Cold War Conversations

Cold War Conversations

Download on the App Store
  • Favorites

    207

    Followers

  • Typical duration

    60 min

    per episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

Cold War Conversations episodes

  • Ron - a veteran of the Korean War & the Malayan Emergency (195)

    Ron Knight served in the Royal Marines on HMS Belfast during the Korean War of 1950-53. He was a gunner and describes the shore bombardments and how his gun was used in anti-aircraft defence. We also hear Ron describe life aboard the Belfast during this period

    Ron also served with the Royal Marine Commando during the Malayan Emergency which was a guerrilla war fought in the Federation of Malaya between Communist pro-independence fighters against the armed forces of the British Empire and Commonwealth between 1948 and 1960.

    He shares details of the dangers of jungle warfare including from their own air force! 

    I’m asking listeners 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, you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us and sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.

    I am delighted to welcome Ron Knight to our Cold War conversation…

    There’s further information on this episode here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode195/

    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.

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

    Please leave a review.

    If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a written review.


    0:00 Introduction and Ron Knight's early life and training

    2:35 Ron Knight's experiences in the Royal Marines and HMS Belfast

    9:01 Discussing air attacks on HMS Belfast and life on board

    17:42 Royal Marines' shore raids and interactions with American forces

    20:20 Shift in relations with Japan and interactions with Chinese and North Korean POWs

    21:45 Encounter with Typhoon Ruth and its impact on HMS Belfast

    26:58 Incident of a man overboard and transfer to 45 commando

    29:23 Ron Knight's experiences in the Korean and Malayan jungles

    38:20 Communication, safety measures and recognizing friendly units in the jungle

    43:39 Reflecting on dangerous moments in service and transition to HMS Victory

    51:13 Outro and Patron Acknowledgement

    Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨

    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

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

    56 min
  • The Gouzenko Affair - the start of the Cold War (194)

    Igor Gouzenko exposed Soviet intelligence's efforts to steal nuclear secrets as well as the technique of planting sleeper agents. The "Gouzenko Affair" is often credited as a triggering event of the Cold War, with historian Jack Granatstein stating it was "the beginning of the Cold War for public opinion" and journalist Robert Fulford writing he was "absolutely certain the Cold War began in Ottawa".

    I talk with Andrew Kavchak the author of Remembering Gouzenko: The Struggle to Honour a Cold War Hero and Evy Wilson, the daughter of Igor and Svetlana Gouzenko.

     If you are enjoying the podcast, you can show your support via a monthly donation of $4, £3 or €3 via Patreon, plus 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 Andrew and Evy to our Cold War conversation…


    There’s further information on this episode can be found here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode194/

    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.

    0:00 Introduction and Background of Igor Gouzenko

    2:41 Interview with Andrew Kavchak and Evie Wilson begins

    13:55 Aftermath of Gouzenko's Defection and the Following Trials

    23:30 Introduction of Evie Wilson, Daughter of Igor Guzenko

    33:55 Wilson Family's Relocation and Life in the Greater Toronto Area

    43:33 Evie's Discovery of Her Family's Unique Situation and Origin

    52:36 The Incident of the Wilsons' Mailbox Getting Blown Up

    1:00:22 Evy Wilson's Life and Relatives in the Soviet Union

    1:04:26 Andrew Kavchak's Journey to Commemorate the Gouzenko Story

    Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨

    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

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

    1 hr 18 min
  • Flying the F-111 nuclear bomber (193)

    Rick Shreve was a USAF F111 pilot based at RAF Lakenheath in the UK. We hear about his early USAF career as a fighter pilot, then we move onto his transfer to the F111 and how he was trained to carry out nuclear as well as conventional missions against the Warsaw Pact forces in Europe. He describes his low-level training missions to attack targets in the Soviet Union and East Germany and recalls a near-fatal incident amongst the Scottish lochs.

    Rick was also part of one of the crews that flew on Operation El Dorado Canyon, the operation to bomb Libya in April 1986 in retaliation for the West Berlin discotheque bombing ten days earlier.

    Rick gives you a frank view of his role in the USAF and his approach to the huge responsibilities he carried.

    In his later career, he flew civil airliners with Pan-Am and recalls how he was astonished to fly over the Warsaw Pact airfield he had been tasked to attack in the event of war…

    If you have listened this far, I know you are enjoying the podcasts so I’m asking for donations 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, you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us and sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.

    I am delighted to welcome Rick to our Cold War conversation…

    There’s further information including photos and videos here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode193/

    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.

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

    0:00 Introduction and Rick Shreve's initial experiences in the Air Force

    10:00 Rick's experiences with debriefing, training evaluations, and handling nukes

    16:18 Rick's transfer to RAF Lakenheath and differences between flying an F 111 and the F4 Phantom

    26:24 Noise complaints, rules for flying in different countries, and Rick's training in escape and evasion

    37:27 Details of a nuclear mission and Rick's view on dropping a nuclear weapon

    46:04 Operation El Dorado Canyon: The 1986 bombing of Libya

    56:11 Role as the Nuclear Alert Force Commander at Lakenheath

    1:00:33 Salty Nation: Preparing for operational readiness inspections

    1:13:48 Rick Shreve discusses dangerous flying incidents and the mindset of military pilots

    1:19:46 Rick Shreve's transition to Pan Am and his involvement in Desert Storm

    1:24:13 Reminder for listeners to visit our Facebook discussion group

    Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨

    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

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

    1 hr 29 min
  • The forgotten cosmonaut (192)

    This week it's the 60th anniversary of the flight of Gherman Titov on Vostok 2. The forgotten 2nd cosmonaut overshadowed by the exploits of his friend Yuri Gagarin.

    Titov’s 25.3 hours and 17 orbits flight was much more ambitious than Gagarin’s and more dangerous. It was also a very political flight, intending to distract the world from the building of the Berlin Wall a number of days later. 

    However, there’s more to Titov than his flight, he was different character to most of the Soviet cosmonauts with a love of pre-Soviet literary classics and enjoying his own company.

    He was also one of the most colourful characters of the Soviet space program leading a wild life back on Earth with various car crashes and scrapes. 

    I’m sure regular listeners will be pleased to hear we have Stephen Walker back, the author of Beyond: The Astonishing Story of the First Human to Leave Our Planet and Journey into Space.


    Do check out our previous episode on Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode172/

    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 do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.

    I am delighted to welcome Stephen Walker back to our Cold War conversation…

    There’s further information on this episode in our show notes which can also be found as a link in your podcast app here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode192

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

    0:00 Introduction and overview of German Titov's character

    0:45 The political implications of Titov's groundbreaking flight

    2:20 Guest introduction: Stephen Walker

    3:53 The Cold War context of Titov's flight

    7:22 Titov's rebellious nature and the cosmonaut program's rule-breaking

    26:37 Training for Titov's mission, Vostok 2

    29:24 The significance and firsts of Titov's 25-hour mission

    35:14 Titov's life post-mission: fame, scandal, and tragedy

    42:13 The technical issues and risks of Titov's mission

    47:38 Titov's role in the Soviet Moon mission and the Spiral project

    52:23 Reflections on Titov's legacy and closing remarks

    Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨

    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

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

    57 min
  • A workers view of Poland from Łódź in 1986 (191)

    Evan McGilvray has written a number of books on Poland as well as biographies. He is well versed in Poland and Polish society and away from the usual locations of Krakow and Warsaw.

    Evan first visited Poland in 1986, 5 years after the declaration of martial law which triggered the suppression of the free trade union Solidarity in December 1981. He visited some friends he had made via correspondence, who lived in the city of Łódź. He provides us with a great insight away from the intelligentsia as his friends were workers. We hear in some detail how the communist party was perceived, life as a worker, as well as views on Lech Walesa and Solidarity.

    In the 1990s Evan interviewed General Jaruzelski, who as First Secretary of the Polish United Workers' Party (aka the communist party) gave the martial law order in 1981 and remained head of state until 1989. 

    Extra info, and videos are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode191/

    If you are enjoying the podcast please tell your friends you can really help us grow the number of listeners.

    Now I need help to continue to track down these unknown stories of the Cold war and ensure they are preserved before they are lost. If you can spare it I’m asking listeners to pledge a small monthly amount per month to help keep us on the air (larger amounts are welcome too) plus you can get a sought after CWC coaster as a monthly financial supporter of the podcast and you bask in the warm glow of knowing you helping preserve Cold War history.

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

    Peter Ryan is our host today and I am delighted to welcome Evan McGilvray 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.

    0:00 Introduction

    3:00 Interview with Evan McGilvray: His interest in Poland and first impressions

    16:45 Life in Poland: The average worker, shopping, self-sufficiency, and popular culture

    26:16 Surveillance and influence of the Catholic church in Poland

    29:07 Impressions and interactions with the communist regime in Poland

    33:05 Impressions of the Soviet Union and Russian forces in Poland

    36:21 Impressions of Lech Walesa in Poland and his transition to mainstream

    40:19 Contacts with solidarity in Poland and encounters with General Jaruzelski

    44:56 General Jaruzelski's efforts to correct the record

    49:33 Reminder to check out extra information and videos

    Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨

    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

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

    55 min
  • Unforgotten in the Gulf of Tonkin (190)

    On November 18, 1965, U.S. Navy pilot Willie Sharp ejected from his F-8 fighter after being hit while positioned over a target in North Vietnam. With a cloud layer beneath him, he did not know if he was over land-where he would most certainly be captured or killed by the North Vietnamese or over the Gulf of Tonkin. As he ejected, both navy and air force aircraft were already heading toward him to help. 

    Thanks to Dennis DeFreitas and his Youtube video of Willie’s shootdown available here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md9oNlLYEr8

    Co-host James Chilcott speaks with former military flight test engineer Eileen A. Bjorkman, who has written “Unforgotten in the Gulf of Tonkin A Story of the U.S. Military's Commitment to Leave No One Behind” The book includes nail-biting descriptions of air combat, flight, and rescue as Bjorkman places Willie Sharp's story in the larger context of the U.S. military's bedrock credo-No Man Left Behind-and calls attention to the more than eighty thousand Americans still missing from conflicts since World War I. She also explores the devastating aftershocks of the Vietnam War as Willie Sharp struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder.


    Buy the book and support the Podcast

    UK listeners buy the book here https://amzn.to/3rtpJDe

    US Listeners buy the book here https://amzn.to/3zwLVPA

    If you have listened this far, I know you are enjoying the podcasts so I’m asking for donations 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 Eileen Bjorkman to our Cold War conversation…

    There’s further information and details of our book giveaway here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode190/

    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. 

    T0:00 Introduction and Overview of the episode

    2:47 Guest Introduction: Eileen Bjorkman

    6:37 Combat Search and Rescue during the Vietnam War

    11:53 Willie Sharp's Mission and Rescue Operation

    28:56 Willie's Ejection, Descent, and Capture

    40:31 Willie's Escape and Confrontation with Fishermen

    47:17 Final Rescue Operation and Post-Rescue Plans

    52:04 Improvements in Rescue Operations during the War

    1:02:08 Reflection on Dramatic Events and Acknowledgment of Patrons

    1:03:21 Encouragement to Join Facebook Discussion Group and Closing Remarks

    Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨


    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

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

    1 hr 9 min
  • Philippe - A French soldier in Cold War Berlin (189)

    The French Forces in Berlin were the units of the French Armed Forces stationed from 1945 until the end of the Cold War-era in West Berlin according to the agreements of the Yalta Conference and Potsdam Conference. 

    The troops were the French counterparts to the United States' Berlin Brigade and the United Kingdom's Berlin Infantry Brigade in the city. 

    Philippe was stationed in Berlin from 1972 to 1973 with the French army for his military service. He did not volunteer and was not too happy at first, but started enjoying life outside of the “Quartier Napoleon” as it was called, near the Tegel airport.

    His role was in Signals intelligence and during the day he listened to FM radio transmissions of the East German Army as well as the Soviets (GFSA). 

    If you are enjoying the podcast, you can help me to keep producing these episodes by a small monthly donation via Patreon, plus 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, you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us and sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.

    I am delighted to welcome Philippe to our Cold War conversation…

    There’s further information on this episode here.  https://coldwarconversations.com/episode189/

    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 in Facebook.

    0:00 Introduction and Philippe's experience in Berlin

    4:58 Philippe's training and move to Landau

    13:43 Philippe's posting to Berlin and initial impressions

    18:15 French counterintelligence's investigation into Philippe's relationship

    22:35 The French sector in Berlin and tensions with American interests

    28:42 French military lifestyle in Berlin

    33:53 Attitude of Berlin locals towards foreign soldiers

    38:39 Sightseeing and political discussions in East Berlin

    46:30 Leaving Berlin and life after service

    50:31 Communication and encryption methods during the Cold War

    Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨


    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

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

    1 hr
  • A Czechoslovak family's escape to Austria (188)

    We continue Drea Hahn’s story with her family’s escape to Austria and the realities of being a refugee. 

    In 1986, under the pretext of a “ski trip” to Yugoslavia Drea’s family escaped to Austria. We hear about the sadness of being unable to tell anyone they were leaving and how her relatives were summoned to the police station to be detained for questioning. They didn’t communicate with anyone at “home” until 1989 or 1990 because it was too dangerous.

    Once, in Austria, there was no certainty that that Drea’s family wouldn’t be handed back to Czechoslovakia as Austria was neutral and the government was keen to stay on good terms with their neighbours.

    Drea’s family were in Austria for about 2 years living in a single room with a shared bathroom. We hear from her about the challenges of life as a child refugee in rural Austria.

    In 1988 permission was granted to emigrate to the US and we hear of their elation when they arrive.

    Extra info, photos and videos are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode188

    If you are enjoying the podcast please leave a written review in Apple podcasts or share us on social media. By telling your friends you can really help us grow the number of listeners.

    Now I need help to continue to track down these unknown stories of the Cold war and ensure they are preserved. If you can spare it I’m asking listeners to pledge a small monthly amount per month to help keep us on the air (larger amounts are welcome too) plus you can get a sought after CWC coaster as a monthly financial supporter of the podcast and you bask in the warm glow of knowing you helping preserve Cold War history.

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


     I am delighted to welcome Drea Hahn back to our Cold War conversation…

    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.

    0:00 Introduction to Drea Hahn's family's escape from Czechoslovakia

    1:27 Listener support and testimonials

    8:08 Comparison of individual and family escapes from the Eastern Bloc

    12:04 Access to STB files and the decision to escape

    19:20 Planning and executing the escape to Austria

    27:36 The tense border crossing and seeking asylum in Austria

    33:07 Adjusting to life as refugees in Austria

    41:28 Visit from grandparents and the Czechoslovakian government's persuasion program

    45:48 Journey to America and initial days in the new country

    51:03 The fall of the Berlin Wall and the Velvet Revolution: Impact and decisions

    57:50 The role of Cold War Conversations podcast in uncovering personal histories

    Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨

    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

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

    1 hr 4 min
  • Drea - A Cold War Czechoslovak childhood (187)

    Drea Hahn was born in Czechoslovakia in 1980 in Teplice. Her mother was a secretary and her father was an engineer but refused to join the communist party and this was a source of tension in Drea’s family. 

    She was partly raised by her grandparents and her grandmother shared stories about growing up in “the Protectorate”, the name given to the area of Czechoslovakia occupied by the Germans in World War 2. 

    Drea tells of a typical Czech childhood – her school friends, fond memories of school trips, and summers at their chata (country house).

    A more sinister side of life was getting in trouble for being a chatty kid and being cautioned with the phrase “walls have ears”.

    Extra info, and videos are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode187/

    If you are enjoying the podcast please leave a written review in Apple podcasts or share us on social media. By telling your friends you can really help us grow the number of listeners.

    Now I need help to continue to track down these unknown stories of the Cold war and ensure they are preserved. If you can spare it I’m asking listeners to pledge a small monthly amount per month to help keep us on the air (larger amounts are welcome too) plus you get a sought after CWC coaster as a monthly financial supporter of the podcast and bask in the warm glow of knowing you helping preserve Cold War history.

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

    I am delighted to welcome Drea Hahn to our Cold War conversation…

    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 in Facebook.

    0:00 Introduction to the episode and guest Drea Hahn

    0:47 Request for listener support

    2:29 Drea's fascination with everyday history and her decision to share her experiences

    7:54 Drea's family background during World War 2

    15:14 The presence and regulation of religion in Czechoslovakia during the Cold War

    17:47 The impact of socialism and communism on daily life

    21:35 Misconceptions about the isolation of the Eastern Bloc

    30:56 Drea's parents' wedding and her birth

    33:29 Ideological teachings in school and the fear of non-conformity

    38:16 Travel restrictions and permits within Eastern Bloc countries

    44:13 Membership in the Communist Party and the associated documentation

    47:50 Teaser for the next episode

    48:26 Acknowledging the supporters and patrons of the podcast

    Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨

    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

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

    54 min
  • An evening with Kim Philby (186)

    Ben Brown is the writer of A Splinter of Ice, a play that portrays the meeting in Moscow in 1987 of one of the greatest novelists of the 20th century, Graham Greene and his old MI6 boss, Kim Philby, one of Britain's most notorious spies... and a traitor. 


    Graham Greene never divulged any details of the meeting and Ben’s play imagines what might have been. We discuss the play, as well as how Philby and Greene’s lives intertwined. 


    It’s a story of two men catching up on old times, but with a new world order breaking around them how much did the writer of The Third Man know about Philby's secret life as a spy? Did Philby betray his friend as well as his country..?


     A trailer and other videos are available in our episode notes here www.coldwarconversations.com/episode186/


    If you have listened this far, I know you are enjoying the podcasts so I’m asking for one-off or monthly donations 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 Ben Brown to our Cold War conversation…


    There’s further information on this episode here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode186/


    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.


    0:00 Introduction to the episode and discussion on "A Splinter of Ice"

    3:07 Deep dive into Kim Philby’s life, his relationship with Graham Green, and their portrayal in the media

    17:25 Exploration of Philby's rise in the security services and overlooked communist credentials

    25:05 Discussion on why Green left MI6 and the research used for the play

    31:05 Examination of John La Carre's opinion of Philby and his influence on La Carre's work

    35:04 Discussion on the political climate in the 1930s, the rise of fascism and its impact

    44:59 Discussion on actors' preparation for their roles in the play

    51:35 Exploration of Philby's life in Russia, his struggles and the role of Ruth in his life

    Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨


    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

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

    1 hr

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

Best of Cold War Conversations

Ranked by our users in the last 21 days

More shows like Cold War Conversations

The WW2 Podcast by Angus Wallace

The WW2 Podcast

1,241 Listeners

SpyCast by SpyCast

SpyCast

1,533 Listeners

Dan Snow's History Hit by History Hit

Dan Snow's History Hit

4,754 Listeners

Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues | Current Affairs by Secrets & Spies

Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues | Current Affairs

276 Listeners

WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk by Goalhanger

WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

1,390 Listeners

True Spies: Espionage | Investigation | Crime | Murder | Detective | Politics by SPYSCAPE

True Spies: Espionage | Investigation | Crime | Murder | Detective | Politics

1,938 Listeners

In Moscow's Shadows by Mark Galeotti

In Moscow's Shadows

363 Listeners

Real Dictators by NOISER

Real Dictators

5,243 Listeners

Warfare by History Hit

Warfare

531 Listeners

SPYCRAFT 101 by Justin Black

SPYCRAFT 101

352 Listeners

Battleground by Goalhanger

Battleground

338 Listeners

WW1: Not So Quiet On The Western Front! by Dan Hill and Dr. Spencer Jones

WW1: Not So Quiet On The Western Front!

141 Listeners

The Spy Who by Audible Original

The Spy Who

612 Listeners

WW2: Both Sides of The Wire by Prof. Matthias Strohn & Jesse Alexander

WW2: Both Sides of The Wire

97 Listeners

The Rest Is Classified by Goalhanger

The Rest Is Classified

1,076 Listeners