Experience the Cold War like never before through award-winning, real-life stories told by those who lived it.
Each week, we bring you firsthand accounts from s...
Foes to Friends: Cold War British and East German Tank crew together in conversation (379)
Join our East-West tank crew reunion that offers a rare glimpse into the lives of those who served on opposite sides of the Iron Curtain. The episode features Al and Mick, former Chieftain tank crew members from the British Army, alongside Dag, an ex-East German T72 tank commander.
Together, they delve into their personal experiences, providing insights into the military strategies, challenges, and camaraderie that defined their service during the Cold War.
As the discussion unfolds, the trio explores the intricacies of military life, from the training regimes and unit cohesion to the technical specifications of their respective tanks.
Dag provides an intriguing account of the T72's capabilities, highlighting its strengths and limitations. Meanwhile, Al and Mick reflect on their experiences with the Chieftain tank, offering a Western perspective on tank warfare during the Cold War.
The episode is punctuated with personal anecdotes and reflections, adding depth and humanity to the historical narrative. Dag's candid admission of his reluctance to serve at the border and his refusal to shoot at defectors offers a poignant reminder of the moral complexities faced by those in uniform. Similarly, Al and Mick's recollections of training exercises and the camaraderie among their fellow soldiers highlight the bonds forged in service.
For anyone interested in military history, Cold War politics, or personal stories of service, this episode of Cold War Conversations is a must-listen. It offers a rare and insightful look into the lives of those who served on both sides of the Iron Curtain, providing a nuanced understanding of a pivotal period.
Related episodes:
Crewing the Cold War Chieftain tank https://pod.fo/e/155bb4
Cold War Chieftain tank deployment at the East German Border https://pod.fo/e/157641
The East German Tank Commander https://pod.fo/e/210cee
Episode extras here including Dag's vehicle recognition manual https://coldwarconversations.com/episode379/
The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history.
You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get 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.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we welcome one-off donations via the same link.
Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/
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1:34:33
From Vulcan Bases to Communist Bucharest: A Tale of Cold War Intrigue (378)
Ron Mackay further recounts his experiences in Romania, a country teetering between Soviet influence and a desire for independence, offering a fascinating glimpse into a time of uncertainty and intrigue.
Among many stories, Ron visits an RAF base in the UK where his brother was a crew member of a Vulcan bomber, Britain’s nuclear deterrent at the time. The RAF quizzes Ron in detail about the locations he has visited in Romania.
Back in Romania Ron navigates the intricacies of its society and shares stories of friendships forged under the watchful eyes of the Securitate, Romania's feared secret police.
Ron describes his interactions with various characters, each with their own motivations and secrets. From a duck shooting party at a Communist Party hunting lodge to a tense encounter with tanks near the Soviet border, Ron's stories are filled with suspense and unexpected twists.
Buy Ron's book here and support CWC https://amzn.to/3Om8kZt
Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode378/
Related episodes:
Hitchhiking behind the 1960s Iron Curtain https://pod.fo/e/2098ae
A Childhood under the Eye of the Secret Police https://pod.fo/e/a4730
My life laid bare through secret police files https://pod.fo/e/12e45f
A Hungarian Childhood in Cold War Romania https://pod.fo/e/1190aa
Escaping from Cold War Romania https://pod.fo/e/11ad63
Emanuela - a Cold War Romanian Childhood https://pod.fo/e/f0376
Reporting the 1989 Romanian Revolution https://pod.fo/e/1ea8c
The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history.
You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get 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.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we welcome one-off donations via the same link.
Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/
Follow us on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social
Follow us on Threads https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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1:10:38
Surveillance and shortages: A British teacher in 1960s Cold War Communist Romania (377)
In 1967 a young British professor found himself in Bucharest, Romania, under the most intriguing circumstances.
Ron Mackay shares his fascinating experiences as he navigated life and teaching in a communist country. When he set foot on Romanian soil, he was met with challenges and intrigue. The stark realities of life under a communist regime painted a picture of a world vastly different from his own. Yet, amidst the restrictions, he found beauty in the Romanian culture, architecture, and the resilience of its people.
Despite the oppressive environment, his students were eager to learn and engage, offering him a glimpse into their lives and aspirations. The lack of resources and the ever-present surveillance added complexity to his teaching experience.
The episode also explores his adventures beyond the classroom, from navigating the bustling streets of Bucharest to travelling through the picturesque Romanian countryside, his encounters with locals, fellow expatriates, and even a mysterious British engineer.
Buy the book here and support CWC https://amzn.to/3Om8kZt
Related episodes:
Cold War, Warm Hearts - Hitchhiking behind the 1960s Iron Curtain https://pod.fo/e/2098ae
A Childhood under the eye of the Secret Police https://pod.fo/e/a4730
My life laid bare through secret police files https://pod.fo/e/12e45f
A Hungarian childhood in Cold War Romania https://pod.fo/e/1190aa
Escaping from Cold War Romania https://pod.fo/e/11ad63
Emanuela - a Cold War Romanian Childhood https://pod.fo/e/f0376
Reporting the 1989 Romanian Revolution https://pod.fo/e/1ea8c
Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode377/
The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history.
You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get 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.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we welcome one-off donations via the same link.
Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/
Follow us on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social
Follow us on Threads https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod
0:00:01 Teaching in Cold War Romania
0:04:30 Cultural Exchange Mission in Romania
0:12:07 First Impressions of Bucharest
0:25:43 Living Under Surveillance in Romania
0:42:14 Interactions in Rural Romania
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1:03:48
Mission Iran: Special Forces Berlin & Operation Eagle Claw, JTF 1-79 (376)
Few operations in Cold War history capture the imagination quite like Operation Eagle Claw. I have the privilege of welcoming back James Stejskal, a Special Forces veteran, to delve into the intricacies of this audacious mission.
Operation Eagle Claw, was conceived as a daring rescue mission to free 52 US embassy staff being held hostage held in Iran. James was a member of Detachment A, a clandestine unit tasked with gathering intelligence and preparing for the mission. James reveals the undercover operations in Tehran, where operatives navigated hostile territory with nothing but their wits and
false identities.
The operation itself was fraught with difficulties from the onset and James walks us through the intricate phases of the mission, from the rendezvous at Desert One to the audacious plan to storm the embassy and foreign ministry in Tehran. He captures the sense of urgency and the meticulous planning that went into every detail, highlighting the commitment of those
involved.
For those intrigued by the complexities of Cold War operations and the human stories behind them, this episode is a must-listen. James's insights and personal reflections bring a unique perspective to a pivotal moment in history.
Buy the book here and support CWC https://bookshop.org/a/92195/9780063330603
Related episodes:
Special Forces Berlin - Clandestine Cold War Operations of the US Army's Elite, 1956-1990 https://pod.fo/e/19e5f
Den of Spies: The October Surprise - A Covert Cold War Operation https://pod.fo/e/283261
The Siege: The Remarkable Story of the Greatest SAS Hostage Drama with Ben Macintyre https://pod.fo/e/26909e
Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode375/
The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history.
You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get 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.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we welcome one-off donations via the same link.
Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/
Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod
0:00:01 Operation Eagle Claw
0:18:47 Failed Rescue Operation and Escape Efforts
0:33:51 Joint Task Force 179 Iran Rescue
0:41:35 Podcast Updates and Thanks
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49:06
Den of Spies: The October Surprise - A Covert Cold War Operation (375)
In the late 1970s, the United States found itself at the centre of a crisis where 52 US Embassy staff were held hostage in Iran.
Our latest episode takes you on a journey through the tumultuous events of 1980, exploring the covert operation known as the “October Surprise” that allegedly influenced the outcome of the U.S. presidential election.
William Casey is at the heart of this story, a brilliant yet enigmatic figure who played a pivotal role in the Reagan campaign. Described as a master spy, Casey is said to have orchestrated a complex web of secret meetings and illegal arms sales, all aimed at manipulating 52 American hostages held captive in Iran to Ronald Reagan’s advantage.
Our guest, Craig Unger an investigative journalist with decades of experience, has written a new book on the subject Den of Spies: Reagan, Carter, and the Secret History of the Treason That Stole the White House.
Buy the book here and support CWC https://bookshop.org/a/92195/9780063330603
Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode375/
The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history.
You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get 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.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we welcome one-off donations via the same link.
Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/
Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Experience the Cold War like never before through award-winning, real-life stories told by those who lived it.
Each week, we bring you firsthand accounts from soldiers, spies, civilians, and more, capturing the full spectrum of Cold War experiences.
Host Ian Sanders takes you beyond the history books, delivering raw, personal stories where every breath, pause, and emotion adds depth to understanding this pivotal era.
This is Cold War history, told from the inside.
We cover subjects such as spies, spying, the Iron Curtain, nuclear weapons, warfare, tanks, jet aircraft, fighters, bombers, transport aircraft, aviation, culture, and politics.
We also cover personalities such as Fidel Castro, JFK, Ronald Reagan, Nikita Khrushchev, Leonid Brezhnev, Yuri Andropov, Mikhail Gorbachev, Konstantin Chernenko, Margaret Thatcher, John F. Kennedy, Josef Stalin, Richard Nixon, Lech Walesa, General Jaruzelski, Nicolae Ceaușescu.
Other subjects include Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Romania, Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin, West Berlin, East Berlin, Cuban missile Crisis, Berlin Airlift, Bay of Pigs, SALT, Perestroika, Space Race, superpower, USSR, Soviet Union, DDR, GDR, East Germany, SDI, Vietnam War, Korean War, Solidarność, Fall of the Wall, Berliner Mauer, Trabant, Communist, Capitalist, Able Archer, KGB, Stasi, STB, SB, Securitate, CIA, NSA, MI5, MI6, Berlin Wall, escape, defection, Cuba, Albania, football, sport, Bulgaria, Soviet Union, Poland, China, Taiwan, Austria, West Germany, Solidarity, espionage, HUMINT, SIGINT, OSINT, IMINT, GEOINT, RAF, USAF, British Army, US Army, Red Army, Soviet Army, Afghanistan, NVA, East German Army, KAL007, T-72, T-64, Chieftain, M60
The podcast is for military veterans, school teachers, university lecturers, students and those interested in Cold War history, museums, bunkers, weapons, AFVs, wargaming, planes, A Level, GCSE students
Australia