Allan Little recounts his journey from his student days in Edinburgh to working as a journalist the front lines of Cold War history in Eastern Europe and beyond.

In 1989 he found himself on the night shift at the BBC’s Today programme in London when the Berlin Wall fell. Witnessing the world change in real time Allan’s desire to be part of these monumental events grew stronger.

He shares is his experience as a journalist during the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia. Allan describes the electrifying atmosphere of Wenceslas Square and the fear of a violent crackdown.

Allan also takes us to Romania during the fall of Nicolae Ceaușescu's brutal regime. He recounts in detail the chaos, the gunfire, and the bloody reality of the revolution’s human cost .

The episode also delves into his time covering the 1991 Gulf War in Baghdad. He describes the eerie experience of watching the city being bombed from his hotel room and the resilience of the people around him.

As the episode draws to a close, Allan reflects on the lessons he's learned from his career. He reminds us that while we may know what a society is transitioning from, we should be cautious in predicting what it is transitioning to. His insights are a powerful reminder of the complexities of history and the importance of journalism.

Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode357/

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.

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Thomas Maier an investigative journalist is our guide to the shadowy world of organized crime and espionage where shares insights from his extensive research and writing, including his latest book and drama documentary "Mafia Spies," which explores the unlikely alliance between the CIA and the Mafia in their attempts to assassinate Fidel Castro.

We dive into the lives of two central figures in "Mafia Spies": Sam Giancana and Johnny Roselli. Giancana, the head of the Chicago mob in the early 1960s, and Roselli, the mafia's fixer in Hollywood, had a complex relationship that intertwined with the glamorous world of celebrities and the dark underworld of organized crime. Thomas elaborates on Giancana's personal turmoil following the sudden death of his wife and his increasing involvement with Roselli in Las Vegas.

We explore the intriguing character of Judy Campbell, who was introduced to Frank Sinatra and eventually to John F. Kennedy, becoming a key player in this intricate web of relationships.

The episode uncovers the CIA's covert operations to eliminate Castro, detailing the various assassination attempts and the involvement of Mafia figures like Giancana and Roselli. Thomas provides a fascinating look at the historical context and the extensive espionage network set up by Castro with the help of the Soviets.

We also examine the ethical implications of the CIA's collaboration with the Mafia, the internal conflicts within the U.S. government, and the ultimate fates of Giancana and Roselli.

The Paramount Showtime series based on "Mafia Spies," is released on July 16, and promises to bring this captivating story to a wider audience.

Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode356/

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/

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Bärbel was born in a village near Magdeburg in 1962, She explores her personal and professional life growing up in East Germany.

We delve into her family's views on the East German government, her journey to becoming a teacher, and her experiences teaching English. We cover gender roles and the pressures to become a member of the communist party.

Also discussed are the ideological and societal differences between East and West Germany, as well as the impact of the Berlin Wall's fall.

Bärbel reflects on her career transition post-reunification, her family's life, the significant changes in Magdeburg and details her first trip to the UK.

Highlighting the joy and challenges she faced, the episode provides a comprehensive insight into the daily life and career of a teacher in East Germany.

Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode355/

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/

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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/

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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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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/

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Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

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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/

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Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

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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/

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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/

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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/

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Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

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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/

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Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

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