We have been primarily following the German war machine during 1941. However, this year was to radically change the face of the Second World War before it ended. This would be the fateful day of December 7, 1941 and the attack on Pearl Harbor. But before we get to that, we catch up with Japan and what it has experienced during 1941. This context is essential for us to understand the attack on Pearl Harbor. Please visit me at https://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar and consider supporting m...
Jun 14, 2025•9 min
In this episode of Echoes of the Past , we explore the United States between September 1939 and December 1941 — the tense years leading up to Pearl Harbor. While Americans focused on recovering from the Great Depression, debates raged between isolationists and interventionists over whether to enter the growing global conflict. We examine the nation's cultural mood, shifting political landscape, and evolving foreign relationships with Britain, the Soviet Union, Germany, and Japan. As economic pre...
May 06, 2025•6 min
In this episode of the podcast, I talk to Ronald Drabkin, the author of Beverly Hills Spy. In this excellent book, the author takes us through the story of Frederick Rutland, a man who was a British hero from the Great War, a companion of Hollywood stars, and a spy that gave the Japanese valuable intelligence that helped them in their attack on Pearl Harbour. I encourage you to pick up Beverly Hills Spy through this Amazon affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4hPM6eP Visit me at https://www.stephenjb...
Mar 26, 2025•24 min
The Germans have been busy during 1941. Not only had they invaded the Soviet Union and continued the Battle of the Atlantic, they also had occupied several countries and were still trying to deal with Britain. This included a bombing campaign, as well as the war in North Africa. This episode brings us to the eve of Pearl Harbor as the Second World War prepares for another major change. This episode is brought to you by Fiverr. Visit https://www.stephenjbedard.com/Fiverr Please visit me at https:...
Mar 13, 2025•19 min
The podcast episode provides a detailed overview of the Battle of the Atlantic from June 1941 to December 1941 , highlighting the struggle between the Allies and German U-boats, as well as the growing involvement of the United States. This period, though marked by some Allied progress, still saw heavy losses as Germany sought to knock Britain out of the war. German Strategy and Wolf Pack Tactics : Germany, heavily engaged on the Eastern Front, still prioritized defeating Britain by targeting its...
Dec 26, 2024•9 min
It is October and November of 1941. The weather is getting colder and only so much can be done before General Winter makes his appearance. Can the Germans make it to Moscow? In this episode, we look at Operation Typhoon and Germany's attempt to gain a major victory while they still have time. My recommended book is The First Soldier: Hitler as Military Leader by Stephen Fritz. You can purchase it at this Amazon affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4hTcHbW Visit me at http://www.stephenjbedard.com/sec...
Nov 16, 2024•11 min
In this episode, I speak with Mark Aedy, son of Ken Aedy. Ken served in the Royal Air Force (RAF), beginning his career during the Second World War and wrote his story, which became From Biplanes to Fast Jets. Unlike many of his peers, Ken did not release after the war but continued to fly, including some of the first Jets in the RAF. Get From Biplanes to Fast Jets here: https://amzn.to/3XVdBNd (Amazon affiliate link) Visit me at http://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar Support me at http://...
Sep 24, 2024•15 min
In this episode, we look at the summer of 1941, specifically the battles for Smolensk, Leningrad, and Kiev. The Germans move forward and the Soviets attempt to push back. Visit me at my website . Discover the resources at Fiverr . Get Operation Barbarossa: Hitler's Invasion of Russia 1941 (Amazon affiliate link) Support me through Patreon ....
Aug 05, 2024•20 min
In this episode, I speak to Mike Croissant who is the author of Bombing Hitler's Hometown. This book is the story of the last major bombing run of the war in Europe. It also happened to be the town where Adolf Hitler grew up. This book gives an amazing description of the experience of dozens of men on this bombing mission. You can purchase this book through this Amazon affiliate link . You can find out more about Mike at his website . You visit me at my website . Please support me at Patreon ....
Jun 25, 2024•30 min
One of the most influential organizations in the wars of the 20th Century was the Royal Navy. Jim Carter, in his book Hearts of Steel, gives us a snapshot of some of the pivotal years by looking at the activity of a handful of ships. You can find our more about Jim Carter at his website . You can purchase Hearts of Steel through this Amazon affiliate link . Visit me at my website . Support me through Patreon ....
May 18, 2024•28 min
In this episode, I speak with Jason Bell, author of Cracking the Nazi Code. This book tells the true story of Winthrop Bell, a Canadian philosopher who worked for MI6 between WWI and WWII as a spy, providing important intelligence. You can purchase this book through this Amazon affiliate link . You can find out more about Jason Cole at his faculty page , at his personal page , and at the book page . Support this podcast through Patreon . Visit me at my website ....
Mar 13, 2024•51 min
One of the major turning points of the war was Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941. This had long been Hitler's plan and now it was time to put those plans into action. The first few weeks included tremendous German success. But could they maintain that momentum? Visit me at my website . Support me on Patreon . Recommended book: Operation Barbarossa: Hitler's Invasion of Russia 1941 (Amazon affiliate link)...
Feb 08, 2024•17 min
When we think of areas of operations during the Second World War, we often do not think of the Middle East. But in the summer of 1941, there was indeed some significant combat in Syria and Lebanon. Unfortunately, it was between Britain and her Dominions and Vichy France. Visit my website here . Support me through Patreon .
Sep 02, 2023•12 min
In this first chapter of the Battle of the Atlantic, we catch up with what was happening in the Atlantic Ocean. Germany was trying to cut off Britain from all outside support by targeting shipping lanes. The Allies struggled to get the convoys to their destination from German ships, planes, and especially the dreaded U-Boats. This chapter takes us from the beginning of the war to late 1941. Support this podcast through Patreon . Visit my website ....
Jun 17, 2023•15 min
On the same day that the Germans invaded Yugoslavia, they also invaded Greece. Even with Allied support, the Germans pushed through all defences. In this episode, we look at the invasion of the mainland and Crete. Please support this podcast through Patreon . Visit me at my website .
Feb 21, 2023•11 min
Imagine living through a Soviet occupation. And then having the Nazis replace the Soviets. And then having the Soviets return and eject the Nazis. And all this while only a child. John Livens shares about his experience as a boy in Latvia during the Second World War plus much more in his book An Unexpected Journey . In this episode, I talk to John about his experience during the war but his book covers much more material and is worth reading. This episode is brought to you by Athletic Greens . P...
Aug 06, 2022•35 min
In April of 1941, Germany, along with Italian and Hungarian allies, invaded Yugoslavia. This was part of German's actions in the Balkans that would include the invasion of Greece. In this episode, we look at how that invasion went and what happened after. Visit me at my website . This episode is brought to you by Athletic Greens . Support this podcast through Patreon ....
Jul 13, 2022•14 min
The Italians failed to take Malta. Could the Germans do better? They needed to neutralize this island to allow supplies to reach North Africa. However, the British stubbornly held onto Malta and frustrated the plans of the Axis. Support this podcast through Patreon .
Jun 24, 2022•10 min
In a previous episode, we saw Italy struggle in its ambitions in North Africa. Could Germany succeed where Italy failed? In this episode, we look at the arrival of General Erwin Rommel and his activity with the Afrika Korps during 1941. This episode is brought to by Athletic Greens . Please support this podcast through Patreon .
May 24, 2022•12 min
We have been focusing on Germany and Italy but what has Japan been up to? While technically not yet involved in the Second World War, they are in a fierce battle to dominate China. However, it is not going as well as they had hoped. In this episode, we catch up with Japan and what they have been up to for some of 1939-40. Support this podcast through Patreon . Thus episode is brought to you be Athletic Greens ....
May 05, 2022•11 min
Italy attempts to match their German partners by attacking in numerous places in the Mediterranean area. This includes Egypt, Malta, and Greece. While they have high hopes, each of these campaigns will leave them requiring the help of the Germans. For more on military history, visit me here . Support this podcast through Patreon .
Apr 13, 2022•18 min
Pope Pius XII was the pope during the Second World War. There is controversy over how he responded to the crisis. Should he have openly opposed Nazism or should he have positioned himself strategically for later negotiations? This is a special crossover episode between the Second World War Podcast and the History of Christianity Podcast . If you have a business, you need a website. What’s the best way to get a website up and running? Choose a website hosting company that makes it simple, like Pa...
Feb 17, 2022•11 min
Italy was able to take British Somaliland. Could they duplicate that success with Egypt? They would soon find that Britain was much more motivated to hold onto Egypt. For more resources, please visit my website . This episode is brought to you by Pair. If you have a business, you need a website. What’s the best way to get a website up and running? Choose a website hosting company that makes it simple, like Pair Networks. Pair has over 20 years of experience managing the entire digital ecosystem ...
Jan 13, 2022•9 min
In this episode, I talk to Rainy Horvath, who published the memoirs of her father who was a "hump pilot" during the Second World War. In this episode, you will hear about a theatre of the war and a type of mission that does not get talked about enough. Make sure to visit Rainy at her website . This episode is brought to you by Stamps.com . Save time and money this holiday season with Stamps.com. o Sign up with promo code POD for a special offer that includes a 4-week trial, free postage, and a d...
Dec 16, 2021•26 min
So far we have been focusing on Germany but what about Italy? Mussolini still intended to build his empire. A logical place to start was British Somaliland, especially with the defeat of Britain's allies, the French. This episode is brought to you by my other podcast: The History of Christianity podcast . Make sure to check it out. Also make sure to visit me at my website ....
Nov 18, 2021•7 min
France has fallen. Is it Britain's turn next? Germany plans Operation Sea Lion, the invasion of Britain. But to be successful, the Luftwaffe will need to eliminate the RAF. This is the Battle of Britain. Visit me at my website . Today's podcast is presented by PODGO . PODGO is the easiest way for you to monetize your podcast. Providing podcasters with a flat rate for ad space so you always know how much you get when you include an ad from PODGO. Apply today to become a member and immediately be ...
Oct 25, 2021•11 min
The French had fought valiantly but how how long could they resist. The Germans were using innovative tactics that the French had never conceived of. Between the panzers and the Luftwaffe, they could not catch a break. In this episode, we look at how the Battle of France ends. Please visit me at my website . This episode is brought to you by Db. We are teaming up with Db to exclusively offer our listeners 10% off your next purchase by using the code POD10 or going to this link ....
Oct 07, 2021•12 min
With almost a quarter of a million British troops stranded at Dunkirk, the majority of Britain's land forces, it looked like there was no hope. But then something happened. In this episode, we look at the miracle of Dunkirk, the amazing rescue that was both terrifying and inspiring. Make sure to visit me at my website . This episode is brought to you by Hello Fresh! Use the code HFAFF80 to $80 off your visit. Includes Free Shipping on First Box!...
Oct 01, 2021•23 min
Previously, the Germans had attacked through Holland and Belgium, exactly what the Allies expected. Now, the Germans turn to their unexpected real plan, a thrust through the Ardennes Forest. This episode is brought to you by Omio . Use the code OMIO5 for 5% off before July 31, 2021. You can support this podcast through Patreon or by download a FREE audiobook with a FREE trial of Audible . Visit me at my website ....
Jul 15, 2021•13 min
In this episode, I talk to Graham Hurley, author of Last Flight to Stalingrad . Our talk ranges from the role of propaganda to the battle of Stalingrad. Make sure to visit Graham' website and find more on Military History here ....
Jun 26, 2021•42 min
