WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

Goalhanger Podcasts
History Society & Culture Education
en
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 (50)

WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

Eisenhower: America's Best General

September 01, 2025 38m S1E908
Was General Eisenhower the best US general of WW2? What decision impacts the reputation of Jumpin' Jim Gavin? When did General Mark Clark capture Rome?

Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 3...
WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

Montgomery: Britain's Best General

August 27, 2025 43m S1E907
Was Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery a bad general? Why isn't Richard O'Connor known for his stunning victories? When did Horrocks take command of XXX Corps?

Join James Holland and Al Murray for...
WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

The Best British General Of WW2

August 25, 2025 41m S1E906
Was Harold Alexander the best land forces commander the British Empire had? Why was Field Marshal Alan Brooke called Lord Alanbrooke? What's so funny about Percy Hobart?

Join James Holland and Al...
WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

A Clash In The Fog

August 20, 2025 26m S1E905
As a part of our continuing effort to commemorate the incredible global story of WW2, we present our ongoing ‘Family Stories’ series.

This series tells YOUR relatives’ stories of derring do - both...
Hiroshima: VJ Day

Hiroshima: VJ Day

August 18, 2025 45m S1E904
When was WW2 over? How did different leaders behave at the end of the war? Why was the surrender on the deck of the USS Missouri?

Join James Holland, Al Murray, and John McManus for Part 4 of the...
Hiroshima: Nagasaki

Hiroshima: Nagasaki

August 13, 2025 43m S1E903
Why was the second atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki? How did Japanese mutineers in government try to keep the war going? When did the Emperor Hirohito admit defeat?

Join James Holland and Al Murray...
Hiroshima: Dropping The Bomb

Hiroshima: Dropping The Bomb

August 11, 2025 44m S1E902
When was Little Boy dropped on Hiroshima? How did different people react to the news of the explosion? Why was the second atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki?

Join James Holland, Al Murray, and Iain...
Hiroshima: The Manhattan Project

Hiroshima: The Manhattan Project

August 06, 2025 58m S1E901
What was the Manhattan Project? How accurate is the movie Oppenheimer? Why was the world's first nuclear weapon dropped on Hiroshima?

Join James Holland, Al Murray, and Iain MacGregor for Part 1 as...
Burma '45: The Forgotten General

Burma '45: The Forgotten General

August 04, 2025 49m S1E900
Who was the forgotten general in the Burma campaign? When was he made the last Chief of the Imperial General Staff and a Field Marshal? How understrength and ad-hoc were battalions fighting in Burma?...
Burma '45: The Race To Rangoon

Burma '45: The Race To Rangoon

July 30, 2025 52m S1E899
Who won the race to liberate Rangoon: Mountbatten or Slim? When was Operation Dracula in 1945? Why was the treatment of Slim so bad after his incredible achievements?

Join James Holland and Al...
Burma '45: The Road To Mandalay

Burma '45: The Road To Mandalay

July 28, 2025 40m S1E898
How did Allied air superiority and mechanisation contribute to the liberation of Central Burma? In what ways did Heitarō Kimura and William Slim compare as commanders? When did Punch Cowan's 17th...
Burma '45: The Master Stroke

Burma '45: The Master Stroke

July 23, 2025 1h 3m S1E897
How did Slim and the Allies plan to deceive Japanese forces in Burma? What was the true worth of the Chindits under Orde Wingate? When did the Allies attack Mandalay?

Join James Holland and Al...
Burma '45: The Great Gamble

Burma '45: The Great Gamble

July 21, 2025 55m S1E896
Why did different Allied commanders clash in their goals and methods to win the Burma campaign? What happened to the Japanese forces that tried to swim away from Ramree Island? How did the British...
Burma '45: The Empire Strikes Back

Burma '45: The Empire Strikes Back

July 16, 2025 57m S1E895
How did Mountbatten and South East Asia Command marshall new forces and tactics to retake Burma? What were conditions life for soldiers fighting in Burma? When did the Allies plan to go on the...
Burma '45: Killer Jungle

Burma '45: Killer Jungle

July 14, 2025 59m S1E894
What was war like in Burma in 1944 and 1945? How did British and allied forces overcome the difficulties of jungle warfare and tropical disease? When did the Allies master fighting in the jungle...
WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

Potsdam: New World Order

July 09, 2025 45m S1E893
How did the Potsdam Conference lead to the Marshall Plan, NATO, and The Warsaw Pact? What was The Long Telegram and the US policy of Containment? When did the Big Three of WW2 stop being antifascist...
WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

Potsdam: Origins Of The Cold War

July 07, 2025 47m S1E892
How did President Truman help America become the leader of the free world? In what ways did Stalin's Communist USSR win WW2? When did Atlee replace Churchill at the Potsdam Conference?

Join James...
WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

Hollywood And Nuremberg

July 02, 2025 20m
As a part of our ongoing effort to commemorate the incredible global story of WW2, we present our ongoing ‘Family Stories’ series.

This series tells YOUR relatives’ stories of derring do - both on...
WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

British Sea Power, Canadian Riots, & Japanese Death Rockets

June 30, 2025 39m S1E890
Why did superpowers try to limit the growth of their navies? What impact does this have on international politics with Iran today? How were some German PoWs being treated in America?

Join James...
Okinawa '45: Kamikaze

Okinawa '45: Kamikaze

June 25, 2025 55m S1E889
What mistakes were made during the fight for Okinawa in 1945? How did the campaign finally end? How many service personnel and civilians from both sides died at Okinawa?

Join James Holland, Al...
Okinawa '45: Apocalypse Now

Okinawa '45: Apocalypse Now

June 23, 2025 54m S1E888
What was the fighting like for Americans on Okinawa in 1945? How many days did young marines like Bill Pierce & Dick Whitaker survive on the island? In what ways did civilians on Okinawa suffer during...
Okinawa '45: Death Of The Yamato

Okinawa '45: Death Of The Yamato

June 18, 2025 50m S1E887
How was the the Yamato the mightiest warship in history? What did the Americans do to prevent Imperial Japanese forces from getting to Okinawa in April 1945? In what ways were Kamikaze attacks doomed...
Okinawa '45: Allied Assault

Okinawa '45: Allied Assault

June 16, 2025 50m S1E886
How were the Japanese preparing to defend Okinawa? What pacific naval forces did the Americans have for the invasion? In what ways did the amphibious assault surpass even the 1944 D-Day...
Five Days In May: A Glimmer Of Hope

Five Days In May: A Glimmer Of Hope

June 11, 2025 48m S1E885
How many Allied soldiers were rescued at Dunkirk? What support did the RAF give to Operation Dynamo? In what ways did the weather help the evacuation from the mole at Dunkirk?

Join James Holland...
Five Days In May: Black Monday

Five Days In May: Black Monday

June 09, 2025 53m S1E884
How did the split between Churchill and Halifax decide the outcome of the Second World War? When did the Belgian king decide to surrender to Germany? Why did politicians rally around Churchill and his...
Five Days In May: The Prayer

Five Days In May: The Prayer

June 04, 2025 52m S1E883
How many BEF troops did Churchill think could be rescued? When did Halifax seek peace terms from Mussolini's Fascist Italy? Why did King George VI call for a National Day Of Prayer?

Join James...
Five Days In May: Dunkirk 85

Five Days In May: Dunkirk 85

June 02, 2025 46m S1E882
How did British and Allied troops end up surrounded at Dunkirk? When did France try to surrender in May 1940? Why did Hitler order a halt to the Blitzkrieg, and let the BEF escape?

Join James...
WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

The Tory Party At War

May 28, 2025 52m S1E881
Why did the Conservative Party hate Winston Churchill at the start of WW2? How did the Guilty Men polemic affect public opinion against Chamberlain? Which Tory MP buried their Fabergé Egg in the...
WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

The Election Landslide That Changed Britain

May 26, 2025 45m S1E880
What is a Khaki Election? Why did the Labour party win the 1945 General Election in a landslide? How did Clement Atlee beat Winston Churchill in the polls?

Join Al Murray and James Holland as they...
WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

Soviet Bloodthirst, Forgotten Fleets, & Top Hitler Books

May 21, 2025 40m S1E879
Did the British send Royal Navy fleets into the fight against Japan? Was Stalin the new Napoleon of Europe? And what exactly is a wigeon?

Join Al Murray and James Holland as they discuss a range...
WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

The Hunt For Hitler's Teeth

May 19, 2025 39m S1E878
Why do so many people believe Hitler escaped Nazi Germany at the end of WW2? What did the Soviets cover up in the ruins of The Third Reich? How did modern forensic science finally prove the truth...
WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

Hitler's War On Ducks

May 14, 2025 20m S1E877
As a part of our ongoing effort to commemorate the incredible global story of WW2, we present our ongoing ‘Family Stories’ series.

This series tells YOUR relatives’ stories of derring do - both on...
A Flawed Peace

A Flawed Peace

May 12, 2025 43m S1E876
Did President Roosevelt want to end American Imperialism? What was the NAACP? What impact did the Treaty of Versailles have?

Join Al Murray, James Holland, and John McManus as they discuss the...
Sir Keir Starmer: Lessons Of VE Day

Sir Keir Starmer: Lessons Of VE Day

May 07, 2025 31m S1E875
What does Keir Starmer think is his most important duty as Prime Minister? Why should we remember VE Day? What is Britain’s role in WW2, and NATO, for international peace?

Join Al Murray and James...
WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

VE Day: Victory In Europe (Part 8)

May 06, 2025 1h 5m S1E874
Why is VE Day celebrated on May 8th? What did the end of the war look like for Field Marshal Montgomery and his men? What happened at the surrenders, when Supreme Commander Eisenhower refused to...
WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

VE Day: The Fall Of The Third Reich (Part 7)

May 05, 2025 59m S1E873
What was life like for Germans as the Third Reich collapsed all around them? What did Soviet troops discover in the hunt for Hitler? What did the remaining Nazi leadership do to keep the war going, in...
WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

VE Day: Madness In The Führer Bunker (Part 6)

April 30, 2025 55m S1E872
Did Hitler really commit suicide in his underground bunker in 1945? Which top Nazis hid under Berlin as it perished? Why are conspiracy theorists not convinced by the official set of events?

From...
WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

VE Day: The Seelow Heights (Part 5)

April 28, 2025 55m S1E871
How did the Battle of Berlin begin? Was Germany doomed from the start? Did Stalin make the situation worse?

Al Murray and James Holland explore the opening moments of the Battle of Berlin - from...
VE Day: Why They Fought (Part 4)

VE Day: Why They Fought (Part 4)

April 24, 2025 53m S1E870
What did the Allies discover in the concentration camps in the heartlands of Nazi Germany? How did they struggle to help the survivors they found?

Join James Holland & Al Murray as they uncover the...
VE Day: Operation VARSITY (Part 3)

VE Day: Operation VARSITY (Part 3)

April 22, 2025 1h 1m S1E869
How did Allied forces cross the last defences of Nazi Germany? How does Operation VARSITY compare to the chaos of the landings in Arnhem just a year before?

Join James Holland & Al Murray as they...
VE Day: Crossing The Rhine (Part 2)

VE Day: Crossing The Rhine (Part 2)

April 17, 2025 46m S1E868
What challenges did the Allies face crossing the river Rhine? How did Montgomery and Patton invade the Nazi homeland? What lessons had been learned and put in place after six years of fighting in...
VE Day: The Bridge At Remagen (Part 1)

VE Day: The Bridge At Remagen (Part 1)

April 15, 2025 58m S1E867
To defeat the Nazis once and for all, the Allies must cross the Rhine into Germany. The first challenge - the bridge at Remagen

Why did the Second World War end in 1945? How did Hitler die? Were the...
Dead Presidents: FDR to Truman

Dead Presidents: FDR to Truman

April 09, 2025 46m S1E866
Why did Truman become president in 1945 when FDR died? Was Roosevelt a Machiavellian populist? Why don't modern politicians study more history?

Al Murray and James Holland are joined by star of The...
WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

Nazis In South America

April 07, 2025 50m S1E865
What connects the Final Solution with a Chilean crabmeat factory? How were Pinochet and Mossad using Nazis? Did the war really end in 1945?

Join James Holland, Al Murray, and guest Philippe Sands as...
WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

Fighting With The French Resistance

April 02, 2025 33m S1E864
As a part of our ongoing effort to commemorate the incredible global story of WW2, we present our ongoing ‘Family Stories’ series.

This series tells YOUR relatives’ stories of derring do - both on...
WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

Communist Postmen, Spam, & the BEST Museums

March 31, 2025 40m S1E863
What is the future of WW2 Museums? What did Dominic Sandbrook say about tanks, and David Olusoga say about machine guns? What happened to civil aviation during WW2, and was Lend-Lease powered by...
WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

Was The Bulge America's Toughest Victory?

March 27, 2025 49m S1E856
The Bulge series has concluded, but there is still so much to explore. The perfect compliment to the recent series, this episode covers areas not covered in the main series, as well as answering...
Iwo Jima: Flags Of Our Fathers (Part 2)

Iwo Jima: Flags Of Our Fathers (Part 2)

March 27, 2025 58m S1E862
Despite a tremendous armada and preliminary bombardment, American forces quickly learn they are going to pay for every inch of Iwo Jima. Imperial Japanese forces, low on supplies, fight to the...
Iwo Jima: Hell On Earth (Part 1)

Iwo Jima: Hell On Earth (Part 1)

March 25, 2025 59m S1E861
A tiny sulferous island in the Pacific, Iwo Jima became notorious for the deathtoll on both sides. Was the American invasion worth it?

Join James Holland, Al Murray, and John McManus as they recount...
WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

Dark Secret: My Grandmother, the Nazi

March 20, 2025 18m S1E860
As a part of our ongoing effort to commemorate the incredible global story of WW2, we present our ongoing ‘Family Stories’ series.

This series tells YOUR relatives’ stories of derring do - both on...

About this Podcast

Copyright
766979
Language
en
Categories
History, Society & Culture, Education