The Reenactor's Corner

This year the annual D-Day event in Conneaut, Ohio marked the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings. In this episode podcast regular Rudi Lange talks to Chris about his experiences over the three day event, which draws huge numbers of reenactors and  spectators from the USA and beyond.... A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter...

In the first of a new series of occasional kit deep dives Chris focuses on  WW2 German Field Caps - which under went several changes following the issue of  the iconic M34 in the mid 1930s.  A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up f...

The internet, and social media in particular, have introduced a whole new dimension to reenacting - helping us connect, research and share our passion for living history. However it has also brought with it risks that need to be taken seriously. In this episode Chris is joined by podcast regulars Rudi and Ludwig to talk about how to manage our online profiles in connection with the hobby and raise...

Back in 2004 Erich Wessel attended his first WW2 Living History event at Peak Rail in the UK . He was 11 years old at the time  - now, 20 years on, he has just returned from the same event. In this episode Erich joins Chris to share his reflections on how the hobby has changed and developed over the past two decades. A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate...

Work or combat uniform ? Hot weather use only or all year round? No pockets, two pockets or four? After carrying out extensive research using original German wartime documentation Chris takes a deep dive into HBTs to challenge common misconceptions about Drillichanzug. To read the article Chris refers to in this episode please follow the link below.. https://festung.net/reproduction-first-and-seco...

In this episode Ludwig Topf talks to Chris and Rudi about attending events at historic sites following the recent Dover Castle reenactment in the UK. Plus there's a discussion on how German soldiers are portrayed by Hollywood and how movie plot lines are often far removed from the reality of World War Two.

UK based Epic Militaria has become one of the best know vendors within WW2 Reenacting . In this episode Chris talks to Adrian from Epic about how they design and source their reproductions, customised helmets and when those much anticipated M38 gasmasks might be available. A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, a...

Join us as Chris and Rudi celebrate our 5th birthday !! When the podcast first started we had no idea we would make it this far and grow such a loyal band of listeners - thank you.  Here's to all of the fantastic guests who have appeared on the podcast since 2019 and to Lasse, Ben, Ludwig, Rudi and Mike who have all played a big part in our success. A huge thank you also goes to all of our support...

In this episode Chris talks to Adam Bednar and Ernst Schäfer about the recent Romanian Spring Event in Wisconsin . Over 175 German and Soviet Reenactors took part and we hear what went into creating an event on such a big scale and how the organisers ensured it would be a success .  https://www.facebook.com/groups/850256482980698 A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - w...

In this episode Chris talks to special guest Markus, who has experience of Reenacting WW2 in both Europe and the USA . He describes the differences in Reenacting on both sides of the pond and explains why he has gone on to form his own unit - 10./Gren-Reg 41 (mot.) - now that he is back in the States . With a big emphasis on portraying 1940s German cultural norms within the new unit Markus uses hi...

In this episode Rudi Lange tells Chris how his recent house move gave him the opportunity to create a new Kreigzimmer. With an ever growing collection space is still an issue….along with the possible negative reaction of family and friends plus the potential need for insurance cover.  A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big...

There is no denying that ours is a controversial hobby - so the big question has to be is it safe or sensible to let people know how you like to spend your weekends? In this episode Chris, Rudi and Ludwig discuss how they have navigated this issue and share listeners stories.... A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or sm...

In this episode Chris talks to Adam from Germany about the sensitivities surrounding reenacting there . Until recently Adam was one of the main creatives behind the popular  ParaLight WorX channel on Youtube - which makes films about WW2 from the German perspective. He has recently gone on to create his own channel which you can find by following the link below. www.youtube.com/@militainment   A b...

In this latest episode Chris and the team take a look at the use, and sometimes abuse , of alcohol within the hobby . There's no denying that alcohol helped many soldiers deal with the stress of combat and being away from home back in WW2 - but what role does it have at todays public and private events ?  A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donati...

All hobbies thrive on new ideas but, when it comes to WW2 Reenacting, how can you tell the difference between a good and maybe bad idea. In this episode Chris is joined again by Rudi Lange and Ludwig Topf to offer some cautionary tales and share anecdotes about why it often pays to think twice before investing in that niche impression or planning a new event that you are convinced will be a succes...

Weapons are a crucial part of WW2 Reenacting but, depending on your wallet, location and level of authenticity, what is the best option - original live firing , deactivated or Denix/Airsoft replica ? In this latest edition of the podcast Chris talks to weapons expert Paul Kramarz about what he recommends and why . Focusing on the iconic K98 this is a deep dive covering everything from the perils o...

What kind of a year was 2023 for WW2 German Reenacting ? As has become tradition in the run up to New Year's Eve Chris is joined by Ludwig Topf and Rudi Lange to reflect on the past 12 months. If 2022 was a transition year for Reenacting following the Covid pandemic how did 2023 shape up ? Let us know how 2023 was for you by leaving us a message on Facebook or Discord and a very Happy New Year to...

WW2 Reenacting is a hobby that is open to misinterpretation and often suffers at the hands of media. However, given that much of the hobby is public facing, occasional press interest is inevitable. In this episode Reinhard Weber from SSTK in the UK shares his experiences and advice on the best way to handle the media with Chris - and gives an insight into how his unit responded to a recent hit pie...

In this episode Chris is in conversation with Adam Bednar, leader of the 5. Kp. Grossdeutschland reenactment group based in the Mid-West of the USA.  He is one of the organizers of the upcoming Victory in the Ardennes and Romanian Spring tacticals in Wisconsin and, in this episode, he talks about how plans for both events are shaping up plus shares a lot of great insights into hosting and organisi...

Join Chris as he shares listeners spooky reenacting stories and some of his own in this fifth annual special Halloween episode. Thanks to everyone who submitted their tales of terror in the field......! Also thanks to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can s...

Reenactors Corner favourite Ludwig Topf joins Chris to talk about his experiences attending the recent Monty's Men private event in the UK. Billed as a "lived experience" , the emphasis was more focused on portraying the everyday life of a soldier than combat - an approach which Ludwig says he would like to see replicated at other private events. Thanks to everyone who supports the podcast via Pat...

In the latest episode Chris and Ben discuss the best ways to sell-on your surplus reenacting gear . Maybe you've changed impressions , are looking for funds to upgrade your kit or simply want to de-clutter and make some space for even more gear!  We've got tips on how to decide on the best price, where to advertise and how to ship. Plus there's news of an exciting business venture from Ben that's...

Polizei impressions are rare amongst WW2 German Reenactors . In this episode Chris talks to Daniel from Norway about what inspired him to portray Polizei and the challenges of putting together an accurate impression. PLUS there's an update on the bunker build in Norway that's proved to be a big hit on YouTube! You can find Daniel on IG @schutzpolizei45  Also check out the bunker build on YouTube h...

The Flamethrower (Flammenwerfer) is seldom seen or used at WW2 public or private events - but that could be about to change! In this episode Casey Hogan joins Chris to talk about his new venture - reconditioning and supplying original WW2 flamethrowers. It goes without saying please never attempt to operate or restore a flamethrower without extensive training and experience - in short, don't try t...

Controversy has always surrounded SS impressions within the hobby - in this episode Chris talks to a reenactor about his approach to portraying members of the Waffen SS, public reactions and how he navigates the controversy.  Thanks to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on...