Cold War Conversations Ian Sanders

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.
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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

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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/episode342
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/ColdWarPod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
For 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
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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/ColdWarPod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
For 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
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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 supporters
Valeriy 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/ColdWarPod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
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Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod
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Sirka offers a comprehensive exploration of life in East Germany, detailing the experiences of growing up in Neubrandenburg, the influence of the East German state and the Stasi, and the societal impacts of Mikhail Gorbachev's policies leading up to the fall of the Berlin Wall.
She also talks of her intensive gymnastics training and being given pills by her trainer...
Sirka also describes the transition to reunification, highlighting the challenges of adapting to a new economic system and the mixed feelings toward sudden exposure to Western consumer culture.
Additionally, it includes a reflective conversation on post-reunification life in Germany, discussing Sirka's and her family's adjustment to the changes, including the effects on employment, homeownership, and personal political histories.
Video and photo extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode339
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/ColdWarPod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
For 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

00:00 Preview
00:22 Welcome to Cold War Conversations
00:36 Life in East Germany: An Insider's Perspective
01:50 Circa's Childhood and Family Life in Neubrandenburg
03:33 The Impact of World War II on Family Histories
05:42 Navigating Post-War East Germany
07:53 The East German Regime Through a Family's Eyes
10:31 Cultural and Educational Experiences in East Germany
23:23 The Challenges of Consumer Goods and Entertainment
25:39 School Life and Education in East Germany
34:17 Extracurricular Activities: Singing Club and Gymnastics
44:58 The Intensity of Gymnastics Training in East Germany
46:15 The Secret Gymnastics Pills
48:14 The Grueling Training Regime and Its Impact
49:46 The Power of Music and Discipline in a Regimented Society
50:38 The Harsh Realities of Military-Style Training
51:39 Life Under an Autocratic System: Acceptance and Adaptation
55:26 The Transition to College and the End of Gymnastics
55:56 Exploring Moscow: A Glimpse into the Space Race
01:03:37 Witnessing the Winds of Change: The Fall of the Berlin Wall
01:14:21 Navigating the New World: Post-Wall Challenges and Reflections
01:25:05 A Journey Back in Time: Revisiting Memories and the Stasi Files
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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
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