civilian – Page 14 – Cold War Conversations Podcast

My Stasi file is as thick as a phone book

Welcome to Episode 12 of Cold War Conversations. Today’s guest is someone I’ve been trying to speak to for some time as his story is a particularly fascinating one. We’re chatting with Mark Reeder a musician and music producer who has been involved in the Berlin and international music scene since 1978, starting as Factory Records … Read more

1960s School Road Trip across the Soviet Union

Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyListen on Google PodcastsBecome a Patron! Welcome to Episode 10 of Cold War Conversations. Today we’re moving away from the GDR and Czechoslovakia to the Soviet Union. Jeremy Poynton was a 16 year old school boy in 1968 when he embarked on a memorable trip by road from Leningrad to Odessa. … Read more

Cloak & Dagger in Cold War Prague

Welcome to Episode 9 of Cold War Conversations. Mark Baker is an independent journalist and travel writer who’s lived in Central Europe for more than two decades. I heartily recommend his travel website www.markbakerprague.com which is an eclectic mix of stories about his adopted hometown of Prague and stories from when Central Europe was the “Eastern … Read more

The Strange World of Football in Cold War East Germany with Craig McCracken

<Welcome to Episode 3 of Cold War Conversations where we hear about the strange world of football in East Germany and even if you are not interested in football it’s a fascinating chat. Craig McCracken runs the website, Beyondthelastman.com, described as 20th century football writing and nostalgia in a skilled and cultured groove. One of … Read more

Our Latest Podcasts

Under Fire: A Journalist's Story of the 1989 Romanian Revolution (380)

Today we are transported back to a pivotal moment in history that occurred 35 years ago this month - the Romanian Revolution of 1989. This episode is from our archive and features, Mark Brayne, a former Reuters and BBC journalist, who provides a gripping first-hand account of the tumultuous events that led to the fall…

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,…

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…

What our listeners say

Podcasting At Its Best

☆☆☆☆☆

A superb collection of stories and recollections, covering all aspects of the period. Absolutely fascinating insights from people who were there, great insights and anecdotes in every episode. Ian’s conversations are well delivered in a relaxed style that draws me in and paints pictures in my mind.

craig56997 via Apple Podcasts ·Great Britain

Fantastic!

☆☆☆☆☆

Each episode is very engaging and enjoyable. It’s great to listen to real life stories from the people who experience all this first hand and lived through it. This podcast is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in Cold War history and the host does a great job letting the each guest shine and tell their stories.

tommy1583 via Apple Podcasts ·Ireland ·