In this episode of The Soviet Life, host Kate Saba shares a deeply personal look at winter holidays in the Soviet Union. She explores what it meant to celebrate during a time when Christmas was not officially allowed, and how New Year quietly became the most important and magical holiday of the year.

Kate reflects on family gatherings, familiar foods, and the figure many Soviet children grew up believing in—Grandpa Frost, who arrived not on Christmas, but on New Year’s Eve. Through memories and cultural context, she highlights how people found warmth, joy, and connection even within a system filled with restrictions, and how these traditions helped preserve family bonds and cultural identity.

The episode also looks at how holiday traditions began to evolve after the collapse of the Soviet Union, as Christmas slowly returned to public life. This reflection-filled episode reminds listeners that holidays, no matter the political system, reveal the universal human need for meaning, hope, and togetherness.

Key Takeaways

1. The Soviet Union officially discouraged religious celebrations, including Christmas.
2. New Year became the main winter holiday, taking on many Christmas traditions.
3. Grandpa Frost served as the Soviet version of Santa Claus and visited on New Year’s Eve.
4. Families gathered late into the night to celebrate, exchange gifts, and welcome the New Year together.
5. Traditional foods like caviar and herring under a fur coat played a central role at the holiday table.
6. Children truly believed in Grandpa Frost and looked forward to his visit.
7. Despite restrictions, some families continued to celebrate Christmas quietly at home.
8. After the fall of the Soviet Union, Christmas gradually returned to public and religious life.
9. Holidays reflect a society’s values and the universal human need for celebration.
10. Winter holidays in the Soviet Union were both joyful and constrained.

Sound Bites

1. “The Soviet Union was officially atheist.”
2. “Christmas disappeared, but celebration didn’t.”
3. “Grandpa Frost came on New Year’s Eve.”
4. “New Year’s Eve was absolutely magical.”

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to The Soviet Life

01:09 – What winter holidays looked like in the Soviet Union

02:33 – Why Christmas wasn’t celebrated

06:15 – How New Year became the main holiday

07:09 – Grandpa Frost: the Soviet Santa Claus

10:19 – New Year’s Eve traditions and family memories

14:15 – Questions Americans often ask

16:02 – The return of Christmas after the Soviet Union

17:16 – Reflections on holidays, freedom, and meaning

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In this heartfelt episode of The Soviet Life, host Kate Saba sits down with Elizabeth Milner — an American who has absolutely no personal ties to the Soviet Union — to explore what Soviet life looks like through fresh, unfiltered eyes.

What happens when someone raised in a completely different culture hears about childhood, family life, holidays, and day-to-day realities behind the Iron Curtain?

The result is a deeply honest and often surprising conversation that reveals how much of our worldview is shaped by the stories we’ve been told… and how much we miss when we don’t look deeper.

Kate walks Elizabeth through the realities of Soviet job security, the structure of education, the rhythm of family life, and the cultural norms that shaped an entire generation. With curiosity and compassion, Elizabeth reflects on everything — from scarcity and communal values to sauna traditions and why New Year celebration replaced Christmas.

Together, they explore what it truly felt like to grow up in a system that promised stability but offered little room for personal expression. They uncover the humor, the hardships, the nostalgia, and the resilience that defined everyday Soviet life.

This episode isn’t just about history — it’s about identity, perception, and the stories that shape how we understand one another. Whether you have memories of the USSR or you're hearing these experiences for the first time, this conversation is a reminder of how important it is to listen, to question, and to bridge cultures with empathy.

You'll hear about:

• The Soviet Union offered job stability — but often at the cost of personal choice.
• Education was rigid, structured, and deeply tied to national purpose.
• Sports in the USSR weren’t just activities — they were a system of early specialization.
• American perceptions of the USSR focus heavily on control, scarcity, and fear.
• Soviet cultural values emphasized community, togetherness, and collective responsibility.
• Money was not celebrated — and sometimes viewed with suspicion.
• Holidays were reshaped to reflect socialist ideology, making New Year’s the biggest celebration.
• Family life was shaped by economic limits and shared social expectations.
• Sauna culture wasn’t just relaxation — it was tradition, community, and health.
• Understanding history requires listening to perspectives from both inside and outside the experience.

Sound Bites:

• “There was no understanding of money.”
• “There were not a lot of choices.”
• “It was a privilege to get soap.”

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to Soviet Life and Perspectives

02:38 – Job Stability in the Soviet Union vs. Today

05:34 – Education Systems: A Comparative Analysis

10:45 – Sports and Extracurricular Activities in the USSR

13:35 – Cultural Perceptions of the Soviet Union

19:58 – Scarcity and Resilience in Soviet Life

25:28 – The Role of Music and Arts in Soviet Society

27:31 – Money, Control, and Social Values in the USSR

34:08 – Cultural Perceptions of the Soviet Union

35:55 – Weather and Climate in Russia

37:19 – Celebrating New Year's in the Soviet Union

40:13 – Holidays and Traditions Under Soviet Rule

44:35 – Marriage and Family Dynamics

50:35 – Sauna Culture and Hygiene Practices

58:23 – Reflections on the Conversation

Connect with us:

Please share your thoughts and stories, reach out at kate@thesovietlife.com. Follow us and leave a review to support the podcast!

In this deeply inspiring episode of The Soviet Life, host Kate Saba sits down with Alex Matusevich, an entrepreneur who journeyed from his Soviet childhood in Belarus to building a thriving tech company in the United States.

Alex shares a heartfelt reflection on how his Soviet upbringing shaped his values — discipline, hard work, and a sense of community — and how those lessons guided him through the challenges of starting over in a new country. Together, Kate and Alex explore what success truly means, how cultural differences can both divide and connect us, and why community and human connection remain at the heart of happiness.

The conversation also delves into how the collapse of the Soviet Union changed everyday life, what the American Dream looks like through a post-Soviet lens, and the growing challenges around health and nutrition in modern society. Through humor, honesty, and insight, Alex reminds us that resilience is universal — and that beneath politics and borders, people everywhere share the same hopes for meaning, belonging, and a better future.

You’ll hear about:

• How Soviet education built discipline and drive
• The immigrant experience and redefining success
• The balance between money, purpose, and happiness
• The importance of community and social connection
• Health, nutrition, and the modern lifestyle divide
• Lessons on bridging cultures and finding common ground

Whether you grew up behind the Iron Curtain or you’re just curious about the human stories that connect us all, this episode is a moving reminder of what it means to persevere, adapt, and stay true to your roots.

Sound Bites

• "Failing is just not an option."
• "People are involved in their communities."
• "We still have that core."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Alex's Journey

02:49 Growing Up in Belarus: Education and Family

05:55 The American Dream: Transitioning to the U.S.

08:43 Building a Successful Tech Company

11:45 The Role of Money in Success

14:47 Challenges of Immigrating to the U.S.

17:38 Cultural Perceptions: The Soviet Union vs. the U.S.

20:41 Health and Nutrition: Insights on American Diet

23:35 Reflections on the Fall of the Soviet Union

26:36 Education and Its Impact on Decision Making

34:16 The Value of Education and Discipline

38:13 Nostalgia for Soviet Community and Cohesion

39:34 The Impact of Social Interaction on Well-being

41:38 Contrasting Lifestyles: Soviet vs. American

45:46 Detachment from Money and Investment Mindset

49:19 Post-Soviet World: Challenges and Opportunities

51:09 Reflections on Crime and Safety

52:44 Cultural Connections Beyond Politics

54:52 Misconceptions About Soviet Life

58:36 Closing Thoughts on Community and Values

Connect with us

Please share your thoughts and stories, reach out at kate@thesovietlife.com. Follow us and leave a review to support the podcast!

In this episode of The Soviet Life, host Kate Saba speaks with Mr. Khalid, who shares his powerful story of growing up in Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion. Together, they explore the human side of the Soviet-Afghan War—its devastating toll on Afghan society, the ripple effects felt around the world, and the enduring resilience of those who lived through it. From the innocence of childhood before the war to the daily fear that followed, Khalid recounts his dangerous escape from Afghanistan, his time as a refugee in Pakistan, and his eventual resettlement in the United States. Their conversation also looks at Afghanistan today, balancing sorrow for ongoing struggles with hope for a better future and a reminder of our shared humanity.

• The Soviet-Afghan War reshaped global politics and left deep scars on Afghanistan.
• Millions of Afghans were killed or displaced during the conflict.
• The war is often seen as the USSR’s “Vietnam.”
• Childhood in Afghanistan was peaceful before the invasion.
• After the invasion, fear and oppression defined everyday life.
• Escaping Afghanistan meant facing danger at every step.
• Life as a refugee in Pakistan brought hardship but also survival.
• Resettling in the U.S. brought relief, but new challenges too.
• Family ties across borders remain emotionally complex.
• Despite decades of turmoil, hope for Afghanistan’s future endures.

Sound Bites

• "The Soviet-Afghan War had a global impact."
• "We didn't even know what guns were."
• "We had to get out before dawn."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Soviet-Afghan War

01:43 The Impact of the Soviet-Afghan War

03:59 Personal Experiences of Growing Up in Afghanistan

10:43 Fleeing Afghanistan: A Journey to Safety

16:39 Life as a Refugee in Pakistan

22:48 Arriving in the United States

29:05 Reflections on Home and Family

32:53 Current State of Afghanistan and Hope for the Future

38:05 The Shared Humanity Beyond Borders

Connect with us

Please share your thoughts and stories, reach out at kate@thesovietlife.com. Follow us and leave a review to support the podcast!

In this episode of The Soviet Life Podcast, host Kate Saba sits down with Professor Cathy Ross, who first visited the Soviet Union in 1989 as part of a student ambassador program. Cathy shares what it was like to walk into a world so different from her own and how, despite Cold War tensions, she was met with surprising warmth, generosity, and unforgettable hospitality.

They dive into her experiences of Russian daily life: long lines for goods, the importance of literature and poetry in schools, and the unique rhythm of meals that stretched into hours of conversation. Cathy reflects on the deep sense of community she witnessed in the USSR, where sharing resources and helping neighbors wasn’t just kindness, it was survival.

And here’s something you won’t want to miss: Cathy talks about an unusual, almost unbelievable way Soviet schools were kept clean. It’s so different from what we’re used to in American schools that you’ll want to listen through to hear exactly how it worked. This conversation is more than just a look back at the Soviet Union, it’s about the value of slowing down, savoring connection, and finding common humanity across cultures.

Key Takeaways

• Cathy’s first trip to the USSR was in 1989 with a student ambassador program.
• She was struck by the warmth and generosity of the people she met.
• Hospitality in Russia is not optional - it’s a way of life.
• Literature and poetry held a central place in Soviet education.
• Russians dressed formally for outings, unlike the more casual American style.
• Sharing and helping neighbors reflected a collective mindset.
• Soviet food preparation was labor-intensive but filled with care and tradition.
• Standing in long lines was a daily part of life.
• Cathy believes understanding Russian culture is especially important today.

Connect with Us:

Be sure to subscribe, share this episode with friends, and leave a review if you enjoyed it. Have a question or your own story to share? Reach out to Kate at kate@thesovietlife.com.

In this solo episode, host Kate Saba opens up about the personal journey behind The Soviet Life podcast. She shares what inspired her to begin, what she’s learned along the way, and how this project has evolved into a space for collective memory, cultural connection, and meaningful storytelling. Kate reflects on the joys and challenges of podcasting, the emotional impact of hearing (and telling) Soviet-era stories, and her hopes for the podcast’s future. Whether you’re a long-time listener or just joining, this episode offers a powerful behind-the-scenes look at the mission and heart of The Soviet Life.

Why the Podcast Began

• Responding to curiosity about life in the Soviet Union after immigrating to the U.S. in 1996
• Realization that sharing personal and community stories fosters empathy and understanding
• The decision to stop waiting for the “perfect time” and just start

The Vision Behind The Soviet Life

• Creating a living archive of real Soviet and post-Soviet experiences
• Bridging cultural gaps beyond politics, especially in light of current tensions
• Shifting the focus from a personal story to a shared narrative from across the former USSR

Lessons Learned

• The hard but fulfilling work of podcasting
• Discovering the deep nostalgia many older generations feel toward aspects of Soviet life
• Understanding why some are hesitant to share — a desire to look forward, not back

Unexpected Challenges and Surprises

• Difficulty in finding guests willing to speak openly due to personal and political concerns
• The emotional depth and resilience revealed in each interview
• Challenges with translating Russian-language episodes accurately and affordably
• Facebook content blocks in Russia affecting podcast visibility

Upcoming Plans

• Launching a new short-format series: Shorts: My Soviet Life
• Creating themed episodes on topics like Soviet humor, money, and education
• Translating and releasing Russian-language interviews
• Aiming for biweekly episode releases
• Attending her first podcasting convention to improve content and sound quality

Please share your thoughts and stories about growing up in the Soviet Union or navigating cultural identity abroad, reach out at kate@thesovietlife.com.

In this heartfelt episode of The Soviet Life, host Kate Saba sits down with Monika Dorosheff-Chamasyan, a classically trained violinist and educator who grew up in Soviet Armenia. Together, they explore what it was like to live through the Soviet era, the collapse of the regime, and the resilience it took to adapt and thrive afterward.

Monika opens up about her music education under the Soviet system, bartering for survival in post-collapse Armenia, and what it meant to bring her talents to the United States—eventually founding a thriving violin studio - Oak Hill Strigs. She also reflects on family history, the legacy of genocide, and her first impressions of America.

Through Monika’s lens, this episode offers a personal glimpse into the strength of the Armenian people, the power of culture, and the enduring spirit of those who bridge past and present across continents.

• Soviet Armenia was rich in culture and education, particularly in the arts, but life under the regime was tightly controlled and deeply influenced by Soviet ideology.
• Music education in the USSR was rigorous and valued, helping Monika develop a deep appreciation for discipline, technique, and the role of art in society.
• The collapse of the Soviet Union led to widespread economic instability, with families like Monika's turning to bartering and alternative means to survive.
• Monika’s immigration to the United States brought cultural contrast, especially in education, lifestyle, and opportunities—revealing both challenges and personal growth.
• Building a violin studio in the U.S. was not just a career step, but a way to honor her upbringing, share the values instilled through her training, and offer a distinctive approach to music education through the Suzuki method.
• The legacy of Armenian resilience—shaped by genocide, diaspora, and political upheaval—continues to influence Monika’s worldview and her commitment to community.
• Cultural identity and artistic expression are central to healing, preserving history, and building bridges between generations and countries.
• Despite hardships, there were positive aspects of Soviet life, such as access to high-quality education and strong community values, which still inform Monika's outlook today.
• Monika encourages listeners to visit Armenia, experience its rich heritage firsthand, and connect with the story of a people who have endured and thrived.

Episode Chapters:

00:55 – Armenia’s Deep Cultural Roots - brief intro of Armenia

04:20 – Childhood in Soviet Armenia

10:51 – Music Education Under the USSR

17:42 – Adapting to American Teaching Styles

22:02 – Life After the Soviet Collapse

24:57 – Family History and the Armenian Genocide

27:43 – Resilience in Post-Soviet Armenia

30:38 – Monika’s First Impressions of America

34:15 – Building a Life in the U.S.

38:22 – Culture, Purpose, and Artistic Drive

40:29 – What the USSR Got Right

42:01 – Diaspora, Family, and Global Armenian Identity

42:52 – How Armenia Is Doing Today

47:17 – A Warm Invitation to Visit Armenia

Please share your thoughts and stories about growing up in the Soviet Union or navigating cultural identity abroad, reach out at kate@thesovietlife.com. Follow us and leave a review to support the podcast.

Also check out Monika's studio - Oak Hills Strings -...

In this episode of The Soviet Life, host Kate Saba speaks with Anna Viktorovna Biroukova, who offers a heartfelt and insightful look at her life growing up in Moscow during the Soviet era—and the unexpected journey that led her to the United States just before the USSR’s collapse.

Anna Viktorovna Biroukova arrived in the U.S. just two weeks before the collapse of the Soviet Union and shares the surprising and emotional story of how she learned about the USSR’s fall. Anna shares vivid childhood memories of a close-knit community, free education, and a sense of stability that defined her early years. and reflects on how the country has evolved since. From the warmth of Soviet neighborhoods to the challenges of preserving cultural identity abroad, Anna’s story is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Whether you lived through the Cold War or are just curious about life behind the Iron Curtain, this episode is full of thoughtful reflections and lived history.

Key Takeaways:

• Anna arrived in the U.S. just before the Soviet Union collapsed, experiencing confusion and fear in the wake of sudden change.
• Growing up in Moscow, she enjoyed a happy childhood filled with strong community ties and educational opportunities.
• The Soviet Union provided key social benefits, such as free education and healthcare.
• Anna reflects on the evolving political and cultural landscape in Russia today.
• She emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural identity while living abroad.

Episode Chapters:

1. Arrival in the U.S. and the Collapse of the Soviet Union
2. Initial Reactions to the Soviet Union’s Collapse
3. Gorbachev, Politics, and Changing Narratives
4. Childhood Memories and Life in Moscow
5. Family, Neighbors, and Community Life
6. School, Sports, and Soviet Youth Activities
7. Parenting and Cultural Expectations
8. Education and Social Support Systems
9. Changes in Russia Observed Over Time
10. Navigating Life in the U.S. and Cultural Identity
11. Perspectives on War, Politics, and Media
12. Embracing Heritage: Pride in One’s Roots

Please share your thoughts and stories about growing up in the Soviet Union or navigating cultural identity abroad, reach out to me at kate@thesovietlife.com. Follow us and leave a review to support the podcast!