This is the third and final part of Ralph Hänel’s story of his life in East Germany.

In this episode, we hear his time in the Stasi prison in Cottbus which with its dark red brick façade was often referred to as the ‘Red Misery’.

It’s a chilling insight into Stasi prison conditions and the brutality that the political prisoners endured from the other inmates and the guards.

We also hear about Ralph’s eventual release and of some strange experiences he has in reunited Germany

Again I am honoured and humbled that Ralph shared this story with us. 

I could really use your support to help me to continue the produce the podcast. A small monthly donation entitles you to the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and you bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. 

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ 

If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us and sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.

I am delighted to welcome Ralph back to our Cold War conversation…

Further information on this episode can also be found here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode182/ 

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode, visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations on Facebook.

Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye.

We’re up for an award as best Arts & History podcast and we’d very much appreciate your vote.

Please vote for us on this link. https://quitethethingmedia.com/awards-voting/ 

Thank you very much!


Radio GDR 
If you are interested in East Germany we can highly recommend our friends over at Radio GDR. 

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/coldwarpod)

Ralph - A prisoner in an East German jail (182)

In this second part of Ralph Hänel’s story of his life in East Germany.

We hear of Ralph’s arrest by the Stasi and subsequent interrogation for 10 months.  

Ralph describes in some detail the arrest and his early days of imprisonment. He also details the techniques used to try and make him break and the pressure the Stasi also put on his mother.  

It’s an incredible insight into the workings of the Stasi from someone who was there and I am honoured that Ralph shared this story with us. 

We also hear about his court case and in the following episode we hear about his time in the Stasi prison in Cottbus which with its dark red brick façade was often referred to as the ‘Red Misery’.  

I could really use your support to continue the podcast. A simple monthly donation via Patreon, plus as a monthly supporter you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. 

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ 

If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.

I am delighted to welcome Ralph to our Cold War conversation…

There’s further information on this episode in our show notes which can also be found as a link in your podcast app here. Other episodes with Ralph are here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode177/ You can buy Ralph's book here  

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook or click here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ 

Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye.


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Radio GDR 
If you are interested in East Germany we can highly recommend our friends over at Radio GDR. 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/coldwarpod)

Ralph - Arrested and interrogated by the Stasi (181)

Ralph Hänel tells some unique, strange and funny short stories about childhood and youth in East Germany. 

We talk about the experiences of his parents in the closing stages of World War 2, his schooling, and how he became a DJ, winning a trip to the Soviet Union.

Ralph is a great raconteur with virtually endless stories about his life in East Germany. Hear how he saw Fidel Castro, met the first German astronaut in space and had a girlfriend, whose father was in the people’s police or was it the Stasi...?

Ralph had a passion for martial arts, but in East Germany that wasn’t easy to pursue. Listen as Ralph tells how he found secret clubs and smuggled books into the country. 

However, his interest in martial arts brought him under suspicion and don’t miss subsequent episodes where Ralph’s life takes a turn for the worst when he is arrested by the Stasi and sentenced to 3 and half years in prison.

I could really use your support to continue the podcast. A small monthly donation via Patreon is ideal, plus you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. 

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ 

If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.

I am delighted to welcome Ralph to our Cold War conversation…

There’s further information on this episode in our episode notes which can also be found here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode177/ 

If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.

Thank you very much for listening. 

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/coldwarpod)

Cold War Conversations Transcript on Youtube

Ralph - A prisoner in an East German jail (182)

Ralph - Arrested and interrogated by the Stasi (181)

Ralph - DJing and Kung Fu in East Germany (177)