Remember back when we spent every waking moment worried that the Soviet Union would invade the United States or decide to launch a nuclear attack since those dirty Commies couldn't handle being on the same planet with BLAZING AMERICAN FREEDOM? Man, it sure is good that we don't have to worry about THAT anymore!

We look back at the past - or prepare for the future - by remembering some pieces of pop culture that showed just how frightened or confused we were about the Soviets through the 1980s. So slam some vodka, put on a fuzzy hat and get ready for a pre-Perestroika madness.

And remember: in Russia podcast downloads YOU!

SHOW NOTES

Joint Pick

Ivan Drago, "Rocky IV"

Michael's Picks

Yakov Smirnoff

• Can Yakov Smirnoff, the King of the Cold War Comedy, Make a Comeback? - The Guardian

"Worker and Parasite" cartoon from "The Simpsons"

Superman: Red Son

• The Soviet Superman: Red Son - Today I Found Out

Richard's Picks

"Russians" by Sting

• Sting: "Russians" - The Pop History Dig

WWF Wrestler Nikolai Volkoff (or any "Russian" wrestler in the 1980s)

• Where Are They Now? WWF Superstars - Mental Floss

"Ninotchka"

• Ninotchka (1939) - AMC Filmsite

 

Jeff's Pick

The Russian Imposter on "Gilligan's Island"