Shows
History ImpossibleDiplomacy on the Eastern Border (w/ Kristaps Andrejsons, Jack Johannson, & Zack Twamley)I was recently invited to join in a panel discussion with three podcasting greats and people I consider friends—that is, The Eastern Border’s Kristaps Andrejsons, the Secret Police podcast’s Jack Johannson, and When Diplomacy Fails podcast’s Zack Twamley. It originally went up on the Eastern Border feed, split into two parts, but Kristaps was kind enough to let all of us get our grubby paws on the masters to put on our own feeds, something that I felt would allow me to give all of you fine people another nice bonus while you wait for the next ins...2025-03-252h 53
Secret PoliceThe FSB DOES NOT want you to hear this ft. Kristaps AndrejsonsA conversation with Latvian journalist, and host of the Eastern Border podcast, Kristaps Andrejsons. We recap the Russian secret police series while Kristaps provides his unique perspective on my show, Soviet times, and the future of Russian security services.
Please check out Kristaps' show: https://theeasternborder.lv
Aquarius by Viktor Suvorov: https://www.amazon.com/Aquarium-career-defection-Soviet-military/dp/0241115450
Secret Police IG: https://www.instagram.com/secretpolicepodcast/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsC0ajH6e2ko0wYGEhklbog
Thanks for listening!
2023-11-081h 17
Ukraine: The LatestVladimir Putin announces annexation of four Ukrainian regions & interview with journalist Kristaps AndrejsonsDay 219.Today, we have reaction to Vladimir Putin’s historic speech in Moscow where the Russian leader announced the annexation of four Ukrainian regions.We also speak to Latvian journalist Kristaps Andrejsons who’s been reporting from across Ukraine.Contributors:David Knowles (Host). Follow David on Twitter @djknowles22Nataliya Vasilyeva (Russia Correspondent).Kristaps Andrejsons (Journalist).Email: podcasts@telegraph.co.ukSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Ac...2022-09-3046 min
History ImpossibleAssassinations and Historical Discontents (ft. Kristaps Andrejsons of the Eastern Border)In this special episode of History Impossible--and The Eastern Border--I was lucky enough to sit down with the host OF The Eastern Border, Kristaps Andrejsons, in what I am calling my fastest guest turnaround I've done with the show so far. It was meant to be, however, given the whirlwind of news that continues to come from his area of expertise, that is, the Eastern Border, namely involving the Russo-Ukrainian War, and above all, how all that relates to the history of that region. Because, as is always the case with me and most other people who study...2022-09-131h 39
History ImpossibleUkraine and the Latvian Podfather (An Impossible Interview VI): Kristaps Andrejsons of The Eastern BorderNote: Supporters of History Impossible over on Patreon currently have access to the uncut version of this interview, complete with more banter and fun discussion regarding how weird America is. Head over to www.patreon.com/historyimpossible and consider becoming a patron today so you can hear the uncut versions of conversations had on this show plus much more!In this edition of the Impossible Interviews series, we're joined by the one and only Kristaps Andrejsons of the famous Eastern Border Podcast to talk about both his time as not just a history podcaster on the Eastern Border of E...2022-06-152h 22
Latvia WeeklyLW Presents: Latvians in Ukraine with Journalist Kristaps Andrejsons"The Eastern Border" podcast host Kristaps Andrejsons once again is back on the show, this time calling in from the border of Ukraine and Poland where he has been spending the last few days reporting on the situation for Latvian media and working together with Latvian relief workers providing aid for the countless refugees seeking safety. Kristaps tells about the situation he's been seeing on the ground, as well as the ways that Latvians can continue helping the people of Ukraine.
You can check out The Eastern Border Podcast here: http://theeasternborder.lv/
Opening and closing music: courtesy of Ausma...2022-03-0419 min
The Eastern BorderATOM: Trudograd minisodeHeyhey, Comrades!We interviewed the creators of ATOM RPG two years ago, when their original Post-Soviet oldschool RPG game came out. And...now there's a sequel, named Trudograd! And we're IN IT! DJ Kristaps lives! It's like a dream come true!Anyways, I've got some free Steam keys for this amazing game, so if you want a copy, do let me know! And if you're not among the lucky few, please do support the devs! The game is good and really cheap.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder....2021-10-1810 min
The Eastern BorderMigrant crisis in BalticsGreetings, Comrades!This episode turned out weird. I mean…EXTRA weird. What was meant to be about just how Belarus is using poor souls as their political weapon turned into somehting else when the migrants just…dissappeared. Not even kidding.Also, yeah, there will be only 3 eps this month, due to how insanely difficult it was to make this one and Kristaps’s birthday is on the 28th. So if you can, please do click that PayPal button. Thank You!Audio PlayerSupport this show http://suppor...2021-08-2638 min
Raidnīca#14 Kristaps Andrejsons, "The Eastern Border"Kad sāku interesēties vairāk par Latvijā tapušiem podkāstiem, tad dzirdēju stāstu par čali, kurš uztaisīja podkāstu angļu valodā un stāsta, kāda bija dzīve Padomju Savienība. Viņu klausoties tūkstoši un ar podkāstu viņš pelnot lielu naudu. Man likās interesanti, bet domāju, ka tā ir tikai leģenda. Gāja laiks un izrādījās, ka patiešām ir tāds podkāsts "The Eastern Border" un to veido Kristaps Andrejsons. Šoreiz "Raidnīcā" par Kristapa podkāsta tapšanu, kā viņam izdevās kļūt pazīstamam visā pasaulē...2021-06-081h 03
The Eastern BorderCold War and more with American History PodcastThis time, we are joined by Shawn from American History Podcast, about Reagan, Cold war, collapse of the USSR…and what similarities that has with today’s Russia and much more. Enjoy! Oh, and here’s the link to the article about the Soviet space laser pistol, which totally is a thing: https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/satellites/a21527129/the-soviet-laser-space-pistol-revealed/Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-09-2247 min
The Eastern BorderLukashenko’s crazy adventuresGreetings, Comrades!Our page is back online, after the attack…and we’re back too, after our sore throat. Navalny’s having it worse. Lukashenko’s having it MUCH worse, but on a mental level, because I simply don’t believe he’s really sane anymore. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-09-1532 min
The Eastern BorderRussian Alaska 7 – Who lived there?Greetings, Comrades!I wanted to end this month on a positive note, so there’s a historical ep about how Russia conquered Eastern Siberia and who were the pioneers and colonisers. I’ve lots of work ahead of me, but I’ll manage. Thanks to everyone for your mails and stuff!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-08-3132 min
The Eastern BorderUpdates on Navalny/Belarus and Birthday thoughtsGreetings, Comrades!This episode is basically news updates on what’s up with Navalny and goings on in Belarus as that’s all over the news here. And then, after that some “thank you’s” and as it was my birthday when I recorded this, some general podcast/life talk. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-08-3037 min
The Eastern BorderPoisoning the futureGreetings, Comrades!Continuing from our previous week, I talk about protests in Belarus and of course the #1 event in Russia this week – poisoning of Navalny.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-08-2225 min
The Eastern BorderZhive Belarus! – Part 1Greetings, Comrades! Zhive, Belarus! Here’s my coverage of the stuff happening in Belarus as of now, and why it’s important to everyone. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-08-1439 min
The Eastern BorderRussian Alaska 6 – God is in heaven and the Tzar is far awayGreetings, Comrades! We’re done with western Siberia. Time to march forward and expand isaiak ever further into the east, while Tzar establishes cities, industrial centers and, of course, all sorts of places where they’ll later exile various revolutionaries. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-08-0128 min
The Eastern BorderKhabarovsk and Russian SaunaGreetings, Comrades! This is our take on the protests in Khabarovsk – and of course, their new governor, which is a candidate for “weirdest bills introduced in a parliament ever” award. It’s crazy. Also, don’t forget that we just published a new historical episode too – so, check it out, your feed should contain both!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-07-2626 min
The Eastern BorderRussian Alaska 5 – Tribal AdventuresGreetings, Comrades!Welcome to part 5 of our episodes of Russian colonial efforts, expanding east. This one took a long time to make, so it’s supplemented by a political episode too, posted separately. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-07-2639 min
The Eastern BorderThe Day Russia Wasn'tGreetings, comrades!So, that voting thing passed. I want to go back to Siberial colonisation. But I asked online, on socilal media, do you really NEED an episode on the utter amd complete nonsense that just happened…and the answer was “No, but we need You to tell us about it”. And I am telling you about the ultimate farce in election rigging that has ever happened. And continuation on the super antisemitic orthodox priest that took over a monastery. Because why not. Retrurning to reasonable episodes next week, I guess,Support this show http://suppor...2020-07-1025 min
The Eastern BorderVoting that isn'tGreetings, Comrades!This is our cathch-up on the Russian politics and it ain’t pretty.Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-06-3023 min
The Eastern BorderRussian Alaska 4 - Blood on the snowGreetings, Comrades!Today we continue digging into Russian exploits of colonizing Siberia. In this episode we look at first major battles, deaths of prominent people and how the native people’s got dehumanized.Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-06-2843 min
The Eastern BorderRussian Alaska 3: Privateering, but on landGreetings, Comrades!Today we are continuing our fun advendtures in Siberia with Yermak and others. And learn about the Mighty Stroganov family. It’s a wild ride.Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-06-1935 min
The Eastern BorderRussian Alaska 2: Tax Collectors but very armedGreetings, Comrades!We’re experiencing electricity loss here in Ludza, due to hail and a massive storm. So, I literally couldn’t record all I wanted in this episode, but please enjoy the stories of Siberian colonisation up to the mid 17th century. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-06-1135 min
The Eastern BorderRussian Alaska 1: Into SiberiaGreetings, Comrades!Obviously, I wasn’t going to tackle all of Russian Alaska in one episode. Because the subject is so huge, that it involves ALL of Russian Empire’s colonial policy. So, for this reason, have one of the darkest ep’s on the show, about how and why I’m not gonna use any Soviet sources in these series. And I also try to give voices to the unheard people’s of the Russian empire. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...2020-05-3148 min
The Eastern BorderMay Madness MinisodeGreetings, Comrades!In this minisode, I explain what sort of bizzarre weird reaction happened JUST after I posted my Kadyrov ep. That is, how we're all evil now, and why I, too, apparently have issues with cops. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-05-3111 min
The Eastern BorderRamzan Kadyrov has Covid!Greetings, Comrades!This episode is another topical one, but that’s because I had intended to do my Latvian episode, but Delfi, the hosting site cancelled all indie podcasts there. Oh well. Anyhow, this is news, because I was nervous and also a Russian National-Bolshevik, which is basically a Pro-Putin, Pro-Stalin Neo-Nazi who’s funded by Russia, working for Sputnik.tv as a blogger has now gone to Latvian cops and wrote that I’m about to murder him and that he’s deadly afraid of me, because I wrote on his last super provocative hatred bullshit that peopl...2020-05-2630 min
The Eastern BorderBoats 2. Kind of.Greetings, Comrades!The author’s family, turns out, wasn’t happy about our show. They forbade me to use their matherials…so I brought another KGB spy story for you this time. And man…I HATE people’s personal memoires. Interviews are way easier to process into a script. But…at any rate, enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-05-1941 min
The Eastern BorderGlorious IncompetenceGreetings, Comrades! This episode has everything. Protests, rioting, conspiracy theories, warmongering, hatred of america, absolute mad lads from Russian GosDuma…everything. At this point, Russia has 3 out of 4 apocalypse riders, and Death doesn’t seem to be that far away.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-04-2734 min
The Eastern BorderSpy Boat 1: We don't even get to the boatGreetings, Comrades!Some episodes make me feel bad – but for various reasons. Some have awful subject matters, some…like this one, was created from a source so awful and incoherent – even though the subject matter is really interesting – that making a coherent narrative was just a massive pain in the backside. Oh, and we don’t even get to the boat itself. Because seriously, if I’d try to mix that one in as well, you’d probably get very confused at the end. But the groundwork needs to be set, and this is what we do here. Enjoy!2020-04-1734 min
The Eastern BorderPrison Riot MiniI'm recording the boat ep, but this just happened, and I simply had to put it for your considerationSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-04-1111 min
The Eastern BorderA cursed episodeGreetings, Comrades!Boat is coming. Meanwhile, we take a look at how to not to run a country. If it’s being run at this point. It’s all a tad bit weird. Russia’s getting some extra stuff even not counting the virus. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-04-0835 min
The Eastern BorderThe Purple Mummy (Anatoly Dneprov, 1965)And as promised, I bring you some very Soviet Sci-Fi! More to come, especially if you’ll join our patreon. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-03-3151 min
The Eastern BorderCovid 19 is a tool for democracyGreetings, Comrades!We’re fully awake from our infection. And might even read the comments on our website and respond to them, which I haven’t in a while. But anyways, this is all about how Putin’s regime is acting like a fish out of water, and don’t know what to do with this situation. This virus…just might be their downfall.Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-03-3035 min
The Eastern BorderFever DreamsSo, I’m in quarantine now. And I’m feeling very ill too. 🙁 To stay alive, and not just sleep all the time, I’ve decided to produce podcasts, so that you also go through this agony. In this one, I try to talk about plagues and famous people who’ve suffered from them in Russia. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-03-2630 min
The Eastern BorderQuarantineGreetings, Comrades!In the light of the Covid-19, storming arount the world, our buddy, Vovochka, has decided to basically nullify his own presidental terms. Together with oil prices and rouble. It’s more funny than you think. By this point, Putin's carreer needs to be a Blumhouse movie. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-03-1633 min
The Eastern BorderMurder.IncGreetings, Comrades!This minisode is about what happens to people like me in less safe environments. Because a friend of mine just survived an assassination attempt. Oh, and if you’re a rich oil tycoon, please, we’re 500$ short of paying off our med bills. Off to get the boat ep script, but hey – ultra rich listeners, please throw a bit of cash our way.Also…enjoy. And Patreon stuff coming out in the next 24h too. If technology will allow us. Oh, and by the way, Ramzan Kadyrov is a murderous...2020-02-2922 min
The Eastern BorderTinder of the 1920'sGreetings, Comrades!I still haven't received my spyboat script and book yet, which is a complete shame, but I had this very interesting subject to look at. Namely, relationship ads in Latvian press from about 100 years ago, and with a bit of analysis, we can discover some quite interesing facts about the society of that time period.Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-02-2631 min
The Eastern BorderNews, but with some cheer. Maybe.Greetings, Comrades!Sorry for the ep, being so late, ran into a lot of issues, like my health and my cat, literally eating my mic cable. Oh, and when I got back home, turns out, I had left my USB flash with my script, and the book about the ship in the place I stayed at. Just…winter wonderland Latvia. At any rate, thankfully there’s plenty of news in Russia to heep everyone entertained. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info...2020-02-1842 min
The Eastern BorderWord SaladGreetings, Comrades!I did what I had promised on social media, and translated the weirdest response to a journalist question that I had ever heard. I also look at a recently dead, ultra-conservative priest who had said that Stalin did the work of God, that female circumsision is a good thing and called for a physical purge of Russia’s internal enemies. Oh, and four CEO’s of Belarus’s sugar factories have been arrested in suspicion of a plot. This…this is a strange one.Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thee...2020-01-3132 min
The Eastern BorderBook ReviewsGreetings, Comrades! I managed to do a really dumb thing and fumble into a sewer hole, due to a hard-to-notice half-closed sewer lid and hurt my leg real bad. So, I’m talking about all the books that I’ve received and am reading now, with a rant about WW2 tossed in between. Some of those books you should even buy. I don’t know, I’m in pain and my head isn’t exactly working. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-01-2738 min
The Eastern BorderHybrid Coup/Manually Operated StateGreetings, Comrades!This time, we take a deep dive inside the constitutional changes, just proposed by president Putin – what they mean, why are they there, and what will the fall guy Medvedev do now. Enjoy! And...if you can, please support us in Patreon or donate via Paypal, we're running behind things now. But doing our best to make the best shows that we can.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-01-2150 min
The Eastern BorderHome Improvement. Soviet Style.We wanted to start this year with something positive. And…we sort of did. Because this is one of those back to the roots, people’s stories episode. With that, don’t forget to check out Chris and his knitting, send your mails to: Knitterinkeef@outlook.com or SMS or WhatsApp to: +1-605-846-3166 for SMS (USA) or WhatsApp (international)Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-01-1140 min
The Eastern BorderBelarusGreetings, Comrades! Here's our new episode for you! It's about a country sligthly to the south east of ours, that will probably cease to exist sometime next year. And also some info:1. There's going to be a special new year's ep for Patrons later today.2. Audio on this one was pretty inconsistent, because I don't even know what happened with my recording setup, so we're working on it.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-12-3139 min
The Eastern BorderLies, Terror and StatisticsGreetings, Comrades!We’re catching up with our plan for the year, but then, suddenly, another terrible surprise happens.Ehh. This is a pretty cold Christmas.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-12-2332 min
The Eastern BorderTsap-TsarapGreetings, Comrades!This time, we talk about the current events in Russia. Which is soon-not-to-be Russia, according to our sources.Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-12-1143 min
The Eastern BorderWhat's in a constitution? (Part 2) (Fixed, reupload)EDIT: The correct episode has been uploaded now!Greetings, Comrades!Sorry for the delay, we ran into some technical difficulties here. But all is fine now, so enjoy our part 2 of the comparative constitutions! This time, we dig even deeper into what went down on paper in 1977 and what does it actually mean.Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-12-0134 min
The Eastern BorderWhat’s in a constitution (Part 1)Greetings, Comrades!This time, we take a look at the Soviet constitution of 1977, and try to understand what it says about the USSR, by comparing it to the constitutions of other countries. Oh, and Emperor Norton I also makes an appearance.Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-11-2550 min
The Eastern BorderStories from The Eastern BorderGreetings, Comrades! Here are the random stories from the people who live on The Eastern Border whom you can’t hear anywhere else but that doesn’t lessen their insanity. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-11-1845 min
The Eastern BorderTranstrinistria and The Red LineGreetings, Comrades! This episode is our interview on The Red Line podcast, while I’m working on the next one, which, due to health reasons, is taking more time than usual. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-11-141h 05
The Eastern BorderViolence and EducationGreetings, Comrades!I have returned from my travels in lands yet untouched by civilisation, where, as I presume, a “burger” is a form of currency, and where they measure temperature in “fahrenheits” which apparently mean some indigenous nonsensical unit, because clearly no naturalist explorer would use that to describe temperature. And although I am about to divulge the knowledge that I’ve gained by the people living there, yet untouched by the caring hand of civilisation, alas, today I must make an episode about what has happened in Russia while I was gone.Seriously though, US was ama...2019-10-3036 min
The Eastern BorderEstonia tragedyGreetings, Comrades!This episode is all about the weird Estonia tragedy - the ferry, no the country, that happened in 1994. One of the most tragic sea incidents ever, with 859 people dead, it carries a lot of crazy conspiratorial material. Some of which has been proven to be true. Yet, for the victim and survivor families, there is pretty much still no justice.Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-10-2344 min
The Eastern BorderPractical guide to Revolutions. An interview with Mike Duncan!Greetings, Comrades!Here’s our episode from the Sound Education conference – we managed to acquire an interview with famous Rome expert and theoretical revolutionary Mike Duncan, and talked about the various aspects of history, podcasting and…well, what makes a good revolutionary. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-10-1740 min
The Eastern BorderWartime kitchenGreetings, Comrades!This time, we bring you a historical introspective of peoples lives during world war 2, here in the Baltics, from a cook book printed in 1942, during the Nazi occupation. As you can see, this one will be both educational, emotional and extremely practical!Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-10-0642 min
The Eastern BorderEuropean country stereotypes explained by American stereotypesGreetings, Comrades! Out of the hospital, but still feeling pretty bad. Can’t script really, and my voice is terrible, so doing this light-hearted stuff, and a reading of a Sci-Fi short story for Patreons a bit later. Anyhow, in this episode, I explain the stereotypes that we have about the Europe here, in EU, using the stereotypes that I know of about various American places – not just US, but all of the Americas because otherwise it would be to narrow. So…err, take this in good fun, please. I’m getting better and I hope this will serve as a way...2019-09-3038 min
The Eastern BorderOn the meeting of Khruschev and Kennedy. Kind of.Sorry for the shortness this time, it’s all explained in the episode, which ended up being a bit of a philosophical diatribe about hate, relationships and politics, using the Kennedy-Khruschev meeting as context. Sort of. At the same time, I’m making a Patreon special, releasing later today, where I’ll explain the (stereotypical versions of) European countries, by using American stereotypes. Enjoy – and be nice to each other. See you in October, US folks. Oh, and non-Patreon supporters who’ve donated via Paypal – please, do email us to theeasternborder@gmail.com to claim your extra stuff, otherwise I can’t give...2019-09-2225 min
The Eastern BorderHow do you measure success?Greetings, Comrades!In this episode, we look at the aftermath of the Russian elections and compare it to Stalin’s policies during his “five year plan”. It…makes sense in context.Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-09-1644 min
The Eastern BorderAnother Russian ElectionGreetings, Comrades! Today is the election day in Russia, the same one for the honesty and transparency of which, the protest actions happened. Not like it’s going to help. This isn’t even funny anymore, but I still have to cover all of them in the region. And so I do – because there are people out there who have received real prison sentences because of this.Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-09-0829 min
The Eastern BorderAnatomy of a collapseGreetings, Comrades!In this episode, I look at the reasons why and how the Soviet union collapsed – and why it is especially important to look at these reasons today. Because things are brewing in Russia, to which there might not be easy answers.Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-08-3038 min
The Eastern BorderChernobyl: Series analysisGreetings, Comrades!By popular demand, in this episode, we analyze what the awesome HBO series got right, what they got wrong, why the mistakes were made and does it impact the show in any meaningful way. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-08-2740 min
The Eastern BorderATOM: A Soviet indie post-apocalyptic RPGGreetings, Comrades!This time, I bring You an interview with the lead writer of an amazing Soviet-themed post-apocalyptic RPG game in the style of Fallout 1 & 2! And we also have a contest where you can win the game. It’s a genuine experience of how Soviet union would be like after a nuclear war, which I greatly enjoyed and I think that You should too!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-08-1832 min
The Eastern BorderBlack August, 2019 editionGreetings, Comrades!This is a political episode, and as by now is usual in Russia, a depressing one. Because it’s august, and everything that can go wrong, does go wrong in this month there. Also, which wasn’t mentioed, as it happened after the recording, a nuclear missille detonated and leaked its radioactive contents near a Russian submarine base in the nothern parts of the country, where all the ice is. But yeah, they accidentally an ICBM while transporting. Because August. This…this is a dark month. I hope it gets better.Enjoy.Oh...2019-08-0939 min
The Eastern BorderSoviets in video games (by a request)So, by request of the nice folks who granted me a free tattoo…yeah, here comes a weird episode where I look at the Soviet depictions in video games, how accurate they are, why they are that way and…why stereotypes are sometimes necessary. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-07-3129 min
The Eastern BorderAtomic Hobo interview part2Greetings, Comrades!This is the part 2 of when we were on the glorious Atomic Hobo show! Please, enjoy and subscribe to them too!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-07-2928 min
The Eastern BorderGhosts of the Aral seaGreetings, Comrades!I’m sort of ok. But in this dark time of mine, I want to bring you one of the most impactful episodes out there. Moreso even than Chernobyl, the stuff that’s happening in the now-drying Aral sea, specifically in the ressurection/rebirth island…yeah. Wanted to do this for a while, and my illness allowed me to do it. Picture: Aral sea with the island.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-07-2542 min
The Eastern BorderAtomic Hobo interview pt.1Greetings, Comrades!I’ve been dealing with a lot of serious health issues lately, my heart’s acting up bad, so that is why ep’s have been late. However, I was interviewed in the glorious Atomic Hobo podcast about the survival in the atomic age. And as that was an amazing discussion, with their permission, I upload it here. And am back to making content! Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-07-1644 min
The Eastern BorderHappy Birthday Us! (And Georgia)Greetings, Comrades! In this episode, I talk about how Putin’s decisions and squabbles between Russia and Georgia have now directly impacted the show once again. And it’s our birthday! Yay! So this, for once, is a cheerful episode. A bit chaotic, but hey…partying never killed anyone, right? Also, the episode’s featured art on our home page this time is literal fan art of Lenin from 1934. Not propaganda. Fan art. Seriously. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-06-2831 min
The Eastern BorderUkraine 3 - DonetskGreetings, Comrades!In this part of my Ukraine visit, I want to tell you about Donetsk. And normalcy. Shame that it’s really hard to get a DonMac anywhere else. And…maybe a good thing too.Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-06-2237 min
The Eastern BorderUkraine 2 - Mariupol and the frontGreetings, Comrades!This is the part two of our Ukraine series. And probably, one of the saddest, heaviest episodes that I’ve made. This is the tale of Igor and Oleksandr, and…how war is never a pleasant business.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-06-1329 min
The Eastern BorderUkraine part 1 - KyivGreetings, Comrades!This is part 1 of my Ukraine adventures, about Kyiv and a crazy 18h train ride. Made after said ride, so kind of audio bloggy, but I wanted to get this out, to have my head clear for what’s about to come. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-06-0632 min
The Eastern BorderRefugees in RussiaGreetings, Comrades!Before going to Ukraine, I’m obviously doing research on what’s going on there, with Russia, giving out passports to Donetsk and Luhansk inhabitants…but then I struck a story. A really heartfelt one. About the refugees who went to Russia, during last year’s world cup using the FAN ID cards…and stayed there. Their stories are terrifying and heart-wrenching, and I hope that we’ll learn something about being good to each other here. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...2019-05-3144 min
The Eastern BorderStasi and the brainGreetings, Comrades!Our proper new episode is out now! This time, we re-visit the GDR (as did I) and look at how Stasi impacted everyday lives of people, how it changed their culture and compare the East German political jokes with the Soviet one's. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-05-2445 min
The Eastern BorderPreviously on the Eastern BorderGreetings, Comrades!I went to Germany for this one. Europarliament elections are coming. They’re practically here even – so this time, we’re teaming up with Ciaran of Previously in Europe fame, to explain what they are, and why they are especially important for the Eastern Border part of the planet. Historical episode coming soon, with new DDR material, but I wanted to get this out there asap.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-05-2140 min
The Eastern BorderDrugs and mentality with Nooks and CranniesGreetings, Comrades!This episode is with Matt from Nooks and Crannies podcast, where we talk about drug policies, the way Canada differs from the US, and how you, colonials, differ from us on the motherland, and why does it all matter. It’s a very neat conversation, and I hope you’ll like it. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-05-1340 min
The Eastern BorderImperator: RomeGreetings, Comrades. Due to popular request, here’s our review of Imperator: Rome and an introduction to Paradox grand strategy games to the rest of you. This does’t replace my standard episodes and patrons will not be charged for it, but if you’d like more content like this one, please do click that donate button. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-05-0422 min
The Eastern BorderReturn to ChernobylGreetings, Comrades! The 26th of April was the 33rd anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster. And since the last time we did the Chernobyl episode a few years ago, new documentation - namely KGB reports about the whole thing, have been declassified. And...well, they make one wonder, why it happened so late, and why it was the only one such tragedy of it's kind. So, in this episode, we revisit Chernobyl again, and look into this documentation. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.co...2019-04-2954 min
The Eastern BorderMat. In all of its glory.Greetings, Comrades!This episode is about the Russian swearword culture – and why it matters, how it formed the society and why is it so important to us all. There’s a poem by Pushkin inside there too. But, obviously, an episode about swearwords and their massive cultural meaning contains, well, you know, swearwords. And they're used extremely liberally throughout the show too. So, obviously, do not listen with your kids, or if you’re easily offended. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform...2019-04-2639 min
The Eastern Border[Redacted]Greetings, Comrades!This one's important. Russia's Gosduma just passed a law, that would in effect allow the Russian government to isolate their internet from the rest of the planet at will, and would basically serve as an extra layer of internet censorship there. What better time to contrast and compare that to an in-depth look at how censorship worked in the Soviet Union. Enjoy, think about it, and make your own conclusions. Also, for the only person who'll get this: Good luck in Vegas, fyi my lucky number's 11! Support this show http://supporter.ac...2019-04-1741 min
The Eastern BorderNational Cultural Development under Communism with Baked and AwakeGreetings, Comrades!Posting this episode just a few hours before flying back home to Latvia. In this episode, me and Stephen from the glorious and highly recommended Baked and Awake podcast (http://bakedandawake.com/) discuss a peculiar released CIA document from 1957, called "National Cultural Development Under Communism" which you can find here: https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/document/cia-rdp78-02771r000200090002-6First part of the show is me, reading the document - which is also available in full in Baked and Awake youtube channel as a separate entity, as we couldn't find it i...2019-04-101h 14
The Eastern BorderBack again and on the western borderGreetings, Comrades!I’m posting this from Vancouver, Canada. How crazy is that. And I spent a while in the US, and will be spending some more and…well, it’s pretty crazy. You’ll hear about them in the episode. But yeah, had a long vacation, but woah…there’s plenty of stuff to talk about. Back to the regular schedule again.Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-03-2936 min
The Eastern BorderPokazhuha & KadyrovGeetings, Comrades!This time, we bring you a special. A very important special, as we’re trying to offend the most dangerous man in Russia here, and are being god at it. Enjoy!Audio PlayerSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-01-3156 min
The Eastern BorderCuba infiltration mission 2Greetings, Comrades! This is the second part of Anete’s experiences in Cuba, this time, with a more political twist. I think you’ll find it highly enjoyable.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-01-1945 min
The Eastern BorderCuba infiltration mission 1Greetings, Comrades!Today we bring you Anete’s accounts on how it’s like in Cuba. As you heard in the last episode, she was there for about two weeks or so, and recorded two episodes about her experiences. And I hope some nice Soviet nostalgia as well. While I’m packing up and dealing with personal stuff, please enjoy what our talented and glorious soundmaster Anete has to offer. This one’s a bit shorter than usual, but the next one as far as I know is full length again, and then, in the late January you’ll g...2019-01-1422 min
The Eastern Border2018 in retrospect. Also, Belarus.Greetings, Comrades!We're back from our vacation. Back with a vengeance, looking back and following up on all the news that happened last year, together with a fresh look on what's about to happen with Belarus. And none of those things are particulary nice. Enjoy! Here's our discord link: https://discord.gg/ZqPdUdgTo become our patron go here: https://www.patreon.com/TheEasternBorderOur magnificent editor's Anete Germane's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anetegermane/Chantelle's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/telleyvision/Our twitter: @eastern_borderSup...2019-01-0748 min
The Eastern BorderChristmas special with ChantelleGreetings, Comrades!This one’s for a quick Christmas special. Unedited, because I wanted to make sure that you get the real emotions. That, and our editor is in Cuba, relaxing and gathering matherials. You see, I did an episode in November about how it was for me to visit the USA, and now, for Christmas, as this is a time of happiness and cheer and all that other stuff, I snatched my fiancee Chantelle and we sat down and talked about how it’s like to be an American in the Baltics. Hope you’ll enjoy this s...2018-12-2526 min
The Eastern BorderA. Nevzorov: The art of being a bastardGreetings, Comrades!I wanted to bring you something special this time. Something completely dfferent, but something that will allow you to look into a very special kind of mindset. It’s a motivational speech (of sorts), originally given in Russian, by one of my personal heroes and folks who inspired me to be a journalist, Alexander Nevzorov. See, it’s something that had been sitting on my mind for a long while now, and as everyone currently is all about spreading cheer and optimism and whatnot, I, instead, chose to share with you one of the most inte...2018-12-2124 min
The Eastern BorderMan of Steel 19 - Socialism in one countryGreetings, Comrades! This is the episode when millions die. For the first time but not the last one. Also Trotsky leaves the scene here. Have fun.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2018-12-1256 min
The Eastern BorderSex in the USSR (18+)Greetings, Comrades. I started this ep as a fun thing, about the weird sex-ed book from the Soviet Union. As it stands now, this episode is raw, brutal, sincere, explicit, ugly, offensive and just the story that needed to be told. Because it ended up being about how the whole regime oppressed people, how they tried to control and “normalize” the most intimate aspects of people’s lives and…how those lives were ruined. Also, this is seriously 18+ – I didn’t sugarcoat anything. I didn’t hide anything. And everything’s brutal and honest. Do NOT listen to this if you’re a mino...2018-12-0237 min
The Eastern BorderSpecial Report: The Boats in the KerchGreetings, Comrades! Once again, insanity happens. So, I bring to you the completely unedited (one take and not my good mic as am not home too) result of working in the middle of the night to inform you about the details of the boat incident in the Kerch strait. This will be followed up, but for now, here’s a gathering of literally everything that there is to know from eastern European media about this whole thing. Enjoy! And if you want to be in the know, join our discord. We talk with everyone there. https://discord.gg/6jnGV5e2018-11-2717 min
The Eastern BorderAll there in the manual: KGB edition.Greetings, Comrades!We got our hands on KGB instructional manuals, about what were their goals, how they were supposed to act and what and why did they do things that they did. But this is not a history episode. Sadly, this is a news episode, Think about it while you listen.And here are all the links that I promise on the show, starting with the awesome Transhumanist folks that we want to support:Paypal of the project: https://www.paypal.me/mindboundBitcoin of the project: 13XBRLQ8pQ89...2018-11-251h 12
The Eastern BorderThe curious case of Aijo BenessGreetings, Comrades! In this special episode, dedicated to the Latvian 100th anniversary, I’d like to tell you the adventures of the migthy (and utterly insane) Latvian terrorist Aijo Beness. It makes sense at the end. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2018-11-2143 min
The Eastern BorderThis was supposed to be news, but instead it’s the short history of the GRUGreetings, Comrades!This was supposed to be a news episode, but instead I somehow did a whole thing about the GRU instead. It just came naturally. Also, I talk really fast in this one as…well, I didn’t originally intend to make a whole ep about this and it’s pretty long already. Enjoy!Oh, and also join our discord group. Here’s the link: https://discord.gg/ZqPdUdgSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2018-11-151h 00
The Eastern BorderSo I was in America…also Dan CarlinGreetings, Comrades!So, I shipped out to Boston, and went on and had a speech in Harvard, walked the freedom trail in full and did a lot of fun and interesting things in the USA. Also, had a short spot-on interview with Our Lord and Master, Supreme Podcaster, Saint of All who use the Microphone, Dan Carlin. Which is in the end of the episode. Seriously tho, I really liked eagleland, and ths is my story about the experiences there, with the Dan Carlin interview in the end, which I did together with Sam Davis from the...2018-11-0740 min
The Eastern BorderMan of Steel 18: Teatime discussions about Uncle JoeGreetings, Comrades!This episode is a great discusson with Sebastian Major from https://ourfakehistory.com/ podcast! He’s just done a great three part series on Stalin myths, which you all should go and listen to immediately. We talk about Uncle Joe, about how he’s portrayed, how he’s influenced history and how sometimes, the hardest part is admitting that it’s humans who’re the greatest villain, and not monsters.P.S. If you’re in the area, come to the Sound Education conference in Harvard – https://www.soundeducation.fm/ I’ll be speaking there on...2018-10-2953 min
The Eastern BorderInteresting times, Crimea editionGreetings, Comrades!Sadly, the events that happen in these parts unfold so quickly, that I can’t really keep up with everything that I want to do, which would be more specials and Stalin series – but not like I can skip over the news either. Because from Riga, it looks like the world is about to fall apart. Also, on the good news: we have new podcast art! Coming soon, to our t-shirt store, and there will be prints as well! Signed prints!Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder....2018-10-2133 min
The Eastern BorderPolar Bear ExpeditionGreetings, Comrades!This episode is about a “small war”, and you’ll get to know exactly what that means. This episode isn’t fun. It’s horror and war from the first person perspective. This was hard for me to make, and I fully excpect it’ll be hard for you to listen. It should be that way.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2018-10-151h 31
The Eastern BorderLatvian election follow-up and protests in IngushetiaGreetings, Comrades!In this episode, which I just had to make, we look back at what happened to Latvian elections, and also at the utter weirdness of Russian politics lately, including something that might cause some real problems – land trade between Chechnya and Ingushetia.Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2018-10-0836 min
Come to the TableFrom Latvia with Love with Kristaps AndrejsonsA Native and Resident of Riga, Latvia Kristaps Andrejsons combines passion for his country, politics and history guide both his podcast, The Eastern Border and his everyday life. Despite growing up on the other side of the Cold War his life experiences have led him to appreciate both sides and come to understand the universal truth that underneath the politics, language, culture and the rest lie people who much more the same than different. Love in action is listening to understand, not to react. You can find different mediums to find, listen and subscribe to the...2018-06-181h 06
She's In Russia35: Latvia ft. Kristaps AndrejsonsWe're kicking off our ongoing series on former Soviet countries with Kristaps Andrejsons, host of The Eastern Border podcast and, incidentally, a Latvian.Our conversation runs the gamut: wild boars in Riga, the three waves of National Awakening (i.e. how Latvia became a country), and the best summer festival.Theme Music: Shit Happens by Tierra WhackListen to Kristaps's podcast: http://theeasternborder.lv/Telegram channel: https://t.me/shesinrussia2018-02-1334 min
The Eastern BorderSovConomics Part 1Greetings, Comrades!I had two scripts prepared, one for this and one for Stalin, for this week - and this won out in the social media voting. So here you go. Honestly - I'm normally very, VERY critical of my episodes, but this is what I consider to be one of my top tier shows. A must listen. Because...wow. The work I put in here, in my opinion, really paid off. And the things I discovered, were truly surprising and weird. But I guess, it's how podcasting goes. This is a "fun" episode. And if it isn't - well...2017-09-061h 03
Dead Ideas: The History of Extinct Thoughts and PracticesSerfdom V: Soviet Workfarm vs. Serf Commune: An Interview with Kristaps Andrejsons – Russian HistoryHow did the Soviet kolkhoz, or collective farm, stack up against the serf commune? Here to help us understand is Kristaps Andrejsons from the podcast The Eastern Border. Also, it's my birthday! Yay!
Be sure to support the show at www.patreon.com/deadideaspod to get your portrait drawn!
Music and graphic design by Rachel Westhoff. Map by Adam McKithern. Pics, maps, references, and more at www.deadideas.net.2017-04-0247 min