E5: Russia: Inside & Out

Konstantin Samoilov grew up in Russia, lived in the United States, then returned to build a successful life in Moscow, until 2022 changed everything. In this conversation with Mark and Howard, Konstantin explains how his YouTube channel began as a hobby to “translate” everyday Russia for a Western audience, and why the invasion of Ukraine pushed him from observer to daily documentarian, and ultimately forced him to leave. 

He recounts the moments when the risks became real and the wrenching decision to leave Russia with little time to prepare.