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

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

Author: Ian Sanders November 16, 2024 Duration: 41:56
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. William Casey is at the heart of this story, a brilliant yet enigmatic figure who played a pivotal role in the Reagan campaign. Described as a master spy, Casey is said to have orchestrated a complex web of secret meetings and illegal arms sales, all aimed at manipulating 52 American hostages held captive in Iran to Ronald Reagan’s advantage. Our guest, Craig Unger an investigative journalist with decades of experience, has written a new book on the subject Den of Spies: Reagan, Carter, and the Secret History of the Treason That Stole the White House. Buy the book here and support CWC https://bookshop.org/a/92195/9780063330603 Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode375/ 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/ 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/ Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There's a human texture to history that official records often miss, the kind found in a personal recollection or a private fear. Cold War Conversations Podcast is built from those very materials, weaving a tapestry of the 20th century's defining standoff not with dry dates, but with the voices that held its weight. Host Ian Sanders acts as a careful curator, drawing out raw, firsthand accounts from an astonishing array of individuals-from soldiers who stared across the Berlin Wall to civilians who navigated the daily anxieties of the nuclear age, and even the spies whose shadows shaped events. This award-winning series, noted by The New York Times, moves beyond textbook summaries to deliver something far more compelling: intimate, often emotional testimony from the frontlines of a frozen conflict that was anything but cold for those living it. Each episode in this podcast feels like a direct conversation, pulling you into the personal dilemmas, narrow escapes, and quiet moments of defiance that defined the era. You'll hear the tension in a voice recalling a border crossing, the resolve in stories of protest, and the complex humanity behind the headlines. For anyone drawn to the profound impact of this period on global culture and society, this documentary-style podcast offers a gripping, deeply personal portal into the past, reminding us that history is ultimately a collection of individual stories waiting to be heard.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Cold War Conversations - "vivid & compelling" The NY Times
Podcast Episodes
From Vulcan to Gannet: A Cold War career in the Royal Air Force [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:54
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…
How the Cold War almost destroyed European Football (370) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:17
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 Mc…
Nuclear Missions - a Canadian CF104 Starfighter Pilot's Story (369) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:06
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 inspiration…
The KGB Spies Next Door (368) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:21
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 revel…
From East Berlin to Ireland: A Cold War Journey of Resilience (363) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:51
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 le…