A Cold War escape from Czechoslovakia (279)

Cold War Conversations Podcast

Ian Sanders

History, Society & Culture, Documentary

4.8 • 758 Ratings

🗓️ 25 February 2023

⏱️ 49 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

We return to Dirk’s story from episode 278 with a move to East Berlin following his mother’s divorce from his father. Dirk finds school life more relaxed where pupils are allowed to wear Western clothing and to speak more openly, even questioning their teachers about the existence of the Berlin Wall. After leaving school, Dirk starts work in a factory from which he can see into West Berlin and he longs for a life away from the restrictions of East Germany. His mother’s new partner is a conscripted border guard who advises him not to attempt an escape over the Wall. However, as East Germany starts to implode in November 1989 Dirks sees a chance to escape… We also hear of his and his family’s life in the new Germany where at school reunions the children of Stasi families reveal their secrets and his mother sees the contents of her Stasi file. 0:00 Introduction and Dirk's life in East Berlin 7:24 Dirk's career and encounters with international leaders 15:33 Dirk's changing perspectives on East Germany and life near the Berlin Wall 20:06 The risks of escaping East Germany and Dirk's involvement in 1989 demonstrations 24:18 Dirk's escape to West Germany 30:32 Arrival in West Germany and the reunion with his mother 36:43 The adjustment to the reunification of Germany 39:59 Post-reunification life and Dirk's connections with school friends 42:17 Discoveries from Stasi files and the impact on Dirk's family 44:53 Closing remarks and promotion of episode extras Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Dirk's previous episode https://coldwarconversations.com/episode278/ Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community 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 also welcome one-off donations via the same link. Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode279 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome to Cold War Conversations, the home of real stories of the Cold War.
0:05.9	Timothy Shalame is Bob Dylan and a complete unknown.
0:09.4	If anyone who's going to hold your attention on the state, you have to kind of be a freak.
0:13.9	Critics agree it's outstanding on every level. Five stars.
0:19.1	Shalemay is a revelation.
0:21.7	What do you want to be?
0:23.4	Whatever it is, they don't want me to be.
0:25.3	Now nominated for the Golden Globes for Best Picture, Best Actor
0:26.8	and Best Supporting Actor, Edward Norton.
0:29.3	A complete unknown.
0:30.6	Ladies and gentlemen, Bob Bill!
0:32.5	In Cinemas, January 17, rated 15.
0:35.8	My mom's partner, he was a scriptcript at the border guards, and I asked him, what about her?
0:42.3	He said, don't even try.
0:44.3	He said 90% don't even get there.
0:46.3	This is Cold War Conversations.
0:51.3	If you're new here, you've come to the right place to listen to first-hand Cold War history accounts.
0:58.2	Do make sure you follow us in your podcast app or join our emailing list at cold warconversations.com.
1:07.8	We return to Dirk's story from episode 278 with a move to East Berlin following his mother's divorce from his father.
1:16.5	Dirk finds school life more relaxed in East Berlin, where pupils are allowed to wear Western clothing and speak more openly,
1:24.1	even questioning their teachers about the existence of the Berlin War.
1:29.1	After leaving school, Dirk starts work in a factory from which he can see into West Berlin
	...

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