WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

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

History
Society & Culture
Education
326
Operation Retribution
<p>Al and James speak to American lawyer Peter Kentz about Operation Retribution, the air and naval blockade designed to prevent the seaborne evacuation of Axis forces from Tunisia to Sicily in May 1943.</p><br><p>A Goalhanger Films Production</p><p>Produced by Joey McCarthy</p><p>Exec Producer: Tony Pastor</p><p>Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod</p><p>Website: <a href="http://wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod.com</a> </p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:wehavewayspod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod@gmail.com</a></p><br><p><br></p><br><p><br></p><p><br></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
48 min
327
The Pacific
<p>James&nbsp;talks about his recent trip to Northern Ireland and the pair discuss the shipping production during the Second World War.</p><p>Al chats about the upcoming documentary 'Spike Milligan:The Unseen Archive' which will air on Sky Arts this Wednesday 7th December. Al also reviews 'The Pacific' after watching it for the first time.</p><br><p>A Goalhanger Films Production</p><p>Produced by Harry Lineker</p><p>Exec Producer: Tony Pastor</p><p>Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod</p><p>Website: <a href="http://wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:wehavewayspod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod@gmail.com</a></p><br><p>Tickets for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WHWF3?src=hashtag_click" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#WHWF3</a> are now on sale EXCLUSIVELY to members of the Independent Company!</p><br><p><a href="https://t.co/DnDFCvFt8H" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://patreon.com/wehaveways</a></p><br><p>Ticket prices are frozen for a limited window, don't miss out.</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
53 min
328
USA: We Have Ways - Douglas MacArthur Part 2
<p>In the second part of our General MacArthur podcast, John C. McManus goes into detail on the American’s reputation with the Allies and Axis Powers.</p><br><p>WHW USA runs every Friday, focusing solely on the American side of the Second World War.</p><br><p>A Goalhanger Films Production</p><p>Produced by Nicole Maslen</p><p>Exec Producer: Tony Pastor</p><p>Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod</p><p>Website: <a href="http://wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:wehavewayspod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod@gmail.com</a></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
46 min
329
With the Old Breed
<p>In New Orleans, James Holland speaks to Saul David and Henry Sledge - the son of legendary writer Eugene Sledge, the author of the memoir ‘With The Old Breed’.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><br><p>A Goalhanger Films Production</p><p>Produced by Joey McCarthy</p><p>Exec Producer: Tony Pastor</p><p>Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod</p><p>Website: <a href="http://wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:wehavewayspod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod@gmail.com</a></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
47 min
330
Second World War Voices
<p>Al Murray and James Holland delve into the world of Second World War books and memoirs, plus they further explore the story of Italy’s war.</p><br><p>A Goalhanger Films Production</p><p>Produced by Harry Lineker</p><p>Exec Producer: Tony Pastor</p><p>Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod</p><p>Website: wehavewayspod.com</p><p>Email: wehavewayspod@gmail.com</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
44 min
331
USA: We Have Ways - Douglas MacArthur Part 1
<p>Who was General MacArthur? Al Murray, James Holland and special guest John C. McManus debate one of the most influential, but controversial, generals in the US Army.</p><br><p>WHW USA will run every Friday, focusing solely on the American side of the Second World War.</p><br><p>A Goalhanger Films Production</p><p>Produced by Vasco Andrade</p><p>Exec Producer: Tony Pastor</p><p>Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod</p><p>Website: <a href="http://wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:wehavewayspod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod@gmail.com</a></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
36 min
332
Immortal Valour
<p>Al Murray and James Holland are joined by Emmy nominated screenwriter Robert Child to speak about the incredible lives of the seven African-American soldiers who, despite serving their country and showing extraordinary bravery, were denied the Medal of Honour for more than 50 years.</p><br><p>A Goalhanger Films Production</p><p>Produced by Joey McCarthy</p><p>Exec Producer: Tony Pastor</p><p>Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod</p><p>Website: <a href="http://wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:wehavewayspod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod@gmail.com</a></p><br><p><br></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
43 min
333
Second World War Blunders
<p>Al Murray and James Holland tuck into some diaries, plus look into some of the greatest Second World War Blunders</p><br><p>A Goalhanger Films Production</p><p>Produced by Harry Lineker</p><p>Exec Producer: Tony Pastor</p><p>Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod</p><p>Website: wehavewayspod.com</p><p>Email: wehavewayspod@gmail.com</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
53 min
334
End of War
<p>Al Murray and James Holland talk about the chaotic final days of the Second World War, including the horrific reality of soldiers having to fight when they knew it was already over.</p><br><p>A Goalhanger Films Production</p><p>Produced by Harry Lineker</p><p>Exec Producer: Tony Pastor</p><p>Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod</p><p>Website: wehavewayspod.com</p><p>Email: wehavewayspod@gmail.com</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
46 min
335
The Blackout Ripper
<p>James Holland is joined by historians Hallie Rubenhold and Julia Laite to discuss the awful treatment of civilian women in London during the Blitz - including a serial killer that used the blackouts to murder five people.</p><br><p>If you want to know more about The Blackout Ripper and other similar stories, checkout Hallie’s podcast ‘Bad Women’ - available on all podcast platforms.</p><br><p>A Goalhanger Films Production</p><p>Produced by Joey McCarthy</p><p>Exec Producer: Tony Pastor</p><p>Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod</p><p>Website: wehavewayspod.com</p><p>Email: wehavewayspod@gmail.com</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
52 min
336
Remembrance Day Special - Family Stories
<p>For this year’s Remembrance Day, Al and James read out listener stories - including brothers in arms, wartime honeymoons and the liberation of Bergen Belsen.</p><br><p>A Goalhanger Films Production</p><p>Produced by Joey McCarthy and Robin Scott Elliot</p><p>Exec Producer: Tony Pastor</p><p>Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod</p><p>Website: <a href="http://wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:wehavewayspod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod@gmail.com</a></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
20 min
337
The Spy Who Loved
<p>Al Murray and James Holland speak to historian Clare Mulley about the extraordinary life of Krystyna Skarbek - a Jewish aristocrat who became one of Britain’s most effective spies of the Second World War.&nbsp;</p><br><p><br></p><p>A Goalhanger Films Production</p><p>Produced by Joey McCarthy</p><p>Exec Producer: Tony Pastor</p><p>Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod</p><p>Website: <a href="http://wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod.com</a> Email: <a href="mailto:wehavewayspod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod@gmail.com</a></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
45 min
338
24th Battalion
<p>Al and James go back to their roots and attempt to answer as many audience questions as they can. Up for discussion is the New Zealand 24th Battalion, Harold Alexander's Alamein memoirs and the reliability of allied kit.</p><br><p>A Goalhanger Films Production</p><p>Produced by Harry Lineker </p><p>Exec Producer: Tony Pastor</p><p>Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod</p><p>Website: <a href="http://wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:wehavewayspod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod@gmail.com</a></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
55 min
339
The War Below
<p>James Holland speaks to US historian James Scott about the life as a submariner during the Second World War. How successful was the US submarine campaign against the Japanese Wolfpacks?&nbsp;</p><br><p>A Goalhanger Films Production</p><p>Produced by Joey McCarthy</p><p>Exec Producer: Tony Pastor</p><p>Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod</p><p>Website: <a href="http://wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:wehavewayspod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod@gmail.com</a></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
48 min
340
Bomber Command
<p>Al discusses his visit to The International Bomber Command Centre and his sobering experience of the Spire Memorial. Later, the boys talk through the failures of Hitler and the Axis forces during the Second Battle of El Alamein.&nbsp;</p><br><p>A Goalhanger Films Production</p><p>Produced by Harry Lineker</p><p>Exec Producer: Tony Pastor</p><p>Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod</p><p>Website: wehavewayspod.com</p><p>Email: wehavewayspod@gmail.com</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
50 min
341
SAS: Rogue Heroes
<p>In this special episode of We Have Ways, Al and James turn their&nbsp;hand to being TV critics.</p><br><p>The boys were lucky enough to see a preview of the new BBC series&nbsp;<em>SAS: Rogue Heroes</em>, which is based on the best-selling book of the same name by Ben Macintyre. The six-part series is set in 1941 and charts the creation of the famed Special Forces unit.</p><br><p>James and Al give their thoughts on what they got right, what they got wrong and whether overall the show is faithful to the spirit of the events.</p><br><p>You can watch episode one of SAS:Rogue heroes tonight (Sunday 30th November) on BBC1 at 9pm.</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
28 min
342
EL ALAMEIN WEEK - Day 6
<p>To remember 80 years since the start of the Second Battle of El Alamein, We Have Ways are releasing a week’s worth of specials about the North African battle.</p><br><p>In the final episode of the series, Al and James discuss the result of the Second Battle of El Alamein.</p><br><p>A Goalhanger FilmsProduction</p><p>Produced by Joey McCarthy</p><p>Exec Producer: Tony Pastor</p><p>Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod</p><p>Website: <a href="http://wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:wehavewayspod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod@gmail.com</a></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
62 min
343
EL ALAMEIN WEEK - Day 5
<p>To remember 80 years since the start of the Second Battle of El Alamein, We Have Ways are releasing a week’s worth of specials about the North African battle.</p><br><p>In this episode, Al and James are joined by US historian John C McManus to discuss the American perspective of the campaign.</p><br><p>A Goalhanger FilmsProduction</p><p>Produced by Joey McCarthy</p><p>Exec Producer: Tony Pastor</p><p>Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod</p><p>Website: <a href="http://wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:wehavewayspod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod@gmail.com</a></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
49 min
344
EL ALAMEIN WEEK - Day 4
<p>To remember 80 years since the start of the Second Battle of El Alamein, We Have Ways are releasing a week’s worth of specials about the North African battle.</p><br><p>In the fourth instalment of our specials, Al and Jim talk about the impact of General Bernard Montgomery arriving in El Alamein. </p><br><p>A Goalhanger Films Production</p><p>Produced by Joey McCarthy</p><p>Exec Producer: Tony Pastor </p><p>Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod </p><p>Website: <a href="http://wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:wehavewayspod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod@gmail.com</a></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
51 min
345
EL ALAMEIN WEEK - Day 3
<p>To remember 80 years since the start of the Second Battle of El Alamein, We Have Ways are releasing a week’s worth of specials about the North African battle.</p><br><p>On the third day of the series, Al and James talk about The First Battle of Alamein.</p><br><p>A Goalhanger Films Production</p><p>Produced by Joey McCarthy</p><p>Exec Producer: Tony Pastor</p><p>Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod</p><p>Website: <a href="http://wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:wehavewayspod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod@gmail.com</a></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
55 min
346
EL ALAMEIN WEEK - Day 2
<p>To remember 80 years since the start of the Second Battle of El Alamein, We Have Ways are releasing a week’s worth of specials about the North African battle.</p><br><p>Today, Al and James talk about the retreat to the Alamein Line and the Desert Air Force</p><br><p>A Goalhanger Films Production</p><p>Produced by Joey McCarthy</p><p>Exec Producer: Tony Pastor</p><p>Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod</p><p>Website: <a href="http://wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:wehavewayspod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspod@gmail.com</a></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
42 min
347
EL ALAMEIN WEEK - Day 1
<p>To remember 80 years since the start of the Second Battle of El Alamein, We Have Ways are releasing a week’s worth of specials about the North African battle.</p><br><p>In the first episode, Al and James discuss the background and conditions of the desert conflict. </p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
40 min
348
Difficulties of the Italian campaign
<blockquote>James has been in Italy to try and find out about the problems the Allies would have faced in 1943.&nbsp;He tells Al why criticism of the campaign is unfair given the complications of terrain, weather and supply lines.&nbsp;He also gets told off for photographing an airbase and reveals he’s not a big fan of the southern Italian coastline.</blockquote><blockquote><a href="https://coles-books.co.uk/command-by-al-murray-signed-edition" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://coles-books.co.uk/command-by-al-murray-signed-edition</a>&nbsp;</blockquote><p><br></p><p>A Goalhanger Films Production</p><p>Produced by Harry Lineker</p><p>Exec Producer: Tony Pastor</p><p>Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod</p><p>Website: wehavewayspod.com</p><p>Email: wehavewayspod@gmail.com</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
49 min
349
WHWF - Berlin 45
<p>The final year of the war saw savage fighting and horrific civilian suffering, nowhere more than in Berlin. Experts on</p><p>the period Alex Ritchie, Waitman Wade Beorn, and Bastiaan Willems describe the horrors of the German capital in 1945.</p><br><p>Recorded live at We Have Ways Fest 2022</p><br><p>A Goalhanger Films production</p><p>Produced by Paul King</p><p>Exec Producer: Tony Pastor</p><p>Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod</p><p>Website: www.wehavewayspod.com</p><p>Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
58 min
350
Peter White - To The Very End
<p>The boys discuss Al Murray's new book - 'Command: How The Allies Learned to Win The Second World War' which is out today. Al shares a chapter on Peter White.</p><br><p>Command is out now, to buy a copy please visit <a href="https://coles-books.co.uk/command-how-the-allies-learned-to-win-the-second-world-war-by-al-murray-hardback" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://coles-books.co.uk/command-how-the-allies-learned-to-win-the-second-world-war-by-al-murray-hardback</a></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
53 min