In this episode of The Soviet Life Podcast, host Kate Saba sits down with Professor Cathy Ross, who first visited the Soviet Union in 1989 as part of a student ambassador program. Cathy shares what it was like to walk into a world so different from her own and how, despite Cold War tensions, she was met with surprising warmth, generosity, and unforgettable hospitality.

They dive into her experiences of Russian daily life: long lines for goods, the importance of literature and poetry in schools, and the unique rhythm of meals that stretched into hours of conversation. Cathy reflects on the deep sense of community she witnessed in the USSR, where sharing resources and helping neighbors wasn’t just kindness, it was survival.

And here’s something you won’t want to miss: Cathy talks about an unusual, almost unbelievable way Soviet schools were kept clean. It’s so different from what we’re used to in American schools that you’ll want to listen through to hear exactly how it worked. This conversation is more than just a look back at the Soviet Union, it’s about the value of slowing down, savoring connection, and finding common humanity across cultures.

Key Takeaways

• Cathy’s first trip to the USSR was in 1989 with a student ambassador program.
• She was struck by the warmth and generosity of the people she met.
• Hospitality in Russia is not optional - it’s a way of life.
• Literature and poetry held a central place in Soviet education.
• Russians dressed formally for outings, unlike the more casual American style.
• Sharing and helping neighbors reflected a collective mindset.
• Soviet food preparation was labor-intensive but filled with care and tradition.
• Standing in long lines was a daily part of life.
• Cathy believes understanding Russian culture is especially important today.

Connect with Us:

Be sure to subscribe, share this episode with friends, and leave a review if you enjoyed it. Have a question or your own story to share? Reach out to Kate at [email protected].

In this solo episode, host Kate Saba opens up about the personal journey behind The Soviet Life podcast. She shares what inspired her to begin, what she’s learned along the way, and how this project has evolved into a space for collective memory, cultural connection, and meaningful storytelling. Kate reflects on the joys and challenges of podcasting, the emotional impact of hearing (and telling) Soviet-era stories, and her hopes for the podcast’s future. Whether you’re a long-time listener or just joining, this episode offers a powerful behind-the-scenes look at the mission and heart of The Soviet Life.

Why the Podcast Began

• Responding to curiosity about life in the Soviet Union after immigrating to the U.S. in 1996
• Realization that sharing personal and community stories fosters empathy and understanding
• The decision to stop waiting for the “perfect time” and just start

The Vision Behind The Soviet Life

• Creating a living archive of real Soviet and post-Soviet experiences
• Bridging cultural gaps beyond politics, especially in light of current tensions
• Shifting the focus from a personal story to a shared narrative from across the former USSR

Lessons Learned

• The hard but fulfilling work of podcasting
• Discovering the deep nostalgia many older generations feel toward aspects of Soviet life
• Understanding why some are hesitant to share — a desire to look forward, not back

Unexpected Challenges and Surprises

• Difficulty in finding guests willing to speak openly due to personal and political concerns
• The emotional depth and resilience revealed in each interview
• Challenges with translating Russian-language episodes accurately and affordably
• Facebook content blocks in Russia affecting podcast visibility

Upcoming Plans

• Launching a new short-format series: Shorts: My Soviet Life
• Creating themed episodes on topics like Soviet humor, money, and education
• Translating and releasing Russian-language interviews
• Aiming for biweekly episode releases
• Attending her first podcasting convention to improve content and sound quality

Please share your thoughts and stories about growing up in the Soviet Union or navigating cultural identity abroad, reach out at [email protected].

In this heartfelt episode of The Soviet Life, host Kate Saba sits down with Monika Dorosheff-Chamasyan, a classically trained violinist and educator who grew up in Soviet Armenia. Together, they explore what it was like to live through the Soviet era, the collapse of the regime, and the resilience it took to adapt and thrive afterward.

Monika opens up about her music education under the Soviet system, bartering for survival in post-collapse Armenia, and what it meant to bring her talents to the United States—eventually founding a thriving violin studio - Oak Hill Strigs. She also reflects on family history, the legacy of genocide, and her first impressions of America.

Through Monika’s lens, this episode offers a personal glimpse into the strength of the Armenian people, the power of culture, and the enduring spirit of those who bridge past and present across continents.

• Soviet Armenia was rich in culture and education, particularly in the arts, but life under the regime was tightly controlled and deeply influenced by Soviet ideology.
• Music education in the USSR was rigorous and valued, helping Monika develop a deep appreciation for discipline, technique, and the role of art in society.
• The collapse of the Soviet Union led to widespread economic instability, with families like Monika's turning to bartering and alternative means to survive.
• Monika’s immigration to the United States brought cultural contrast, especially in education, lifestyle, and opportunities—revealing both challenges and personal growth.
• Building a violin studio in the U.S. was not just a career step, but a way to honor her upbringing, share the values instilled through her training, and offer a distinctive approach to music education through the Suzuki method.
• The legacy of Armenian resilience—shaped by genocide, diaspora, and political upheaval—continues to influence Monika’s worldview and her commitment to community.
• Cultural identity and artistic expression are central to healing, preserving history, and building bridges between generations and countries.
• Despite hardships, there were positive aspects of Soviet life, such as access to high-quality education and strong community values, which still inform Monika's outlook today.
• Monika encourages listeners to visit Armenia, experience its rich heritage firsthand, and connect with the story of a people who have endured and thrived.

Episode Chapters:

00:55 – Armenia’s Deep Cultural Roots - brief intro of Armenia

04:20 – Childhood in Soviet Armenia

10:51 – Music Education Under the USSR

17:42 – Adapting to American Teaching Styles

22:02 – Life After the Soviet Collapse

24:57 – Family History and the Armenian Genocide

27:43 – Resilience in Post-Soviet Armenia

30:38 – Monika’s First Impressions of America

34:15 – Building a Life in the U.S.

38:22 – Culture, Purpose, and Artistic Drive

40:29 – What the USSR Got Right

42:01 – Diaspora, Family, and Global Armenian Identity

42:52 – How Armenia Is Doing Today

47:17 – A Warm Invitation to Visit Armenia

Please share your thoughts and stories about growing up in the Soviet Union or navigating cultural identity abroad, reach out at [email protected]. Follow us and leave a review to support the podcast.

Also check out Monika's studio - Oak Hills Strings - www.oakhillstrings.com

In this episode of The Soviet Life, host Kate Saba speaks with Anna Viktorovna Biroukova, who offers a heartfelt and insightful look at her life growing up in Moscow during the Soviet era—and the unexpected journey that led her to the United States just before the USSR’s collapse.

Anna Viktorovna Biroukova arrived in the U.S. just two weeks before the collapse of the Soviet Union and shares the surprising and emotional story of how she learned about the USSR’s fall. Anna shares vivid childhood memories of a close-knit community, free education, and a sense of stability that defined her early years. and reflects on how the country has evolved since. From the warmth of Soviet neighborhoods to the challenges of preserving cultural identity abroad, Anna’s story is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Whether you lived through the Cold War or are just curious about life behind the Iron Curtain, this episode is full of thoughtful reflections and lived history.

Key Takeaways:

• Anna arrived in the U.S. just before the Soviet Union collapsed, experiencing confusion and fear in the wake of sudden change.
• Growing up in Moscow, she enjoyed a happy childhood filled with strong community ties and educational opportunities.
• The Soviet Union provided key social benefits, such as free education and healthcare.
• Anna reflects on the evolving political and cultural landscape in Russia today.
• She emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural identity while living abroad.

Episode Chapters:

1. Arrival in the U.S. and the Collapse of the Soviet Union
2. Initial Reactions to the Soviet Union’s Collapse
3. Gorbachev, Politics, and Changing Narratives
4. Childhood Memories and Life in Moscow
5. Family, Neighbors, and Community Life
6. School, Sports, and Soviet Youth Activities
7. Parenting and Cultural Expectations
8. Education and Social Support Systems
9. Changes in Russia Observed Over Time
10. Navigating Life in the U.S. and Cultural Identity
11. Perspectives on War, Politics, and Media
12. Embracing Heritage: Pride in One’s Roots

Please share your thoughts and stories about growing up in the Soviet Union or navigating cultural identity abroad, reach out to me at [email protected]. Follow us and leave a review to support the podcast!

In this episode of The Soviet Life, host Kate Saba welcomes Dr. Joshua, a U.S. scientist who traveled to Russia during his high school years shortly after the fall of the Soviet Union. Through his time in the research town of Pushchino, Dr. Joshua witnessed firsthand the resilience, resourcefulness, and warmth of post-Soviet scientific life. He shares fascinating stories of working with Professor Pachatnikov — who built his own lab equipment from scratch — recalling the wedding of his Russian mentors, and observing the lasting cultural pride and camaraderie that still shaped everyday life. From communist parades and Chekhov to samovars and borscht, this episode is a heartfelt and thoughtful journey through post-Soviet science, culture, and memory.

Key Takeaways:

• Dr. Joshua visited Pushchino, a science town near Moscow, for a research program during high school.
• He observed both the limited resources and the immense ingenuity of Soviet-trained scientists.
• Despite aging facilities, labs were alive with collaboration, social rituals, and mutual respect.
• Professor Pachatnikov built his own flow cytometer from scratch—symbolizing creativity and perseverance.
• Dr. Joshua recounted a funny story related to the wedding of his two Russian mentors while abroad, highlighting personal bonds.
• He noted the deep-rooted patriotism tied to WWII, known locally as the Great Patriotic War.
• Exposure to Soviet literature, especially Chekhov, left a lasting impact.
• The Russian tea culture, with samovars, honey cake (Medovik), and borscht, offered comfort and connection.
• Dr. Joshua’s daughter, Ishara, now continues the love of literature through her own show, Ishara’s Reading Podcast.

Episode Highlights:

• "I couldn’t believe they were sending high school students to do research in Russia!"
• "Professor Pachatnikov built his own flow cytometer—that’s ingenuity."
• "You walked into the lab, and the first thing you’d see was everyone having tea."
• "Their camaraderie and social bonds were stronger than anything I’d seen."
• "I still remember the taste of borscht and honey cake."

Connect with Us:

Be sure to subscribe, share this episode with friends, and leave a review if you enjoyed it. Have a question or your own story to share? Reach out to Kate at [email protected].

Also, don’t miss Ishara’s Reading Podcast, a delightful show started by Dr. Joshua’s daughter that celebrates storytelling and reading for young listeners: Ishara's Reading Podcast

In this deeply personal and moving episode of The Soviet Life, we sit down with Aisha Aladinov to explore her powerful story of growing up in the Soviet Union. From her family's forced deportation and cultural identity struggles to her reflections on modern-day Crimea, Aisha offers a rare, firsthand account of life shaped by Soviet policies, personal sacrifice, and resilience. She also shares her experience of being Muslim under a regime that sought to erase religious expression—offering insight into both the fear and quiet defiance that defined her spiritual journey.

Topics Covered:

• Growing Up in the Soviet Union: Daily life, expectations, and the social environment
• Family History and Deportation Experiences: The trauma and legacy of displacement
• Education in the Soviet Union: Schooling, indoctrination, and opportunities
• Life Challenges and Family Sacrifices: Coping with hardship and survival
• Corruption and Inequality in the Soviet System: The hidden price of loyalty
• Cultural Identity and Religion: The challenge of preserving Muslim faith and identity in a secular, repressive state
• Reflections on Crimea and Current Events: A personal perspective on geopolitical shifts
• The Human Cost of Conflict: Aisha’s insights on suffering and resilience
• Reflections on the Soviet Union’s Collapse: What was lost—and what was gained
• Childhood Memories in Soviet Times: Nostalgia, laughter, and lessons learned
• Cultural Divides: City vs. Country: Contrasting experiences within the USSR
• Family Dynamics and Emigration: Decisions, distances, and diaspora
• Nostalgia for Soviet Structure: What people miss—and why
• Education and Healthcare in the Soviet Era: Pros, cons, and myths
• Current Challenges in Post-Soviet States: Ongoing transitions and hope

Connect with Us:

Got a question or story to share? Email us at [email protected]

Subscribe to The Soviet Life on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

In this special episode of The Soviet Life, host Kate sits down with Dr. Olga Terekhina for a powerful and personal conversation about growing up and coming of age in the Soviet Union. From her childhood experiences and the Soviet education system to navigating faith under communism, Olga offers a nuanced, deeply human perspective on what everyday life was really like behind the Iron Curtain.

She reflects on family dynamics, the impact of the USSR’s economic collapse, and how ideology shaped work ethic and personal values. We also explore leisure, culture, and some of the misconceptions about Soviet life — including a surprising story about meeting President George W. Bush.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Dr. Terekhina’s personal journey from Soviet citizen to U.S. resident
• Childhood memories and the reality of growing up in the USSR
• The role of education and enforced belief systems
• Practicing religion in a state that promoted atheism
• Divorce, family structure, and gender roles in Soviet society
• The collapse of the Soviet economy and its human toll
• The work ethic shaped by Soviet ideology
• Insightful reflections on how those times shaped identity and resilience
• The hidden world of corruption and backdoor networking
• Moments of fun, culture, and leisure despite constraints
• Common myths and misconceptions about Soviet life
• The unforgettable experience of meeting President Bush

Why Listen:

Whether you're curious about life under communism, interested in Cold War history, or just love hearing real-life stories of strength and adaptation, this episode offers a window into a world that shaped millions — told through the eyes of someone who lived it.

Please reach out to me at [email protected] - I would love to hear from you!

Step behind the Iron Curtain and into the everyday lives of those who lived in the Soviet Union during its final decades. In The Soviet Life, host Kate — who grew up in Belarus in the 1970s and '80s — shares personal stories, interviews, and reflections on what it was really like to live under the Soviet regime.

From ration lines to quiet moments of joy, from whispered dreams of freedom to the shock of its arrival, this podcast is a heartfelt journey through history — one that’s still deeply felt today.

In this trailer episode, Kate introduces the series and shares what inspired her to start this podcast. You’ll hear about:

• Life behind the scenes of Soviet propaganda
• The everyday struggles and small victories of Soviet citizens
• What it meant to seek freedom — and what happened when it finally came
• The legacy of the USSR in today’s post-Soviet world

Whether you experienced it yourself or are simply curious, The Soviet Life offers eye-opening, deeply human stories that bring the past to life.

👉 Don’t miss our first full episode coming up — featuring Dr. Terekhina, who grew up in the USSR and has an incredible story of resilience, discovery, and transformation.

Please, reach out to me at [email protected] - I would love to hear from you!