Air Dates: April 11 & 12, 2026 | Guests: Michael Astalis

About This Episode

On Show 16-15,imagine growing up in a world where the walls had ears and one in fifty people around you were a government informant. And saying the wrong thing, or being suspected of believing the wrong things, could mean serous trouble. Jail, accusations of being an insurrectionist, or much worse.

This week, we sit down with a man who survived the brutal dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, and his regime in Communist Romania—a place where the state didn’t just control your career and your travel, they tried to control your mind.

A first time guest to I Spy Radio, Michael Astalis, a property developer and owner of KFIR 720AM, shares his incredible story of growing up in Romania. Like scavenging spare parts to build a secret, homemade radio just to catch a whisper of the truth from Radio Free Europe or the Voice of America. Think of that. A radio. Something considered so dangerous that the mere possession of it would have cost him his freedom. We’ll discuss the reality of Michael’s life behind the Iron Curtain. The government seizing their home and farm at gun point, the constant surveillance, and the escape to freedom that changed everything.

Now a successful American property developer, Michael also reveals a startling perspective on the “land of opportunity.” But things have changed tremendously since 1970 when he escaped communism. And he has been seeing the same echoes of corruption and pay-to-play that he fled decades ago. In California. Where he not fulfilled his American Dream — but also lost it all.

It’s a gripping look at the price of liberty and the ghost of communism. Don’t miss this powerful conversation.

Join us for Part 2 in two weeks when Michael shares what happened in California and how its punitive policies threaten to resurrect Romania’s Iron Curtain.

Catch Live the Show or Podcast

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends—seven different times on seven different radio stations. The real ones, not internet-only “radio” stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to see a full list of times and stations.

Trapped under a heavy object? Missed the show? Need to listen again? Wish you could share it? We’ve got you covered. Mondays, after our network of radio stations have aired the show, catch the I Spy Radio podcast version is available on your favorite podcasting platform, or you can grab it right here with the built-in player. See the full list of podcast options.