Popular Reviews of Cold War Conversations

Im a simple man, I like history, I like cold war subject matter. This is a great listen, all the guests first hand accounts are fascinating. The variety is incredible. Don't think it's all espionage, theres ordinary people's stories from behind the iron curtain, there's Eastern block football episodes there's army episodes there's air force episodes, Berlin specific episodes, and everything in between. Newest fave is Bob flying the mig 29.

Without question the best, most well researched and balanced podcast on the modern history of the cold war. The interviewees are top notch and fascinating and the host Ian is exceptional and is preserving human stories of an amazing time that is still (just) in living human memory. I wish I could give it more than five stars.

Excellent podcast for the history nut and for anyone with a passing interest. A really diverse range of subjects covered, and all fascinating. Well worth a go.

This is an incredibly interesting and informative podcast. Ian has interviewed such a wide variety of folks who have fantastic lived experiences of the Cold War. If I could give more than five stars, I would.

Excellent history podcast rich in detail, perspectives, and great storytelling. I highly recommend this podcast. If you are on the fence, or just don't know where to start, please allow me to suggest: Yuri Gagarin (172), Portland Spy Ring (138-139), and The Last British Commandant in West Berlin (136-137). These are outstanding episodes and likely to get you hooked.

The really engaging first hand conversations are really well done and make you feel like you are right in the heart of this particular period.

I'm embarrassed to say I discovered this Pod less than a year ago, but not embarrassed to say I've burnt through all of his episodes since then. If you're even slightly interested in recent world history, and specifically the divisions between the east and west, please listen to the those that were there and who were affected by (and/or had an affect on) that period in our collective history. They all chose and choose to speak to Ian, and I can understand why. He's so laid back and knowledgeable. Absolute gem of a podcast.

Excellent podcast, loved the episode about Yuri Gagarin 👌🏻👍🏻👍🏻Keeping Cold War history alive, keep up the great work

Cold War Conversations brings together a unique symphony of stories from this defining era. For the first time, we get to hear from those who shaped, lived through and survived an era that came to define the modern societies in which we live - technologically, politically, militarily and socially. Host Ian Sanders coolly steers conversation with an eclectic range of voices from nuclear submarine commanders to anti-Communist freedom fighters, and from diplomats to former journalists and historians - all with a story to tell about the inherent absurdities of the Communist system and how it impacted everyday lives. If you would like to peek behind the Iron Curtain and see how life really was this is the podcast for you.

Superb mix of experts of the era and those that actually lived it. Not just about the military history but the everyday lives of the people in and around the DDR. You'll find something new and end up down a rabbit hole, or rather bunker.

Brilliant podcasts. Every podcast is in depth, interesting and relevant. We really enjoy listening to the podcasts and Ian does a great job.

In-depth and engaging conversations about the fascinating history of the cold war well beyond the official history.

A treasure-trove of diverse and historically important Cold-War reminiscences! 5 stars!

A fantastic and varied podcast covering the many different facets of the Cold War from 1945 to 1989. Some wonderful guests, speaking from personal experience of the recent past - that oddly now seems a long time ago. Highly recommended.

In my opinion the best podcast out there if you are interested in modern history and the cold war topic. The life and different destinies of the people, the personal stories, well researched and Ian Sanders is leading the conversations with focus on, and great respect for the guests.

Great coverage of all aspects of the cold war

‘Cold War Conversations’ is an extraordinary podcast that offers a unique perspective on history. The host, Ian, skillfully conducts interviews with individuals from Eastern Europe, particularly Poland and East Germany, who lived through the Cold War era. These conversations provide a rare and intimate look at life behind the Iron Curtain. Topics such as the realities of military service and the day-to-day operations of the Stasi are explored in depth. This podcast makes history come alive in a way that few other mediums can.

I listen to numerous podcasts, too many even - but this is one of only a couple I'll immediately listen to whenever a new episode is released. Genuinely fascinating. It was (strangely) a love of Joy Division/New Order & Factory Records, and an interview with Mark Reeder (Factory's man in Berlin) that first led me to Cold War Conversations. As someone who is fascinated by this period of history anyway, it was quite an introduction - hearing of his time dealing with the DDR authorities in a music capacity, and having the Stasi looking over his shoulder. This great podcast covers all aspects of the Cold War and all countries. Protest and survive!

Fascinating guests and insightful content delivered every week. A very good way to start your Saturday!

Brilliantly curated cold war history presented via gentle probing of eyewitnesses or researchers by a fella who is clearly knowledgeable but not an annoying know-it-all and who allows the guests to speak. Fantastic for newbies to the genre; neither jargon nor assumptions of expertise involved yet not dumbed down either.