex Matusevich, an entrepreneur who journeyed from his Soviet childhood in Belarus to building a thriving tech company in the United States. Alex shares a heartfelt reflection on how his Soviet upbringing shaped his values — discipline, hard work, and a sense of community — and how those lessons guided him through the challenges of starting over in a new country. Together, Kate and Alex explore what success truly means, how cultural differences can both divide and connect us, and why community and human connection remain at the heart of happiness. The conversation also delves into how the collapse of the Soviet Union changed everyday life, what the American Dream looks like through a post-Soviet lens, and the growing challenges around health and nutrition in modern society. Through humor, honesty, and insight, Alex reminds us that resilience is universal — and that beneath politics and borders, people everywhere share the same hopes for meaning, belonging, and a better future. You’ll hear about: How Soviet education built discipline and driveThe immigrant experience and redefining successThe balance between money, purpose, and happinessThe importance of community and social connectionHealth, nutrition, and the modern lifestyle divideLessons on bridging cultures and finding common ground Whether you grew up behind the Iron Curtain or you’re just curious about the human stories that connect us all, this episode is a moving reminder of what it means to persevere, adapt, and stay true to your roots. Sound Bites "Failing is just not an option.""People are involved in their communities.""We still have that core." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alex's Journey 02:49 Growing Up in Belarus: Education and Family 05:55 The American Dream: Transitioning to the U.S. 08:43 Building a Successful Tech Company 11:45 The Role of Money in Success 14:47 Challenges of Immigrating to the U.S. 17:38 Cultural Perceptions: The Soviet Union vs. the U.S. 20:41 Health and Nutrition: Insights on American Diet 23:35 Reflections on the Fall of the Soviet Union 26:36 Education and Its Impact on Decision Making 34:16 The Value of Education and Discipline 38:13 Nostalgia for Soviet Community and Cohesion 39:34 The Impact of Social Interaction on Well-being 41:38 Contrasting Lifestyles: Soviet vs. American 45:46 Detachment from Money and Investment Mindset 49:19 Post-Soviet World: Challenges and Opportunities 51:09 Reflections on Crime and Safety 52:44 Cultural Connections Beyond Politics 54:52 Misconceptions About Soviet Life 58:36 Closing Thoughts on Community and Values Connect with us Please share your thoughts and stories, reach out at kate@thesovietlife.com. Follow us and leave a review to support the podcast!

    1 hr
  7. 8: From Kabul to America: One Man’s Journey Through the Soviet-Afghan War

    09/14/2025

    8: From Kabul to America: One Man’s Journey Through the Soviet-Afghan War

    In this episode of The Soviet Life, host Kate Saba speaks with Mr. Khalid, who shares his powerful story of growing up in Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion. Together, they explore the human side of the Soviet-Afghan War—its devastating toll on Afghan society, the ripple effects felt around the world, and the enduring resilience of those who lived through it. From the innocence of childhood before the war to the daily fear that followed, Khalid recounts his dangerous escape from Afghanistan, his time as a refugee in Pakistan, and his eventual resettlement in the United States. Their conversation also looks at Afghanistan today, balancing sorrow for ongoing struggles with hope for a better future and a reminder of our shared humanity. Key TakeawaysThe Soviet-Afghan War reshaped global politics and left deep scars on Afghanistan.Millions of Afghans were killed or displaced during the conflict.The war is often seen as the USSR’s “Vietnam.”Childhood in Afghanistan was peaceful before the invasion.After the invasion, fear and oppression defined everyday life.Escaping Afghanistan meant facing danger at every step.Life as a refugee in Pakistan brought hardship but also survival.Resettling in the U.S. brought relief, but new challenges too.Family ties across borders remain emotionally complex.Despite decades of turmoil, hope for Afghanistan’s future endures. Sound Bites "The Soviet-Afghan War had a global impact.""We didn't even know what guns were.""We had to get out before dawn." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Soviet-Afghan War 01:43 The Impact of the Soviet-Afghan War 03:59 Personal Experiences of Growing Up in Afghanistan 10:43 Fleeing Afghanistan: A Journey to Safety 16:39 Life as a Refugee in Pakistan 22:48 Arriving in the United States 29:05 Reflections on Home and Family 32:53 Current State of Afghanistan and Hope for the Future 38:05 The Shared Humanity Beyond Borders Connect with us Please share your thoughts and stories, reach out at kate@thesovietlife.com. Follow us and leave a review to support the podcast!

    44 min
  8. 7: Discovering the Soviet Union with Professor Cathy Ross

    08/23/2025

    7: Discovering the Soviet Union with Professor Cathy Ross

    In this episode of The Soviet Life Podcast, host Kate Saba sits down with Professor Cathy Ross, who first visited the Soviet Union in 1989 as part of a student ambassador program. Cathy shares what it was like to walk into a world so different from her own and how, despite Cold War tensions, she was met with surprising warmth, generosity, and unforgettable hospitality. They dive into her experiences of Russian daily life: long lines for goods, the importance of literature and poetry in schools, and the unique rhythm of meals that stretched into hours of conversation. Cathy reflects on the deep sense of community she witnessed in the USSR, where sharing resources and helping neighbors wasn’t just kindness, it was survival. And here’s something you won’t want to miss: Cathy talks about an unusual, almost unbelievable way Soviet schools were kept clean. It’s so different from what we’re used to in American schools that you’ll want to listen through to hear exactly how it worked. This conversation is more than just a look back at the Soviet Union, it’s about the value of slowing down, savoring connection, and finding common humanity across cultures. Key Takeaways Cathy’s first trip to the USSR was in 1989 with a student ambassador program.She was struck by the warmth and generosity of the people she met.Hospitality in Russia is not optional - it’s a way of life.Literature and poetry held a central place in Soviet education.Russians dressed formally for outings, unlike the more casual American style.Sharing and helping neighbors reflected a collective mindset.Soviet food preparation was labor-intensive but filled with care and tradition.Standing in long lines was a daily part of life.Cathy believes understanding Russian culture is especially important today. Connect with Us: Be sure to subscribe, share this episode with friends, and leave a review if you enjoyed it. Have a question or your own story to share? Reach out to Kate at kate@thesovietlife.com.

    46 min
See All (15)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

The Soviet Life is a podcast that brings the past to life through personal stories and honest conversations about everyday experiences behind the Iron Curtain. Hosted by Kate, who grew up in 1970s–80s Belarus, the show explores how people lived, loved, worked, and endured during the final decades of the USSR — and what followed after its collapse. Featuring voices from across the former Soviet republics, the West, and beyond, each episode bridges generations and cultures to uncover the human side of history. Whether you're a former citizen, a curious learner, or a student of the Cold War, The Soviet Life offers insight, connection, and a powerful reminder of our shared humanity.

Information

  • Creator
    Kate Saba
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Kate Saba
  • Show Website
    The Soviet Life

You Might Also Like