11 episodes
Svetlana! Svetlana! iHeartPodcasts
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- Society & Culture
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4.6 • 664 Ratings
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In 1967, Joseph Stalin’s daughter braved her way over the Iron Curtain, secret memoir in tow, and landed in America as the Cold War’s most famous defector. At 40 years old, Svetlana had left everything behind for a new life in the West and the chance to finally share her story. What she found instead — a controversial commune in the Arizona desert built by Frank Lloyd Wright, a whirlwind marriage dictated by destiny, and a Montenegrin matriarch with dreams of immortality — was far more complicated. In Svetlana! Svetlana! neurotic playwright Dan Kitrosser unravels the weird and wild life of his greatest muse.
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The Last Laugh
After pinballing around the world for two decades, the only thing Svetlana has left is her story. But what will it take for the world to hear it?
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Back to the USSR
Svetlana keeps searching for a place that feels like home. Could it be America? Could it be England? Could it be… Russia and the children that she left behind 18 years ago?
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Divorce Taliesin Style
Svetlana reaches a breaking point at Taliesin. But as she tries to move forward into the next chapter of her life, her past continues to haunt her.
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Baby Bump
Just a few months into her whirlwind marriage, Svetlana finds herself unexpectedly pregnant at 44 — much to the displeasure of Olgivanna.
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Mother Knows Best
The honeymoon phase ends quickly for newlywed Svetlana as she chafes against communal life at Taliesin — and its overbearing leader.
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The Montenegrin
Who is Olga Ivanovna Lazović Hinzenberg Lloyd Wright? And why is her name so short? In this episode, we learn about a woman who survived revolutions and revelations, all in the pursuit of art and immortality.
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Customer Reviews
Delightful history rabbit hole
I absolutely loved this podcast! International and American history combined in humorous delivery were an absolute delight to listen to on our round trip drive from Phoenix to Vegas.
I ended up reading the book Dan referenced in the podcast, “The Fellowship “ I believe. Turns out some of our famed historical figures were quite flawed as humans. Which makes them very relatable… And then I also had a tour of Tailiesin West in Scottsdale to “ touch” characters and events I got so invested in.
I am hoping to find more podcasts like that
Fascinating!
Well-told — fun and interesting listen.
Dan ❤️
Unbelievable story plus Dan’s delivery! Marvelous!!!