Cold War Conversations

Latest Episodes:

Drea - A Cold War Czechoslovak childhood (187) Jul 09, 2021

Show notes

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”.

Extra info, and videos are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode187/

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Now I need help to continue to track down these unknown stories of the Cold war and ensure they are preserved. If you can spare it I’m asking listeners to pledge a small monthly amount per month to help keep us on the air (larger amounts are welcome too) plus you get a sought after CWC coaster as a monthly financial supporter of the podcast and bask in the warm glow of knowing you helping preserve Cold War history.

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

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

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode, visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.

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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An evening with Kim Philby (186) Jul 06, 2021

Show notes

Ben Brown is the writer of A Splinter of Ice, a play that portrays the meeting in Moscow in 1987 of one of the greatest novelists of the 20th century, Graham Greene and his old MI6 boss, Kim Philby, one of Britain's most notorious spies... and a traitor.

Graham Greene never divulged any details of the meeting and Ben’s play imagines what might have been. We discuss the play, as well as how Philby and Greene’s lives intertwined.

It’s a story of two men catching up on old times, but with a new world order breaking around them how much did the writer of The Third Man know about Philby's secret life as a spy? Did Philby betray his friend as well as his country..?

A trailer and other videos are available in our episode notes here www.coldwarconversations.com/episode186/

If you have listened this far, I know you are enjoying the podcasts so I’m asking for one-off or monthly donations to support my work and enable me to continue producing the podcast. If you become a monthly supporter, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.

I am delighted to welcome Ben Brown to our Cold War conversation…

There’s further information on this episode here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode186/

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.

0:00 Introduction to the episode and discussion on "A Splinter of Ice"

3:07 Deep dive into Kim Philby’s life, his relationship with Graham Green, and their portrayal in the media

17:25 Exploration of Philby's rise in the security services and overlooked communist credentials

25:05 Discussion on why Green left MI6 and the research used for the play

31:05 Examination of John La Carre's opinion of Philby and his influence on La Carre's work

35:04 Discussion on the political climate in the 1930s, the rise of fascism and its impact

44:59 Discussion on actors' preparation for their roles in the play

51:35 Exploration of Philby's life in Russia, his struggles and the role of Ruth in his life

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Behind enemy lines in East Germany with a US Military Liaison Mission driver Part 2 (185) Jul 02, 2021

Show notes

We return to the 2nd part of Tom Favia’s story with the US Military Liaison Mission which the Soviet Union permitted to operate in East Germany, ostensibly for monitoring and furthering better relationships between the Soviet and Western occupation forces. The British & French also had missions as did the Soviets in West Germany.

Part 1 is here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode183/

As you would expect there are some incredible incidents that Tom shares with us including one with a drunk Soviet Major who tries to defect. Tom was with USMLM when the Wall opened in Nov 1989 and describes the uncertainty of the time with Soviet soldiers selling parts of tanks and munitions.

If you have listened this far, I know you are enjoying the podcasts so I’m asking for donations to support my work and enable me to continue producing the podcast. If you become a monthly supporter, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us and sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.

I am delighted to welcome back Tom Favia to our Cold War conversation…

There’s further information on this episode can be found here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode185

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode, visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.

Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated.

Radio GDR

If you are interested in East Germany we can highly recommend our friends over at Radio GDR.

Please leave a review.

If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a written review.

0:00 Introduction and Tom Favia's experiences with the US military liaison mission

1:23 Request for donations and benefits for monthly supporters

2:56 Tensions and incidents with the Soviets

7:36 Dealing with Stasi and interactions with East German citizens

13:19 Disclosure of mission details and important findings

21:30 The opening and aftermath of the Berlin Wall

27:11 Challenges post the fall of the Berlin Wall and other intelligence organizations

31:33 Experiences leading up to unification day in East Germany

34:07 Recruitment into the on-site inspection agency and working out of Frankfurt

38:33 Cold War souvenirs and remembering fallen comrades

43:25 Episode wrap up, acknowledgements of patrons, and sign off

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Ethel Rosenberg (184) Jun 25, 2021

Show notes

Ethel Rosenberg is a controversial figure and generates polarising views varying from an innocent mother caught up in Cold War hysteria to a willing and ruthless accomplice to her husband’s Cold War espionage betraying secrets to the Soviets.

Anne Sebba’s new book “Ethel Rosenberg – A Cold War tragedy” (“An American tragedy” in the US) provides a more nuanced view of Ethel that is not just about innocence and guilt but of a talented singer and mother of two children, betrayed by her family and the American judicial system. Aged 37, in 1953 she becomes the first woman in American history to be executed for a crime other than murder.

Whatever your views about Ethel Rosenberg this episode will detail more of who Ethel was and how the American judicial system was manipulated to ensure her conviction.

Anne’s book is available on these links.

UK listeners https://amzn.to/3wGZD1z

US listeners https://amzn.to/2TObJra

If you’ve listened this far, I know you are enjoying the podcasts so I’m asking for a small monthly donation to support my work and allow me to continue producing the podcast. As a monthly supporter, you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

I am delighted to welcome Anne Sebba to our Cold War conversations...

There's more information as well as a book giveaway in the episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode184/

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode, visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.

0:00 Introduction to Ethel Rosenberg's story

1:32 Request for financial support for the podcast

5:10 Ethel Rosenberg's early life and family

12:26 The political climate in 1936 and Ethel's meeting with Julius Rosenberg

16:14 The changing perceptions of the Soviet Union and Ethel and Julius's loyalty

27:31 Book giveaway announcement

33:30 Ethel's knowledge of Julius's espionage activities and the arrest

41:25 Legal proceedings and Ethel's decision to take the 5th Amendment

47:21 Discussion on the Vannona decrypts and Ethel's role

54:08 Importance and relevance of Ethel's story today

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Behind enemy lines in East Germany with a US Military Liaison Mission driver Part 1 (183) Jun 18, 2021

Show notes

Tom Favia served with the USMLM, The US Military Liaison Mission which the Soviet Union permitted to operate in East Germany at the end of World War 2 for monitoring and furthering better relationships between the Soviet and Western occupation forces. The British & French also had missions in East Germany and the Soviets has theirs in West Germany.

Tom tells the amazing story of his recruitment from being an art student to being deployed “behind enemy lines” in East Germany. He also describes his earlier career on the Inner German border and then we move to his USMLM career. We hear about his driver training, planning procedures and the process for exiting West Berlin as well as details of the vehicles including the “James Bond switches”.

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

I am delighted to welcome Tom Favia to our Cold War conversation…

There’s further information on this episode can be found here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode183/

Part 2 is here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode185

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode, visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.

Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye.

Radio GDR

If you are interested in East Germany we can highly recommend our friends over at Radio GDR.

0:00 Introduction and guest introduction

3:08 Journey of Tom Favia from art school to the US Army

9:56 Tom Favia's role on the inner German border and experiences

17:18 Arrival and first impressions of West Berlin and initial training

25:11 Changes to recruitment and training after the Nicholson incident

33:10 Operational and representational headquarters in East and West Berlin

39:30 Gathering information from the Soviets at parties

44:34 Procedures for a mission and crossing from West Berlin to East Germany

51:08 Navigation and target selection during Cold War

1:00:17 Incidents where the Soviets tried to hinder their mission

1:01:33 Acknowledging the patrons and show wrap-up

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Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/

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Ralph - A prisoner in an East German jail (182) Jun 11, 2021

Show notes

This is the third and final part of Ralph Hänel’s story of his life in East Germany.

In this episode, we hear his time in the Stasi prison in Cottbus which with its dark red brick façade was often referred to as the ‘Red Misery’.

It’s a chilling insight into Stasi prison conditions and the brutality that the political prisoners endured from the other inmates and the guards.

We also hear about Ralph’s eventual release and of some strange experiences he has in reunited Germany

Again I am honoured and humbled that Ralph shared this story with us.

I could really use your support to help me to continue the produce the podcast. A small monthly donation entitles you to the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and you bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

I am delighted to welcome Ralph back to our Cold War conversation…

Further information on this episode can also be found here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode182/

Other episodes with Ralph are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode177/ and here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode181/ You can buy Ralph's book here

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook or click here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/

Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye.

Radio GDR

If you are interested in East Germany we can highly recommend our friends over at Radio GDR.

Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/

Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations

0:00 Introduction and podcast award announcement

1:07 Life in the Stasi Prison: Conditions and Dangers

3:08 Transfer to Caughtpus Starzy prison and initial experiences

13:15 Treatment by guards and fear of a massacre

18:38 Experience of the open border and release from prison

27:25 First impressions of the West and arrival in West Berlin

34:13 Relocation to West Germany and reunion with former workmates

38:06 Moving to Switzerland, opening Kung Fu schools, and mysterious bank account

46:21 Mysterious illness and suspicion towards a woman from work

54:01 Decision to leave Germany and move to Canada

59:23 Ralph's theory about the doppelganger and the secret service

1:01:19 Acknowledgement of the podcast patrons

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Ralph - Arrested and interrogated by the Stasi (181) Jun 04, 2021

Show notes

In this second part of Ralph Hänel’s story of his life in East Germany.

We hear of Ralph’s arrest by the Stasi and subsequent interrogation for 10 months.

Ralph describes in some detail the arrest and his early days of imprisonment. He also details the techniques used to try and make him break and the pressure the Stasi also put on his mother.

It’s an incredible insight into the workings of the Stasi from someone who was there and I am honoured that Ralph shared this story with us.

We also hear about his court case and in the following episode we hear about his time in the Stasi prison in Cottbus which with its dark red brick façade was often referred to as the ‘Red Misery’.

I could really use your support to continue the podcast. A simple monthly donation via Patreon, plus as a monthly supporter you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

I am delighted to welcome Ralph to our Cold War conversation…

There’s further information on this episode in our show notes which can also be found as a link in your podcast app here. Other episodes with Ralph are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode177/ and here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode182/ You can buy Ralph's book here

Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/

Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations

0:00 Introduction and Ralph Hänel's encounter with the Stasi (Ministry of State Security)

2:21 Ralph's life in East Germany and his dreams of moving to the West

7:10 Ralph's arrest and interrogation process by the Ministry of State Security

17:45 The roles of the three interrogation officers and their psychological tactics

25:14 The court procedure, sentence, and Ralph's suspicions

28:10 Living conditions in prison and Ralph's relationship with his cellmate

32:11 Ralph's mother's interactions with the Stasi and her constant surveillance

43:32 Ralph's audacious move during his interrogation and the involvement of a Western lawyer

52:18 The sentencing process, the charges, and Ralph's coerced confession

57:17 The 'modern slave trade' of East Germany's political prisoners and Ralph's resilience

59:16 Encouragement to join the Cold War Conversations Facebook group and support the show

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Checkmate in Berlin: The Cold War Showdown that Shaped the Modern World (180) May 28, 2021

Show notes

We speak with author Giles Milton about his new book Checkmate in Berlin: The Cold War Showdown that Shaped the Modern World.

In 1945 at the end of World War 2 the Soviet Red Army captured Berlin. For the next four years, a handful of charismatic but flawed individuals – British, American and Soviet – fought an intensely personal battle over the future of Germany, Europe and the entire free world.

Checkmate in Berlin tells this exhilarating, high-stakes tale of grit, skullduggery, and raw power. From the high politics of Yalta to the desperate scramble to break the Soviet stranglehold of Berlin with the greatest aerial operation in history, this is the epic story of the first battle of the Cold War and how it shaped the modern world.

Now, I could really use your support to continue the podcast. A simple monthly donation via Patreon, will get you the 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.

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

I am delighted to welcome Giles Milton to our Cold War conversation…

There’s a book giveaway and further information on this episode in our show notes which can also be found as a link in your podcast app here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode180/

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.

Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye.

Radio GDR

If you are interested in East Germany we can highly recommend our friends over at Radio GDR.

Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/

Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations

0:00 Introduction and Giles Milton's new book "Checkmate in Berlin" discussion

2:34 Interview with Giles Milton and introduction of key players in Berlin (1945-1949)

7:53 Occupation of Berlin and agreement at Yalta for the occupation of Berlin

15:48 Management of Berlin through the "Kommandatura" and key disagreements

23:41 The looming showdown and the Defection of Igor Gouzenko

27:28 Formation of political parties in occupied Berlin and Soviet strategy to control Berlin's administration

33:01 Cultural and propaganda battles in Berlin

35:24 Differing views on managing post-war Germany and the shift from dismantling to rebuilding Germany

43:35 The concept of a siege: The Soviets' strategy to control Berlin and the dangers of the air corridors

51:17 The Berlin airlift, its challenges and involvement of Lucius Clay, Colonel Frank Howley and Bill Turner

1:08:25 Invitation to join the Facebook discussion group

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Bonus - The state funeral of Josef Stalin (179) May 25, 2021

Show notes

This episode is sponsored by MUBI, a curated streaming service with an ever-changing collection of hand-picked cinema. From new directors to award-winners. From everywhere on earth. Beautiful, interesting, incredible films — with a new one added every single day.

Right now on MUBI, you can watch STATE FUNERAL, an astonishing archival vision of the Soviet Union in the days after Joseph Stalin’s death. The film is followed by a Q&A with director Sergei Loznitsa in conversation with Pietro Marcello (Martin Eden).

James Chilcott, Peter Ryan and I had exclusive access to a preview version and in today’s episode we discuss our thoughts on the film.

Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

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0:00 Introduction and Sponsor: Mubi

0:44 Discussion on the film "State Funeral" and first impressions

6:06 Power dynamics after Stalin's death and potential successors

10:27 Observations on foreign delegations and British Communist Party's delegation

14:26 Analysis of the film's cinematography and reactions to Stalin's death

19:10 Origin and unseen footage of the film

20:24 Influence of the film on younger generations

22:48 Personal anecdotes and the fate of Stalin's family members

28:53 Review of the film and Sponsor: Mubi

31:14 Insights into the life of average Soviet citizens and stereotypes

35:23 Body language in the film and reflections on the speeches

39:31 The film as a representation of Soviet Union in 1953 and recommendation

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Spy who was left out in the Cold: The Secret History of Agent Goleniewski (178) May 21, 2021

Show notes

We speak with author Tim Tate about his new book the Spy who was left out in the Cold: The Secret History of Agent Goleniewski

Michal Goleniewski remains one of the most important, yet least known and most misunderstood spies of the Cold War. Even his death is shrouded in mystery and he has been written out of the history of Cold War espionage - until now.

Tim Tate draws on a wealth of previously unpublished primary source documents to tell the dramatic true story of the best spy the west ever lost - of how Goleniewski exposed hundreds of KGB agents operating undercover in the West; from George Blake and the 'Portland Spy Ring', to a senior Swedish Air Force and NATO officer and a traitor inside the Israeli government. The information he produced devastated intelligence services on both sides of the Iron Curtain.

I could really use your support to continue the podcast. A simple monthly donation via Patreon, will as a monthly supporter get you the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

I am delighted to welcome Tim Tate to our Cold War conversation…

There’s further information on this episode in our episode notes which can also be found here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode178

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.

Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/

Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations

0:00 Introduction

1:08 Discussion on the topic: The Spy Who Was Left Out In the Cold

3:51 Interview with Tim Tate and Goleniewski's importance in the Cold War

14:38 Goliansky's defection and personal life complexities

24:27 The arrest of Soviet spies and Goleniewski's debriefing process

33:36 Goleniewski's trial and his rise in Polish intelligence

38:06 Impact of other defections on Goleniewski's CIA status

46:24 Public revelation of Goleniewski's story and his financial struggles