7: Discovering the Soviet Union with Professor Cathy Ross

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.