Welcome to AirNManky's Cabinet of Curiosity's, a production of I Heart Radio and Grimm

and Mild.

Our world is full of the unexplainable.

And if history is an open book, all of these amazing tales are right there on display,

just waiting for us to explore.

Welcome to the Cabinet of Curiosity's.

From 1947 to 1991, Germany was divided into two blocks, the Soviet-run Eastern block

and the more capitalistic Western block.

In the East, democracy was all but obliterated, with heavy restrictions placed on what media

and political ideologies were allowed.

The press was an extension of the state, serving as a propaganda machine for the Communist

Party.

Anyone who spoke out against those in power were silenced.

For people living in the Eastern block, times were dark, which is why so many tried to

flee.

Unfortunately, the border between East and West Germany was almost impenetrable.

Not only were armed guards stationed along the various walls and fences separating the

two sides, but there were all manner of deterrence waiting for anyone who dared to try to climb

over.

The third wire was a common sight, as were watchtowers, where guards would keep an eye

on activity and shine search lights on anyone they thought trying to cross.

Ten thousand people attempted to escape the Eastern block, nearly a thousand of them,

...