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”.

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

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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

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