Cold War Conversations

I talk with the writers and editors of Terrorism in the Cold War a new two volume book that uses a wide range of case studies including Polish Military Intelligence and Its Secret Relationship with the Abu Nidal Organization and Gladio – Myth and Reality: The Origins and Function of Stay Behind in the Case of Post-war Austria. 

The book sheds new light on the relations between state and terrorist actors, allowing for a fresh and much more insightful assessment of the contacts, dealings, agreements and collusion with terrorist organizations undertaken by state actors on both sides of the Iron Curtain.

You will learn that these state-terrorism relationships were not only much more ambiguous than much of the older literature had suggested but are, in fact, crucial for the understanding of global political history in the Cold War era.

If you are enjoying the podcast I could use some support to enable me to continue recording these incredible stories. If you become a monthly supporter via Patreon, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.

There's more in the episode notes here coldwarconversations.com/episode205/

I am delighted to welcome Thomas Riegler, Przemyslaw Gasztold and Adrian Hänni to our Cold War conversation…

Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated.

Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/

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0:00 Introduction

0:10 Examination of state terrorism relationships during the Cold War era

4:15 Debunking myths around Cold War terrorism

10:23 Discussion on Eastern Bloc nations and their dealings with terrorist organizations

17:16 Examination of the Italian Red Brigades' relationship with the Soviet Bloc

23:23 Introduction to the case studies: Abu Nidal Organization and its leader

33:51 Research into Polish military intelligence's relationship with the Abu Nidal Organization

41:07 Introduction to Thomas Riegler's chapter: Gladio Myth and Reality

53:46 The United Kingdom's development of a stay-behind network during the Cold War

55:05 Acknowledgements and closing remarks

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Emanuela Grama was born in the mid-1970s’ in a small provincial town in Eastern Romania. She provides us with a great insight into life in the Romanian provinces during the 1980s. 

Emanuela lived in a small two-bedroom flat and tells of her parents working in a factory while her grandparents looked after her.

Her father listened secretly to Radio Free Europe and collected stamps so he could legitimately write to people in the West.

Her parents told her not to talk at school about what was said at home and to be very careful what she said to friends.

Emanuela vividly recalls the day the revolution started in 1989, Emanuela was at home alone and she described the instant atmosphere of change and the weeks and months after. 

We also hear about Emanuela’s book, Socialist Heritage: The Politics of Past and Place in Romania which traces the transformation of Bucharest’s Old Town district where under socialism, politicians and professionals used the district’s historic buildings to emphasize the city’s Romanian past and erase its ethnically diverse history.

I’m asking listeners to support my work and enable me to continue recording these incredible stories. If you become a monthly supporter via Patreon, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode, visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.

 Further details , including photos are in our episode notes at https://coldwarconversations.com/episode204/

James Chilcott is our host and I am delighted to welcome James and Emanuela to our Cold War conversation…

Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated.

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

0:00 Introduction and background of Emanuela Grama

4:49 Absence of Jewish history in Romanian education and Emanuela's early life

14:40 Emanuela's childhood, influence of Western literature, and school experience under communist regime

26:55 Revelation of the fall of Ceausescu regime and experience during the revolution

34:22 Introduction to Emanuela Grama's book 'Socialist Heritage' and discussion on political changes in Romania

40:49 The state of Romanian high schools post 1990 and reflections on Romania's past and present

46:24 Understanding ethnographic research and the ethnic diversity in Romania

49:30 The rise of the secondhand clothes market and longing for Western media in Romania

55:43 Emanuela's published poem and changes made by editors

59:22 Closing remarks and mention of Cold War Conversations store

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Pete Curran served with BRIXMIS, the British Military Liaison Mission in East Germany. Their operation was established by a post-WWII Allied occupation forces' agreement, where British, US and French missions had relative freedom to travel and collect intelligence throughout East Germany from 1947 until 1990. 

Pete’s story starts with details of his vetting interview, driver training, and his first tour in East Germany. We also hear of the intelligence scoops he was involved in and some of his close scrapes while evading both the Soviets and the Stasi including one with a Soviet helicopter.

We also hear of the role of the driver in the three-man teams, the incredible camaraderie of the unit, as well as the pressure on their loved ones. 

I know from my stats that a lot of you really enjoy the podcast. It is an absolute passion for me to save these stories from being forgotten and sharing them weekly for free for everyone to hear. 

Whilst this is a passion, I am asking if each listener could make either a one-off or better still sign up for monthly donations to help me to find the time to produce and finance the project.

If you’d like to know more just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.

I am delighted to welcome Pete Curran to our Cold War conversation…

UK BRIXMIS books https://amzn.to/3ljkK6I

US BRIXMIS books https://amzn.to/3ae2HZs

There’s further information including videos here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode203

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.

Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated.

Radio GDR

If you are interested in East Germany we can highly recommend our friends over at Radio GDR.

Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/

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Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations

0:00 Introduction and guest introduction: Pete Curran

3:00 Pete Curran's journey into BRIXMIS and training experiences

8:40 Pete's first posting to Berlin and impressions

15:21 Role of the Mission House and Pete's first mission to East Germany

20:02 Interactions with other military liaison missions and vehicle maintenance

24:45 Driver's decision-making authority and tour operations

28:07 Memorable incidents during tours: The Halle Incident and evading a helicopter

35:40 Reflections on the Andreotti incident and sharing experiences with other drivers

41:40 Interactions with East German citizens and encounters with UK civilian vehicles

45:29 The day the Berlin Wall came down and aftermath

54:06 The camaraderie amongst the BRIXMIS and souvenirs from the time

56:14 Acknowledgment of patrons and closing remarks

57:21 Store advertisement and final goodbye

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Frank Olson was an American bacteriologist, biological warfare scientist, and employee of the United States Army Biological Warfare Laboratories. In 1953 at a meeting in rural Maryland, he was covertly dosed with LSD by his boss Sidney Gottlieb, who was the head of the CIA's MKUltra mind control program.

Nine days later, Olson plunged to his death from the window of the Hotel Statler. The U.S. government first described his death as a suicide, and then as misadventure, while others allege murder. The story was made into the Netflix film "Wormwood".

I speak with Paul Vidich, the acclaimed author of The Coldest Warrior, An Honorable Man, The Good Assassin and The Mercenary. He is also the nephew of Frank Olson.

UK link to Paul Vidich Books

US link to Paul Vidich Books

This podcast relies on listener support to enable me to continue to capture these incredible stories and make them available for free. You can support my work and help to preserve Cold War history via one-off or monthly donations

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ for more details.

If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.

I am delighted to welcome Paul Vidich to our Cold War conversation…

Further information on this episode https://coldwarconversations.com/episode202/

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.

Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye.

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

0:00 Introduction and background of Frank Olsen

2:22 Introduction to guest, Paul Vidich and his book, "The Coldest Warrior"

5:29 Frank's involvement in the Artichoke Committee and MK Ultra

18:40 Frank's psychological turmoil and the lead up to his mysterious death

24:55 Investigation into Sydney Gottlieb's motives and the aftermath of Frank's death

33:02 The Olsen family's pursuit for truth and meeting with President Ford

38:04 Political implications of the Olsen case for President Ford's administration

42:42 Connection between the Olsen case and harsh interrogation programs

45:48 Meetings with key figures from the MK Ultra project

50:38 Exhumation and examination of Frank Olsen's body

57:01 Thanks to patrons, episode notes, Facebook group, and store

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Squadron Leader John Robinson AFC (ret’d) was an RAF pilot who was tasked to fly into the mushroom clouds of nuclear bomb tests to capture samples at Operation Buffalo at Maralinga in 1956, and Operation Grapple, at Christmas Island in 1957. 

He tells of his recruitment into RAF, initial training and his cloud sampling missions as well his experiences of watching the tests from as little as five miles away. 

It is reckoned that over 22,000 British servicemen participated in the British and American nuclear tests and clean-ups between 1952-1965, along with scientists from the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment and civilians. The majority of men have passed away, and around a tenth of the men remain.

I was honoured that the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association (BNVTA) invited me to their annual reunion and enabled me to capture some of their veterans’ stories. 

I could really use your help to support my work and enable me to continue producing the podcast. If you become a monthly supporter, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.

I am delighted to welcome John Robinson to our Cold War conversation…

There’s further information including videos on this link https://coldwarconversations.com/episode201/

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.

Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye.

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

0:00 Introduction and Squadron Leader John Robinson's Cold War journey

2:03 Sponsor: Cold War Conversations' Patron Support

4:13 John Robinson's early career and Cold War aircraft training

15:11 Special duties in Australia and encounter with atom bombs

28:30 The mission into the mushroom cloud and gathering radiation data

34:33 Life in Christmas Island and preparations for larger weapons

45:52 Post atom bomb missions and John's illness 

48:19 John Robinson's radiation exposure and journey back home

52:04 High altitude sampling and ditching the aircraft plan

53:42 Closing remarks by Ian Sanders and appreciation for patrons

54:50 Cold War Conversations store reminder

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We hear of Joanna's heartbreak when her visa is refused, preventing her from marrying Yuri. However, using an ingenious method she manages an emotional reunion and eventual marriage as the Soviet Union begins to dissolve.

Details of the book giveaway are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode200/

Part one is here and part 2 here 

Joanna’s book, Red Wave written with her singer/songwriter daughter, Madison, includes Stingray’s extensive collection of photographs, artworks, and interviews with the musicians.

Buy the book and support the podcast here

UK listeners https://amzn.to/3rwItSz

US listeners https://amzn.to/3zyvbHX

If you are enjoying the podcasts I’m asking for donations to support my work and enable me to continue producing the podcast. If you become a monthly supporter via Patreon, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.

I am delighted to welcome Joanna Stingray to our Cold War conversation

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

0:00 Introduction and book giveaway announcement

2:54 Interview with Joanna Stingray begins

12:08 Joanna's risky journey to Leningrad with her mother

24:34 Joanna's reunion and NBC coverage in Russia

30:19 Joanna's dilemma about leaving Russia and her marriage

34:03 Rise of rock bands amidst political changes in Russia

39:16 Joanna's unconventional Russian wedding

46:07 Impact of Glasnost and fall of communism on Russian bands

51:05 Shift in Russian society and music taste in the 90s

53:53 Closing remarks and patron acknowledgements

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Joanna is questioned by the KGB and the FBI, falls in love with Yuri and starts to smuggle the bands' music out of the Soviet Union to produce the album.

Details of the book giveaway are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode199/

Part one is here and part 3 here

Joanna’s book, Red Wave written with her singer/songwriter daughter, Madison, includes Stingray’s extensive collection of photographs, artworks, and interviews with the musicians.

Buy the book and support the podcast here

UK listeners https://amzn.to/3rwItSz

US listeners https://amzn.to/3zyvbHX

If you are enjoying the podcasts I’m asking for donations to support my work and enable me to continue producing the podcast. If you become a monthly supporter via Patreon, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.

I am delighted to welcome Joanna Stingray to our Cold War conversation…

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

0:00 Introduction and Joanna Stingray's background

3:15 Joanna Stingray's first encounter with the KGB

9:27 Joanna's experiences with the band Kino and living in Soviet Union

15:11 The idea of bringing Soviet music to the US and collaboration with David Bowie

20:12 Struggles with record companies and signing with Big Time Records

22:29 Dealing with the FBI and KGB while collecting content for the album

26:57 Reception of the Red Wave album and its impact

31:20 Smuggling the Red Wave album into the Soviet Union

40:10 Meeting with the KGB and proposal from Yuri

46:38 Joanna Stingray's changing relationship with Russia and the music scene

54:00 Preview of the next episode and closing remarks

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Joanna Stingray was only 23 years old when she first set foot in the USSR and started meeting now-legendary musicians and artists of the Soviet underground. By 1985, she was writing and recording with them, and smuggling their music to the West in order to produce the groundbreaking album Red Wave: 4 Underground Bands from the USSR. 

This is her testimony of youthful fortitude and rebellion, her love story, and proof of the power of music and youth culture over stagnancy and oppression.

 Details of the book giveaway are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode198/

Part 2 is here and part 3 here

Joanna’s book, Red Wave written with her singer/songwriter daughter, Madison, includes Stingray’s extensive collection of photographs, artworks, and interviews with the musicians.

 Buy the book and support the podcast here

UK listeners https://amzn.to/3rwItSz

US listeners https://amzn.to/3zyvbHX

If you are enjoying the podcasts I’m asking for donations to support my work and enable me to continue producing the podcast. If you become a monthly supporter via Patreon, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.

I am delighted to welcome Joanna Stingray to our Cold War conversation…

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.

Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye.

Help Support the podcast by shopping at Amazon.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/bestsellers/books/12447630031/ref=pd_zg_hrsr_books&tag=cwcp-21

Help support the podcast with a CWC mug or maybe a t-shirt?

https://www.redbubble.com/people/Coldwarpod/shop?asc=u 

Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod

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Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/

Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations

0:00 Introduction and Joanna Stingray's journey into the Soviet Underground

1:23 Sponsor: Patreon introduction and shoutout

2:46 Joanna's initial career plans and first visit to Russia

6:14 Joanna's struggle with communication and parental concerns

11:38 Joanna's first meeting with Boris Grebenschikov

14:17 Joanna's first visit to a Soviet apartment

18:27 Joanna's realization about her own music and the language of music

23:04 Joanna's experience at an underground concert and promise to return to Russia

29:49 Joanna's offer to help the Russian music scene

36:38 Joanna's first experience at a Russian rock concert and impressions of Soviet bands

44:00 Joanna's backstage experiences and encounter with the KGB

46:40 Ian's closing remarks and Sponsor: Patreon acknowledgement

48:21 Cold War Conversations online store promotion

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Over the past, nearly two decades, the Stuck in the 80s podcast has emerged as the go-to for all aspects of 1980s nostalgia from a North American point of view. And, much like Cold War Conversations, Stuck in the 80s is an award-winning podcast.

Recognizing that decade’s popular culture was heavily influenced by the Cold War, co-host Peter Ryan organized a discussion with its curators, Steve Spears and Brad Williams.

Key topics that are covered include some of the most important songs, films, television programs of the 80s that were Cold War oriented, some of which may surprise listeners. Also discussed are the key personalities of the 1980s Cold War period, from both sides of the Iron Curtain.

This special edition of Cold War Conversations will also features a playlist on Spotify, featuring many of the songs discussed during this lively episode. We thank Brad and Steve for the chance to organize a cross-podcast discussion today and encourage listeners to visit their website sit80s.com to learn more about their dedication to keeping the nostalgia of the 1980s alive.

Help me to continue producing the podcast. Single or monthly donations really helps keep the podcast on the air.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.

I am delighted to welcome Peter Ryan, Steve Spears and Brad Williams to our Cold War conversation…

Videos relating to this episode are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode197/

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation.

Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated.

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

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I speak with Aden Magee who operated as the commander of a highly specialized Counterintelligence (CI) unit in West Germany during the last decade of the Cold War.

We talk about his book The Cold War Wilderness of Mirrors - Counterintelligence and the U.S. and Soviet Military Liaison Missions 1947–1990. This is a rare book that details some never-before documented accounts of the Soviet Military Liaison Mission (SMLM) in West Germany and the U.S. Military Liaison Mission (USMLM) in East Germany and shows how they were microcosms of the Cold War strategic intelligence and counterintelligence landscape. 

I also discuss with Aden how the book shows the impact of CIA Director James Angleton’s legacy which restricted counterintelligence operations long after his departure. 

Buy the book and help support the podcast.

UK listeners buy here

US listeners buy here

What do you think the podcast is worth to you? 

Single or monthly donations really help keep the podcast on the air.

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation.

I am delighted to welcome Aden Magee to our Cold War conversation…

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

0:00 Introduction and discussion about weapons cache sites and suitcase nukes

0:17 Introduction to guest Aden McGee and his new book about strategic intelligence and counterintelligence during the Cold War

2:05 Sponsor: Podcast donations and mention of the Cold War Conversations Facebook group

3:47 Importance of documenting Cold War stories and in-depth discussion on the Soviet military liaison missions

10:35 Rotation of tours in East Germany and their intelligence collection capabilities

14:47 US's approach to counterintelligence and the importance of the USMLM's collection asset

19:04 Soviet's stance on guarding their SMLM/SOXMIS post and the normalization of ramming and shooting incidents under international law

24:14 Access to the Soviet military liaison mission compound and its implications

28:35 Likelihood of more covert activities by the Soviet military liaison mission

34:32 U.S. intelligence betrayals to the Soviets and the impact on the Cold War

53:42 Soviet penetration agents in the FBI and CIA and case of KGB Colonel Yachenko

1:00:32 Lack of urgency in addressing the mole issue within the CIA and the damaging impact of Aldrich Ames' betrayal

1:06:21 Conclusion and introduction of Aden Magee's book "The Cold War Wilderness of Mirrors"

1:06:57 Sponsor: Acknowledgement of the show's patrons and call to action for listener support

1:07:25 Closing remarks and goodbye from host Ian Sanders

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