app_store_button

google_play_button

Device Banner Block-copy 894x1036

Astu lugude lõputusse maailma

Loe ja kuula

Ian Sanders

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.

Cold War Conversations

Bill Hodes was an American school child in 1950s Revolutionary China and this is the second part of his story. 

 Among many stories we hear how he had the unique opportunity to meet one of China's most revered leaders, Zhou Enlai, the first Premier of the People's Republic of China and how he played softball with US and British POWs from the Korea War who had refused to return home.

Bill reflects on the challenges he faced, including moments of cultural misunderstanding and the playful jabs from classmates who labelled him an "American imperialist." These interactions highlight the complexities of identity and belonging in a rapidly changing world.

The narrative takes a poignant turn as he recounts his involvement in the Mississippi Freedom Summer, a significant civil rights initiative aimed at combating racial injustice.

Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode430/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shaking Hands with China’s Second Most Powerful Man (430)

Bill Hodes was a red diaper baby, a baby born to Communist parents. Bill shares stories about his parents, Bob and Jane Hodes, both convinced communists who were active in civil rights movements during the McCarthy period. 

He recounts their life in New Orleans, his father's groundbreaking research in neurophysiology, and the family's eventual move to China amidst political turmoil. 

Discover how Bill navigated this unique upbringing, filled with significant historical events, and the cultural experiences in China that shaped his identity.

Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode429/

Related episodes:

 The China civil war and the independence of Taiwan 1949 https://coldwarconversations.com/episode165/

 Part two of Bill Hodes interview https://coldwarconversations.com/episode430/

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 also 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/

CONTINUE THE COLD WAR CONVERSATION

 

 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

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An American Childhood in 1950s Revolutionary China (429)

Ned Richardson- Little has written a new book titled The German Democratic Republic: The Rise and Fall of a Cold War State.

It offers a differentiated picture of the communist state with a sophisticated analysis of life under dictatorship which candidly confronts the abuses of the East German Communist Party and the Stasi. 

The GDR was also entangled in international politics well beyond the rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. Ned offers a history of the GDR in a global perspective that illustrates the worldview of those who ruled it, those who rebelled against the strictures of state socialism, and those in between who sought a normal life under dictatorship.

Buy the book & support the podcast here:

UK listeners https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781350341517

US listeners https://bookshop.org/a/92195/9781350341517

Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode428⁠

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 also 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/⁠⁠

Continue the Cold War Conversation via social media!

 F acebook ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/⁠⁠

 BlueSky ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social⁠⁠

 Threads ⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations⁠⁠

 Twitter/X ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod⁠⁠

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

 Youtube ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The German Democratic Republic The Rise and Fall of a Cold War State (428)

I continue chatting with Dennis Greene about his incredible journey from a challenging childhood in segregated Savannah, Georgia to a distinguished military career.

Dennis is made Senior Flight Commander responsible for 50 Minuteman nuclear missiles. Dennis shares his firsthand experiences of the intense pressure, the psychological toll of nuclear readiness, and the groundbreaking integration of women into the Minuteman 2 system. 

He recounts pivotal moments, from the deactivation of nuclear warheads following the signing of the START1 disarmament treaty to the unique interactions with Soviet counterparts during verification processes.

Episode extras including videos here ⁠⁠⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/episode427/⁠

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 also 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/⁠

Continue the Cold War Conversation via social!

 F acebook ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/⁠

 BlueSky ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social⁠

 Threads ⁠https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations⁠

 Twitter/X ⁠https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod⁠

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

 Youtube ⁠https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trust but Verify: When the Soviets Came to South Dakota (427)

I am trying to win an award for Cold War Conversations in
the Discover Pods Awards for best history podcast 2025 and I need your nomination to get me into the finals.

All I need you to do is to nominate Cold War Conversations in
the history category using this link. https://discoverpods.com/2025-podcast-awards/

 Podcast Name: Cold War Conversations 

 Podcast Website coldwarconversations.com 

 Podcast Category: History 

With all your help we can hopefully make it to the finals and I will be in contact again for the final vote!

Thanks for listening and your amazing comments and support.

You’ll find the nominations link here https://discoverpods.com/2025-podcast-awards/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Help Cold War Conversations win an award

Dennis Greene, is a former Air Force officer, who shares his incredible journey from a challenging childhood in segregated Savannah, Georgia to a distinguished military career. 

He reflects on his early inspirations, the realities of growing up in a segregated South, and the lessons learned throughout his US military service. 

Dennis discusses the significance of teamwork, overcoming adversity, and the pivotal moments that shaped his life, including his experiences in boot camp, missile training, and the complexities of race within the US military. 

Episode extras including videos here ⁠⁠⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/episode426/⁠

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 also 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/⁠

Continue the Cold War Conversation via social!

 F acebook ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/⁠

 BlueSky ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social⁠

 Threads ⁠https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations⁠

 Twitter/X ⁠https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod⁠

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

 Youtube ⁠https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations⁠

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From Racially Segregated Savannah to Nuclear Missile Crew Commander (426)

Oleg Lyalin, was a KGB officer whose actions would provide British intelligence with pivotal information during the Cold War. I speak with Richard Kerbaj, the author of a new book, 'The Defector,' which chronicles Lyalin's story.

 

Lyalin ​was trained ​with ​The KGB’s Department ​V, which ​was their sabotage ​and ​​assassinations ​department. He was sent to the UK under the guise of a trade official, where he was tasked with gathering intelligence and plotting assassinations of ​British politicians, ​paralysing the ​British ​economy and ways ​to ​starve ​the ​population ​by ​attacking ​emergency food ​supplies. ​

In early 1971, overwhelmed by personal and professional turmoil, Lyalin approached MI5, revealing his true identity and the KGB's sinister plans against the UK. 

Episode extras including related episodes & videos here ⁠⁠⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/episode425/⁠

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 also 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/⁠

Continue the Cold War Conversation via social!

 F acebook ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/⁠

 BlueSky ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social⁠

 Threads ⁠https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations⁠

 Twitter/X ⁠https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod⁠

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

 Youtube ⁠https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations⁠

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The KGB defector who saved MI5 and changed the Cold War (425)

Author Tom Hapgood is a US military BRAT aka the child of a parent or parents serving full-time in the United States Armed Forces. He talks about his 5 years in West Germany during the Cold War. He shares the challenges of moving every few years, adapting to new cultures, and the rich tapestry of friendships formed along the way.

The term "BRAT" often carries a negative connotation, but Tom sheds light on its origins, suggesting a more nuanced history tied to military families. The stories shared reveal how these children navigated their identities as they lived in foreign lands.

We reflect on the Cold War's influence and tensions, yet amidst the challenges, there were countless adventures and opportunities for cultural exchange that enriched their lives.

From navigating new cities to forming lifelong friendships, the life of a military BRAT is filled with unique experiences that shape who they become. This episode not only details those experiences but also invites listeners to reflect on their own childhood adventures. 

Do check out Tom's novel Lost Letters based on his experiences as a BRAT. Buy the book here 

Episode extras including videos here ⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/episode424/

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 also 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/

Continue the Cold War Conversation via social!

 F acebook ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/

 BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social

 Threads https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations

 Twitter/X https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod

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

 Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cold War Kids: The Unique Life of US Military BRATs (424)

The incredible story of the five most damaging spies in
British history, from their recruitment at Cambridge University to their
infiltration of the government and the security services, all while
successfully eluding prosecution. 

I speak with Shawnna Morris the author of a new book The
Cambridge Spy Ring: The Treachery of the Five Who Got Away.

We explore the backgrounds, motivations, and the intricate web of espionage that defined the lives of Kim Philby, Donald McLean, John Cairncross, Guy Burgess, and Anthony Blunt. 

The Cambridge Five's legacy is one of betrayal, loyalty, and
moral ambiguity. Their actions had far-reaching consequences, not only for themselves but for the intelligence community and the political landscape of the time.

Episode extra including video interviews of the Cambridge Five here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode423/

Book Giveaway entry (until 4th Oct 2025) https://coldwarconversations.com/giveaway1/

Related episodes

 
Guy Burgess and the Cambridge Spy Ring https://pod.fo/e/a5e38

 
Charlotte Philby talks about her grandfather Soviet spy Kim Philby & her book “Edith & Kim” https://pod.fo/e/115bd7

 
An evening with Kim Philby https://pod.fo/e/d8080

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 also 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

The Cambridge Five Cold War Spy Ring: Philby, Burgess, Maclean, Blunt & Cairncross (423)

Fraser McCallum is the author of a new book Cold War Britain: Fifty years in the shadow of the bomb which gives a fascinating insight into a period that shaped the fabric of British society.

The Cold War defined the history of Britain in the second half of the twentieth century as much as it did that of the US and the Soviet Union. Cold War Britain is an exploration into the multifaceted dimensions of Britain’s experience during the Cold War era. By weaving together history, politics, literature, and popular culture, this book invites readers to immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of Cold War Britain, offering fresh insights and perspectives into how this global conflict shaped the fabric of British society.

Buy the book here https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9780008743994

Fraser’s Cold War Playlist

Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/cold-war-britain-the-soundtrack-to-the-book/pl.u-NRp7s3pq7o

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2lZ7HBrKKyBj31wXKXx2nq?si=m2U2HNafQ7O13d3NlYHbYw&pi=X-UioH1WQdW2J

 
Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode422

 
Enter the book giveaway (expires 27th Sep 2025) 
https://coldwarconversations.com/giveaway/

Related episodes

 
How Cold War Britain Prepared for Nuclear War https://pod.fo/e/172825

 
The Cold War Atomic Spies https://pod.fo/e/1fa45e

 
Portland Spy Ring Part 1 ⁠https://pod.fo/e/292bd⁠

 
Portland Spy Ring Part 2 ⁠https://pod.fo/e/4471e⁠

 
The Happy Traitor - The Life of Soviet Spy George Blake https://pod.fo/e/b8583

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

From Racially Segregated Savannah to Nuclear Missile Crew Commander (426)

Loe ja kuula

Muud podcastid, mis võivad sulle meeldida ...