Cold War Conversations

Katja Hesse, daughter of Vice Admiral Gustav Hesse of the East German Navy, shares her deeply personal story of growing up behind the Iron Curtain. In this fascinating conversation, Katja provides rare insights into life in the GDR as the child of a high-ranking officer— from an idyllic childhood in privileged housing to working at the Grand Hotel Berlin. She recounts her father’s harrowing World War 2 escape from the Sudetenland, her experiences of political indoctrination in school and life within a family loyal to the East German government. Katja also describes her work at guest houses for East Germany’s elite , where she served dignitaries including Erich Honecker and Egon Krenz. This is a moving and revealing glimpse into a unique Cold War upbringing— and into the personal costs of German reunification for families like Katja’s. Buy Katja's book here https://www.engelsdorfer-verlag.de/Belletristik/Romanhafte-Biografien/Ostprinzessinnen-tragen-keine-Krone::7605.html [https://www.engelsdorfer-verlag.de/Belletristik/Romanhafte-Biografien/Ostprinzessinnen-tragen-keine-Krone::7605.html] Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode407/ [https://coldwarconversations.com/episode407/]⁠ [https://coldwarconversations.com/episode406/] 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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://coldwarconversations.com/store/] * Follow us on BlueSky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social] * Follow us on Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations] * Follow us on Twitter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod] * Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/] * Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/] * Youtube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations] * Love history? Join Intohistory ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod⁠⁠ [https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

In the annals of history, few leaders have faced the monumental challenges that Mikhail Gorbachev encountered when he rose to power in the Soviet Union in 1985. His ascent came at a time when the nation was grappling with stagnation, disillusionment, and an economy on the brink of collapse. Gorbachev, the youngest General Secretary in Soviet history, was thrust into a leadership role that demanded not only a vision for reform but also the courage to confront an entrenched bureaucracy resistant to change. In a new format I explore the life of Mikhail Gorbachev without a guest. Recommended episodes * Face to face with the Soviets at the Cold War Reykjavik Summit between President Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev https://pod.fo/e/244e66 [https://pod.fo/e/244e66] * On the Streets of Cold War Estonia fighting for Independence https://pod.fo/e/222e82 [https://pod.fo/e/222e82] * Eyewitness to the 1991 Soviet Coup https://pod.fo/e/f7f7 [https://pod.fo/e/f7f7] Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode406/ [https://coldwarconversations.com/episode406/] 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/⁠⁠⁠⁠ [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/⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://coldwarconversations.com/store/] * Follow us on BlueSky ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social] * Follow us on Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations] * Follow us on Twitter ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod] * Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/] * Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/] * Youtube ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations] * Love history? Join Intohistory ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod⁠⁠ [https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod] 00:00:00 Introduction 0:01:10 The Man from Stavropol 0:06:35 Acceleration and the Mirage of Momentum 0:13:15 The Opening to the West 0:20:26 Opening the Gates 0:28:08 Signing Away the Missiles 0:34:37 Nations within a Nation 0:40:36 The Centre Cannot Hold 0:46:51 The Coup that Failed 0:58:00 The Weight of Legacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Simon Wood served in the British Army’s Royal Military Police in Berlin during the1980s. He describes the unique challenges he faced patrolling the Berlin Wall and policing British troops in the divided city. Discover the political tensions, the camaraderie with fellow soldiers, and the surreal moments such as being present at the post-mortem of Hitler’s deputy Rudolf Hess. We also hear about life at Checkpoints Charlie and Bravo, interactions with East German forces, and taking part in Flag Tours in East Berlin which resulted in various confrontations with Soviet troops. Episode extras ⁠⁠⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/episode405/⁠⁠⁠ [https://coldwarconversations.com/episode405/] 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/⁠⁠⁠ [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/⁠⁠⁠ [https://coldwarconversations.com/store/] * Follow us on BlueSky ⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠ [https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social] * Follow us on Threads ⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations] * Follow us on Twitter ⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod⁠⁠⁠ [https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod] * Facebook ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/] * Instagram ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/] * Youtube ⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations⁠⁠⁠ [https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations] * Love history? Join Intohistory ⁠⁠⁠https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod⁠ [https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Colonel Robert J. Graham, USAF (Ret.), was more than a fighter pilot—he was a leader, a warrior, and a witness to one of the most complex conflicts in modern history. From the chaotic early days of guerrilla warfare in Vietnam to the bureaucratic maze that engulfed the later years, Colonel Graham's four combat tours reveal the triumphs and tragedies of a war that reshaped his world and his nation. Buy Col Graham’s book here ⁠"One of the Few: A True Account of Courage and Stepping into the Fight" and support the podcast. [https://amzn.to/3F3skPP] With vivid detail, he takes you into the cockpit of supersonic jets, the gritty realities of jungle warfare, and the tense moments of life-or-death decision-making. From earning the prestigious Silver Star to commanding the 4th Tactical Fighter Squadron through the final stages of U.S. involvement, Graham's stories balance fearless heroism with unflinching honesty. Feel the adrenaline of battle. Experience the camaraderie of brothers-in-arms. Witness the sacrifices—and the cost—of duty. Through his eyes, discover not just the war, but the humanity within it. Buy Col Graham’s book here ⁠"One of the Few: A True Account of Courage and Stepping into the Fight" and support the podcast. [https://amzn.to/3F3skPP] Episode extras ⁠⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/episode404/⁠⁠ [https://coldwarconversations.com/episode404/] 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/⁠⁠ [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/⁠⁠ [https://coldwarconversations.com/store/] * Follow us on BlueSky ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social⁠⁠ [https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social] * Follow us on Threads ⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations⁠⁠ [https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations] * Follow us on Twitter ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod⁠⁠ [https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod] * Facebook ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/] * Instagram ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/] * Youtube ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations⁠⁠ [https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations] * Love history? Join Intohistory ⁠⁠https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod⁠ [https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Traian grew up in Romania during the tumultuous 1980s under the shadow of the communist regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu. We learn about the harsh realities of life under communism, where shortages of basic goods were commonplace. He shares the clever tactics he and his family employed to navigate these challenges, including trading items with tourists and listening to forbidden radio stations like Radio Free Europe for music and news. These experiences shaped his understanding of the world outside Romania, igniting a desire for freedom and change. The narrative takes a dramatic turn as the Romanian revolution unfolds in December 1989. Traian recounts the fear and uncertainty that gripped the nation as protests erupted, leading to the eventual overthrow of Ceaușescu. He vividly describes his school trip during this pivotal moment and the surreal experience of returning home to a city forever changed by the events of those days. Further info and videos⁠ https://coldwarconversations.com/episode403/⁠ [https://coldwarconversations.com/episode403/] 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/⁠⁠ [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/⁠⁠ [https://coldwarconversations.com/store/] * Follow us on BlueSky ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social⁠⁠ [https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social] * Follow us on Threads ⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations⁠⁠ [https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations] * Follow us on Twitter ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod⁠⁠ [https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod] * Facebook ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/] * Instagram ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/] * Youtube ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations⁠⁠ [https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations] * Love history? Join Intohistory ⁠⁠https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod [https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]