This episode covers themes of physical and emotional abuse as well as suicide. If you need support please follow the links below.

Kerstin recounts her harrowing childhood and life experiences in East Germany. She was identified at a young age for elite sports training, which led to intense gymnastics regimens, physical and emotional abuse, and state-sponsored doping.

When she was dismissed from the sports program without warning she was left isolated and struggling with identity loss.

Her personal life deteriorated further after her father’s death, and she turned to alcohol and self-destructive behaviour.

Despite enduring severe trauma, Kerstin ultimately found healing and reconciliation with her past. She received state compensation for the doping-related damage to her health, repaired her relationship with her mother, and now shares her story to ensure the dark realities of the East German regime are not forgotten.

Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode400/

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.

Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/

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Chris Gueffroy, was the last person to be shot dead at the Berlin Wall and a new short film called “Whispers of Freedom” portrays his story.

I speak with the film’s director Brandon Ashplant who shares the challenges of accurately portraying real individuals with deep personal histories.

Actors Cameron Ashplant (Chris) and Wendy Makkena (Karin) reflect on research they undertook to authentically represent life in East Germany.

The discussion also touches on the emotional impact of visiting key locations including Chris’s grave and the site of his death, and the delicate process of obtaining consent from his family to tell this story.

Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode399/

Where can I see the film?

There’s been various updates since we recorded. The trailer has been released and is available on the Golden Goat Films Facebook and Instagram pages (@goldengoatfilms). The World Premier is at the Sunderland Shorts Film Festival at 18:00 on Friday 16th May at the Omniplex, Sunderland. Cast and crew in attendance. So if you are in the area, do join them.

The  Canadian premiere is in September at Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) - which makes the film Canadian Screen Award Qualifying, opening up its route to the Academy Awards (if we’re lucky enough!)

The Guernsey premier is on September 12th and the Berlin premiere is on October 2nd at the DDR Museum. The film will thereafter live at the museum, available for international tourists to watch on an ongoing basis.

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.

Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former US Navy Commander Henry Rausch is the author of Submerged: Life on a Fast Attack Submarine in the Last Days of the Cold War.

Henry shares his experiences from training to life aboard a submarine, emphasising the challenges, mishaps, and the camaraderie among the crew. He provides vivid descriptions of the rigorous training, the psychological demands, and the technical operations of submarines, including navigating under ice and surfacing manoeuvres.

Henry also discusses the toll his career took on his personal life and his eventual transition to the reserves as the Cold War wound down. His story is enriched with unique anecdotes, culminating in a detailed account of a gas leak incident.

He also gives a nod to the mentorship and collaboration with officers from allied navies, particularly highlighting his respect for a UK submarine officer.

All our submarine stories https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QQHCaEdQB2hAfcaQAxFyn?si=9a7e61ff56624594

Enter the book giveaway here https://coldwarconversations.com/giveaway/

Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode398/

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.

Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2010, two decades after the Cold War had ended, ten Russian spies were arrested in America, having hidden their true identities from their friends, neighbours and even their children.

They were part of a spy programme that had begun nearly a century earlier, when the revolutionary Bolshevik government began sending Soviet citizens abroad to pose as foreign aristocrats, merchants and students.

These deep-cover missions - some remarkable feats of espionage, others high-profile failures - could last for decades.

Drawing on hundreds of hours of interviews, as well as newly discovered archival material, Shaun Walker brings this history to life in The Illegals: Russia's Most Audacious Spies and the Plot to Infiltrate the West, a page-turning tour de force that goes to the heart of what became the most ambitious espionage programme in history.

Enter the book giveaway https://coldwarconversations.com/giveaway1/

Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode397/

Related episodes

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.

Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Communist Polish press called it "Kentomania!"—the excitement surrounding a 23 year old, called Kent Washington who made history as the first American—and the first Black American—to sign a professional sports contract behind the Iron Curtain.

Stepping off the plane in Poland, Kent was immediately struck by how different everything felt. Yet, it was on the basketball court where he found common ground with the Polish people.

His creative and electrifying gameplay won over audiences, earning him admiration and respect.

But beyond basketball, the warmth and hospitality of the Polish people left a lasting impression, making him a beloved figure in the country’s sports history.

As a result, Kent was inspired to write a memoir, ‘Kentomania: A Black Basketball Virtuoso in Communist Poland’.

BUY THE BOOK HERE

Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode396/

The fight to keep Cold War history alive continues, and with your support, I can ensure these incredible stories are never forgotten. A simple monthly or annual donation gives me the resources to continue uncovering and sharing the untold history of this fascinating era.

As a valued supporter, you’ll become part of our exclusive community, enjoy ad-free episodes, and receive the coveted CWC coaster as a token of my appreciation. Plus, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you're playing a vital role in preserving Cold War history for future generations.

Join us now at: https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

Prefer a one-time contribution? Every bit helps! You can make a one-off donation at the same link.

Thank you for keeping Cold War history alive!

Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a world where history often overlooks the contributions of women, ​the story of ​Agent ​Zo stands out as a beacon of bravery and resilience. ​I spoke with ​Claire ​Mulley about her book ​Agent ​Zo: the ​Untold ​Story of a fearless ​World ​War ​II ​resistance fighter. ​

From the first day of the war to the ​German surrender, ​Zo organised efforts to resist the ​Nazi invasion of ​Poland, ​displaying extraordinary courage and leadership. ​However, ​the aftermath of the war brought new challenges. ​

Despite her heroic actions, ​Zo and many others faced persecution from the new communist authorities of ​Poland.

Buy the book here https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781399601061

Don’t miss the link to the videos and photos in the episode information here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode395

The fight to keep Cold War history alive continues, and with your support, I can ensure these incredible stories are never forgotten. A simple monthly or annual donation gives me the resources to continue uncovering and sharing the untold history of this fascinating era.

As a valued supporter, you’ll become part of our exclusive community, enjoy ad-free episodes, and receive the coveted CWC coaster as a token of my appreciation. Plus, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you're playing a vital role in preserving Cold War history for future generations.

Join us now at: https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

Prefer a one-time contribution? Every bit helps! You can make a one-off donation at the same link.

Thank you for keeping Cold War history alive!

Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I speak with Jon Benjamin who recounts his meetings with Margot Honecker, the unrepentant architect of East Germany’s education system and widow of GDR leader Erich Honecker then living in exile in Chile.

In 2012 and 2013, when Jon was British Ambassador to Chile, he had three long meetings with Margot Honecker, third wife of longtime East German leader, Erich Honecker, and Minister of Education of the German Democratic Republik (GDR) in her own right from 1963 to 1989.

You can read more about his meetings at History Reclaimed here

Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode394

The fight to keep Cold War history alive continues, and with your support, I can ensure these incredible stories are never forgotten. A simple monthly or annual donation gives me the resources to continue uncovering and sharing the untold history of this fascinating era.

As a valued supporter, you’ll become part of our exclusive community, enjoy ad-free episodes, and receive the coveted CWC coaster as a token of my appreciation. Plus, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you're playing a vital role in preserving Cold War history for future generations.

Join us now at: https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

Prefer a one-time contribution? Every bit helps! You can make a one-off donation at the same link.

Thank you for keeping Cold War history alive!

Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Richard F Kaufman is the author of A One-Way Trip to Death A Survivor’s View of Cruise Missiles in the Cuban Missile Crisis

In the 1950s he served in the Korean War, where he was shot down and provides a vivid snapshot of flying in that conflict.

On his way to Korea Richard meets a Japanese Kamikaze pilot. The pilot’s reflections on life and death left a lasting impact on Richard, shaping his perspective as he began training for effectively suicide missions guiding nuclear missiles to the Soviet Union.

He describes the fear and uncertainty surrounding the Cuban Missile Crisis and the belief that war was imminent as the Last Rites are read to him while preparing for what he believed was his final mission.

BUY THE BOOK HERE

Don’t miss the link to the videos and photos in the episode information here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode393

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.

Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Susan Polgar is the author of Rebel Queen: The Cold War, Misogyny, and the Making of a Grandmaster.

Born to a poor Jewish family in Cold War Budapest, Susan Polgar had the odds stacked against her growing up in a sexist and oppressive culture. Yet her father subscribed to the belief that geniuses are not born, but created, so he set out to ensure her success in an unlikely field: chess.

At age 4, she won her first tournament. By 15, she was the top‑rated female player in the world. She was the first woman ever to hold the men's Grandmaster title, chess' highest designation.

The ensuing wins and accolades provided incredible highs to coincide with extreme lows as Polgar's celebrity brought backlash, including sabotage and state‑sponsored intimidation.

Don’t miss the link to the videos and photos in the episode information here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode392

The fight to keep Cold War history alive continues, and with your support, I can ensure these incredible stories are never forgotten. A simple monthly or annual donation gives me the resources to continue uncovering and sharing the untold history of this fascinating era.

As a valued supporter, you’ll become part of our exclusive community, enjoy ad-free episodes, and receive the coveted CWC coaster as a token of my appreciation. Plus, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you're playing a vital role in preserving Cold War history for future generations.

Join us now at: https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

Prefer a one-time contribution? Every bit helps! You can make a one-off donation at the same link.

Thank you for keeping Cold War history alive!

Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jim is a former Minuteman nuclear missile officer who served in the US Air Force.

Throughout the episode, Jim shares first-hand accounts of life in the launch control centre. From evaluations to the strict checklist orientations, every aspect of his training was designed to ensure that he and his crew were prepared for the weighty responsibilities they bore.

We also discuss false alarms, intense simulations and emergency procedures, enabling you to gain a profound understanding of the pressure and seriousness of the role.

Jim also reflects on the gravity of turning the keys to launch missiles and the sobering reality of what that would mean for humanity.

Don’t miss the link to the videos and photos in the episode information here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode391

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.

Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices