Cold War Conversations

By Ian SandersSociety & Culture Documentary History

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Typical duration
60 min
per episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

Cold War Conversations episodes

July 05, 2024 Cold War Nuclear Bombing Missions and a UFO Encounter (354)
Cold War RAF pilot Jeremy Lane, shares his gripping experiences, from nuclear bombing missions to a close encounter with a UFO.
He was trained to fly the Canberra aircraft on nuclear bombing missions and describes how the American weaponry they would have used required dual control from both the President of the United States and the British Prime Minister.
Jeremy also describes the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duties where aircraft were always on standby, ready to fly their nuclear missions at a moment's notice.
He shares his experiences with escape and evasion training, designed to prepare pilots for the possibility of being shot down over enemy territory. The training was gruelling, involving everything from water survival exercises, evading capture in the wilderness and how to stand up to interrogation. It was a stark reminder of the risks these pilots faced daily.
However, it wasn't all tension and drills. Life on the squadron had its moments of camaraderie and even humour. Our guest recounts how young pilots, feeling invincible, would joke about heading west instead of completing their mission if war ever broke out.
The episode concludes with a truly extraordinary story—a close encounter with a UFO. During a night flight exercise, our guest, his crew and other aircraft witnessed a mysterious, pulsating object in the sky.
Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode354/
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/
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod
00:00 Mysterious Shape in the Sky
00:25 Introduction to Cold War Conversations
01:53 American Nuclear Weaponry and Dual Control
04:56 Life on Quick Reaction Alert
12:54 Navigating and Bombing Techniques
21:32 Positive Vetting Process
28:57 Suicide Mission Realities
29:35 A Surreal Briefing at Laarbruch
33:47 Escape and Evasion Training
36:26 Life on a Frontline Squadron
42:23 Disillusionment with the Air Force
55:09 Transition to Civilian Life
56:24 A Close Encounter with a UFO
01:02:12 Podcast Conclusion and Extras

Cold War, Raf Pilot, Jeremy Lane, Nuclear Bombing Missions, Canberra Aircraft, Ufo Sighting, Quick Reaction Alert, Escape And Evasion Training, Cold War Aviation, Dual-Control Weaponry, American Weaponry, Cold War Podcast, Military Aviation, Night Flight Exercise, Pulsating Object, Cold War History, British Military, Cold War Stories, Cold War Intelligence, Cold War Missions

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1 hr 7 min
June 28, 2024 Cheltenham Schoolboy to Cold War Canberra Jet Pilot (353)
Jeremy Lane’s fascination for aviation was nurtured by countless childhood hours watching aircraft at Staverton Airport and North Weald.
He shares his experiences flying the Jet Provost and later, the Canberra. He describes the capabilities of this versatile and iconic aircraft, from high-speed reconnaissance to its nuclear role.
The Canberra's design, with its twin jet engines and rudimentary navigation equipment, required high skill and constant attention. The stories of flying at low levels, navigating with minimal aids, and the ever-present risk of engine failure provide a gripping insight into the life of an RAF pilot.
This episode is a treasure trove of aviation history and personal anecdotes. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or simply curious about the life of an RAF pilot, this episode offers a compelling and immersive experience.
Tune in next week part 2 where we go into detail about the challenges of nuclear operations along the edge of the Iron Curtain.
Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode353/
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/
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

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45 min
June 21, 2024 A Cold War Hungarian Journey Through War, Revolution, and Emigration (352)
In this comprehensive narrative, Imre recounts his life from his birth in 1936 in Hungary to his emigration to the West after the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.
He discusses the influence of his family’s Hungarian and German heritage, his father’s work in the oil industry, and the impact of World War II and communist rule on his upbringing.
The account vividly describes his education, military training, and involvement in the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. He also highlights his subsequent escape to Austria and eventual resettlement in England including living with Bridget’s parents who featured in episode 322
Imre elaborates on the hardships faced by his family due to political changes and the repressive regime, as well as his educational and professional journey in the UK, culminating in a successful international career.
His narrative provides a poignant look at the personal ramifications of leaving your country and the impact on relatives left behind.
Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode352/
Listen to Bridget’s story here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode322/
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/
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 hr 4 min
June 14, 2024 Mutiny in the East German Army (351)
In this riveting account, Tilo recounts his experiences as an East German soldier during the final months of East Germany.
He details the rising political awareness among soldiers, and his fear that his unit will be asked to shoot on demonstrators also provides a personal perspective on the pivotal moments leading up to and following the fall of the Berlin Wall, including attending massive protests and his first visit to West Berlin.
Spurred by a broadcasted precedent of concession to striking soldiers in another barrack, Tilo and his comrades orchestrated what can only be described as a mutiny: a demand for rights, dignity, and acknowledgement of the transformative tide sweeping through East Germany.
The fall of the Berlin Wall is often recounted in grand narratives of geopolitical shifts, but regular Cold War Conversations listeners will know that it is stories like Tilo's that remind us that behind monumental changes are individuals and communities.
Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode351/
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/
Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
47 min
June 07, 2024 Face to face with the Soviets at the Cold War Reykjavik Summit between President Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev (350)
This episode is brought to you by the CNN Original Series Secrets & Spies: A Nuclear Game which premieres 2nd June 2024 and is available now on BBC Iplayer). The series tracks the spies operating behind the scenes in the 1980s as the Cold War brings two superpowers to the brink of nuclear war.
This razor-sharp series examines the tenuousness of global geopolitics during the Cold War and features my guest Ken Adelman who served as the Director of the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency for nearly five years during the Reagan administration.
In our episode, Ken places you face to face with the Soviets during the tense nuclear arms negotiations at the 1986 Reykjavik Summit between President Reagan and Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
Planned as a short gathering it quickly developed into major international issues and the possibility of eliminating all nuclear weapons...
Buy Ken's book here https://amzn.to/3R7ei2n
Extra video content here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode350/
Episodes mentioned: 1983 the Year the Cold War Almost Turned Hot https://coldwarconversations.com/episode316/
CNN Original Series Secrets & Spies: A Nuclear Game https://cnncreativemarketing.com/project/secrets-spies/
The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly or annual 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/
Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 hr 11 min
May 31, 2024 The President’s Kill List - Assassination and US Foreign Policy since 1945 (349)
Luca Trenta is an associate professor at Swansea University and has recently authored The President's Kill List: Assassination and US Foreign Policy Since 1945. We dig in detail into the contents of the book delving into the history of Cold War CIA operations including instances of electoral interference and assassination.
Our conversation explores key historical episodes, including U.S. actions in Italy, Cuba, Chile, and assassinations in the context of the Cold War.
Case studies feature notable figures such as Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, Salvador Allende and René Schneider. Our discussion includes the impact of investigative journalism, the intricacies of covert planning, and the eventual exposure of these actions.
Luca also shares his personal story of a memorable dinner with former President Jimmy Carter.
Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode349/
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/
Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
50 min
May 28, 2024 The sinking of the USS Scorpion and the Velvet Revolution (348)
I’m a big fan of the History Daily podcast, where my good friend Lindsay Graham takes you back in time to explore a momentous moment that happened ‘on this day’ in history. Visit Historydaily.com or search History Daily in your podcast app to learn more.
As an introduction to History Daily I have selected two Cold War-themed episodes that I know you will enjoy.
The first is the story of the nuclear-powered submarine USS Scorpion which disappeared in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean with 99 men on board on May 22, 1968.
The second is the story of the Velvet Revolution when on November 17, 1989. Police violently shut down a student demonstration in Prague, sparking a revolution that ended communist rule in Czechoslovakia.

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/
Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
33 min
May 24, 2024 A US Diplomat's Son in Cold War Soviet Union, Nicaragua and Cuba (347)
In this fascinating interview, Patrick D. Joyce recounts his unique experience growing up as the son of a U.S. diplomat during the Cold War.
Living in the diplomatic community of the Soviet Union, Nicaragua, and Cuba, Patrick shares vivid memories of his father's career as a Soviet and linguistic expert, who rose to become Deputy Ambassador at both the Moscow and Havana US embassies.
The discussion touches on the juxtaposition of ordinary family life in various U.S. embassies around the world alongside the extraordinary circumstances of espionage and international relations, highlighting the complexities and contradictions of living in hostile countries during tense political times.
The narrative weaves through personal anecdotes, school experiences, interactions with local populations, and the evolving geopolitical landscape, providing a deeply personal lens on historical events.
Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode347/
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.
Patrick D. Joyce is the author of two Cold War thrillers for young adults: Back in the USSR and Strawberry Fields. Learn more about Patrick and his books at https://patrickdjoyce.com.
Obituary in The Foreign Service Journal for Patrick’s father, John M. “Mike” Joyce:
https://afsa.org/sites/default/files/flipping_book/070823/90/
“The Old Russian Legacy,” by John M. Joyce, in Foreign Policy (1984):
https://www.jstor.org/stable/1148385
“La guerra de la CIA contra Cuba,” the 1987 Cuban TV exposé that aired the night before Patrick’s family departed Havana:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqdlRcs06-Y
The Washington Post on the Cuban TV exposé:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1987/07/25/spy-charges-strain-us-cuban-ties/d1a4ecc6-a7f6-4765-9a74-16a2d925b2eb/
James Olson on Foreign Policy’s I Spy podcast, with a recently revealed backstory to the Cuban TV exposé:
https://foreignpolicy.com/podcasts/ispy/?episode=the-counterspy
Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/
Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

0:00 Introduction to Cold War Conversations
00:27 Meet Patrick D Joyce: A Diplomat's Son
01:37 Early Life and Family Background
04:44 Life in the Diplomatic Community
09:06 Experiences in the Soviet Union
19:00 Return to Moscow in the 80s
23:58 Navigating Diplomatic Life
29:06 Reflections and Writing Novels
30:13 Arrival in Managua: A Soviet Satellite
30:52 Life Amidst Conflict: The Contra War
32:41 Navigating Diplomatic Challenges
35:03 Teenage Adventures in a War-Torn City
38:04 Spies Among Us: Embassy Life Revealed
40:46 Transition to Havana: A Diplomatic Shift
42:54 Living in Havana: Between Luxury and Hostility
46:44 A Summer Job in Havana
48:04 Suspicions and Scandals: The Spy Question
54:31 Return to Moscow: A New Era
58:56 Life in Moscow: Socializing and Escaping
01:00:18 Final Departure: A Road Trip to Freedom
01:01:08 Episode Extras and Acknowledgements

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1 hr 6 min
May 17, 2024East German Army Bullying, Serving in a Brigade HQ and Military Exercises (346)
Warning: This episode does cover the subject of suicide. If you need help please use these links:
UK https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
Rest of the World https://findahelpline.com/i/iasp

Tilo shares his raw and powerful testimony of a young man conscripted into the East German military at the height of Cold War tensions. He recounts the daunting prospect of being drafted into the border guards, an assignment he was determined to avoid at all costs due to his moral opposition to the Berlin Wall and the potential to be forced into shooting unarmed escapers.

Tilo vividly describes the intense medical and psychological scrutiny he faced from military officials and shares the ingenious way he ensured he wouldn't be placed in the border guards, a tactic that involved a bold statement of conscience in front of a military panel.

The episode also delves into the harsh realities of East German military life, from the ritual humiliations of new recruits to the tragic story of a comrade's suicide attempt under the pressures of service. We explore the psychological toll of such an environment and the coping mechanisms soldiers use to survive.

Tilo also describes working in an artillery brigade headquarters, an unusual tactic to prevent Allied Military Liaison Missions from identifying their vehicles and an attack by East German paratroops during an exercise.
Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode346/
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/
Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

00:00 Trigger Warning and Introduction
00:54 Tilo's Early Life and Draft Experience
02:43 Avoiding the Border Guards
10:27 Life in the Artillery Brigade
14:37 Harsh Realities and Hazing
18:14 Comrade's Suicide Attempt
35:03 Zyklus 89 Exercise and Conclusion

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49 min
May 10, 2024 America's Cold War Scottish Bastion (345)
David McKay is a former Cold War special forces officer and author of Bubbleheads, SEALs and Wizards: America's Scottish Bastion in the Cold War.
His book highlights the Scottish bases' significant role in supporting the US military over three decades.
David brings his expertise into play, examining this intriguing story by reaching out to more than one hundred veterans and expert witnesses. Their contributions reveal the personal stories of history, not high-end diplomacy.
We also delve into the espionage efforts mounted by the KGB against these bases through trawlers and agents on the ground.
Among the many stories that David details are the nuclear missile submarine operations from Holy Loch, the large radio spy stations and reveals for the first time one of America’s most bizarre intelligence gathering activities of the early Cold War.
Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode345/
Buy the book and support us here https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781849955546
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/
Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

00:00 Introducing Cold War Conversations and David Mackay
01:54 David Mackay: From Paratrooper to Cold War Historian
05:30 The Strategic Importance of Scottish Bases in the Cold War
08:32 Project Genetrix: Balloons, Espionage, and Cold War Ingenuity
16:49 The U.S. Submarine Base in Scotland: Strategic Decisions and Local Impact
26:55 Espionage and Security: Spies, Spetsnaz, and Surveillance
33:20 The Soviet Presence in Scotland: Trawlers, Spies, and Local Encounters
41:25 Close Encounters of the Naval Kind
42:09 The Cat and Mouse of Cold War Submarines
42:53 Espionage and a High Seas Emergency
44:13 Gathering Intel
46:21 Signals Intelligence and the Scottish Connection
56:14 The Strategic Importance of Machrihanish
01:04:56 Prestwick Airport: A Cold War Crossroads
01:08:29 Reflecting on the Cuban Missile Crisis
01:11:37 Personal Anecdotes and Cold War Reflections

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1 hr 20 min

About Cold War Conversations

From the publisher's feed

"Listening to even one episode of "Cold War Conversations" will make this sprawling, potentially intimidating period of history feel vivid and compelling." The New York Times