About a Boy: The Story of Vladimir Putin

There’s a word that holds a key to understanding the man who has shaped modern Russia: *dvor*. It translates simply as "courtyard," but in the Soviet experience, it represented an entire world-a gritty, formative space where the rules of the street were learned. About a Boy: The Story of Vladimir Putin moves beyond the familiar focus on his KGB career to explore how this specific environment forged his worldview. In this podcast from Audacy Studios and Puck, journalist Julia Ioffe guides listeners into that universe, painting a vivid portrait of the childhood and adolescent forces that sculpted one of the most consequential figures of our time. Each episode delves into the cultural and social history of postwar Leningrad, examining the unspoken codes, loyalties, and survival instincts ingrained in the courtyard. You’ll hear how the brutal social dynamics of that time and place became a foundational blueprint, offering a crucial lens through which to interpret actions that often confuse Western observers. This isn’t just a political biography; it’s an immersive exploration of how personal history becomes geopolitical destiny. The narrative weaves together intimate biography with broader historical context, making the complex landscape of Russian power feel startlingly personal. For anyone seeking a deeper, more nuanced explanation of contemporary events, this series provides an essential and compelling backstory.