The following is a conversation with Stephen Kahnkin, his second time on the podcast.

Stephen is one of the greatest historians of all time, specializing in 20th and 21st century

history of Russia and Eastern Europe.

And he has written what is widely considered to be the definitive biography of Stalin

in three volumes, two of which have been published.

And the third focused on World War II and the years after he is in the midst of writing now.

This conversation includes a response to my previous podcast episode with Oliver Stone

that was focused on Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine.

Stephen provides a hard-hitting criticism of Putin and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Wade and contextualized deeply in the complex geopolitics and history of our world.

All with an intensity and rigor, but also wit and humor that makes Stephen one of my

favorite human beings. Please also allow me to mention something that has been apparent

and has weighed heavy on my heart and mind.

This conversation with Stephen Kahnkin makes it more dangerous for me to travel in Russia.

The previous conversation with Oliver Stone makes it more dangerous for me to travel in Ukraine.

This makes me sad, but it is the way of the world.

I will nevertheless travel to both Ukraine and Russia.

I need to once again see with my own eyes the land of my ancestors, with a suffered but flourished,

and eventually gave birth to silly old me.

I need to hear directly the pain, anger and hope for both Ukrainians and Russians.

I won't give details to my travel plans in terms of location and timing, but the trip is very soon.

Whatever happens, I'm truly grateful for every day I'm alive, and I hope to spend each

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