Svetlana! Svetlana!

629

In 1967, Joseph Stalin’s daughter braved her way over the Iron Curtain, secret memoir in tow, and landed in America as the Cold War’s most famous defector. At 40 years old, Svetlana had left everything behind for a new life in the West and the chance to finally share her story. What she found instead — a controversial commune in the Arizona desert built by Frank Lloyd Wright, a whirlwind marriage dictated by destiny, and a Montenegrin matriarch with dreams of immortality — was far more complicated. In Svetlana! Svetlana! neurotic playwright Dan Kitrosser unravels the weird and wild life of his greatest muse.

Recent Episodes
Episodes loading...
Recent Reviews
  • J3nnirich
    Doc with a fictional tone
    I really want to listen to this, but the theatrics are a bit much for me personally.
  • Bostonbub00001
    So much fun to listen to!
    I loved listening to him tell this story. He is so funny and delightful.
  • Pepina C.
    What a joy ride
    Dan’s approach to telling the story is heartfelt, entertaining, genuine, and robust in his attempt to bring colors back to this history. Not your typical docu series if you’re looking for that typical style of podcast presentation but boy, what a breath of fresh air!
  • Tatybabe
    Delightful history rabbit hole
    I absolutely loved this podcast! International and American history combined in humorous delivery were an absolute delight to listen to on our round trip drive from Phoenix to Vegas. I ended up reading the book Dan referenced in the podcast, “The Fellowship “ I believe. Turns out some of our famed historical figures were quite flawed as humans. Which makes them very relatable… And then I also had a tour of Tailiesin West in Scottsdale to “ touch” characters and events I got so invested in. I am hoping to find more podcasts like that
  • lovbug4jb
    Fascinating!
    Well-told — fun and interesting listen.
  • thinkthinkthink!
    I can’t listen to him anymore
    I realize some people find the host entertaining. I did, too, at first. But it’s just too much and it distracts horribly from the story. I just can’t listen to him anymore
  • DrRdz42
    Excellent story - obnoxious narrator
    The story and interviews are great. The narration is a LOT. Initially, Dan’s rambling and self-indulgent personal anecdotes and insertions were entertaining. After a few episodes, they become tiresome and obnoxious and distract from the story he purportedly wants to tell so badly. Also: worst theme song ever.
  • LJ N
    Dan ❤️
    Unbelievable story plus Dan’s delivery! Marvelous!!!
  • Alphareta chick
    Write On, Dan!
    You are a most entertaining writer! I loved this podcast. Your voice (writer’s and actual) exudes so much talent. the upmost humor/creativity (the analogies made me laugh out loud), humility and authenticity. You’ve silenced the critics and haters. Well done!
  • 2mnypetz
    Dan!!!
    Svetlana’s story is fascinating, but it’s Dan’s storytelling that brings it to life. I wish he was my friend!
  • spartannovice25
    Like the podcast but not the subject
    Good podcast but the more I listened the more I thought Svetlana was a sociopath.
  • Lilbittyfiddler
    I admit it — I cried
    Dan you are one amazing storyteller. What an amazing ride.
  • P. Vogt
    Great story!
    You did it!!!! Engaging, suspenseful, tragic, and hopeful. It’s got everything💐
  • JanaGlenn
    A tale held kindly and with fun
    Top notch!
  • eleyel
    Love the story not the podcaster
    I really wanted to listen to the end of this podcast to really get an understanding of Svetlana‘s background. However, I had to stop listening. I felt the author's personal take on the story really got in the way. I’m interested in Svetlana, I am not interested in Dan so much. There was another podcast I recently listened to, the turning point, in which the author Also had a personal take, basically a whole episode. I don’t know why, but that one felt less obtrusive than this one. Maybe it was because the episode was all in one go, you could just skip that episode if you weren’t interested. And the rest of the podcast was really focused on the story of the subject matter at hand, where the author’s life and ambitions were not so blatantly present.
  • Shanfart
    Russia + Dan = I’m thirsty for more
    I keep looking for something like this. I love the Russia theme, and I love the host. Dan Kitrosser, please make more podcasts!
  • Tammy K. B
    Loved this podcast
    “Math Dance” made me cry laughing. Well done!
  • Kikemire
    Svetlana’s life is an amazing story
    I love weird history but even if you don’t this podcast is worth a listen! Dan did an amazing job at telling her story while also keeping me engaged and laughing! “A land where they bake Apple pies out of baseballs and freedom!” 🤣 I am 40 and had never know of a connection between Stalin’s daughter and Frank Lloyd Wright 🤯 This podcast actually make me want to read some of her books!
  • AdgeMcK
    History, Humor, and Russian Intrigue
    Great podcast. Dan is a wonderful storyteller of a fascinating tale!
  • Jcoop75
    Fantastic!
    What a fun and interesting story. I loved it! The only thing that bothers me is that Dan and I aren’t best friends
  • indie-go-grrl
    exactly the podcast I was looking for!
    What a witty and charming storyteller! One of the most unexpected and delightful podcasts, I have listened to in a long time! You will not be disappointed.
  • 654258996
    Ugh
    It might’ve been an interesting story, but the host wants to make it too much about himself. Also, the style and tone is too silly given the subject matter. It’s very unserious in an attempt to be entertaining but ends up being narcissistic.
  • tzippiminda
    This is a joy
    I needed a binge. Something to keep my mind occupied on a long day of laborious tasks. And, wow, did this podcast do the trick. It is absolutely fascinating. And nuanced. And funny. And a real labor of love, it is clear. I started out knowing nothing about Svetlana and ended it feeling real envy of the people who had known her.
  • kayjaygeneral
    Story is great, toooooo many ads.
    Wonderful storytelling of Svetlana but the ads were many and the volume of the ads out of control.
  • LZorganizes
    Fascinating, fun, and full of heart
    This is a fantastic podcast. Dan balances humor and pathos to create an addictive and loving look at Svet and her crazy story.
  • SecondSonFirstDraft
    An Inspiring Life
    Thank you for telling this beautiful story with such love and enthusiasm. It is an inspiring life that she lived and we could all learn to be a little more like Svetlana in our own courageous, approach with life.
  • theprofffff
    Fantastic
    I love this podcast! I love the 3 acts template, the host is interesting and I love this slice of history I never knew. Dan, please make another one!
  • KeysNikki
    Highly recommend
    Great story, really well told. Love the humor and passion thought out.
  • DKG3136
    Incredible podcast!
    What an extraordinary podcast! Fascinating story, thoroughly researched, well told, entertaining, serious yet funny! I read Rosemary Sullivan’s book Stalin’s Daughter some 10 years ago and knew I had to listen to this podcast when it came out, and I am so glad I did. I so admire and appreciate Dan’s enthusiasm for Svetlana and her passion for life in spite of all her losses and heartaches. Yes, Dan, Svetlana’s story has meant something to me. Thank you! I’ll be listening to this again, soon.
  • Duma39
    Svetlana who?
    I had no clue who Sletvana was before this podcast. I started listening because I was intrigued by an ad. I found this to be a fascinating story and I would recommend it to anyone. Also, I enjoyed the humor dispersed through out. Well done!
  • Ninas934563
    Beautiful Tribute to Svetlana
    This was such a refreshing podcast! Absolutely love Dans energy telling Svetlana's story. So many interesting twists and turns that come together with humor and empathy for an iconic woman.
  • Lunicole89
    Fascinating
    The most entertaining history lesson I’ve ever heard. I want that Frank Lloyd Wright podcast now! I couldn’t get enough of this. Looked forward to it each week and each episode had moments that made me laugh. Love Dan’s humor!
  • NotoriousMLE
    Great Listen 💜
    It was fun to listen to Daniel’s excellently researched take on an aspect of history that I previously knew nothing about. His narration, and especially his asides to the listener, made this very enjoyable.
  • 8j7h6g5
    Fascinating story, well told.
    Thanks Dan!
  • HPW45
    A Must Listen
    Dan has done an incredible job telling Svetlana’s story. I laughed, I cried, I devoured each episode. You need to listen!
  • Leesarae1959
    Fantastic
    I enjoyed this so much! Daniel is so funny. Would love to have a drink with him!! Great storytelling.
  • PLace96
    Fascinating
    I have enjoyed this podcast so much and am quite sad to see it finished. Please tell more stories Daniel, you have a gift!
  • ldnq
    Light and heavy
    You can tell the narrator truly loves his subject. He tells the story with grace, respect, and humor.
  • nicoleofeugene
    Absolute perfection - please never stop
    The story is fascinating, yes, but Daniel does it so much service and I cannot stop listening. I am recommending to everyone. And I laugh out loud on my walks while listening. Thank you. More podcasts, Daniel.
  • The Nameless Twin
    Wow!
    Ditch your stage play version of this, get a production deal with Netflix or Hulu… this story needs to be told as a series. Episode one needs to be expanded (with material from 20 Letters) into season one!
  • joymarie1981
    Love!
    I love love love this podcast!! Not only is it incredibly interesting, it is so entertaining!! Dan is hilarious and I want to totally be friends with him! I hope he does more podcasts after this because I am here for it!! I would love to listen to Dan talk about his life or the scripts he’s writing!! Whatever it is I’ll listen!
  • ttrret
    💕
    I freaking love this podcast so much that I’m writing my first ever review, great job everyone!
  • @cesargonz
    Wonderful listen
    Quirky story taken to the next level by the host who gets the right note of funny, warm, bittersweet and light storytelling. Great
  • KItty_J18
    Very entertaining and interesting
    An fun podcast about a unusual character. So much research clearly went into this and it’s super bingeable. Really enjoying it.
  • Jen Von Ghoul
    Love
    I just binged this podcast and I can’t wait for new episodes. The host makes this podcast and I hope he does more in the future!
  • myhistorycanbeatupyourpolitics
    I like it - but you have to be into it.
    I love his enthusiasm and the story is incredible. This style is what podcasting is supposed to be - the narrator puts himself into it! Heart and soul and doesn't do dry narration. You have to be into that though, if not, I warned you.
  • Dar Dar
    Hilarious host
    Dan, you’re a hoot. The story is fabulous but made special by your wit! Do make more podcasts, please.
  • Chloemmons
    Host with the most!
    Please make more podcasts! Fascinating story and entertaining storytelling. Not your average history podcast ;)
  • Agentdash
    Interesting topic, Mediocre Deliverey
    Very fascinating topic but unfortunately the narration and music come off as trying to be campy but comes across as hammy.
  • average academic
    You’ll be hooked
    Fascinating story told by a great host who balances heartwarming with hilarious
Similar Podcasts
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.