This is the story of a Communist family in East Germany whose world was turned upside down by the implosion of the GDR.



The story is told by Katja Hesse, whose father was a Vice Admiral in the Volksmarine, the East German Navy. We start the episode with Katja crossing into West Berlin on the night of 9th November 1989 and journey through the emotional landscape of certainties overturned by the opening of the Berlin Wall.



Using her father’s diaries Katja shares in detail her memories and reflections. From her father’s shock upon learning she crossed into West Berlin, to the complexities of navigating a new reality in a reunified Germany. It’s an intimate glimpse into the struggles of her family as she recounts the legacy of the GDR and the profound impact it had on her upbringing and identity.

Buy Katja's book here https://www.engelsdorfer-verlag.de/Belletristik/Romanhafte-Biografien/Ostprinzessinnen-tragen-keine-Krone::7605.html

Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode409/



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.



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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/]



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The End of  East Germany: A Communist Family’s Journey Through Change (409)

The story of how one man—a librarian for the KGB—became a traitor to the intelligence agency, stealing the most prized Soviet-era archives and smuggling them to the West.

Historian and journalist Gordon Corera whose new book “The Spy in the Archive” tells the remarkable story of how Vasili Mitrokhin—an introverted archivist who loved nothing more than dusty archives—ended up changing the world.

As the in-house archivist for the KGB, the secrets he was exposed to inside its walls turned him first into a dissident and then a spy; a traitor to his country but a man determined to expose the truth about the dark forces that had subverted Russia, forces still at work in the country today.



Related episodes

 * Deep Cover Cold War Spies: How Russia’s Illegal Agents Penetrated the West https://pod.fo/e/2c6cf5
 * Portland Spy Ring Part 1 https://pod.fo/e/292bd
 * Portland Spy Ring Part 2 https://pod.fo/e/4471e
 * The Bridge of Spies spy https://pod.fo/e/15f244
 * Discovering your husband is a KGB spy https://pod.fo/e/17a1c4
 * I was a deep cover KGB spy Part 1 https://pod.fo/e/9c88f
 * I was a deep cover KGB spy Part 2 https://pod.fo/e/9e0a6

   

Episode extras ⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/episode408/⁠ [https://coldwarconversations.com/episode408/]



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/]



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The Spy in the KGB  Archive (408)

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.



Episode extras 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.



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Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/store/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://coldwarconversations.com/store/]



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Memories of an East German Naval Officer's Family (407)

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.

Episode extras 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.



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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/]



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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





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Gorbachev - The Man Who Ended An Empire (406)

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/]



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Policing the Berlin Wall with the Royal Military Police (405)

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/]



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"The aircraft exploded and the cockpit filled with fire" - Korean skies to the brutal Vietnam War (404)

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/]



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Childhood Memories of the 1989 Romanian Revolution (403)

In this gripping episode, we hear a detailed account from an eyewitness right at the heart of the tense NATO and Russian confrontation in Kosovo in 1999 at Pristina Airport.

NATO General Wesley Clark had ordered the British to use force to remove Russian forces, however British General Mike Jackson refused with the immortal words “Sir, I’m not going to start World War Three for you”.

Former BRIXMIS officer Stephen Harrison was a British Army liaison officer to the Russians and the translator at the complex and fraught negotiations at the airport. He provides a blow-by-blow account from the detailed notes he took at the time.

Further info and videos https://coldwarconversations.com/episode402/

Stephen's previous episodes:

 * Arrested 11 times, plus 3 shooting incidents - a BRIXMIS officer's diary Pt 1 https://pod.fo/e/13af96
 * Imprisoned in a Soviet Military gaol - a BRIXMIS officer's diary Pt 2 https://pod.fo/e/13ca90



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/]



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“Sir, I’m not going to start World War Three for you” - The NATO Russian confrontation in 1999 at Pristina Airport (402)

This is a repeat of an episode published in September 2022.

55 years ago last month Fred Haise was one of the three astronauts on the ill-fated Moon mission when a design fault caused an oxygen tank to explode mid-mission putting the Apollo 13 crew in mortal danger on April 13th, 1970. This was the seventh crewed mission in the Apollo space program and the third meant to land on the Moon.

Buy Fred’s book here “Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut’s Journey” [https://amzn.to/3S9FmvO] and support the podcast.

Now as you can imagine I’m genuinely excited to be speaking with one of the Apollo astronauts. Fred and I talk about his life and his almost accidental entry into flying. We cover his admission into the astronaut programme, the family impact, and as you can imagine go into some detail about his experiences on the Apollo 13 mission.

Many of you will know of this mission via the Film “Apollo 13” starring Tom Hanks, and Fred shares his views on the film and corrects some of the inaccuracies.

Episode extras ⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/episode401/⁠ [https://coldwarconversations.com/episode397/]



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/]



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“Houston, we’ve had a problem” interview with Fred Haise, Apollo 13 astronaut (401)

This episode covers themes of physical and emotional abuse as well as suicide. If you need support please follow the links below.



 * UK https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
 * Rest of the World  https://findahelpline.com/i/iasp





Kerstin recounts her harrowing childhood and life experiences in East Germany. She was identified at a young age for elite sports training, which led to intense gymnastics regimens, physical and emotional abuse, and state-sponsored doping.



When she was dismissed from the sports program without warning she was left isolated and struggling with identity loss.



Her personal life deteriorated further after her father’s death, and she turned to alcohol and self-destructive behaviour.



Despite enduring severe trauma, Kerstin ultimately found healing and reconciliation with her past. She received state compensation for the doping-related damage to her health, repaired her relationship with her mother, and now shares her story to ensure the dark realities of the East German regime are not forgotten.



Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode400/



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Doped, Abused and Abandoned: Growing Up in East Germany’s Sports System (400)

Award-winning real stories of the Cold War told by those that were there. Every week we interview an eyewitness of the Cold War. Across soldiers, spies, civilians, and others, we aim to cover the whole gamut of the Cold War experience. Hosts Ian Sanders, James Chilcott and Peter Ryan bring your ears into the heart of the Cold War. Reading a history book is one thing, but hearing a human voice, with every breath, hesitation and intonation brings a whole new dimension to understanding what it was like to be there.

Ian Sanders

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