CIA and MI6 Covert Action in Communist Albania at the Dawn of the Cold War (459)
05/06/2026 | 1h 6 mins.
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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On the edge of war: A V-Force pilot during the Cuban Missile Crisis (458)
29/05/2026 | 1h 18 mins.
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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Conscripted to a West German Nuclear Missile Unit (457)
22/05/2026 | 1h 13 mins.
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.
Linked episodes
Defending the Cold War Pershing 2 nuclear missile https://coldwarconversations.com/episode77/
A 23 year old nuclear missile commander https://coldwarconversations.com/episode122/
Help me preserve Cold War history via a 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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Fakers: A Top-Secret Tale of Phantoms and Forgeries on the Cold War Disinformation Front Line (456)
15/05/2026 | 53 mins.
I delve into the fascinating world of Cold War propaganda with historian Rory Cormac, author of a new book “Fakers - 'A Top Secret Tale of Phantoms and Forgeries on the Disinformation Front Line'. The episode uncovers the clandestine operations carried out by the Information Research Department (IRD), a little-known unit of the British Foreign Office that specialised in covert propaganda during the Cold War.
Rory shares insights into the recent declassification of 8,000 files, which revealed the astonishing operational details of the IRD. From bizarre forgeries to the creation of phantom organisations, the episode highlights the absurdity and complexity of Cold War espionage. As Rory explains, the IRD was not just about planting stories in the press; they were deeply involved in black operations, often working closely with MI6 to achieve their goals.
One of the most striking examples discussed is the IRD's attempts to undermine Egyptian leader Nasser during the Yemen Civil War. Rory illustrates how the British government crafted fake documents and propaganda to expose Nasser's use of chemical weapons, all while navigating the murky waters of international relations and credibility.
The episode also explores the colourful characters that populated the IRD, including journalists, refugees, and writers who brought their unique backgrounds to the table. Rory's anecdotes about their lives and the social dynamics within the department add a rich layer of narrative to the historical context.
As the discussion unfolds, Rory draws parallels between the propaganda tactics of the Cold War and modern-day disinformation strategies. He argues that the principles of intelligence laundering and the manipulation of public perception remain alarmingly relevant today.
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30 Miles from the North Korean Border - A US Military Childhood (455)
08/05/2026 | 47 mins.
Flynn describes life as a US military child just 30 miles from the North Korean Border during the 1970s.
The political landscape of the time was tumultuous, marked by significant events such as the assassination of President Park and a number of serious border incursions and incidents. Flynn reflects on how these events affected his understanding of the world around him, even as a child. He recalls the fear instilled by air raid drills and the constant presence of military operations, which painted a stark picture of being within artillery range of North Korea.
Despite the challenges, Flynn cherishes the friendships formed with other military families and the shared experiences that came with living on post. The camaraderie among the children of service members created a sense of belonging, even in a transient lifestyle.
From a young age, Flynn was exposed to the vibrant Korean culture, participating in school field trips and learning the language. These experiences fostered a deep appreciation for the culture and the people of Korea, which he recounts with fondness. The contrast between the carefree moments of childhood and the underlying political climate adds depth to his narrative.
Help me preserve Cold War history via a 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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If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we also welcome one-off tips via the same link.
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About Cold War Conversations - "vivid & compelling" The NY Times
About Cold War Conversations - "vivid & compelling" The NY Times
About Cold War Conversations - "vivid & compelling" The NY Times
Experience the Cold War like never before with Cold War Conversations — an award-winning podcast recommended by The New York Times.
Each week, host Ian Sanders brings you raw, firsthand accounts from the people who lived through one of history’s most tense and transformative eras — soldiers, spies, civilians, and more.
These aren’t stories from textbooks. They’re unfiltered voices from the frontlines of history — emotional, gripping, and deeply human.
This is Cold War history, told from the inside out.
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, wargamers, planes, A Level, GCSE students studying Superpower Relations and the Cold War.
Listen to Cold War Conversations - "vivid & compelling" The NY Times, The Why Files: Operation Podcast and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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