In this fascinating interview, Patrick D. Joyce recounts his unique experience growing up as the son of a U.S. diplomat during the Cold War. Living in the diplomatic community of the Soviet Union, Nicaragua, and Cuba, Patrick shares vivid memories of his father's career as a Soviet and linguistic expert, who rose to become Deputy Ambassador at both the Moscow and Havana US embassies. The discussion touches on the juxtaposition of ordinary family life in various U.S. embassies around the world alongside the extraordinary circumstances of espionage and international relations, highlighting the complexities and contradictions of living in hostile countries during tense political times. The narrative weaves through personal anecdotes, school experiences, interactions with local populations, and the evolving geopolitical landscape, providing a deeply personal lens on historical events.Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode347/The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, 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.Patrick D. Joyce is the author of two Cold War thrillers for young adults: Back in the USSR and Strawberry Fields. Learn more about Patrick and his books at https://patrickdjoyce.com. Obituary in The Foreign Service Journal for Patrick’s father, John M. “Mike” Joyce: https://afsa.org/sites/default/files/flipping_book/070823/90/ “The Old Russian Legacy,” by John M. Joyce, in Foreign Policy (1984): https://www.jstor.org/stable/1148385 “La guerra de la CIA contra Cuba,” the 1987 Cuban TV exposé that aired the night before Patrick’s family departed Havana: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqdlRcs06-YThe Washington Post on the Cuban TV exposé: https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1987/07/25/spy-charges-strain-us-cuban-ties/d1a4ecc6-a7f6-4765-9a74-16a2d925b2eb/James Olson on Foreign Policy’s I Spy podcast, with a recently revealed backstory to the Cuban TV exposé: https://foreignpolicy.com/podcasts/ispy/?episode=the-counterspyFind the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversationsLove history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

0:00 Introduction to Cold War Conversations00:27 Meet Patrick D Joyce: A Diplomat's Son01:37 Early Life and Family Background04:44 Life in the Diplomatic Community09:06 Experiences in the Soviet Union19:00 Return to Moscow in the 80s23:58 Navigating Diplomatic Life29:06 Reflections and Writing Novels30:13 Arrival in Managua: A Soviet Satellite30:52 Life Amidst Conflict: The Contra War32:41 Navigating Diplomatic Challenges35:03 Teenage Adventures in a War-Torn City38:04 Spies Among Us: Embassy Life Revealed40:46 Transition to Havana: A Diplomatic Shift42:54 Living in Havana: Between Luxury and Hostility46:44 A Summer Job in Havana48:04 Suspicions and Scandals: The Spy Question54:31 Return to Moscow: A New Era58:56 Life in Moscow: Socializing and Escaping01:00:18 Final Departure: A Road Trip to Freedom01:01:08 Episode Extras and AcknowledgementsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices