The Reenactor's Corner

Since Covid vintage hiking is a trend that has definitely grown but on this edition of the podcast we meet WW2 German Reenactor Dan who took hiking to the extreme by covering a distance of over 2000 miles using modern equipment. Thanks to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we really do appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and couldn't do this without you ! https://pa...

Although panned by some German film critics "All Quiet on the Western Front" picked up four Oscars at the recent awards ceremony in Los Angeles. In this episode Chris discusses the film with WW1 reenactor Casey Hogan and finds out how reenacting the Great War compares with World War Two. For more information on WW1 Reenacting please check out the Great War Association http://www.great-war-assoc.or...

In this episode Chris and Ben are joined by special guest Rick Squeri from Hessen Antique. Together they trace Rick's early forays into collecting and reenacting whilst serving with the US Army in West Germany and go on to discover how he created his own company, which has grown to became one of the best know and most respected vendors in WW2 reenactment. From being an advisor and extra on the leg...

In this episode Chris talks to Frank Beuter - content creator of the WW11freak001 account on YouTube that has over 2.5 million views - about the upcoming North Africa "Drive on Tunis" event taking place in Texas, USA in March 2023. Franks shares his experiences of organising previous North Africa events and explains why, in his opinion, this year will be the best ever ! For more information on the...

In this new episode Chris talks to Tom from the WW2 Atlantic Wall Museum in Ohio about their collection and a big upcoming event.

The Gas Mask canister is one of the most iconic items of WW2 German kit. In this episode Chris and Ben take a deep dive into this essential item - asking how practical it is to use original canisters for reenacting, discussing different models and the merits of post-war issues and reproductions. If you love history and WW2 Reenacting why not join the conversation going on right now on our Discord...

As the year draws to a close Chris and Ben are joined by Ludwig Topf from the UK and Rudi Lange from the USA to share their thoughts on the past 12 months of WW2 Reenacting. From the war in Ukraine to the increasing cost of getting to and from events its been an eventful year. Plus we mark Ben's first year as co-host with a compilation of bloopers to show that, behind the scenes, things don't alwa...

Whether its a vintage blanket, camera or cooking pot you are looking for Antique Stores can be a great resource for Reenactors. In this episode Chris and Ben discuss their best buys and give tips on what to look for and how to find it ! If you love history and WW2 Reenacting why not join the conversion you'll find going on right now on our Discord server? https://discord.gg/aD39RSrv Thanks to ever...

Sweden has a real reputation as being the home of awesome Live Action Role Play. In this episode Chris talks to Robert who helped to organise a recent WW2 based LARP there that recreated a late WW2 scenario involving reenactors and Larpers, all aiming for a high level of detail and authenticity. So how did the two hobbies get along together and what challenges and opportunities did the event prese...

From putting fuel in your car to get to an event to ordering kit from overseas - there is no doubt that the cost of reenacting is on the rise for everyone.  In this episode Chris and Ben talk about the impact that this is having on the hobby and the tough decisions that many people are having to make as the cost of living continues to rise. Join us on Discord to contribute to the discussion and sh...

As you might have seen there has recently been another Facebook purge of accounts associated with WW2 Reenacting. In this episode Chris and Ben discuss why traditional social media platforms have become hostile territory and have a big announcement to make regarding the Reenactors Corner Discord server. We hope to see you there ! https://discord.gg/Ha2xbWAM

Whether its things that go bump in the night or  original gear carrying a disturbing aura  - historical reenacting sometimes intersects with seemingly paranormal experiences.  In this latest annual Halloween Special Chris and Ben read spooky stories sent in by listeners and share some of their own tales of terror.  Best listen to this one with the lights on..........        

As temperatures drop and days get shorter across North America and Europe Chris and Ben discuss why Fall is perhaps the best time of the year to reenact WW2. Wool uniforms become more wearable, the bugs take a break and cozy camp fires renew their appeal as Autumn takes over from the blazing heat of Summer.... As ever, a very big thank you to all our Patrons for their support - we really couldn't...

Do you ever get the feeling that your reenactment group may be coming to the end of the road? In this episode Chris talks to Erich Wessel from the UK about how to recognise the signs that maybe your group needs to split, disband or perhaps try something new...?

The cost of living crisis is hitting everyone hard but does that mean hobbies have to take a hit too? In this episode Chris and Ben talk about ways to keep the costs of reenacting down by learning some simple but effective DIY skills which you can practice at home or in the field 

In this episode Chris and Ben talk to Ricky and Javier , who both attended the recent D Day Conneaut event in Ohio - they share their views on the reenactment and Javier tells us how he flew all the way from Chile to take part !

There's no getting away from the fact that summers seem to be getting hotter across the world - with reports of record temperatures hitting the headlines - so in this episode Chris and Ben discuss what impact this is having on WW2 Reenacting and ask if it is ever practical or safe to attempt a weekend of Living History in a heatwave ?

Reenacting is a hobby that's best done with other like minded people - but what if there are few people locally or nationally who are interested in taking part ? In this episode Chris and Ben are joined by Logi, one of only a very small number of people interested in WW2 Reenacting in Iceland. His reenacting group consists of only three members and, with no events taking place at home, Logi has fo...

Whilst many of us obsess about litzen and which model of stahlhelm to buy, we often overlook one of the most humble but essential items of WW2 German kit - the bread bag. In this episode Chris and Ben take a forensic look at the design and construction of bread bags, discuss what to store in them and how best to use them during reenactments. Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on Patr...

From online posturing to cancelled events sometimes its easy to dwell on the negative elements within our hobby - but in this episode Chris and Ben focus on the positive aspects of reenacting, following a difficult past two years for the hobby.

Mike Despres first started WW2 German Reenacting back in the early 1990s, when Swedish conversion tunics were the name of the game. As reenacting grew more manufacturers started to produce reproduction items but Mike wasn't impressed by the quality so decided to learn how to make his own! He now runs FJ Werke, a highly respected manufacturer and vendor that produces some of the best quality German...

In what may be one of our most controversial episodes so far we talk about the impact that the war in Ukraine is having on WW2 Re-enacting in Europe . Ludwig Topf is a German Reenactor from the UK , where he has seen many events cancelled or Soviet reenactors turned away . In this episode he talks to Chris and Ben about why he thinks that  this is a worrying development … For more information on L...

Whats the average life span of a reenactment unit ? Five years? Ten years maybe ? Eventually logistical challenges, changes in personal circumstances , dramas and the dreaded "burn out" take their toll. In this edition of the Reenactors Corner podcast Chris and Ben talk to Rudi Lange about how his GD unit has survived for almost 50 years and pick up some tips on how to emulate their success. For m...

The Stahlhelm is perhaps one of the most iconic items of kit worn by members of the German Armed Forces in WW2. In this episode Chris and Ben take a deep dive describing the various models, comparing the pros and cons of buying and wearing originals versus reproductions and also discuss helmets worn by other nations during Word War One and Two. Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on P...

Since we began back in 2019 we've featured many of the big names in German WW2 Reenacting - but, as the new season kicks in across the Northern Hemisphere, this time it's our turn to sit in the hot seat as we answer as many questions as we can sent in by our listeners. Topics range from our thoughts on what makes an epic event to using bluetooth speakers to bring "realism" to combat scenarios ! Hu...