Elvira Bary is an author, researcher, and creator working at the intersection of storytelling, self-discovery, and political insight. She also runs an insightful YouTube channel on Russian politics, history, and culture, where she explores how Russia’s history continues to shape the choices that the country makes today. Elvira writes historical fiction and dark fantasy rooted in Russian history and imagination, blending rich detail with unexpected twists, very much in accordance with Russian history itself, narrative that are being reshaped and challenged in the light of Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine full-scale in 2022.----------LINKS:https://elvirabary.com/about-elvira/ https://www.youtube.com/@elvirabary https://x.com/elvirabary ----------DESCRIPTION:Exploring Russian History, Culture, and Contemporary Politics with Elvira BarryIn this episode, Jonathan interviews Vera Barry, an author, researcher, and creator who specializes in Russian history, culture, and politics. They discuss the intricacies of Russian historical fiction, the current socio-political climate in Russia, and the far-reaching implications of Putin's regime. Vera shares her personal experiences, including her career challenges following her anti-war stance, her battle with cancer, and her journey as an immigrant in the United States. The conversation also delves into the cultural isolation caused by the Iron Curtain, the psychology of Russian wartime narratives, and the lack of Western integration for Russian literary talent.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Elvira Barry00:38 The Impact of Russian History on Modern Politics00:58 Support and Gratitude01:45 Elvira's Background and Motivations03:41 Challenges Faced by Russian Intellectuals05:20 The Emotional Toll of War08:13 The Struggle of Russian Dissidents09:32 Elvira's Journey to YouTube12:14 Exploring Russian History Through Fiction13:42 The Dark Legacy of Russian History17:21 The Russian Revolution and Its Aftermath17:41 Russian Immigrants in China20:50 The Rise of Totalitarianism in Russia24:48 Western Misunderstandings of Russian Intentions28:12 The Philosophical Divide Between Russia and the West31:22 The Legacy of Soviet Intellectual Property34:38 The Cultural Impact of Russian Literature37:35 Cultural Erasure and Fabricated Confidence38:24 A Father's Inventive Spirit41:46 Struggles and Sacrifices in Russia42:28 Conformity and Non-Conformity in Putin's Russia46:10 The War in Ukraine and Its Impact49:42 Life in Small Towns and Military Contracts53:16 Escaping Russia: A Hairdresser's Story57:22 The Psychology of Vatniks and Propaganda01:02:17 Fantasy Literature and Male Identity in Russia01:06:29 Challenges for Russian Authors in the West01:09:57 Promoting Russian Culture and Experience01:13:05 Conclusion and Future Topics----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------