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
501
391. Typhoons and Republicans
James Holland joins us from Spain where he is exploring the battle sites of the Spanish Civil War. Meanwhile Al Murray has his mind changed about the Typhoon.A Goalhanger Films productionProduced by Harry LinekerExec Producer Tony PastorTwitter: ...
49 min
502
390. We Will Remember Them
Each year on November 11th we pause to remember those who have died in the line of duty. In this Remembrance Day special, Al Murray and James Holland remember the family and friends of our listeners.We Have Ways’ members club, the Independent ...
22 min
503
389. Class Action
The British Army relied heavily on public school boys for its officer class at the start of the war but was forced to abandon its class prejudice as the conflict took its toll.
45 min
504
388. Niklas Frank: In the Shadow of the Reich
Hans Frank ran Poland for the Nazis during the Second World War and was found guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity at Nuremberg.His son Niklas was seven years old when Frank was hanged.
58 min
505
387. Home Guard
What was the real reason for the creation of the Home Guard and is the Dad’s Army image fair? James Holland and Al Murray look beyond Captain Mainwaring and Private Pike to examine the Home Guard. Plus the lads break down the British Army in numbers
49 min
506
386. What do the Germans think?
For many British people the Second World War is the nation’s modern founding story. But in Germany it remains difficult to talk about and very rarely features in popular culture. German historian Katja Hoyer joins Al Murray.
36 min
507
385. Black Allied Forces
Black soldiers, airmen and sailors contributed hugely to the Allied war effort. Al Murray and James Holland are joined by John Concagh.
54 min
508
384. Walking the Ground
James Holland is a keen advocate of walking the ground to gain a deeper understanding of the events of the Second World War. In this special podcast James walks us around some of the key sites in Valletta, Mdina and the old Ta’Qali airbase as he explor...
42 min
509
383. The Mind of a General
Following on from last week’s examination of US General George S Patton, Al Murray and James Holland dig deeper into his writings to gain a greater understanding of his actions and ideas. Also up for discussion is Operation Jedburgh.
42 min
510
382. The Sosabowskis
There are few stories more extraordinary than that of General Stanisław Sosabowski, commander of the Polish Parachute Brigade. After fighting fiercely against the German invaders of Poland he was captured, escaped and made his way to Britain. He later ...
29 min
511
381. Patton
Few military leaders of the Second World War divide opinion quite so much as George S Patton. His decisive leadership drove the Third Army rapidly through France in 1944 and after the Battle of the Bulge he continued deep into Nazi Germany. But his exp...
54 min
512
380. Stan Perry
Stan Perry was the last living troop commander of the legendary Sherwood Rangers. Injured in Normandy and again in Germany, he recently attended We Have Ways Fest where he discussed his extraordinary war time experiences on stage with James Holland.
63 min
513
379. Nazis in the Air
How politicised was the Luftwaffe? Second World War aviation expert Victoria Taylor joins Al Murray and James Holland to examine the history of German airmen, Hermann Göring and the Nazification of the Luftwaffe.A Goalhanger Films productionProduce...
54 min
514
378. A Life In The Skies
Colin Bell flew thirteen missions to Berlin in his beloved Mosquito as part of Bomber Command. The 100-year-old veteran pilot joined James Holland on stage at We Have Ways Fest to describe restarting his engines over the city after surviving a full on ...
31 min
515
377. Doomed at Nijmegen
When the 82nd Airborne jumped into Nijmegen they had high hopes of being the final link in the chain for XXX Corps on the road to Arnhem. But things went badly wrong and General Gavin’s men failed to grab the bridge until the operation was already doom...
48 min
516
376. Brothers in Arms
It took a certain type of courage to serve in a tank in World War Two. Encased in steel, surrounded by highly explosive shells, a big and slow-moving target.
29 min
517
375. Preparing for Battle
What can we learn from exploring original training manuals? Aviation historian Christoph Bergs and YouTube historian Bernhard Kast join James and Al to discuss documents and doctrine.
50 min
518
374. The Buffalo
Shortly after the war a Buffalo LVT (Landing Vehicle Tracked) was taken to Lincolnshire to help with food defences. The vehicle was swept away and sank in a hole.Al Murray and James Holland visit the unearthed vehicle and hear the story of its excavat...
32 min
519
373. Baggy Trousers
If Hugo Boss didn't design Nazi uniforms, who did? Al Murray and James Holland take a deep sartorial dive into what the Wermacht wore. Al and James also discuss the upcoming festival and cardboard tanks.A Goalhanger Films productionProduced by...
39 min
520
372. Spanish Fighters
Although Spain remained neutral in the Second World War, a number of Spanish citizens volunteered to fight for the British Army. Al Murray and James Holland are joined by historian Séan Scullion, to recount the tales of six extraordinary menA Goalha...
55 min
521
371. China - Part 2
The conflict between China and Japan escalates as the Battle of Shanghai breaks out. James Holland and Al Murray explore a battle that is often considered the beginning of the Second World War in Asia.
49 min
522
370. China - Part 1
Two years before the start of the Second World War in the west China and Japan entered into a bloody military conflict which would result in millions of casualties.
42 min
523
369. The Women of SOE
The Special Operations Executive was tasked by Winston Churchill to set Europe ablaze. More than 400 agents were sent into France, thirty-nine of them women.Dr Kate Vigurs has researched the story of all these female agents for her book, Mission to Fr...
48 min
524
368. Exploring the Tank Museum
Al Murray and James Holland return to Bovington Tank Museum for an exclusive tour of their new permanent exhibit ‘World War Two: War Stories’. Curator David Willey leads Al and James through the new space, which charts the history of the Seco...
58 min
525
367. Commandos in Canoes
Throughout the Second World War, the Special Boat Service took part in daring assaults across Europe and Asia - usually in the dead of night and in small canoes. James Holland and Al Murray discuss these missions and the fate of the SOE in EuropeA G...
53 min