Rephonic
Artwork for Cold War Conversations

Cold War Conversations - "vivid & compelling" The NY Times

Ian Sanders
Cold War
Soviet Union
East Germany
Berlin Wall
Nuclear Weapons
Korean War
Romania
CIA
Vietnam War
Hungary
Czechoslovakia
West Germany
Stasi
Espionage
KGB
Communism
Poland
Berlin
Nicolae Ceaușescu
Australian Army

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 frontli... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes456Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HistorySociety & CultureDocumentary

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Artwork for Cold War Conversations

Latest Episodes

Juli begins by recounting her early years in East Berlin, a time marked by the tragic loss of her father. Drafted into the army just days before her birth, her father continually deserted to see his family, ultimately leading to his untimely death. T... more

YouTube

Chris was a US Marine assigned to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, a sprawling US base on the Communist island of Cuba.

Chris describes the guard duty along the fence line, where the proximity to the Cuban border created an unusual tension. Chris also shares a... more

YouTube

In this episode, historian and writer Michael G. Stroud explores how decades of political instability drew the Soviet Union into Afghanistan in 1979—and why the intervention quickly spiralled into a protracted and unwinnable war.

From the struggle t... more

YouTube

Former Legal Director MI5 & MI6, David Bickford, takes us behind the scenes of one of the most unusual and precarious postings of the Cold War. Arriving in Berlin in 1979, the city is still technically under Allied occupation—surrounded by East Germ... more

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Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Recent Guests

Michael G. Stroud
Historian and writer
Independent historian / author
Episode: Soviet - Afghan War, Mujahideen Resistance: The Brutal Fight for Zhawar (450)
David Bickford
Former MI6 legal director in Berlin
Episode: Former MI5 & MI6 Legal Director Looks Back at His Time in Cold War Berlin (449)
Dr. Paul Brown
Historian, author of Secret Warriors, British Submarines during the Cold War
Author of Secret Warriors
Episode: Secret Warriors - British Submarines during the Cold War (446)
Rob Zettel
Lieutenant Colonel, author of American MiG Pilot, Inside the Top Secret USAF Red Eagles MiG Squadron
U.S. Air Force (Red Eagles)
Episode: American MiG Pilot: Inside the Top Secret USAF "Red Eagles" MiG Squadron Part 2 (445)
Rob Z-Man Zettel
Lieutenant Colonel and author of 'American MiG Pilot, Inside the Top Secret USAF Red Eagles'
Episode: High School Student to the Top Secret USAF Red Eagles Soviet MIG Squadron Part 1 (444)
Bruce Berglund
Author of Moscow Playbook, expert on Soviet sports history
Episode: The Moscow Playbook: How Russia Used, Abused, and Transformed Sports in the Hunt for Power (443)
Susan Miller
Former CIA Operations Officer sharing her experiences in espionage
CIA
Episode: Dead Drops and Disguises - A Female CIA Officer in 1980s Moscow (441)
Colin Ferguson
A veteran from the British Army's Covert Special Observation Post Troop.
British Army
Episode: Cold War British Army "stay behinds" - Live at the Imperial War Museum London (440)
Peter Kasl
Author of 'Escaping the Grip of Eastern European Communism'
Episode: Planning an Escape for 13 Years: How One Family Outsmarted the Iron Curtain (439)

Host

Ian Sanders
Ian Sanders is the host known for his engaging style and expertise in Cold War narratives, bringing raw, firsthand accounts from those who lived through this intense period in history.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 1.8k ratings
  • Outstanding show

    Just an amazing show. The host, Ian Sanders, talks with people who went through the Cold War. It’s incredible to hear some of these stories. Kudos to Sanders for preserving these stories - which are being lost as people who lived through this era pass away.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    President Taft's Bathtub
    United States2 months ago
  • One of the Best

    This is absolutely one of the greatest history podcast I have ever heard. The guest are fascinating and include influential people of the time to everyday citizens on both sides of the Iron Curtain. I am amazed by Ian’s neutrality and ability to sympathise with all his guests! Absolutely a much listen!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Fishboy1998
    United States2 months ago
  • Ads are crazy

    Such a lovely show to allow such horrible ads. They are TOO LOUD. They are manic and insulting. This show has fallen off as one of my favorites due to the expected shock of the numerous disruptions.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Bayou news
    United States2 months ago
  • Excellent!

    Wow! I have been searching for information on this subject. It’s surprisingly difficult to get detailed information. This podcast is a hidden gem! Grateful for the deep dive!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PurplePianoCat
    Canada6 months ago
  • Memories

    I love listening to Ian’s podcasts as it brings back great memories about one of the best times of my life having been stationed there during the Cold War.

    It is even better when you know some of the people being interviewed.

    Slip back in time and learn what it was like in a divided Germany.

    An excellent podcast, well produced.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Trooper Stewart
    United Kingdom8 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Reviews highlight the diversity of topics covered, making it a valuable resource for a wide audience interested in military and cultural history.
Listeners appreciate the in-depth, personal storytelling that brings Cold War history to life.
The podcast is often described as a treasure trove for educators and history enthusiasts, with its real-life accounts providing great insights.
Listeners commend the relaxed interview style that feels more like a conversation rather than a formal lecture.
Many express gratitude for the well-researched and engaging presentations, finding the content both educational and emotive.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#248
United States/History
Apple Podcasts
#101
United Kingdom/History
Apple Podcasts
#179
Canada/History
Apple Podcasts
#183
Australia/History
Apple Podcasts
#226
Italy/History
Apple Podcasts
#64
Indonesia/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Guarding the Wire at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (451)
Q: How representative is this of life on Grand Tarnima (Guantanamo Bay)?
Rob Reiner visited during development of A Few Good Men, but life there was a mix of realism and hazing; overall it was a decent experience with camaraderie and discipline balancing the challenges.
Guarding the Wire at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (451)
Q: What sort of air defense did the base have? Was there any anti-aircraft weapons?
There were a few 50 caliber machine guns with some anti-aircraft mounts; that was the extent of their air defense, plus some older gear and secret inventory like missile launchers that were kept from the guest.
Guarding the Wire at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (451)
Q: Did you ever have a look to see whether you could pick up Cuban TV?
No, as far as I know we couldn't get Cuban TV; I never watched it or heard of others watching it.
An officer in The Internal Troops of the Soviet Ministry of Internal Affairs (448)
Q: What were your primary duties during service, and how did your role evolve over time?
I specialized in radio communications and encryption, ensuring secure lines for field operations and for coordinating with Moscow; I also supported internal security and occasional public safety tasks, with a strong emphasis on maintaining critical communications infrastructure.
Chasing Rogue Nukes after the Fall of the Soviet Union (442)
Q: What does it mean to be a CIA Chief of Station?
Susan explains being the head of CIA operations in the country, representing the CIA to the ambassador, and liaising with the local government.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Cold War Conversations

What is Cold War Conversations about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast offers an immersive exploration of the Cold War era through evocative firsthand accounts from individuals who experienced it firsthand, ranging from soldiers and spies to civilians. With a focus on personal narratives rather than traditional historical recounting, the content unveils the emotional and human aspects of events that shaped global dynamics. Topics discussed traverse military tactics, significant political figures, and notable events like the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Berlin Wall's fall, making it a rich resource for anyone seeking to understand Cold War complexities beyond textbooks.

Notably, the podcast features conversations with a diverse array of guests, enhancing the narrative with various perspectives on ... more

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How many episodes of Cold War Conversations are there?

Cold War Conversations launched 8 years ago and published 456 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Cold War Conversations?

Recent guests on Cold War Conversations include:

1. Michael G. Stroud
2. David Bickford
3. Dr. Paul Brown
4. Rob Zettel
5. Rob Z-Man Zettel
6. Bruce Berglund
7. Susan Miller
8. Colin Ferguson

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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