The Deserter: An Epic Story of Love and War

4.7 (121)
SOCIETY & CULTURE
SERIES

He didn't want to fight in Putin’s war—he just wanted to survive. But to make it back to his family and live in peace, he would have to run. An audio feature from The New York Times Magazine. Narrated by Liev Schreiber. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

EPISODE 1

Part One: The Ballad of Ivan and Anna

We meet Ivan and Anna, who fall for each other at a club and later marry.

42 min
EPISODE 2

Part Two: A Change of Plans

The invasion of Ukraine begins — and goes far worse than Russia anticipated.

41 min
EPISODE 3 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Part Three: The Battle for the Boot

Ivan is transported to Ukraine.

52 min
EPISODE 4 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Part Four: The Long Escape

Ivan arrives at a field hospital, where he devises a plan to avoid returning to the front.

27 min
EPISODE 5 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Part Five: Stalked by Shadows

Ivan arrives at his final destination. Anna trusts a stranger to help navigate their new home country.

53 min

5 Episodes

This is what the news should sound like. The biggest stories of our time, told by the best journalists in the world. Hosted by Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise. Twenty minutes a day, five days a week, ready by 6 a.m. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Listen to this podcast in New York Times Audio, our new iOS app for news subscribers. Download now at nytimes.com/audioapp

4.4 (99066)

DAILY NEWS
Each Tuesday and Friday, Ezra Klein invites you into a conversation on something that matters. How do we address climate change if the political system fails to act? Has the logic of markets infiltrated too many aspects of our lives? What is the future of the Republican Party? What do psychedelics teach us about consciousness? What does sci-fi understand about our present that we miss? Can our food system be just to humans and animals alike? Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

4.5 (10471)

SOCIETY & CULTURE
“Hard Fork” is a show about the future that’s already here. Each week, journalists Kevin Roose and Casey Newton explore and make sense of the latest in the rapidly changing world of tech. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Listen to this podcast in New York Times Audio, our new iOS app for news subscribers. Download now at nytimes.com/audioapp

4.4 (4868)

TECHNOLOGY
For 20 years, the Modern Love column has given New York Times readers a glimpse into the complicated love lives of real people. Since its start, the column has evolved into a TV show, three books and a podcast. Each week, host Anna Martin brings you stories and conversations about love in all its glorious permutations, dumb pitfalls and life-changing moments. New episodes every Wednesday. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Listen to this podcast in New York Times Audio, our new iOS app for news subscribers. Download now at nytimes.com/audioapp

4.3 (8141)

SOCIETY & CULTURE
“The Run-Up” is your guide to understanding the 2024 election. Host Astead W. Herndon talks to the people whose decisions will make the difference. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Listen to this podcast in New York Times Audio, our new iOS app for news subscribers. Download now at nytimes.com/audioapp

4.3 (2013)

POLITICS
Thoughts, aloud. Hosted by Michelle Cottle, Ross Douthat and Carlos Lozada. Every Friday, from New York Times Opinion. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

4.1 (6996)

NEWS

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4.7

out of 5

121 Ratings

The Deserter

Oct 25

onejennyd

I enjoyed every moment of this podcast. The story was timely and timeless and unfolded cinematically.5 stars.
Intriguing

Oct 11

AK.Redwood

This podcast was great. Gripping storytelling.
Absorbing and well reported

Oct 3

Rsquared3

So many podcasts are just semi-informed people running their mouths. It was refreshing to listen to some real journalism.
One of the best

Oct 2

Lmgeezy17

Truly one of the best pieces of journalism I’ve read and listened to in years. I was hanging onto this story and completed it in a single day!

He didn't want to fight in Putin’s war—he just wanted to survive. But to make it back to his family and live in peace, he would have to run. An audio feature from The New York Times Magazine. Narrated by Liev Schreiber. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.