Goalhanger

WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

History EN ↓ 1003 episodes

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 bat...

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Goalhanger

Episodes

27. We Are at War 03.09.2019 48:49

It’s 80 years since the outbreak of war. James and Al discuss the build up to the German invasion of Poland and the British and French response. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

26. Britskrieg 27.08.2019 45:56

Is Paris burning? James Holland and Al Murray discuss the liberation of Paris and the final days of the Normandy campaign. Plus, what role did the mafia play in the invasion of Sicily? Were the Allies made an offer they couldn’t refuse? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

25. Nazi Drugs and Midget Subs 20.08.2019 42:39

Al Murray and James Holland discuss the drugs used by the Germans to keep submariners awake. Plus what would have happened if the German army had fought in Asia, while the Japanese were defending the Normandy beaches? A fascinating if preposterous debate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

24. We Have Ways Live from Edinburgh 13.08.2019 48:00

Al Murray and James Holland take to the stage at the Edinburgh fringe to debate the great last stands of World War Two. Plus who was Wojtek the bear? And can we justify the bombing of Dresden? The boys answer some challenging audience questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

23. Mutinies and the Battle for Malta 31.07.2019 53:41

Al Murray and James Holland discuss the challenges of maintaining morale in the Allied armies. Plus James answers the question of why Malta was denied Spitfires in the island’s greatest hour of need. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

22. The Eagle's Nest 24.07.2019 53:46

James Holland joins Al Murray from Bavaria, where he sits in the shadow of Hitler's infamous summer residence, the Eagle's Nest. Al discusses his recent trip to Maquis country, plus the boys answer questions about forces and suncream; the toughest unit in WW2; the Japanese bombing of Australia; and their team selection for a do or die assault on an impregnable Nazi fortress. Hosted on Acast. See a...

21. Take No Prisoners 16.07.2019 50:30

Al Murray and James Holland look back on a murderous incident on D-Day plus one. Plus the lads use hindsight to decide which World War II regiment, squadron or ship they would choose to serve with or on. Also up for discussion are Operations Epsom, Goodwood and the much maligned Italian forces. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit pod...

20. Colditz and our Book List 09.07.2019 48:50

James Holland and Al Murray debate the wisdom of collecting all the Allies’ most escape-minded prisoners of war in one place. Also up for discussion are bombing tactics, the Battle of the Atlantic and Monty’s autograph book. Plus Al and James’s recommended reading for the summer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com...

19. Infamy and The World at War 07.07.2019 13:22

In this bonus episode there’s a chance to hear Franklin D Roosevelt’s speech after Pearl Harbour as performed by American actor Chaz Mena. Legendary broadcaster Ed Murrow and World at War narrator Laurence Olivier also get a run out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

18. Taking the Trench 06.07.2019 13:18

James Holland joins British troops attacking a German trench. Experience the sounds and voices of Tommy soldiers in Normandy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

17. Messing About in Tanks 05.07.2019 18:16

We have EVEN MORE ways of making you talk. In this bonus episode James gets to explore the inner workings of a World War 2 tank. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

16. I fought at Dunkirk and saw Harold Larwood bowl 04.07.2019 19:35

In this bonus episode veteran John Hamilton describes shooting down a Stuka before being rescued from the beach at Dunkirk. He also details the extraordinary fitness regime he still maintains despite being 101 years old. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ten Things You Didn’t Know About D-Day 03.07.2019 24:15

In this bonus episode recorded at Chalke Valley History Festival James Holland talks to Professor Peter Caddick-Adams about some of the more extraordinary D-Day stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

14. Live at the Chalke Valley History Festival 02.07.2019 56:39

Al Murray and James Holland discuss Nazis dressed in Allied uniforms; the possibility of the US dropping an atomic bomb on the Germans; plus they take questions from a live audience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

13. The Soldbuch 25.06.2019 38:28

Al Murray and James Holland spend part of this week’s podcast examining the life of a single German soldier, as revealed by his identity papers. Also discussed: the Russian boy used as a mascot by German soldiers; Hitler’s near brush with the battle in Normandy; and the quality of Ike Eisenhower in the field. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad cho...

12. Our Russian Friends 18.06.2019 48:45

James Holland and Al Murray get into a heated debate about the role of Russia in the defeat of the Nazis. Also discussed are the French civilian experiences in Normandy; the curious case of the Daily Telegraph crossword; and the fashion status of American army uniforms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

11. Smoking Snakes 11.06.2019 42:08

James Holland and Al Murray discuss the remarkable story of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force and their contribution to the war effort in Italy. Plus the boys debate the raid on Dieppe and the incompetence of German Intelligence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

10. The Thing About Hitler... 04.06.2019 45:03

Al Murray and James Holland discuss Hitler’s personal life. Also James finally turns the conversation to air power, Al recalls meeting a Russian Night Witch and James allows Al to try on his British Battledress jacket. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

9. Bunker Busting 28.05.2019 40:25

Al Murray and James Holland explore the converted tanks used at Normandy. Also up for discussion are parachute decoys, the dangers of back-flash and who killed Michael Wittmann. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

8. D-Day and DD Tanks 21.05.2019 53:32

D-Day takes centre stage as Al Murray and James Holland discuss floating tanks, flame throwers and the story of Omaha Beach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

7. Monty’s Hat and the Tiger 14.05.2019 50:09

Al Murray and James Holland head to Bovington Tank Museum to discuss Normandy and the tanks that fought there. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

6. A Foothold in France 07.05.2019 32:14

James Holland discusses the early planning of Operation Overlord while Al Murray debates the merits of the PIAT, the British hand-held anti-tank weapon with a mixed reputation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

5. Rommel, Rations and the Battle of Sangshak 30.04.2019 37:55

James Holland and Al Murray debate Rommel, rations and the right approach to heavy bombing. Plus we hear the story of an important battle between the British and Japanese. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

4. Arnhem, Eastwood and Normandy antics 23.04.2019 35:29

Al and James explain why Arnhem was a Bridge too Far; James describes the Germans’ enormous guns in Crimea; Al tells a boy’s own story of Normandy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

3. Machine guns, Nazi menswear and an Italian massacre 16.04.2019 48:10

Al Murray arrives at the podcast carrying a German machine gun. James tells the story of a little known Italian massacre. Both men discuss the role of Hugo Boss in Nazi tailoring. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices