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
426
Fighting With The Sexton
<p>Al Murray and James Holland are on location again, this time they are with Keith Bridgstock of&nbsp;The Garrison Artillery Volunteers. Today they're looking at the fearsome 25-pounder Sexton.</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://www.wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspodcast@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>
24 min
427
Volunteer Yachtsman
<p>From Yacht club sailing to commanding landing crafts in Normandy, Julia Jones details the fascinating stories of those who left behind the comfort of upper-class life to join the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve.</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://www.wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspodcast@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
428
Hill 112
<p>Al and James discuss all things Normandy, looking into Montgomery, tanks, and the Battle of the Odon.</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:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspodcast@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
429
Battleground
<p>40 years since the Falklands War, at the time Britian's most significant military campaign since the Second World War, military history Saul David has teamed up with Goalhanger Podcast for a new series on 20th century warfare. James chats to Saul about the new pod, which features interviews with the people at the heart of the conflicts - ranging from admirals, to special forces, to politicians.</p><br><p>You can listen to Battleground: The Falklands War <a href="https://linktr.ee/podbattleground" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</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>
12 min
430
Königsberg
<p>It was the Prussian capital for over 700 years, but now this Baltic port city is an outpost of Russian power.</p><br><p>How did the Nazis try to protect Königsberg during the Second World War? Al Murray and James Holland speak to Dr Bastiaan Willems about the fortress city protected by pensioners.</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:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspodcast@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>
59 min
431
Churchill’s War Room
<p>73 feet below London - submerged in the fat stench of cigar smoke and adorned with dishevelled tables engraved by Winston Churchill's flailing fists - lies Churchill's War Room, the secret bunker that won the war. Senior Historian Nigel Steele guides Al and James on their very own private tour.</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://www.wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspodcast@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>
19 min
432
James Bond's War
Bumbling pen pusher or national hero? Al Murray and James Holland are joined by professor Christopher Moran to speak about Ian Fleming's role in espionage during the Second World War and what events inspired James Bond.<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>
56 min
433
Poor Bloody Infantry
<p>What do we really know of the experience of an infantryman in the Second World War? Al and James look at life in the infantry and explore the fear that was never far away.</p><br><p>A Goalhanger Films production</p><br><p>Produced by Jon Gill</p><br><p>Exec Producer: Tony Pastor</p><br><p>Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod</p><br><p>Website:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wehavewayspod.com</a></p><br><p>Email:&nbsp;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>
48 min
434
The Mosquito Story - Part 2
<p>James Holland continues his conversation with fighter pilot Des Curtis about his experience with&nbsp;one of the best warbirds of the Second World War - The Mosquito</p><br><p>A Goalhanger Films production</p><p>Produced by Vasco Andrade&nbsp;</p><p>Exec Producer: Tony Pastor</p><p>Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod</p><p>Website: <a href="http://www.wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspodcast@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>
37 min
435
The Mosquito Story - Part 1
<p>James Holland is joined by Des Curtis and John Lilley to talk about one of the best warbirds of the Second World War - The Mosquito</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://www.wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com</a></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>
38 min
436
Naples 44
<p>Al and James look at post war interrogation documents that focus on German training. They also chat about the Norman Lewis book, Naples 44</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:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspodcast@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>
53 min
437
Bacterial Battleground
<p>“The penicillin project was as ambitious as the Manhattan project”</p><br><p>What was more deadly to a WW2 soldier, a bullet or the bacteria on it? Dr. John Tregoning joins James Holland to discuss the crucial role of treating infections in 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://www.wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspodcast@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>
38 min
438
The Plan for Barbarossa: Part Two
<p>“All things being equal, the side with the best morale wins”</p><br><p>In the second part of our Barbarossa special, Al Murray and James Holland talk further about why the Nazis failed in the Soviet Union and debunk the age-old argument of "man for man".</p><br><p>A Goalhanger Films production</p><p>Produced by Vasco Andrade&nbsp;</p><p>Exec Producer: Tony Pastor</p><p>Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod</p><p>Website:<a href="http://www.wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> www.wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspodcast@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>
30 min
439
Planning For Barbarossa - Part One
<p>In the first part of a two-part special,&nbsp;Al Murray and James Holland talk about the planning for Operation Barbarossa, the doomed mission for the Nazis to overtake the Soviet Union.</p><br><p>The second half of this conversation will be available tomorrow (16th March 2022)</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:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspodcast@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>
41 min
440
Family Stories Series 2: Episode 15
<p>Today’s family stories include the desert experiences of an Eighth Army medic, the Sicilian adventures of a dispatch rider and how wooden sheep helped fool the Luftwaffe.</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:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspodcast@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>
18 min
441
Chiang Kai-shek’s China
<p>How did the Second World War in China play a part in the Communist Revolution?&nbsp;</p><br><p>Al Murray and James Holland are joined by Oxford historian Rana Mitter to talk about China's role in the war and the leadership of Chiang Kai-shek.</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:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspodcast@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>
57 min
442
Ukraine 1943
<p>Last week we discussed the Battle of Kiev in 1941, today we move forward to 1943 as the Red Army return to the Ukraine. Al and James discuss the Dnepr Battles, the Bukrin Bridgehead and the recapture of Kiev.</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:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspodcast@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>
56 min
443
Family Stories Series 2: Episode 14
<p>This week’s family stories include remembering a Battle of Britain pilot, a chance meeting of two old adversaries and a tale that Spielberg borrowed.</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:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email:&nbsp;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>
19 min
444
The Lost Churchill Portrait
<p>In the autumn of 1944 Winston Churchill agreed to briefly sit for the brilliant portrait artist Frank Salisbury. He gave the artist just half an hour to paint him in oils. The resulting artwork disappeared from Britain after the war and has finally returned. Al Murray and James Holland were offered a sneak preview at the Churchill War Rooms in London, in the company of art expert Philip Mould.</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:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspodcast@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>
25 min
445
Ukraine
<p>As the current situation in Ukraine deteriorates, Al Murray and James Holland explore events both now and in 1941.</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:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com</a></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>
50 min
446
Family Stories Series 2: Episode 13
<p>This week’s&nbsp;family&nbsp;stories&nbsp;include a hair-raising amphibious assault, a long turn in a POW camp, a brave man in Burma and a childhood under German occupation.</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:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspodcast@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>
19 min
447
The Spymaster
<p>“You have done a Herculean task, a grateful nation should thank you for what you’ve done …but I suppose they never will.”&nbsp;Thomas Kendrick had a list of 'friends' which included Counts, aristocrats and generals. All of whom were under his surveillance. Kendrick was more than just a high-flying socialite, he was a spymaster. Helen Fry joins Al and James to discuss all things espionage, an area so shrouded in secrecy, documents are still classified to this day.</p><br><p>A Goalhanger Films production</p><br><p>Produced by&nbsp;Vasco Andrade</p><br><p>Exec Producer: Tony Pastor</p><br><p>Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod</p><br><p>Website:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wehavewayspod.com</a></p><br><p>Email:&nbsp;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
448
The Battle of Bréville
<p>Al Murray and James Holland discuss the details of the Battle of Bréville. They also chat about War Fest Zwei, the&nbsp;Philippines and fear of a new European conflict between Russia and the West.</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:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspodcast@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>
55 min
449
Family Stories Series 2: Episode 12
<p>This week’s&nbsp;family&nbsp;stories&nbsp;include an IRA man who ended up fighting for Britain and being torpedoed twice, a Scot who spent five years as a prisoner of war, a teenage sailor who braved the Atlantic and the U-boats, and a pilot who never forgave his enemy.</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:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wehavewayspod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wehavewayspod.com</a></p><p>Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wehavewayspodcast@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>
19 min
450
The Loyd Carrier
<p>James Holland picks up the podcast's first restoration project, a Loyd Carrier. He explains the history of the vehicle and how it was used in the Second World War.</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: 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>
18 min