Cold War Conversations

Latest Episodes:

Defection, Spies and the Shadow of Georgi Markov (466) Jul 24, 2026

Show notes

In 1986, Oggy Boytchev made a split-second decision that would change his life forever. Sent to Egypt by a Bulgarian shipping company, he seized an unexpected opportunity to escape communist Bulgaria, boarding a flight to London and claiming political asylum at Heathrow.

In this 2nd episode with Oggy, he recounts details of his extraordinary escape to becoming a broadcaster with the BBC World Service. He describes the emotional impact of leaving his family behind, the pride his father felt hearing his son’s voice broadcasting back into Bulgaria, and the dramatic events that followed the collapse of communism.

Episode one is here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode465/

Oggy also takes us inside the Bulgarian section of the BBC, where the memory of murdered dissident Georgi Markov still lingered. He reveals stories of another mysterious death linked to the section, recalls interviewing KGB defector Oleg Gordievsky about Markov’s assassination, and reflects on later encounters with spies, intelligence chiefs and world leaders during a distinguished BBC career alongside John Simpson.

Oggy’s latest novel, 'The Istanbul Connection ', is a gripping, morally complex thriller that explores the blurred lines between ideology and manipulation

Enter the book giveaway here ⁠ https://coldwarconversations.com/giveaway1/⁠

Check outOggy's books here ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/4wyGHjT⁠⁠

Curated episode extras ⁠⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/episode466/

Help me preserve Cold War history viaa simple monthly donation,

You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, receive a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank-you, and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.

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CONTINUE THE COLD WAR CONVERSATION

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My Father - The Enemy of the People: A Bulgarian Family’s Cold War Story (465) Jul 17, 2026

Show notes

Oggy Boytchev is a former BBC journalist with more than three decades of experience reporting from conflict zones across the Middle East, the Balkans and the former Soviet Union.

Born in 1955, Oggy grew up under the shadow of a family secret. His father had been branded an “enemy of the people” and interned without trial in a remote Bulgarian town, where he spent years under police supervision and forced labour. Even after his release, the family lived under the constant fear of surveillance, informers and political persecution.

From secretly listening to the BBC World Service through crackling radio signals to navigating a school system steeped in communist ideology, he shares what it was really like to come of age in one of the Soviet bloc’s most tightly controlled societies. Along the way, he reveals the lasting psychological impact of growing up unable to speak freely, the privileges and pitfalls of studying among the children of communist elites, and the shockwaves caused by the 1978 murder of Bulgarian dissident Georgi Markov in London.

This is a remarkable story of resilience, caution and quiet resistance—offering a deeply personal perspective on everyday life in Cold War Bulgaria

Oggy’s latest novel, 'The Istanbul Connection ', is a gripping, morally complex thriller that explores the blurred lines between ideology and manipulation

Enter the book giveaway here https://coldwarconversations.com/giveaway1/

Check outOggy's books here ⁠https://amzn.to/4wyGHjT⁠

Curated episode extras ⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/episode465/⁠

Help me preserve Cold War history viaa simple monthly donation,

You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, receive 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.

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CONTINUE THE COLD WAR CONVERSATION

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Face to Face with the Srebrenica War Criminals (464) Jul 10, 2026

Show notes

Richard Lyntton’s life has taken him from Cold War Moscow to the deserts of the Gulf War and the shattered streets of Sarajevo.

In this powerful episode, he recalls studying in the Soviet Union during the hopeful Gorbachev years, travelling across Russia by train, and later serving as a tank commander during the First Gulf War.

At the heart of this conversation is Bosnia, where Richard witnessed the siege of Sarajevo, came face to face with Bosnian Serb war criminal Radovan Karadžić, and narrowly escaped trouble after secretly filming General Ratko Mladić.

Richard also describes documenting the aftermath of ethnic cleansing, filming evidence of war crimes, and later testifying at The Hague.

He shares his extraordinary journey from North London schoolboy and Russian-language student to British Army officer, UN observer, filmmaker, actor and thriller writer. His new book, Crown Deception, is out now.

It is a story of danger, moral complexity and survival — but also of humanity, resilience and the strange absurdities of war.

Check out Richard's books here https://amzn.to/4vh5fgx

Curated episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode464/

Help me preserve Cold War history viaa simple monthly donation,

You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and receive 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.

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Inside a Cold War USAF Fighter Squadron (463) Jul 03, 2026

Show notes

Step behind the wire of one of NATO’s most elite tactical fighter squadrons—the 10th Tactical Fighter Squadron—during the tense final years of the Cold War and into Operation Desert Storm.

Former US Air Force officer Michael Makatura’s new book, The Fightin’ Tenth, takes you inside the hardened aircraft shelters of Hahn Air Base and witness life on the front lines of the Cold War. From the heart of West Germany to the skies above Iraq, this gripping episode captures what it means to stand ready for war at a moment’s notice, fly the iconic F-16 Viper, and live among warriors with a shared sense of purpose and brotherhood.

Makatura’s story is filled with grit, fighter-pilot mockery, and raw honesty. Whether it’s enduring the mental gauntlet of Officer Training School, landing in Europe as a wide-eyed second lieutenant, or watching seasoned pilots prep for combat in the Middle East, The Fightin’ Tenth brings to life the unique culture, mission, and mindset of an American fighter squadron in an unforgettable era.

Buy the book and support the podcast https://amzn.to/4wnzzab
Curated episode extras⁠ ⁠⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/episode463

Help me preserve Cold War history viaa simple monthly donation,

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CONTINUE THE COLD WAR CONVERSATION

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The Cambridge Five - new files reveal untold stories (462) Jun 26, 2026

Show notes

Antonia Senior’s new book, "Stalin’s Apostles", challenges what you may have believed about the Cambridge Five, a group of British citizens who spied for the Soviet Union.

Antonia argues that their actions during the Cold War have long been romanticised in popular culture., however, the reality is far more complex and tragic.

Kim Philby, Donald Maclean, Guy Burgess, Anthony Blunt, and John Cairncross, were not merely glamorous rogues; their espionage activities had dire consequences for countless individuals in Eastern and Central Europe.

Antonia challenges the traditional narrative that often portrays them as victims of circumstance, highlighting instead the profound impact their betrayals had on nations and individuals who suffered under Stalinist regimes.

Drawing on recently released MI5 documents and various international archives, the episode sheds light on the meticulous research that uncovers the broader implications of the Cambridge Five's actions.

Buy the book and support the podcast here https://amzn.to/4uTaRxi

Linked Episodes.

To Catch a Spy – How the Spycatcher Affair Brought MI5 in from the Cold https://coldwarconversations.com/episode361/
CIA and MI6 Covert Action in Communist Albania at the Dawn of the Cold War https://coldwarconversations.com/episode459/
Burgess and the Cambridge Five Spy Ring https://coldwarconversations.com/episode148/
Charlotte Philby talks about her grandfather Soviet spy Kim Philby & her book “Edith & Kim” https://coldwarconversations.com/episode228/
The Cambridge Five Spy Ring: Philby, Burgess, Maclean, Blunt & Cairncross https://coldwarconversations.com/episode423/
An evening with Kim Philby https://coldwarconversations.com/episode186/

Curated video extras⁠ ⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/episode462

Help me preserve Cold War history viaa simple monthly donation,

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CONTINUE THE COLD WAR CONVERSATION

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Malta & West Germany - Memories of an RAF Childhood Abroad (461) Jun 19, 2026

Show notes

Mark Thompson shares his captivating journey as the child of Royal Air Force personnel during the Cold War. From the moment his parents met in Singapore to their adventures across various military bases, Mark's stories are filled with nostalgia and insight.

Mark's father, a skilled electrician, joined the Royal Air Force and was posted to different locations, including Malta and Germany. His childhood memories revolve around the vibrant life he experienced on these bases, from playing with friends to witnessing Vulcan bombers flying overhead. He recalls the joy of living in Malta, where he played on building sites and enjoyed family outings to Kalafrana, a recreational area for military personnel.

The conversation takes us to Germany, where Mark shares more about his life at RAF Laarbrück and Bruggen. With his father's work on flight simulators. The camaraderie among RAF families created a unique childhood experience, filled with adventures and the occasional mischief.

Mark’s reflections on his upbringing reveal a deep appreciation for the opportunities he had, despite the challenges of moving frequently and saying goodbye to friends. He candidly shares his thoughts on how military life has shaped his identity.

Curated video extras ⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/episode461

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CONTINUE THE COLD WAR CONVERSATION

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Cold War Football: A History in Ten Matches (460) Jun 12, 2026

Show notes

The Cold War was a huge battle for hearts and minds — a true “people’s war.” But where did the “people’s game” fit into it?

In their new book, Cold War Football: A History in Ten Matches, Tony Shaw and Alan McDougall explore the surprising and fascinating links between football and the global struggle between capitalism and communism. From East Germany’s famous victory over West Germany at the 1974 World Cup to North Korea’s remarkable run in 1966, they show how football became much more than a game.

Tony and Alan reveal how football was used to support democracies, strengthen dictatorships, and win influence in the developing world. These matches gave people a rare glimpse of life on the “other side” of the Iron Curtain — sometimes bringing enemies closer together, and sometimes helping to spark unrest and revolution.

Packed with legendary players, unforgettable goals, and controversies both on and off the pitch, this is a wonderfully rich history of how the Cold War shaped football — and how football, in turn, shaped the Cold War.

Buy the book & support the podcast https://amzn.to/4xu9G9R

Enter the book giveaway here https://coldwarconversations.com/giveaway1/

Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode460

Help me preserve Cold War history viaa simple monthly donation,

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If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we also welcome one-off tips via the same link.

Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/store/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

CONTINUE THE COLD WAR CONVERSATION

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CIA and MI6 Covert Action in Communist Albania at the Dawn of the Cold War (459) Jun 05, 2026

Show notes

In June 1949, the US and British governments secretly agreed to mount a joint covert action operation to overthrow the communist government in Albania. The top-secret plan would use exiled dissidents to conduct subversive intelligence, paramilitary and propaganda operations to foment an uprising against Albania's authoritarian ruler Enver Hoxha.

I speak with Stephen Long, the author of A Rich Harvest of Bitter Fruit: CIA and MI6 Covert Action in Communist Albania at the Dawn of the Cold War. He describes how the Albanian operation is a vital but misunderstood part of Cold War history and the West’s first secret attempt to subvert a communist state behind the Iron Curtain.

While the West ultimately backed away from trying to bring down Hoxha's regime, Albania was the test case of anti-communist covert action where the West served its apprenticeship before rolling out this capability on a global scale.

It’s a tale of subterfuge, secrecy, and skulduggery that is a fascinating examination of one of the most important and least examined major flashpoints of the Cold War.

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Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode459/

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On the edge of war: A V-Force pilot during the Cuban Missile Crisis (458) May 29, 2026

Show notes

I had the honour of speaking with Tony Dobbie, a former RAF V- Force bomber pilot who joined the RAF in 1960.

Tony shares amazing anecdotes from his training, including his experiences flying jets like the Meteor and the Vampire, and the transition to the mighty Victor bomber. He candidly discusses the realities of nuclear missions during the Cold War, revealing the tension and responsibility that came with such roles.

One of the most gripping parts of our conversation revolves around the Cuban Missile Crisis. Tony was on QRA on Black Saturday when US forces went to DEFCON Two, one step shy of war and US and British forces prepared for imminent conflict with the Soviet Union .

Tony also recounts a posting to the Bomber Command Operations Centre near High Wycombe in 1965 where a false alarm almost sent the V-Bomber force off to bomb the Soviet Union.

Special thanks to Matthew Dobbie (Tony’s son) for organising the interview and the Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, who allowed the episode to be recorded in their BBC Studio.

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Tony’s book – Suki, Me & World War 3
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Conscripted to a West German Nuclear Missile Unit (457) May 22, 2026

Show notes

Kris is a former conscript in the West German Bundeswehr during the Cold War. He shares his experiences from the moment he received his conscription notice at 17, ultimately joining the Luftwaffe, where he served with the Pershing nuclear missile system.

Basic training was a rite of passage filled with challenges. Kris recounts the camaraderie formed with fellow recruits and the harsh realities of military life. Still, it was during this time that he learned valuable lessons about discipline, teamwork, and resilience.

As the conversation unfolds, we explore the operational aspects of the Bundeswehr, including the use by West German troops of nuclear weapons.

Reflecting on his service, he offers a candid assessment of his time in the military. While there were moments of frustration and a sense of wasted time, he ultimately recognises the profound impact that this experience had on his life. The skills he learned and the friendships he forged would shape his future in ways he never anticipated.

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