Best GDR Podcasts (2025)

1
Policing the Berlin Wall with the Royal Military Police (405) 1:24:06

12h ago1:24:06

1:24:06

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 Hi…

1
"The aircraft exploded and the cockpit filled with fire" - Korean skies to the brutal Vietnam War (404) 1:28:05

8d ago1:28:05

1:28:05

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 tragedie…

1
Childhood Memories of the 1989 Romanian Revolution (403) 1:03:24

15d ago1:03:24

1:03:24

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 …

1
“Sir, I’m not going to start World War Three for you” - The NATO Russian confrontation in 1999 at Pristina Airport (402) 1:35:53

22d ago1:35:53

1:35:53

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 goin…

1
“Houston, we’ve had a problem” interview with Fred Haise, Apollo 13 astronaut (401) 1:32:08

29d ago1:32:08

1:32:08

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…

1
Doped, Abused and Abandoned: Growing Up in East Germany’s Sports System (400) 1:16:04

1M ago1:16:04

1:16:04

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 y…

1
Whispers of Freedom: Portraying the Story of the last person shot at the Berlin Wall (399) 50:42

1M ago50:42

50:42

Chris Gueffroy, was the last person to be shot dead at the Berlin Wall and a new short film called “Whispers of Freedom” portrays his story. I speak with the film’s director Brandon Ashplant who shares the challenges of accurately portraying real individuals with deep personal histories. Actors Cameron Ashplant (Chris) and Wendy Makkena (Karin) ref…

1
Submerged: Life on a Fast Attack Submarine in the Last Days of the Cold War (398) 1:05:16

1M ago1:05:16

1:05:16

Former US Navy Commander Henry Rausch is the author of Submerged: Life on a Fast Attack Submarine in the Last Days of the Cold War. Henry shares his experiences from training to life aboard a submarine, emphasising the challenges, mishaps, and the camaraderie among the crew. He provides vivid descriptions of the rigorous training, the psychological…

1
Deep Cover Cold War Spies: How Russia’s Illegal Agents Penetrated the West (397) 1:11:26

2M ago1:11:26

1:11:26

In 2010, two decades after the Cold War had ended, ten Russian spies were arrested in America, having hidden their true identities from their friends, neighbours and even their children. They were part of a spy programme that had begun nearly a century earlier, when the revolutionary Bolshevik government began sending Soviet citizens abroad to pose…

1
A Black US Basketball Virtuoso in Cold War Poland (396) 1:25:46

2M ago1:25:46

1:25:46

The Communist Polish press called it "Kentomania!"—the excitement surrounding a 23 year old, called Kent Washington who made history as the first American—and the first Black American—to sign a professional sports contract behind the Iron Curtain. Stepping off the plane in Poland, Kent was immediately struck by how different everything felt. Yet, i…

1
Agent Zo - From War Hero to Enemy: When Cold War Poland Turned on Its Own (395) 1:02:41

2M ago1:02:41

1:02:41

In a world where history often overlooks the contributions of women, the story of Agent Zo stands out as a beacon of bravery and resilience. I spoke with Claire Mulley about her book Agent Zo: the Untold Story of a fearless World War II resistance fighter. From the first day of the war to the German surrender, Zo organised efforts…

1
In Conversation with Margot Honecker (394) 31:38

2M ago31:38

31:38

I speak with Jon Benjamin who recounts his meetings with Margot Honecker, the unrepentant architect of East Germany’s education system and widow of GDR leader Erich Honecker then living in exile in Chile. In 2012 and 2013, when Jon was British Ambassador to Chile, he had three long meetings with Margot Honecker, third wife of longtime East German l…

1
The Cuban Missile Crisis Suicide Missions (393) 57:48

2M ago57:48

57:48

Richard F Kaufman is the author of A One-Way Trip to Death A Survivor’s View of Cruise Missiles in the Cuban Missile Crisis In the 1950s he served in the Korean War, where he was shot down and provides a vivid snapshot of flying in that conflict. On his way to Korea Richard meets a Japanese Kamikaze pilot. The pilot’s reflections on life and death …

1
Rebel Queen: The Cold War, Misogyny, and the Making of a Chess Grandmaster (392) 55:01

3M ago55:01

55:01

Susan Polgar is the author of Rebel Queen: The Cold War, Misogyny, and the Making of a Grandmaster. Born to a poor Jewish family in Cold War Budapest, Susan Polgar had the odds stacked against her growing up in a sexist and oppressive culture. Yet her father subscribed to the belief that geniuses are not born, but created, so he set out to ensure h…

1
The Keys to Armageddon: A Cold War Nuclear Missile Officer's Story (391) 1:08:13

3M ago1:08:13

1:08:13

Jim is a former Minuteman nuclear missile officer who served in the US Air Force. Throughout the episode, Jim shares first-hand accounts of life in the launch control centre. From evaluations to the strict checklist orientations, every aspect of his training was designed to ensure that he and his crew were prepared for the weighty responsibilities …

1
The Secret History of Britain's Cold War Nuclear Experiments (390) 1:10:54

3M ago1:10:54

1:10:54

The race to build a British nuclear bomb sucked thousands into its vortex, who are still dealing with the effects of radiation today: veterans, widows, children, scientists and indigenous people, all subjected to fear, radiation, and experimentation. A black cloud still hangs over those who survive, and their descendants who fear the consequences o…

1
Surviving the Fastnet Sailing Disaster with a British Prime Minister (389) 42:09

3M ago42:09

42:09

David recounts his experiences sailing with former British Prime Minister Edward Heath, offering a unique glimpse into the life of a man who once led a nation. From the camaraderie on board to the challenges faced during the races, David's anecdotes paint a vivid picture of life at sea. But it is the 1979 Fastnet Race that stands as a centrepiece o…

1
From the Merchant Navy to Covert Hunter Killer Nuclear Submarine Missions (388) 1:17:55

4M ago1:17:55

1:17:55

David Arnold joined the merchant navy at just 14. His tales offer a glimpse into the rigorous and sometimes harsh realities of naval training in the 1950s. His story takes us through his progression in the merchant navy, where he earned his extra master's ticket, a rare and prestigious qualification that opened doors to a career in marine surveying…

1
Frozen in Time - the Cold War Nottingham War Rooms (387) 52:49

4M ago52:49

52:49

Last year I was given the unique opportunity to visit the Nottingham War Rooms. The site is about to be re-developed so it was a rare chance to see a British Regional Seat of Government bunker that has lain relatively untouched since the end of the Cold War. The voices you will hear are Dan Cordle, an Expert in Nuclear Culture & History and Parmi U…

1
Defending Baltic Skies : A Swedish Air Force Pilot's Cold War (386) 1:34:50

4M ago1:34:50

1:34:50

During the Cold War Sweden outwardly maintained its neutrality, however from the 1960s the U.S. secretly promised to provide military force in aid of Sweden in case of Soviet aggression. As part of the military cooperation, the U.S. provided much help in the development of the Saab 37 Viggen aircraft. I spoke with Benke, a former Swedish Air Force …

1
Letters across the Iron Curtain - Unseen Cold War Correspondence between Soviet and American Women (385) 1:04:05

4M ago1:04:05

1:04:05

In the tense years of the early Cold War, American and Soviet women conducted a remarkable pen-pal correspondence that enabled them to see each other as friends rather than enemies. In a compelling new perspective on the early Cold War, prizewinning historian Alexis Peri’s new book “Dear Unknown Friend” explores the correspondence between American …

1
From Cold War Berlin to Belfast – A Paratrooper’s Story Pt 2 (384) 1:12:00

4M ago1:12:00

1:12:00

David Mackay is a former Cold War special forces officer and author of Bubbleheads, SEALs and Wizards: America's Scottish Bastion in the Cold War. He continues his unvarnished anecdotes about his Cold War career as an officer in the Parachute Regiment. The conversation extends to further experiences in East Berlin, West Germany, Nigeria, and Northe…

1
AI and Ethics 8:01

5M ago8:01

8:01

Send us a text In this episode, we dive into the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in various industries, from healthcare to accounting to marketing. As AI continues to evolve, questions and concerns about its ethical implications, job displacement, and potential biases emerge. We define AI, explore its different forms—mechanical,…

1
Bombs, Berlin & Peacekeeping: A Paratrooper's Cold War Story Pt 1 (383) 1:02:35

5M ago1:02:35

1:02:35

David Mackay is a former Cold War special forces officer and author of Bubbleheads, SEALs and Wizards: America's Scottish Bastion in the Cold War. He returns by popular demand to share his compelling journey through military service in the British Army's Parachute Regiment. From his humble beginnings in Scotland to his experiences in the Parachute …

1
Watching the Jackals: Prague's Covert Liaisons with Cold War Terrorists and Revolutionaries (382) 1:08:19

5M ago1:08:19

1:08:19

Author Daniela Richterova new book "Watching the Jackals" tells the untold history of Czechoslovakia's complex relations with Middle Eastern terrorists and revolutionaries during the closing decades of the Cold War In the 1970s and 1980s, Prague became a favourite destination for the world's most prominent terrorists and revolutionaries. They arriv…

1
The Truth about the Gulf of Tonkin incident that sparked the Vietnam War (381) 58:13

5M ago58:13

58:13

The Gulf of Tonkin incident, was a pivotal moment that escalated U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. I talked with US Marine Veteran John F. Davies, who researched the Gulf of Tonkin Incident. He shares a personal connection and insights on the political and military decisions that led to one of America's most controversial conflicts. Discover the…

1
Under Fire: A Journalist's Story of the 1989 Romanian Revolution (380) 46:48

5M ago46:48

46:48

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 of Nicolae Ceausescu. As Mark …

1
The Three Monkeys - Part 2 of my conversation with Herta Peter 44:10

6M ago44:10

44:10

Hello Radio GDR listeners! I am so pleased to bring you the second episode of two with my new friend Herta Peter. My favorite thing about doing this podcast is hearing stories from those of you who lived in the GDR. Your stories are always extremely compelling, and we welcome them with open arms. History deserves to be preserved, and Radio GDR has …

1
Foes to Friends: Cold War British and East German Tank crew together in conversation (379) 1:34:33

6M ago1:34:33

1:34:33

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, providing ins…

1
From Vulcan Bases to Communist Bucharest: A Tale of Cold War Intrigue (378) 1:10:38

6M ago1:10:38

1:10:38

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 at the ti…

1
Surveillance and shortages: A British teacher in 1960s Cold War Communist Romania (377) 1:03:48

6M ago1:03:48

1:03:48

In 1967 a young British professor found himself in Bucharest, Romania, under the most intriguing circumstances. Ron Mackay shares his fascinating experiences as he navigated life and teaching in a communist country. When he set foot on Romanian soil, he was met with challenges and intrigue. The stark realities of life under a communist regime paint…

1
Mission Iran: Special Forces Berlin & Operation Eagle Claw, JTF 1-79 (376) 49:06

6M ago49:06

49:06

Few operations in Cold War history capture the imagination quite like Operation Eagle Claw. I have the privilege of welcoming back James Stejskal, a Special Forces veteran, to delve into the intricacies of this audacious mission. Operation Eagle Claw, was conceived as a daring rescue mission to free 52 US embassy staff being held hostage held in Ir…

1
Den of Spies: The October Surprise - A Covert Cold War Operation (375) 43:56

7M ago43:56

43:56

In the late 1970s, the United States found itself at the centre of a crisis where 52 US Embassy staff were held hostage in Iran. Our latest episode takes you on a journey through the tumultuous events of 1980, exploring the covert operation known as the “October Surprise” that allegedly influenced the outcome of the U.S. presidential election. Will…

1
Surrounded and captured in the Korean War (374) 1:25:17

7M ago1:25:17

1:25:17

Today is Veterans Day in the US and Armistice Day in the UK and to commemorate I’ve gone back into the archive to remember and share vivid testimony from Korean War veteran Tommy Clough who sadly passed away a couple of weeks ago. The Korean War was among the most destructive conflicts of the modern era, and one of the few times when the Cold War t…

1
Interview with an East German Border Guard (373) 1:14:34

7M ago1:14:34

1:14:34

Today is the 35th anniversary of the Berlin Wall and East German border opening in the autumn of 1989. In this riveting episode, I speak with Dietmar Schultke, a member of the Grenztruppen, the East German Border Guards and delve into the life of those responsible for preventing escapes over the Berlin Wall and the East German Border. Dietmar opens…

1
From Vulcan to Gannet: A Cold War career in the Royal Air Force 58:54

7M ago58:54

58:54

This episode is brought to you by the Avro Heritage Museum at Woodford near Manchester where I am a volunteer. Trevor Jackson is also one of the volunteers, but unlike me he’s a former Vulcan pilot who shares with me his extraordinary career. From his early days with the Royal Air Force Cadet Force to flying iconic aircraft like the BAC Jet Provost…

1
Doorsteps of Hell - a US Marine platoon commander in the Vietnam War (371) 1:23:44

7M ago1:23:44

1:23:44

As Tom Williams fought the enemy, every day, without fail, he would record the day’s events in his diary. It is these diaries (which Tom has to this day), that enable him to tell the story of Vietnam in the late sixties/early seventies, like it really was. I talk with Tom about his book “Doorsteps of Hell” where he offers an honest, unembellished a…

1
How the Cold War almost destroyed European Football (370) 44:17

7M ago44:17

44:17

In the late 1960s European club football competitions were thriving However unexpected events in 1968 threatened its survival. I delve into the fascinating world of European football during the Cold War era with Craig McCracken, a self-described peddler and purveyor of quasi obscure retro football nostalgia via the 'Beyond The Last Man' blog. We ex…

1
Nuclear Missions - a Canadian CF104 Starfighter Pilot's Story (369) 1:11:06

8M ago1:11:06

1:11:06

Flying at high speed and low level, RCAF pilot Allen French was at the sharp end of potential nuclear bombing missions during the Cold War. Born at the dawn of the baby boomer era, Allen delves into his early inspirations, his father's service in the Royal Canadian Air Force, and the pivotal moments that led him to join the Air Force. From training…

1
The KGB Spies Next Door (368) 1:04:21

8M ago1:04:21

1:04:21

In the sleepy suburb of Ruislip in London during the late 1950s, life was anything but exciting for Gay Search, a 15-year-old girl. Little did she know, her mundane existence was about to be shattered by a shocking revelation that would turn her world upside down. This is the gripping tale of suburban espionage, the story begins with the seemingly …

1
From Sydney to the Vietnam War: An Australian Soldier's Cold War Journey (367) 1:19:55

8M ago1:19:55

1:19:55

In this gripping episode of Cold War Conversations, we hear the remarkable first-hand account of John Brooker, an Australian veteran who takes us on a journey from the streets of Sydney to the battlefields of Vietnam. John shares his experiences from joining the Citizens Military Force (CMF) to his deployment with the Royal New South Wales Lancers …

1
Unveiling Cold War Secrets: Hack Green Regional Seat of Government Bunker museum (366) 1:22:00

8M ago1:22:00

1:22:00

It's 40 years since the film Threads was shown on British TV. It portrayed the effects of a nuclear attack on the city of Sheffield, England and the eventual long-term effects of nuclear war on civilization. It therefore seems apt to publish a tour I had of the Hack Green Regional Seat of Government Bunker museum. Nestled in the heart of Cheshire, …

1
The Siege: The Remarkable Story of the Greatest SAS Hostage Drama with Ben Macintyre (365) 1:11:37

9M ago1:11:37

1:11:37

On April 30, 1980, six heavily armed gunmen burst into the Iranian embassy on Princes Gate, overlooking Hyde Park in London. There they took 26 hostages, including embassy staff, visitors, and three British citizens. I talk with Britain’s bestselling historian Ben Macintyre who has written a new book called “The Siege: The Remarkable Story of the G…

1
From Sheffield to Sandhurst: A Cold War Territorial Soldier's Memories (364) 1:04:41

9M ago1:04:41

1:04:41

Chris is a former member of the Yorkshire Volunteers, part of Cold War Britain’s Territorial reserve Army. This episode is a treasure trove of personal anecdotes, historical insights, and reflections on military life, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in military history and the Cold War era. Chris’s journey into the military began with…

1
From East Berlin to Ireland: A Cold War Journey of Resilience (363) 1:34:51

9M ago1:34:51

1:34:51

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. This early loss left Juli and her mother to navigate a harsh landscape in East Germany alone. Life in…

1
BRIXMIS and the Secret Cold War - Intelligence Collecting Operations Behind Enemy Lines in East Germany (362) 1:09:48

9M ago1:09:48

1:09:48

BRIXMIS and its operations behind enemy lines continue to fascinate the listeners of Cold War Conversations. In August 2024 I was honoured to be invited to the National Army Museum in London to interview Andrew Long, the author of BRIXMIS and the Secret Cold War - Intelligence Collecting Operations Behind Enemy Lines in East Germany. The National A…

1
To Catch a Spy - How the Spycatcher Affair Brought MI5 in from the Cold (361) 1:13:24

10M ago1:13:24

1:13:24

The Spycatcher affair remains one of the most intriguing moments in the history of British intelligence and a pivotal point in the public's relationship with the murky world of espionage and security. It lifted the lid on alleged Soviet infiltration of British services and revealed a culture of law-breaking, bugging and burgling. But how much do we…

1
The longest-held prisoner of war in American history (360) 1:06:58

10M ago1:06:58

1:06:58

Jack Downey was the longest-held prisoner of war in American history. He was a CIA officer captured in China during the Korean War and imprisoned for twenty-one years. I speak with Barry Werth the author of Prisoner of Lies - Jack Downey's Cold War. He details Downey’s story when the CIA recruited him as a new Yale graduate in the post-World War II…

1
The Soviet Sixties (359) 1:01:25

10M ago1:01:25

1:01:25

Beginning with the death of Stalin in 1953, the “sixties” era in the Soviet Union was just as vibrant and transformative as in the West. The ideological romanticism of the revolutionary years was revived, with a renewed emphasis on egalitarianism, equality, and the building of a communist utopia. Mass terror was reined in, great victories were won …

1
Low Flying the Cold War USAF F-111 Nuclear Bomber (358) 1:29:04

10M ago1:29:04

1:29:04

Due to personal circumstances, I’ve been unable to produce a new episode this week, however, you will be aware of the many gems in the back catalogue and I have chosen one of my favourites today which is a rip-roaring story of service in the USAF with Rick Shreve an F111 pilot which I know you will enjoy. Normal service should be resumed next week.…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

GDR Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen