Ned Richardson- Little has written a new book titled The German Democratic Republic: The Rise and Fall of a Cold War State.

It offers a differentiated picture of the communist state with a sophisticated analysis of life under dictatorship which candidly confronts the abuses of the East German Communist Party and the Stasi.

The GDR was also entangled in international politics well beyond the rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. Ned offers a history of the GDR in a global perspective that illustrates the worldview of those who ruled it, those who rebelled against the strictures of state socialism, and those in between who sought a normal life under dictatorship.

Buy the book & support the podcast here:

UK listeners https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781350341517

US listeners https://bookshop.org/a/92195/9781350341517

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/⁠⁠

Continue the Cold War Conversation via social media!

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I continue chatting with Dennis Greene about his incredible journey from a challenging childhood in segregated Savannah, Georgia to a distinguished military career.

Dennis is made Senior Flight Commander responsible for 50 Minuteman nuclear missiles. Dennis shares his firsthand experiences of the intense pressure, the psychological toll of nuclear readiness, and the groundbreaking integration of women into the Minuteman 2 system.

He recounts pivotal moments, from the deactivation of nuclear warheads following the signing of the START1 disarmament treaty to the unique interactions with Soviet counterparts during verification processes.

Episode extras including videos here ⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/episode427/⁠

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/⁠

Continue the Cold War Conversation via social!

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

I am trying to win an award for Cold War Conversations in

All I need you to do is to nominate Cold War Conversations in

With all your help we can hopefully make it to the finals and I will be in contact again for the final vote!

Thanks for listening and your amazing comments and support.

You’ll find the nominations link here  https://discoverpods.com/2025-podcast-awards/

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Dennis Greene, is a former Air Force officer, who shares his incredible journey from a challenging childhood in segregated Savannah, Georgia to a distinguished military career.

He reflects on his early inspirations, the realities of growing up in a segregated South, and the lessons learned throughout his US military service.

Dennis discusses the significance of teamwork, overcoming adversity, and the pivotal moments that shaped his life, including his experiences in boot camp, missile training, and the complexities of race within the US military.

Episode extras including videos here ⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/episode426/⁠

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/⁠

Continue the Cold War Conversation via social!

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

Oleg Lyalin, was a KGB officer whose actions would provide British intelligence with pivotal information during the Cold War. I speak with Richard Kerbaj,  the author of a new book, 'The Defector,' which chronicles Lyalin's story.

Lyalin ​was trained ​with ​The KGB’s Department ​V, which ​was their sabotage ​and ​​assassinations ​department.  He was sent to the UK under the guise of a trade official, where he was tasked with gathering intelligence and plotting assassinations of  ​British politicians, ​paralysing the ​British ​economy and ways ​to ​starve ​the ​population ​by ​attacking ​emergency food ​supplies. ​

In early 1971, overwhelmed by personal and professional turmoil, Lyalin approached MI5, revealing his true identity and the KGB's sinister plans against the UK.

Episode extras including related episodes & videos here ⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/episode425/⁠

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/⁠

Continue the Cold War Conversation via social!

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

Author Tom Hapgood is a US military BRAT  aka the child of a parent or parents serving full-time in the United States Armed Forces. He talks about his 5 years in West Germany during the Cold War. He shares the challenges of moving every few years, adapting to new cultures, and the rich tapestry of friendships formed along the way.

The term "BRAT" often carries a negative connotation, but Tom sheds light on its origins, suggesting a more nuanced history tied to military families. The stories shared reveal how these children navigated their identities as they lived in foreign lands.

We reflect on the Cold War's influence and  tensions, yet amidst the challenges, there were countless adventures and opportunities for cultural exchange that enriched their lives.

From navigating new cities to forming lifelong friendships, the life of a military BRAT is filled with unique experiences that shape who they become. This episode not only details those experiences but also invites listeners to reflect on their own childhood adventures. 

Do check out Tom's novel Lost Letters based on his experiences as a BRAT. Buy the book here 

Episode extras including videos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode424/

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/

Continue the Cold War Conversation via social!

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

The incredible story of the five most damaging spies in

I speak with Shawnna Morris the author of a new book The

We explore the backgrounds, motivations, and the intricate web of espionage that defined the lives of Kim Philby, Donald McLean, John Cairncross, Guy Burgess, and Anthony Blunt. 

The Cambridge Five's legacy is one of betrayal, loyalty, and

Episode extra including video interviews of the Cambridge Five here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode423/

Book Giveaway entry (until 4th Oct 2025) https://coldwarconversations.com/giveaway1/

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 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/

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

Fraser McCallum is the author of a new book Cold War Britain: Fifty years in the shadow of the bomb which gives a fascinating insight into a period that shaped the fabric of British society.

The Cold War defined the history of Britain in the second half of the twentieth century as much as it did that of the US and the Soviet Union. Cold War Britain is an exploration into the multifaceted dimensions of Britain’s experience during the Cold War era. By weaving together history, politics, literature, and popular culture, this book invites readers to immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of Cold War Britain, offering fresh insights and perspectives into how this global conflict shaped the fabric of British society.

Buy the book here https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9780008743994

Fraser’s Cold War Playlist

Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/cold-war-britain-the-soundtrack-to-the-book/pl.u-NRp7s3pq7o

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2lZ7HBrKKyBj31wXKXx2nq?si=m2U2HNafQ7O13d3NlYHbYw&pi=X-UioH1WQdW2J

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

On November 24, 1971, a man using the alias Dan Cooper hijacked a Northwest Airlines flight, demanding a ransom of $200,000 and four parachutes. What followed was a daring escape that has left investigators and enthusiasts puzzled for over five decades.

I sit down with Pat Boland, a true crime aficionado and expert on the D.B. Cooper case. Boland shares her deep dive into the many theories surrounding this infamous hijacking, which remains the only unsolved case of its kind in U.S. history. She recounts the events of that fateful day, painting a vivid picture of Cooper's calm demeanour and meticulous planning.

Throughout the episode, Boland also delves into the forensic evidence—or lack thereof—that has hampered the investigation. From the infamous black tie Cooper left behind to the money discovered years later by a boy on the Columbia River, the clues are tantalizing yet frustratingly inconclusive.

Want to learn more?

Pat Boland Blog

Pat Boland on Twitter

DB Cooper Facebook Group

Live Podcast in London https://coldwarconversations.com/live/

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

I delve into the remarkable life of Peter Stewart, a former Royal Scots Dragoon Guard Chieftain tank driver whose experiences during the Cold War offer a unique perspective on military life.

Peter's stories are filled with humour and nostalgia, particularly when he recalls his time in Berlin. His anecdotes are both entertaining and thought-provoking. Peter shares tales of training that tested the limits of his physical endurance, the friendships forged in the face of adversity, and the lessons learned that would stay with him for life.

One of the highlights of the episode is Peter's recounting of Exercise Rocking Horse, an exercise designed to test the readiness of the British Army in the event of a Soviet invasion.

Related episodes

Episode extras ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/episode420/

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