Kismet - Snap Classic

June 11, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

Kismet — Snap Classic

In 2005, a Russian architect named Elena saw a profile online and thought, "she looks geeky." She wrote to the woman, Meg, in halting translated Russian, and the letter came out "very, very hilarious" but full of energy. They started writing back and forth, and it was "wonderfully easy"—no games, no self-consciousness, just honesty. Elena was in Ivanovo, Russia; Meg was Canadian, on the other side of the world. When Meg suggested they meet in Kiev, Elena was terrified. She was 25, an architect in a small town, and she was not out. As she put it: "If somebody finds out in Russia that you are gay, your life turns upside down. Instantly." Children lose their home. If her mother knew, she could end up on the street without documents or money. But when Meg said, "well, whatever then," Elena realized that if she let her go, she would lose her. So she decided to go to Kiev.

The ambush

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What you'll learn

1 (00:02) **Host Intro: The Setup** - Glenn Washington tells a personal story about finding a life-changing fellowship poster buried under other notices, framing the episode's theme of fate and chance.
2 (04:35) **Story 1: The Online Connection** - Elena and Meg meet online in 2005, forming a deep, immediate bond across continents despite Elena's closeted life in Russia.
3 (06:46) **The Secret Meeting in Kiev** - Elena defies her society and her mother to travel to Kiev to meet Meg for the first time.
4 (11:08) **The Ambush** - Elena's parents discover the letter, travel to Kiev, and violently ambush the couple at the train station to force Elena to return to Russia.
5 (18:38) **Going Underground** - The Canadian consulate warns the couple they are in danger and advises them to flee Ukraine, but can only officially help Meg leave.
6 (21:22) **The Desperate Plan: Buy a Boat** - With no legal way to get Elena out, Meg decides to buy a sailboat and sail from Turkey to Canada, despite having almost no sailing experience.
7 (27:58) **Life at Sea** - The couple learns to sail and cope with the monotony and intimacy of living on a 46-foot boat for months.

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Show Notes

Two women set sail on a tiny boat embarking on a journey to freedom that takes them across the globe. And a Hungarian composer dreams of changing the world… he did.

This episode contains strong language, violence, and mentions suicide. Sensitive listeners please be advised.

From Russia With Love

Two women, a tiny boat, the wide-open ocean… and kismet.

Elena has written a book about their adventure, called Talking to the Moon. You can read the story on the couple’s website.

Produced by Liz Mak, original score by Leon Morimoto, artwork by Teo Ducot.

Gloomy Sunday

Hungarian composer Rezső Seress dreamed of changing the world with his music. He did.

Produced and scored by Davey Kim.

Season 17 Episode 27

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