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

Blitz, Vichy Problems & The Best Military Beards

Just how good is Steve McQueen’s new film on The Blitz? Was the Vichy government really that bad in 1945? And which general had the best beard? Al Murray and James Holland have a great catch up and answer your questions. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Evan Green & Joey McCarthy 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. Membe...

Nov 26, 202451 minSeason 1Ep. 826

Listen Now: Legacy

Listen to Legacy from Wondery and Goalhanger Podcasts. Each season, historian Peter Frankopan and broadcaster Afua Hirsch tell the wild stories of the most extraordinary men and women to have ever lived – and ask whether they have the reputation they deserve. Winston Churchill is a towering figure in British history. Born into an aristocratic family, he began his career as a soldier and war correspondent before entering politics. He was an early champion of social reform, and became Prime Minist...

Nov 25, 202410 min

Blitz: The Final Flames (Part 4)

Bombing continues across the UK, and Brits ask if the violence will ever cease. In the final episode of this series, Al and James assess the damage left by the Luftwaffe. We Have Ways tackles the people's war in this new series, taking a forensic dive into the history of the Nazi bombing raids that terrorised the UK during the first half of the Second World War. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com ...

Nov 21, 202452 minSeason 1Ep. 825

FESTIVAL TICKETS NOW ON SALE

WE HAVE WAYS FEST 2025 TICKETS ARE NOW ON GENERAL SALE 12-14TH SEPTEMBER 2025 wehavewaysfest.co.uk A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 20, 202412 minSeason 1Ep. 824

Blitz: Life Under The Bombs (Part 3)

We know a lot about soldiers under fire, but what about the average Londoner? Al Murray and James Holland explore day-to-day life under the bombs. We Have Ways tackles the people's war in this new series, taking a forensic dive into the history of the Nazi bombing raids that terrorised the UK during the first half of the Second World War. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join our ‘Independent Co...

Nov 19, 202457 minSeason 1Ep. 823

Blitz: The Carnage Continues (Part 2)

As hellfire continues to rain on the UK, Al Murray and James Holland documents the daily death and destruction. We Have Ways tackles the people's war in this new series, taking a forensic dive into the history of the Nazi bombing raids that terrorised the UK during the first half of the Second World War. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Nathan Copelin & Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch ou...

Nov 14, 202442 minSeason 1Ep. 822

Blitz: London's Burning (Part 1)

4pm, 7th September 1940, London. The first bombs on the Empire's capital fall. Death, shock and devastation rain. What happens next? We Have Ways tackles the people's war in this new series, taking a forensic dive into the history of the Nazi bombing raids that terrorised the UK during the first half of the Second World War. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Nathan Copelin & Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join our ‘Independent...

Nov 12, 202453 minSeason 1Ep. 821

Trump and Hitler: A Warning From History

As the US election draws to a dangerously tight close, Al Murray and James Holland take a historical glance at Donald Trump's desire for "generals like Hitler". Were Hitler's men ferociously loyal, or simply blessed with good luck at the start of the conflict? A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy & Chantal Romain Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams, get earlybird tickets and our ...

Nov 07, 202441 minSeason 1Ep. 820

USA: Hürtgen - The American Execution (Part 2)

Al Murray, James Holland and John McManus conclude the horrific tale of the Hurtgen Forest. The violence of the German woodlands was a huge factor in the execution of Eddie Slovik, but also the works of J.D Salinger. What exactly happened there? A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy & Becky Hills 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 ...

Nov 05, 202454 minSeason 1Ep. 819

USA: Hürtgen - The Forest of Death (Part 1)

We Have Ways USA is back, and John McManus is leading Al and James through the dense and rugged forests of the German-Belgian border and one of the longest land battles of the European campaign. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy, Alice Horrell & Ge Styles 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: ...

Oct 31, 202452 minSeason 1Ep. 818

SAS in France '44: The Pursuit of Chaos (Part 3)

Join Al Murray and James Holland as they dive deep into the thrilling final chapter of their series on SAS operations in France during 1944. How did these elite troops cut off retreating Panzers, sabotage fuel supplies, and work with local resistance? Discover the fast-paced, high-risk missions that showcased the SAS's agility, courage, and growing confidence in disrupting the enemy. A Goalhanger production Produced by Joey McCarthy & Alice Horrell Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysP...

Oct 29, 202457 minSeason 1Ep. 817

SAS in France '44: Operation TITANIC (Part 2)

In this second installment of our special series, Al Murray and James Holland team up with Tom Petch to dive into the daring missions of the Special Air Service (SAS) in France during World War 2. From Operation Titanic's deception to fierce firefights in Brittany, the SAS pushed deep behind enemy lines to disrupt German forces and aid the Resistance. What were the real risks of these secretive operations? And how did the SAS manage to turn the tide in key moments? Join us as we explore the brav...

Oct 24, 202448 minSeason 1Ep. 816

SAS in France '44: Behind Enemy Lines (Part 1)

Join hosts Al Murray and James Holland as they dive into the captivating history of the SAS in France during World War 2. In this first episode of a three-part series with special guest Tom Petch - they explore the origins and operations of Britain’s elite Special Air Service. They examine the SAS’s role in the Overlord campaign and beyond, shedding light on the guerilla warfare that shaped military strategies in 1944. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy & Becki Hills Exec Producer...

Oct 22, 202455 minSeason 1Ep. 815

Heritage Hero: Richard Grace

We Have Ways of Making You Talk mourns the tragic death of pilot and WW2 Warbird restoration legend Richard Grace after a battle with cancer at the age of 40. As a part of our tribute to our friend, we have re-released an interview with Richard from our archives. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 19, 202456 minSeason 1Ep. 814

Britain's Nazi Invasion: The Haunted Underground Hospital (Part 3)

In a dramatic finale to our Guernsey series, Al Murray and James Holland tour the most bizarre Nazi relic on the island - the Underground Hospital. This concrete complex of tunnels, ammunition stores and sick bays has laid dormant for 80 years - having hardly ever been used by the Third Reich. Is this 'haunted' hospital the ultimate testament to Hitler's madness? A Goalhanger Production Produced by Nathan Copelin & Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehaveways...

Oct 17, 202443 minSeason 1Ep. 813

Britain's Nazi Invasion: The Concrete Fortress (Part 2)

During the German occupation of the Channel Islands, a series of mammoth concrete defences were built as a part of the Atlantic Wall. Al Murray and James Holland are joined by Steve Powell of 'Festung Guernsey' to tour around Battery Mirus, an enormous gun placement. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams, get earlybird tickets and our weekly new...

Oct 15, 202428 minSeason 1Ep. 812

Britain's Nazi Invasion: The Germans Are Coming (Part 1)

Al Murray and James Holland investigate the incredible untold story of the Nazi invasion of the Channel Isles. Why did Whitehall declare the Channel Islands a demilitarised zone, how were locals treated - and was it even worth it? A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy 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. Membersh...

Oct 10, 202446 minSeason 1Ep. 811

WW2 Dinner Parties, Oil Spills and The One Show

If you could throw a dream WW2 dinner party, who would you invite - and would Lee Miller hold off the booze? Al Murray and James Holland answer your questions - including Operation Jericho, environmental disasters and whether Al has carved himself a 'weird niche' by doing this podcast. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams, get earlybird tickets...

Oct 08, 202435 minSeason 1Ep. 810

Market Garden 80: What If? (Part 8)

In our final episode of our epic series, Al and James take a moment to reflect on the battle and ask what could have been done for Operation Market Garden to succeed. Join us as we explore the triumphs and tragedies of one of World War 2's most famous battles, immortalised in the 1977 epic 'A Bridge Too Far' - Operation Market Garden. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy & Evan Green Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join our ‘Indep...

Oct 03, 202434 minSeason 1Ep. 809

Market Garden 80: Arnhem Remembers (Part 7)

Nowhere in the world commemorates the Second World War like the city of Arnhem. Now on the ground in the Netherlands, Al Murray and James Holland visit football stadiums, cemeteries and museums to interview residents of the extraordinary city and ask why? Join us as we explore the triumphs and tragedies of one of World War 2's most famous battles, immortalised in the 1977 epic 'A Bridge Too Far' - Operation Market Garden. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Past...

Oct 01, 202433 minSeason 1Ep. 808

Cassino 44 (BONUS)

How does Hollywood scriptwriting influence James' histories, why are diaries more exciting than interviews and has Mark Clark been misunderstood? Al Murray interviews James Holland about his new book 'Cassino '44' - an indepth look at the fighting in Italy in 1944. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy & Becki Hills Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams, get earlybird tickets and ou...

Sep 26, 202443 minSeason 1Ep. 807

Market Garden 80: Defeat (Part 6)

In the penultimate episode before we hit the streets of Arnhem, Al Murray and James Holland recount the unbelievable horror of the final days of the Arnhem. In amongst the tales of courage and fatalism, they explore the complicated and often abrasive characters that defined the chaotic campaign and the intense arguments that followed. Join us as we explore the triumphs and tragedies of one of World War 2's most famous battles, immortalised in the 1977 epic 'A Bridge Too Far' - Operation Market G...

Sep 24, 202459 minSeason 1Ep. 806

Market Garden 80: A Bridge Too Far? (Part 5)

In a meanwhile adventure spanning across the bridge, the town and the woods of Arnhem - Al Murray and James Holland track in forensic detail the 18th and 19th September 1944. As things unravel, we begin to question whether the whole campaign was doomed from the start? Join us as we explore the triumphs and tragedies of one of World War 2's most famous battles, immortalised in the 1977 epic 'A Bridge Too Far' - Operation Market Garden. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Produc...

Sep 19, 202458 minSeason 1Ep. 805

Market Garden 80: Trapped (Part 4)

Al Murray and James Holland dive deeper into the brutal fighting at Arnhem as the British forces face relentless German attacks. In this episode, they explore the desperate efforts of the British airborne, cut off from support and low on ammunition, trying to hold their ground amidst chaos. With tanks rolling in and communication breaking down, what hope remained for the men at the bridge? Join us as we explore the triumphs and tragedies of one of World War 2's most famous battles, immortalised ...

Sep 17, 202452 minSeason 1Ep. 804

Arnhem: Black Tuesday (BONUS)

We take a brief pause in our Market Garden 80 series to celebrate the launch of Al Murray's latest book 'Arnhem: Black Tuesday'. James Holland interviews Al about his love for the subject, the best places to find new information and whether his dad has given any notes. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy & Becki Hills Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams, get earlybird tickets an...

Sep 12, 202444 minSeason 1Ep. 803

Market Garden 80: Arnhem's Darkest Hour (Part 3)

Al Murray and James Holland return to the streets of Arnhem, where the battle intensifies. The chaos deepens as the British forces, now reinforced by the South Staffords, face relentless German counterattacks. XXX Corps' delayed arrival adds to the uncertainty, while Frost’s men at the bridge fight desperately to hold their ground. Will they manage to secure Arnhem, or is it already too late? Dive into the heart of the conflict as the battle for the bridge rages on. Join us as we explore the tri...

Sep 11, 202456 minSeason 1Ep. 802

Market Garden 80: XXX Corps Begin (Part 2)

Join Al Murray and James Holland as they continue their deep dive into Operation Market Garden with the challenges faced by the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions. In this episode, they explore the critical decisions and unexpected setbacks on the ground as Allied forces race to secure vital bridges. Meanwhile, XXX Corps begins its push through the Dutch countryside, facing its own trials as they attempt to link up with the airborne troops. Join us as we explore the triumphs and tragedies of one ...

Sep 10, 202457 minSeason 1Ep. 801

Market Garden 80: Descent Into Chaos (Part 1)

Al Murray and James Holland kick off their deep dive into Operation Market Garden, focusing on the intense and chaotic first day at Arnhem. What made the British airborne forces push forward despite the odds? Discover the tactical decisions, the unexpected German resistance, and the slender margins that shaped this historic battle. Could it have all gone differently? Join us as we explore the triumphs and tragedies of one of World War 2's most famous battles, immortalised in the 1977 epic 'A Bri...

Sep 05, 20241 hrSeason 1Ep. 800

Burma 44: Imphal - The Battle of Kohima (Part 6)

In this final episode in our Burma 44 series, Al and James turn their attentions a little further north and to the astonishing Battle of Kohima. Surrounded and besieged, the small garrison held out but as Al and Jim discover, it was a very close run thing indeed, but this - and other heroics - ensured General Slim and his Fourteenth Army won a crushing victory from which the Japanese in Burma would never recover. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social...

Sep 02, 202437 minSeason 1Ep. 799

Burma 44: Imphal - Crisis (Part 5)

In this fifth episode, Al and James look at the progress of the Battle of Imphal and how the Japanese prompted several deep crises as Slim’s men desperately fought to halt the multi-pronged enemy attacks. They also focus on the extraordinary - and battle-saving - actions at Sangshak and Numgshigum. But a further great threat looks at Kohima… A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @‌WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join our ‘Independen...

Aug 28, 202440 minSeason 1Ep. 798