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

WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

The World War II podcast with comedian Al Murray and historian James Holland. We Have Ways of Making You Talk dives deep into WWII history, exploring key battles, forgotten front lines, and incredible untold stories. Whether you're fascinated by the Battle of Britain, the D-Day landings, or the Eastern Front, this show offers a rich, detailed look at the war that shaped the modern world. Al and James bring a unique blend of expert knowledge and humour, discussing everything from the Third Reich, Churchill's leadership, and the Fall of Berlin, to World War 2 tanks, fighter planes, and naval battles. Expect historical insights, lively tangents, and discussions on iconic second world war events like Operation Barbarossa, the Pacific Theatre, and the North African campaign. Join our membership club for extra content, livestreams and ad-free listening: patreon.com/wehaveways For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com

Episodes

Convoys! (Part 3)

The horror of the Atlantic convoy comes into razor sharp focus when Convoy HX231 comes into contact with the Nazi Wolfpack. In the ultimate game of cat and mouse, can the ships make it to Liverpool in one piece? A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Website: wehavewayspod.com Members’ Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 12, 202356 minSeason 1Ep. 721

USA: We Have Ways - How To Win A War

How does a Sherman tank get from the US to a battlefield in Western Europe, and who decides how many get sent? James Holland and John McManus get deep into the logistics of the Second World War and how it gave the Allies the edge in the 1944. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Website: wehavewayspod.com Members’ Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.co...

Dec 07, 202346 minSeason 1Ep. 720

Convoys! (Part 2)

It’s the 31st of March 1943 and Convoy HX231 sets off from New York. Sir Charles Ramsey is the commodore of the convoy but he is low on ships for protection - will they get across the Atlantic without being pounced upon by the Nazi Wolfpack? A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Website: wehavewayspod.com Members’ Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com...

Dec 05, 202352 minSeason 1Ep. 719

USA: We Have Ways - The Black Military Experience

The existence of African-American soldiers has all but been erased from the popular narrative of the Second World War. James Holland and John McManus speak to the esteemed writer and academic Matthew Delmont to help explain how the experience of nearly a million black men on the front line impact the outcome of the war, but also laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights movement in the latter half of the 20th century. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor So...

Nov 30, 202344 minSeason 1Ep. 718

Convoy! (Part 1)

In the first of a three part series, Al Murray and James Holland discuss the journey of Convoy HX231. Today, they chat about the build up to its launch from New York in March 1943 - including how Atlantic convoys were set up during the Second World War and the ever present threat of the Nazi Wolfpack. We Have Ways Fest is back! Tickets for 2024 available at wehavewaysfest.co.uk A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod Websit...

Nov 28, 202355 minSeason 1Ep. 718

USA: We Have Ways - Tarawa 1943

Al Murray, James Holland and John McManus discuss the deadly battle on Tarawa. A close quarters and bloody fight for a small atoll in the central Pacific Why was it so brutal, and how did their leaders convince the counterparts to fight to the last man? A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod Website: wehavewayspod.com Members’ Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices....

Nov 23, 202353 minSeason 1Ep. 716

The Birth Of The UN, Prisoners in the Isle Of Man and the Cairo Conference

Al Murray and James Holland catch up on their latest research and after some revelatory peering down rabbit holes look back to this week in 1943 to explore the war in Italy, the role of Charles De Gaulle in Lebanon, the birth of the United Nations and the complexity of the Cairo Conference. Tickets for We Have Ways Fest 2024 are on sale now! Find out more now... wehavewaysfest.co.uk A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod W...

Nov 21, 202344 min

Eddie Izzard: My Second World War Obsession

Al Murray and James Holland speak to actress, comedian and political campaigner Suzy Eddie Izzard about their lifelong love for the Second World War. In another jam-packed episode of war waffle, Suzy discusses the difference between performing stand up in Germany and France, playing a Nazi alongside Tom Cruise in the film Valkyrie, and her incredible 1940s themed model railway. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod Websit...

Nov 16, 20231 hr 8 min

Life On A Destroyer

Tribal Class Destroyers, what was life like serving on them - and what is a Destroyer? Al Murray and James Holland go into detail into the staffing, roles and weapons that could be found on an Allied Navy Destroyer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 14, 202349 minSeason 1Ep. 713

USA: We Have Ways - The Marine Corps

Al Murray and James Holland speak to decorated Marine Corps officer and former United States senator Jim Webb. They discuss the evolution of the US Marine Corps between the two world wars, including the lessons learned from the disaster of Galipoli. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod Website: wehavewayspod.com Members’ Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...

Nov 09, 202352 minSeason 1Ep. 712

How to Win in Arnhem

Al Murray and James Holland read Second World War manuals produced by the British and American Army. They detail the unbelievable difficulty that XXX Corps faced in Arnhem, and the problems posed in urban warfare. Plus- how many horses did the Waffen SS have? A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod Website: wehavewayspod.com Members’ Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad ch...

Nov 07, 202346 minSeason 1Ep. 711

War Music

Recorded at We Have Ways Fest 2023, Al Murray sits down with music journalist David Hepworth for a chat about 1940s pop music, the spirit of the nation, and the BBC. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod Website: wehavewayspod.com Members’ Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 02, 202354 minSeason 1Ep. 710

A Philosopher Goes To War

Al Murray chats to Dr Waitman Wade Beorn about one of the most fascinating ruminations on fighting during the Second World War - Warriors by J. Glenn Gray. J. Glenn Gray entered the army as a private in May 1941, having been drafted on the same day he was informed of his doctorate in philosophy from Columbia University, years after the end of war - the philosopher reread his war diaries and began to write eloquently on warfare does to soldiers, especially our understanding of cruelty in war. A G...

Oct 31, 202359 minSeason 1Ep. 710

Italy's Morale Crisis

Italy proved a nightmare place to fight, no matter what side you were on: the endless mountains, the innumerable rivers, the narrowness of roads, the blazing heat, and then torrential rain and freezing cold. Jonathan Fennell, John McManus and James Holland ask, just how big was the crisis in morale for both sides and how did commanders deal with the weight of expectation, mounting casualties and truly appalling conditions? Recorded at We Have Ways Fest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit pod...

Oct 26, 20231 hr 3 minSeason 1Ep. 708

Landing Craft, Sappers and the Tyranny of Overlord

In another wide ranging discussion, Al Murray tells James Holland about his evening at the Royal Engineers Museum alongside Jools Holland and Sir Tom Jones, the tactical importance of landing craft, and how often they think about invading Wiltshire.A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod Website: wehavewayspod.com Members’ Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...

Oct 24, 202353 minSeason 1Ep. 707

The Great Escaper

Al Murray and James Holland speak to the writer and director of 'The Great Escaper', a new film starring Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson about the heartwarming true story of Bernard Jordan, the 89-year-old veteran who snuck off to attend the 70th anniversary of D-day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 23, 202338 minSeason 1Ep. 706

USA: We Have Ways - Vinegar Joe's China

Al Murray, James Holland and John McManus discuss the life of Joseph Stilwell - the United States Army general best known for his service in the China-Burma-India Theatre during the Second World War. What was his relationship like with Chiang Kai-shek, and what about his personality led to him being remembered as "Vinegar Joe"? A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod Website: wehavewayspod.com Members’ Club: patreon.com/weh...

Oct 19, 202347 minSeason 1Ep. 706

Operation Frankton

In December 1942, Herbert 'Blondie' Hasler's men were aiming for the occupied port of Bordeaux - with just canoes, mines and grenades. Operation FRANKTON was certainly daring and it did achieve its aims but only two out of ten ever made it back. James Holland and Al Murray discuss one of the most famous - but possibly hare-brained - missions of the entire Second World War. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod Website: we...

Oct 17, 202357 min

Surviving The Bloody 100th: Lucky Luckadoo

John 'Lucky' Luckadoo was born in 1922, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He is the last surviving pilot of the US Eighth Air Force 100th Bomb Group - nicknamed 'The Bloody 100th'. In this brilliant interview with James Holland, he describes his experience flying for the USAAF and the devastating experience of Black Thursday. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod Website: wehavewayspod.com Members’ Club: patreon.com/wehaveways E...

Oct 13, 20231 hr 8 minSeason 1Ep. 703

USA : We Have Ways - Eisenhower & the Influence of the American Civil War

What did the US Army and West Point learn from the Civil War, and how did this impact leadership throughout the Second World War? James Holland and John McManus discuss the similarities of leadership by two iconic American generals: Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight D. Eisenhower. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod Website: wehavewayspod.com Members’ Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Email: [email protected] Learn more ...

Oct 12, 202352 minSeason 1Ep. 702

Black Thursday 1943 and Crossing The Volturno

Al Murray and James Holland turn back the clocks to investigate two seismic events of the Second World War that happened 80 years ago this week. They first discuss the Fifth Army’s crossing of the River Volturno in Italy, drawing on eye-witness accounts, and then the disastrous second bombing of Schweinfurt on 14 October 1943 by the US Eighth Air Force that became known as Black Thursday. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWay...

Oct 10, 202356 minSeason 1Ep. 701

USA: We Have Ways - 11th Airborne Division

Former US Paratrooper and now historian, James Fenelon joins Jim and John McManus to discuss the extraordinary and little-known exploits of the 11th Airborne Division - a unit led by the brilliant Joe Swing and who excelled during the Battle for the Philippines. The term ‘forgotten heroes’ might have been invented for this bunch! A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod Website: wehavewayspod.com Members’ Club: patreon.com/w...

Oct 05, 202356 minSeason 1Ep. 700

Slaughter in Sicily, Glider Failures and the Cruelty of German Medicine

Did German doctors unfairly euthanise their own troops if they got shot in the stomach? Were any lessons learnt by the Nazis after Salerno? And is it pronounced "Waco" or "Waco"? All these questions, and more answered by Al Murray and James Holland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 03, 202354 minSeason 1Ep. 699

USA - We Have Ways: D-Day Ohio (Part 2)

In a bonus USA episode, James Holland recounts an incredible trip to James recounts an incredible trip to D-Day Ohio - one of the world's biggest re-enactor festivals. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod Website: wehavewayspod.com Members’ Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 29, 202331 minSeason 1Ep. 698

'Hitler's Pope', Enemies Of The People and The Difference Between Hitler and Trump

Al Murray and James Holland are joined by the lawyer and writer Philippe Sands to discuss revelatory documents that strongly suggest Pope Pius XII had knowledge of the mass murder of Poles and Jews at Belzec in 1942. They also speak about the battle for truth within the walls of the Vatican, and how Adolf Hitler used the courts to increase his popularity before 1933 - just as Donald Trump is doing today. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Hodgson Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Twitter: #WeHav...

Sep 28, 202344 minSeason 1Ep. 697

USA: We Have Ways - The 7th Infantry Regiment in Italy

James Holland and John McManus discuss the history of the only American fighting division that can be traced back to the war of 1812 - The 7th Infantry Regiment. What was the involvement of this legendary group of men during the Second World War, especially their impact on the Italian campaign? A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod Website: wehavewayspod.com Members’ Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Email: wehavewayspodcast@g...

Sep 26, 202350 minSeason 1Ep. 696

USA - We Have Ways: D-Day Ohio (Part 1)

In a bonus USA episode, James recounts an incredible trip to D-Day Ohio - one of the world's biggest re-enactor festivals. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod Website: wehavewayspod.com Members’ Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 22, 202349 minSeason 1Ep. 695

The Savage Storm (Extract)

From the bestselling author of Brothers in Arms comes the story of the most pivotal Allies campaign of World War II. With the invasion of France the following year taking shape, and hot on the heels of victory in Sicily, the Allies crossed into Southern Italy in September 1943. They expected to drive the Axis forces north and be in Rome by Christmas. And although Italy surrendered, the German forces resisted fiercely and the swift hoped-for victory descended into one of the most brutal battles o...

Sep 21, 202356 min

Jean Moulin and the Maths of Market Garden

Who killed Jean Moulin, and did they get him to talk? Al Murray and James Holland discuss the final days of the resistance hero's life, and how his death has contributed to national myths about occupied France during the Second World War. The boys also discuss the mind boggling figures that surround Operation Market Garden, including some stomach churning facts about injuries in Arnhem A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPo...

Sep 19, 202357 min

Dermot O’Leary & James May - The Afflicted

Why are we obsessed with the Second World War? Dermot O’Leary and James May join Al and James on stage at We Have Ways Fest to look into why we’re so gripped by the subject and it’s importance. They also reminisce about the films and objects that first got them hooked and discuss how their obsession has carried on into adult life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 14, 202358 minSeason 1Ep. 692
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