Born Greek - Made American podcast

Born Greek - Made American

On March 30, 1952 four men were executed in Athens, Greece. They were accused of being communists and committing acts of espionage and treason. Three years later, the daughters of one of these men were put on a plane and sent to America. They were adopted by a wealthy Greek American couple in Massachusetts. Their adoption was the first of a long line of adoptions between Greece and the US that has been kept a secret for years. It is a story that takes us back to the Cold War years and to a relationship of dominance and submission between the US and Greece. But it’s also a personal story, about facing one’s past — decades after being forced to forget. Can a broken family come together again?

On March 30, 1952 four men were executed in Athens, Greece. They were accused of being communists and committing acts of espionage and treason. Three years later, the daughters of one of these men were put on a plane and sent to America. They were adopted by a wealthy Greek American couple in Massachusetts. Their adoption was the first of a long line of adoptions between Greece and the US that has been kept a secret for years. It is a story that takes us back to the Cold War years and to a relationship of dominance and submission between the US and Greece. But it’s also a personal story, about facing one’s past — decades after being forced to forget. Can a broken family come together again?

 

#6

1. David: A shocking revelation

Joan and her sister Kathryn were adopted from Greece in 1955 under strange circumstances. ... more

05 Oct 2023

29 MINS

29:32

05 Oct 2023


#5

2. Effie: A life in waiting

Effie has been searching for her sisters, Joan and Kathryn, her whole life. The three of t... more

05 Oct 2023

30 MINS

30:28

05 Oct 2023


#4

3. The two Joans

Through a bizarre coincidence Katerina meets two of Joan’s best childhood friends and lear... more

05 Oct 2023

32 MINS

32:59

05 Oct 2023


#3

4. Kathryn: Together, at last

In 1980, a journalist tracks down Joan and Kathryn's adoption papers. Effie tries to conta... more

05 Oct 2023

39 MINS

39:34

05 Oct 2023


#2

5. Saying a name out loud

David decides the time has come. He travels to Greece and arranges for Joan to speak with ... more

05 Oct 2023

34 MINS

34:49

05 Oct 2023


#1

Trailer

Joan and Kathryn were adopted from Greece in 1955 under strange circumstances.  Years late... more

19 Sep 2023

02 MINS

02:32

19 Sep 2023