WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk - podcast cover

WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

Achtung! Achtung! Comedian Al Murray and historian James Holland discuss all matters WW2. WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk is a bi-weekly show exploring the war in close up. James and Al have a stunning knowledge of their subject, but don't expect a linear narrative. The boys love a tangent and a forgotten tale. We Have Ways of Making You Talk roams down forgotten front lines, casts new villains and makes the case for unlikely heroes. Send questions to James and Al via Twitter using #WeHaveWays or by email to wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join our membership club for extra content, livestreams and ad-free listening: patreon.com/wehaveways

Episodes

The Battle Of The Bulge: Bastogne (Part 7)

The battle everyone remembers. This siege has become the symbol of the whole campaign - but how well do we know what actually happened here? Find out what Band of Brothers got right, and why McAuliffe said 'Nuts!' to the German offer of surrender. Join James Holland and Al Murray as they debunk the myths and expose the real failures behind Nazi Germany’s final Western offensive—a reckless plan that wasted countless lives. EPISODE 8 IS AVAILABLE FOR MEMBERS EARLY - SIGN UP AT patreon.com/wehavewa...

Mar 11, 202559 minSeason 1Ep. 856

The Battle Of The Bulge: The Red Line (Part 6)

In the wake of the surprise offensive through the Ardennes, Generals Bradley and Hodges seem to have lost it, while Patton is jockeying to charge ahead. Firm control is required, so it is up to commanders Eisenhower and Montgomery to grip the situation and stop the Germans getting to the River Meuse - the red line that the allies cannot allow the panzers to cross. Join James Holland and Al Murray as they debunk the myths and expose the real failures behind Nazi Germany’s final Western offensive—...

Mar 06, 202558 min

The Battle Of The Bulge: Massacre At Malmedy (Part 5)

Joachim Peiper was regarded as a princeling of the Nazi regime, and a celebrated tank commander. But he was also a cruel monster who encouraged his units to commit war crimes. Discover more about Peiper's part in The Battle of The Bulge, stocked with Pervitin and Panther tanks, and how his desperation to meet Hitler's impossible objectives led to massacres like at Malmedy. Join James Holland and Al Murray as they debunk the myths and expose the real failures behind Nazi Germany’s final Western o...

Mar 04, 202555 minSeason 1Ep. 854

The Battle Of The Bulge: A Tale Of Two Villages (Part 4)

Everyone remembers Bastogne. But here, we uncover the ferocious fighting around the Two Villages area, a hotly-contested part of the Ardennes Offensive that deserves to be better known to history. Here, isolated bands of American soldiers, low on ammo, held off thousands of Nazi forces against the odds, buying valuable time for allied forces with their blood. Join James Holland and Al Murray as they debunk the myths and expose the real failures behind Nazi Germany’s final Western offensive—a rec...

Feb 27, 202545 minSeason 1Ep. 853

The Battle Of The Bulge: Attack At Dawn (Part 3)

The Battle Of The Bulge is launched with a dawn barrage on December 16th 1944 at unsuspecting Allied defences. But even with the element of surprise, and some tragic miscommunication between American leadership, the fêted fallschirmjäger and Hitler's prized panzers are quickly behind schedule. Join James Holland and Al Murray as they debunk the myths and expose the real failures behind Nazi Germany’s final Western offensive—a reckless plan that wasted countless lives. EPISODE 4 IS AVAILABLE FOR ...

Feb 25, 202552 minSeason 1Ep. 852

The Battle Of The Bulge: America's Fight (Part 2)

The Battle Of The Bulge is America's victory. In popular retellings of the campaign, myths surrounding Allied unpreparedness in this new series are proved conclusively to be wrong. From Eisenhower at the top, to the many brave GIs on the frontlines of what should have been a quiet sector at Christmas, the Nazi war machine was stopped in its tracks by American grit. Join James Holland and Al Murray as they debunk the myths and expose the real failures behind Nazi Germany’s final Western offensive...

Feb 20, 202538 minSeason 1Ep. 851

The Battle Of The Bulge: Hitler's Mad Plan (Part 1)

The Battle of the Bulge is often called Hitler's Last Gamble, but rather than a bold offensive on the brink of success, it was a rushed and hopeless attack. The usual narrative highlights Allied shortcomings, but in reality, it was a remarkable American victory. Join James Holland and Al Murray as they debunk the myths and expose the real failures behind Nazi Germany’s final Western offensive—a reckless plan that wasted countless lives. EPISODES 1-4 ARE AVAILABLE FOR MEMBERS EARLY - SIGN UP AT p...

Feb 18, 202545 minSeason 1Ep. 850

Churchill's Secret Weapon

What is a land mattress? And what did it have to do with Allied victory in the West? Al Murray and James Holland argue morality, press campaigns and rocket launching in a vintage war-waffle episode. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams, get earlybird tickets and our weekly newsletter - packed with deals. Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Le...

Feb 13, 202542 minSeason 1Ep. 849

Top Tanks Of WW2

What is a tank? Were tank destroyers a mistake? Is the tank obsolete in 2025? Join James Holland and Al Murray as they grill their guest - WW2 armour expert and Osprey author Steve Zaloga - about American tanks of World War Two. From the glories of combined arms, to the shortcomings of future planning in US Sherman guns, Steve gives us a comprehensive survey with tank philosophy still applicable in modern conflicts like Ukraine. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony...

Feb 11, 202559 minSeason 1Ep. 849

Auschwitz: Rob Rinder Remembers (Part 4)

In the concluding chapter of our Auschwitz story, Al Murray and James Holland speak to the UK's most famous barrister - Robert Rinder. Robert lost many members of his family to the Holocaust, and has spent his life working with charities and schools in commemoration and remembrance. To find out more about 45 Aid Society, head to 45aid.org A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join our ‘Independent Comp...

Feb 06, 202549 minSeason 1Ep. 847

Auschwitz: Extermination (Part 3)

How did a small Polish town on the outskirts of civilisation become the epicentre of the Holocaust? Al Murray and James Holland tell the story of the Final Solution, through the history of Auschwitz-Birkenau. In the third episode, the Holocaust at Auschwitz reaches a horrifying zenith. Even as Nazi Germany faces defeat, The Final Solution escalates the mass executions of Jews, Roma, and other groups Hitler and Himmler wanted dead. **This episode contains content that may upset some listeners.** ...

Feb 04, 202544 minSeason 1Ep. 846

Auschwitz: The Cost Of Cruelty (Part 2)

How did a small Polish town on the outskirts of civilisation become the epicentre of the Holocaust? Al Murray and James Holland tell the story of the Final Solution, through the history of Auschwitz-Birkenau. In the second episode, we explore the perverse connection between capitalism and Nazi cruelty. As Operation Barbarossa continues to falter, the Final Solution evolves into its most horrifying form. **This episode contains content that may upset some listeners.** A Goalhanger Production Prod...

Jan 30, 202552 minSeason 1Ep. 845

Auschwitz: The Zone Of Interest (Part 1)

How did a small Polish town on the outskirts of civilisation become the epicentre of the Holocaust? Al Murray and James Holland tell the story of the Final Solution, through the history of Auschwitz-Birkenau. The first episode focuses on the formation of the concentration camp, the torturous existence of its first prisoners and the horrendous dehumanisation they were forced to endure. **This episode contains content that may upset some listeners.** EPISODE TWO IS AVAILABLE FOR MEMBERS NOW - SIGN...

Jan 28, 202552 minSeason 1Ep. 844

Family Stories: How to Liberate a Belgian Brewery

As a part of our ongoing effort to commemorate the incredible global story of WW2, we are unearthing our groundbreaking ‘Family Stories’. Originally recorded in 2021, this series tells YOUR relatives’ stories of derring do - both on the front line and home front. In this episode we hear your tales of liberating Belgian breweries, battles at Iwo Jima and escapes from Nazi concentration camps. With thanks to Jack Gus Adamson, Steve Flaunty, Martin Jaspers, Roger Justus, Simon Thompson and Matt Wil...

Jan 23, 202525 minSeason 1Ep. 843

The Women Of SOE: The Forgotten Spy (Part 3)

The Agents of SOE did more than undermine the Nazi occupation of France, but how far did their reach extend? What theatres of war did these female agents excel in, and what impact and legacy did they leave behind after 1945? Join James Holland and Al Murray as they talk to SOE expert, Clare Mulley, on a thrilling series about the extraordinary women of SOE in an epic, but overlooked, part of WW2 history. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWa...

Jan 21, 202537 minSeason 1Ep. 842

The Women Of SOE: Set Europe Ablaze (Part 2)

In the years and months before the liberation of Europe and D-Day, the female agents of SOE played an integral and highly dangerous role in undermining Nazi rule. Many paid the ultimate sacrifice, often alone and in horrific circumstances - including Noor Inayat Khan, 'The Spy Who Never Lied.' Join James Holland and Al Murray as they talk to SOE expert, Clare Mulley, on a thrilling series about the extraordinary women of SOE in an epic, but overlooked, part of WW2 history. A Goalhanger Productio...

Jan 16, 202553 minSeason 1Ep. 841

The Women Of SOE: Churchill's Favourite Spy (Part 1)

Olympic skier, cigarette smuggler, countess, beauty queen, spy. Krystyna Skarbek was the first female agent of the Allied war effort, but far from the last. What drove women to join the fight against the Nazis, often deep into enemy-held territory and with nothing but their wits to aid them? Join James Holland and Al Murray as they talk to SOE expert, Clare Mulley, on a thrilling series about the extraordinary women of SOE in an epic, but overlooked, part of WW2 history. A Goalhanger Production ...

Jan 14, 202546 minSeason 1Ep. 840

1945: Endgame In Europe

The 80th Anniversary of the end of WW2 is in our sights. Do Allied leadership, like Winston Churchill, think the end of the war - or the British Empire - was inevitable in 1945? Why did Axis forces keep fighting when surrender seemed the obvious choice in order to stop the suffering? ...And whatever happened to the wonder weapons? James Holland and Al Murray as they set the scene for the armageddon that is the last year of the Second World War. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan + J...

Jan 09, 202534 minSeason 1Ep. 839

The Real SAS Rogue Heroes

What does 'SAS' stand for? Why is Paddy Blair Mayne considered the perfect military man? What does the new hit BBC show 'SAS Rogue Heroes' get right about the historical inspirations for the hit television series, and what more is there to learn once it ends? Join James Holland and Al Murray as they give their verdict on series 2 so far, and discuss the controversy surrounding the main character in the programme, both on and off screen. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan + Joey McCa...

Jan 07, 202541 minSeason 1Ep. 838

Inside Hitler's Bunker (Eclipse, Alan Moorehead)

As a new year's treat, Al Murray has recorded a chapter of 'Eclipse' by Alan Moorehead. This incredible history, republished by We Have Ways, was first published in 1945. In chapter 14, Moorehead reconstructs, in terrifying detail, the collapse of Germany and Hitler's fragile grasp on reality slipping away. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan & Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch ou...

Jan 02, 202528 minSeason 1Ep. 837

A Sherwood Rangers Christmas

Schinnen, The Netherlands, Christmas 1944. The men of the Sherwood Rangers have a choice for Christmas 1944. Around 100 soldiers, after nearly 5 years of fighting, are eligible to return home for extended leave. But can the unit survive such a significant loss of experience in such a crucial period of fighting? Join James Holland as he tells Al Murray and John McManus all about how the men of one of Britain's most decorated units in WW2 tried to bring a little Christmas cheer to each other and t...

Dec 31, 202420 minSeason 1Ep. 836

A Christmas Truce

German-Belgian border, Christmas Eve 1944. John McManus tells James Holland and Al Murray all about the surprising Christmas story of a family trying to survive, and an incredible reunion half a world away. As three American soldiers seek refuge with a civilian family, they hear a knock at the door. German soldiers, desperate to seek warmth from the snow also walk in. Produced by Joey McCarthy & James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join...

Dec 26, 202419 minSeason 1Ep. 835

Slaughter On The Ice

Karelian Isthmus, Finland, Christmas 1939. The first Christmas of WW2 sees brutal fighting between the Soviet Red Army and the Finnish defence forces. Stalin's invasion has stalled in the snow, with underprepared and ill-equipped Russian troops dying in droves to outnumbered yet experienced Finnish veterans. But under clear winter skies, a bigger threat is that 'sweating means death...' Join Al Murray as he tells James Holland and John McManus all about the first Christmas of the war, and learn ...

Dec 24, 202418 minSeason 1Ep. 834

Highlights & High Ground

James Holland and Al Murray reminisce about our record-breaking 2024 and their highlights from this year. Including a pitch for Guy Ritchie's next blockbuster, obsessing over capturing the high ground, and their love affair with a P-38 Lightning. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy & James Regan Assistant Producer: Alice Horrell Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams, get earlybird...

Dec 19, 202444 minSeason 1Ep. 833

The End Of The Home Guard

Far from being a quiet end to the war, December 1944 was incredibly busy. As the Home Guard was getting demobilised, women in Nazi Germany were being forcibly volunteered... Join James Holland and Al Murray as they discuss all things December 1944, including Noël Coward's diaries, the Conservative Party's conspiracies against Churchill, and their Christmas book wishlist from Santa. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy & James Regan Assistant Producer: Evan Green Exec Producer: Tony ...

Dec 17, 202440 minSeason 1Ep. 832

The Duel: The Fox That Outlived Them All (Part 2)

April-May, 1945. Karl Wolff and Ernst Karltenbrunner are running out of time, and options. Interrogated by Himmler, and Hitler himself in the ruins of Berlin, their scheming is frustrated at every turn - even car rides and family members risk getting them killed. Join Jim and Al for the incredible endgame of the SS rivals from part 1. As the circle of vengeful Allied forces close in, will Wolff and Karltenbrunner find a Nuremberg noose around their necks? And will their high-profile prisoners hi...

Dec 12, 20241 hr 2 minSeason 1Ep. 831

The Duel: The Nazi Escape Plan (Part 1)

Spring, 1945. Two high-ranking SS officers in Hitler's empire, who have seen the writing on the wall for the Third Reich, are plotting their escape. With warehouses of counterfeit cash and hoards of stolen art, Karl Wolff and Ernst Karltenbrunner aren't just concealing their treasonous plots against their colleagues, but also each other. Join James Holland and Al Murray as they uncover the audacious plans of two rivals plotting the same escape... and all unwittingly connected by the Allied spyma...

Dec 10, 20241 hrSeason 1Ep. 830

Speer, Snipers & Submarines

Were the Americans exploiting WW2 for profit? Why shouldn't you fight at night with your canopy open? And how do you put the 'fun' into We Have Ways Festival Fünf...? Join Jim and Al answering your questions, as well as reflecting on the show, driving a tank destroyer across Lambeth Bridge, and their new-found writing process working together on Victory '45... A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy & James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcas...

Dec 05, 202434 minSeason 1Ep. 829

Peleliu: A Pointless Victory (Part 2)

Al Murray, James Holland and John McManus conclude their brace of episodes on the battle for Peleliu. In a battlefield so dire, even the company dog gets killed, the boys discuss if any of the fighting was worth it. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy & Evan Green Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams, get earlybird tickets and our weekly newsletter - packed with deals. Membership...

Dec 03, 202447 minSeason 1Ep. 828

Peleliu: Death Trap Island (Part 1)

27th November, 1944, Palau Islands. A 'God-Forsaken' island in the Pacific, Palau must be taken for the US strategy to reclaim the Philippines and push back the Japanese Empire. After 2 months of bloodthirsty fighting, The US forces claimed the island for its airfield, but the controversy of its strategic value versus the horrific cost in men remains to this day. Did the myopic, and partisan ambitions of a flawed top brass result in the shocking US casualty figures? Or was it the coral, caves, a...

Nov 28, 202446 minSeason 1Ep. 827