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

USA: We Have Ways - Tuskegee Airmen

Al Murray, James Holland and John McManus delve into the remarkable and often overlooked history of the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African American pilots that defied racial barriers to become some of the most distinguished fighter pilots of World War II. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: [email protected] Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams, get earlybird tickets and our weekly newsletter - p...

Mar 19, 202443 minSeason 1Ep. 751

USA: We Have Ways - Fear and Loathing on the Frontline

One of the most gruelling and horrifying roles in all military history was being a grunt during the Second World War. It was so terrifying, that at least 1/5 of all soldiers admitted to losing control of their bowels on the front line. Al Murray, James Holland and John McManus discuss survival rates and American soldiers' attitudes during the war. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: [email protected] Join our ‘Indep...

Mar 14, 202455 minSeason 1Ep. 750

Charlie Lawson - Coronation Street Legend's Incredible WW2 Connection

Charlie Lawson, famous for playing Jim McDonald in Coronation Street shares with Al Murray and James Holland his family's history in the Second World War. Charlie's uncle, who fought with the Royal Irish Fusiliers, was incredibly close with Australian Lawrie Franklyn-Vaile. During the war they shared an incredible connection and both wrote incredibly moving letters back home. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodc...

Mar 12, 202445 minSeason 1Ep. 749

WHW USA - America First, Culture Clashes and Hispanic Troops

Throughout the 20th and 21st century, America's foreign policy has swung violently from isolationist to interventionist - how did the Second World War impact this switch? Al Murray, John McManus and James Holland answer your questions on WW2 and USA. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: [email protected] Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams, get earlybird tickets and our weekly newsletter - packed ...

Mar 07, 202446 minSeason 1Ep. 748

Paddy Mayne's VC Snub, Axis on Malta and the Best Operation Names

Why did Paddy Mayne earn four Distinguished Service Orders during World War 2 but no VC? Al Murray and James Holland answer your questions, including who had the best operation names - the Americans or the Nazis? A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: [email protected] Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams, get earlybird tickets and our weekly newsletter - packed with deals. Membership Club: patreon.c...

Mar 05, 202440 minSeason 1Ep. 747

USA: We Have Ways - Mark Clark vs Fred Walker: Crossing The Rapido

Al Murray, James Holland and John McManus discuss the controversial Rapido river crossing by the 36th Texan Division in January 1944. Why did General Fred Walker fail the river crossing in Italy where so many succeeded? And should it have led to a congressional hearing? A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: [email protected] Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams, get earlybird tickets and our weekly ...

Feb 29, 202455 minSeason 1Ep. 746

Nazi Scientists, B17 vs Mosquito and Arnhem Air Support

If the Mosquito could hold the same bomb load and had a smaller crew, why did the Americans use the bulky B17 to bomb Germany? Al Murray and James Holland talk air superiority, Nazi boffins and why there was no air support in Arnhem. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: [email protected] Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams, get earlybird tickets and our weekly newsletter - packed with deals. Membe...

Feb 27, 202442 minSeason 1Ep. 745

Enemy Aliens

As the Nazis waged war on Europe, Britain had to take extreme measures to protect its shores. German and Italian nationals were imprisoned across the UK, including a small community of women on the Isle Of Man. Al Murray and James Holland return to the National Archives, to discover more about this little known part of the Second World War story. Great Escapes: Remarkable Second World War Captives at The National Archives is free to visit and runs from Friday 2 February - Sunday 21 July 2024, vi...

Feb 22, 202434 minSeason 1Ep. 744

Prisoners Of War

Over 150,000 British and Commonwealth troops were imprisoned by the Germans or Japanese during the Second World War. What were their lives like, what diseases did they suffer, and how good were their musicals? Al Murray and James Holland delve into the National Archives to find out more of the lives of POWs. Great Escapes: Remarkable Second World War Captives at The National Archives is free to visit and runs from Friday 2 February - Sunday 21 July 2024, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/great-e...

Feb 20, 202447 minSeason 1Ep. 743

MIGHTY 8TH - D-DAY TO VICTORY (Part 7)

“In the end it is only people that count, all the people in the whole world. Any land is beautiful to someone. Any land is worth fighting for to someone. So it isn’t the land. It is the people.” In a new epic seven-part series inspired by the release of ‘Masters Of The Air’ on AppleTV, Al Murray and James Holland tell the true story of the Mighty 8th - one of the most courageous units in the USAAF. In our final episode on the Mighty 8th - Al Murray and James Holland chart the final months of the...

Feb 15, 202450 minSeason 1Ep. 742

MIGHTY 8TH - OVERLORD (Part 6)

“We couldn’t tell 109s from P-51s or Focke-Wulfs. We couldn’t tell which side was winning or what kind went down. They looked like they were playing around, and then one broke off in a dive that ended when he hit the ground.” In a new epic seven-part series inspired by the release of ‘Masters Of The Air’ on AppleTV, Al Murray and James Holland tell the true story of the Mighty 8th - one of the most courageous units in the USAAF. In the penultimate episode of the series, Al Murray and James follo...

Feb 13, 20241 hr 3 minSeason 1Ep. 741

MIGHTY 8TH - BIG WEEK (Part 5)

“I wonder if you’ve got the guts to lead a big air force. If you haven’t I’ll get someone who has.” Al Murray and James Holland have reached one of the most important events of the entire air war - Big Week. From the 21st February 1944 - Friday 25th February 1944, over 10,000 tonnes of bombs were dropped on Germany by US aircraft. In a new epic seven-part series inspired by the release of ‘Masters Of The Air’ on AppleTV, Al Murray and James Holland tell the true story of the Mighty 8th - one of ...

Feb 08, 202451 minSeason 1Ep. 740

MIGHTY 8TH - ALL CHANGE (Part 4)

“I believe we did a good job today on this target. The flak was scattered and only accurate at one point. Sweated it out a little but we came out unscathed.” As Big Week looms, Al Murray and James Holland discuss how a change in personnel and strategy reversed the fortunes of the Mighty 8th. In a new epic seven-part series inspired by the release of ‘Masters Of The Air’ on AppleTV, Al Murray and James Holland tell the true story of the Mighty 8th - one of the most courageous units in the USAAF. ...

Feb 06, 202441 minSeason 1Ep. 739

MIGHTY 8TH - CRISIS (Part 3)

“We love fighting. Fighting is a grand sport.” For so much of the war, the vicious fighter planes that we obsess over to this day were being mis-used. In a new epic seven-part series inspired by the release of ‘Masters Of The Air’ on AppleTV, Al Murray and James Holland tell the true story of the Mighty 8th - one of the most courageous units in the USAAF. In today’s episode, Al Murray and James Holland trace the birth of Fighter Command and the birth of the iconic P-51 Mustang. A Goalhanger Prod...

Feb 01, 20241 hr 2 minSeason 1Ep. 738

MIGHTY 8TH - BAPTISM OF FIRE (Part 2)

“Day bombing is the bold, the aggressive, the offensive thing to do. “It is the method and the practice which will put the greatest pressure on Germany, work the greatest havoc to his wartime industry and the greatest reduction to this air force.” General Ira Eaker was determined for his USAAF to bomb Germany during the day and specifically industrial targets. Why did he disagree with Bomber Harris - and would the benefit of bombing factories outweigh the growing butcher’s bill of American pilot...

Jan 31, 20241 hr 3 minSeason 1Ep. 737

MIGHTY 8TH - THE ROAD TO POINTBLANK (Part 1)

“Your friends and comrades that have been lost and that will be lost today are depending on you. Their sacrifice must not be in vain. “Good luck. Good shooting and good bombing.” These were the final words of General Fred Anderson of the Eighth Air Force before sending his men to Schweinfurt on the 14th October 1943. The mission became known as Black Thursday. In a new epic seven-part series inspired by the release of ‘Masters Of The Air’ on AppleTV, Al Murray and James Holland tell the true sto...

Jan 30, 20241 hr 8 minSeason 1Ep. 736

INTRODUCING THE MIGHTY 8TH

JOIN ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/channel/we-have-ways/id6475583516 JOIN ON PATREON: patreon.com/wehaveways On Tuesday, we're launching our first major podcast series of the year. It’s all about the build up and result of Big Week, the largest air assault in human history- featuring thousands of crews battling over the skies of Nazi Germany. We’re following a single group of men the whole way through - The Mighty Eighth. Join our member's clubs today to receive all SEVEN epis...

Jan 29, 20241 minSeason 1Ep. 735

Masters Of The Air

In a special preview of the landmark new Apple TV series 'Masters Of The Air', Al Murray and James Holland speak to the show's co-executive producer and writer, - John Orloff. Based off the book of the same name by Donald L. Miller, 'Masters Of The Air' is the story of the 100th Bomb Group and their incredible bravery throughout the latter stages of the Second World War. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@g...

Jan 25, 202446 minSeason 1Ep. 734

THE BATTLE OF THE NORTH CAPE: SCHARNHORST - SUNK

In the final episode of Al Murray and James Holland's naval odyssey, they document the final hours of the mighty Scharnhorst. Was it British Naval excellence, or German incompetence that sunk the infamous vessel? A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: [email protected] Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams, get earlybird tickets and our weekly newsletter - packed with deals. Membership Club: patreon.c...

Jan 23, 20241 hr 6 minSeason 1Ep. 733

USA - We Have Ways: Supply and Demand and the Global War Machine

What was more significant for America in the 20th century - the crushing of Nazism in Europe, or their multiple campaigns for democracy across Asia? Al Murray, James Holland and John McManus answer this, plus explore the delicate balance of supply and demand achieved during the Second World War. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: [email protected] Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams, get earlybi...

Jan 18, 202445 minSeason 1Ep. 732

BATTLE OF THE NORTH CAPE: The Trap Is Set

Christmas Eve 1943, Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser and the men of Convoy JW55B are in a tense holding pattern up against the Nazi U-boats. Al Murray and James Holland document the final days before The Battle Of The North Cape, and the sinking of the infamous Scharnhorst. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: [email protected] Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams, get earlybird tickets and our weekly news...

Jan 16, 202451 minSeason 1Ep. 731

BATTLE OF THE NORTH CAPE: The Convoy Assembles

One of the most dramatic naval battles of the Second World War - high in the Arctic Circle on Boxing Day, 1943. Al Murray and James Holland set sail for another Naval adventure as they track the sinking of the mighty Scharnhorst. Setting the scene for the Boxing Day 1943 battle - the boys lay out the need for the Arctic Convoy, the characters involved, and ask a question that has vexed many ever since: was the Scharnhorst a battleship or a battlecruiser? A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey ...

Jan 11, 202449 minSeason 1Ep. 730

USA: We Have Ways - Pacific 44

James Holland and John McManus review the war in the Pacific 1944 - the year in which the US truly becomes the most powerful nation in the world. John discusses the duplicitous nature of America's relationship with China and how the differing aims of MacArthur and Stilwell creates so much tension in the Pacific. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: [email protected] Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestr...

Jan 09, 202452 minSeason 1Ep. 729

Italian Hell: San Pietro, Monte Sammucro and Night Fighting

Al Murray, James Holland and John McManus discuss the Allies' experience of fighting in the mountains of Italy in the brutal winter of 1943’ - especially the horrendous conditions in San Pietro and Monte Sammucro. John details the evolution of fighting under the cover of darkness, and the dangers it entails. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Website: wehavewayspod.com Members’ Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Email: wehavewayspodcast@...

Jan 04, 20241 hr 2 minSeason 1Ep. 728

Mark Clark's Total War

Al Murray and James Holland discuss the beauty of naval acronyms, the fine details of the Eureka signal and the myth of Kesselring's fine war record. They also look into General Mark Clark's blistering letters, in which he calls for total destruction of the German war machine. 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 ...

Jan 02, 202427 minSeason 1Ep. 728

Skinning The Cat: How to Write History

Al Murray and James Holland are joined by academic and author Jonathan Fennell at St Edmund Hall bar to talk about their writing processes. From operating archives in China and Russia, finding the truth in primary sources and the best tips and tricks on Microsoft Word - we get into the detail of how to write a bestseller. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Website: wehavewayspod.com Members’ Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Email: weha...

Dec 28, 202350 minSeason 1Ep. 727

Sophie Scholl and The White Rose

How did the White Rose group become the defining figures of Nazi resistance after the Second World War? Al Murray and James Holland speak to Oxford's Dr Alexandra Lloyd about her research on the White Rose, and the problematic legacy of remembrance for Germany. 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. Visi...

Dec 26, 202357 minSeason 1Ep. 726

The Mosquito, Operation Carthage and Super Spies

Al Murray and James Holland are joined by friend of the show, historian Rowland White, to talk about the most legendary aircraft of the Second World War - the de Havilland Mosquito - but also about the extraordinary men who flew, the largely forgotten but incredible story of Danish resistance, and one of the most extraordinary raids of the entire war: Operation CARTHAGE. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Website: wehavewayspod.com...

Dec 21, 20231 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 725

Convoys! (Part 4)

The final chapter of our Convoys series sees Al Murray and James Holland recount the final days of Convoy HX231 and the harrowing stories of those that did not survive the crossing. 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 19, 202334 minSeason 1Ep. 723

USA: We Have Ways - Battlefield Medicine

From using cod psychology to predict battle fatigue to the enormous blood drives in 1945 - Al Murray, James Holland and John McManus discuss the ways in which the US forces mastered medicine during the Second World War. 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 14, 202348 minSeason 1Ep. 722
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