Michael Kimmage speaks with journalist and author Michael Thumann and writer Linda Kinstler about Thumann’s books Eisiges Schweigen and Revanche. The conversation examines the importance of place in journalism, shifts in Russia’s political environment since 2012 and the growing sense of isolation from Europe. Thumann and Kinstler discuss the experiences of foreign correspondents and Russian journalists and the value of understanding local contexts when reporting in a repressive or complex environment.

Michael Kimmage speaks with Celeste Marcus about the life and legacy of Chaim Soutine. The conversation explores Soutine’s childhood in present-day Belarus, his move to Paris and the ways identity, displacement and environment shaped his art. Marcus discusses the energy that defines Soutine’s work, the influence of nationalism and conflict on artists of his era and the contrasting interpretations of critics such as Clement Greenberg and Elie Wiesel. The episode concludes with a reflection on experiencing Soutine’s paintings in person, including at the Phillips Collection.

Western business in post Soviet Russia was full of hope, risk, and hard lessons. Charles Hecker and Thane Gustafson break down what Western companies expected, what they encountered, and how geopolitics shaped everything. They also discuss their new books, Zero Sum and The Perfect Storm, and share insights on what the future of Western business in Russia might look like.

In this episode, we sit down with historian Michael David-Fox to discuss Crucibles of Power: Smolensk Under Stalinist and Nazi Rule. The conversation goes deep into the historical significance of Smolensk, unpacking how this city became a unique lens for understanding life under two brutal regimes. We explore the complexities of archival research, the experiences of ordinary people during WWII, and the difficult but essential debates around collaboration, survival, and resistance.

The dialogue bridges past and present, showing how power, memory, and contested narratives still shape our world today. By drawing on diverse sources and perspectives, this episode highlights why understanding Smolensk’s story is crucial for interpreting both history and contemporary geopolitics.