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
626
288. The Hitler Years
With historian Frank McDonough and actor Paul McGann.Between 1940 and 1945 the Third Reich fell from the pinnacle of its power to devastating collapse. Historian Frank McDonough, author of The Hitler Years, joins James Holland and Al Murray, along w...
44 min
627
287. The War Beneath the Waves
Fascination with the threat of U-boats has deflected attention from the effectiveness of allied submariners. James Holland and Al Murray take a deep dive to explore the impact in the Pacific.
54 min
628
286. Family Stories - Ep 9
This week in our Family Stories series we hear your tales of uncovering a staggering stash of champagne, finding yourself behind enemy lines and discovering a sailor’s incredible story after coming into possession of their ditty box.With thanks to C...
22 min
629
285. Hitler’s Henchman
Hans Globke was the civil servant responsible for framing the Nuremberg anti-Jewish race laws. Yet somehow he returned to post war government and became an architect of the modern German state.
32 min
630
284. Winter Mud
The battles of late 1944 are examined as James Holland and Al Murray explore the front line post Market Garden. Also up for discussion are the Polish soldiers who survived the hardships of the Russian gulag.
55 min
631
283. Family Stories - Ep 8
This week in our Family Stories series we hear your tales of a daring mission to recover a V-2 missile, surviving the atom bomb dropped on Nagasaki and a mysterious explosion on HMS Dasher.With thanks to Mark Curzon, Tim Foley, Ron Hukari, Darren Li...
20 min
632
282. Spitfire!
The world’s most iconic aircraft is celebrating its 85th birthday. Not that we need an excuse to revel in the beauty and engineering brilliance of the Spitfire. Historian and broadcaster Paul Beaver joins James Holland and Al Murray to discuss the Spit...
44 min
633
281. Nightmare at Nijmegen
Why did General Jim Gavin, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, not prioritise the capture of the bridge at Nijmegen as part of Operation Market Garden?
49 min
634
280. Family Stories - Ep 7
This week in our Family Stories series we hear your tales of a friendship with Douglas Bader, the sinking of the Wallasea and a powerfully evocative poem from a Chindit.With thanks to Mike Atkinson, Mike King, Alex McKenzie, James McNeill and John W...
22 min
635
279. Civilian Soldiers
The British Army in Normandy are the focus as Al Murray and James Holland are joined by historian and author Jonathan Ware.In Jonathan’s book 'Jocks, Dragons and Sospans: Through Normandy with 53rd Welsh Division' he questions the Allies...
58 min
636
278. Big Week
In February 1944 the combined air forces of Britain and the US launched a huge series of raids against Nazi Germany. What did they hope to achieve and how successful was the campaign?
56 min
637
277. Family Stories - Ep 6
This week in our Family Stories series we hear your tales of Russian convoys, the Dunkirk evacuation and a Yugoslav fighting for the Germans.With thanks to Stefan Breg, Lindsay Gordon, Robert Largan, Mark Turner and Philip Woods for sharing their st...
27 min
638
276. German Hardware
We’re talking German hardware and army units with military YouTuber Bernhard Kast. Wehrmacht doctrine, machine guns and riflemen groups are all up for discussion.We Have Ways has a membership club which includes a live version of the podcast streame...
52 min
639
275. Western Approaches
There was no more important field of conflict in the Second World War than the Battle of the Atlantic. On February 17th, 1941, Western Approaches HQ opened in Liverpool to co-ordinate the Royal Navy and 15 Group Costal Command.On its 80th anniversary ...
39 min
640
274. Good for Morale
Terrifying tank battles and entertaining the troops are two topics for discussion as Al Murray and James Holland delve into the experience of life in the British Amed forces during the Second World War.
48 min
641
273. Family Stories - Valentine’s Day
A special edition of Family Stories today to mark Valentine’s Day.While researching his new book James uncovered letters from Bill Wharton, who fought with the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry.
21 min
642
272. British Resistance
Britain was the only country to prepare a resistance movement before it was needed. Andrew Chatterton joins Al and James to discuss the history of the auxiliary units, men who would operate behind the lines should the Nazis invade Britain.
58 min
643
271. Convoys and the Triple Nickels
Al Murray and James Holland discuss the massive effort to move fighting men across the world.Plus the story of an American airborne battalion made up only of black servicemen.
42 min
644
270. Family Stories - Ep 4
This week in our Family Stories series we hear your tales of German spies, runaway barrage balloons and a witness to the Hiroshima atom bomb.With thanks to Jack Ashton, Ben Brown, Norman Clark, Richard Power, Christopher Smith and Tim Vaughan for sh...
21 min
645
269. Training for Battle
Professor John Buckley joins Al Murray and James Holland to discuss the Allies’ approach to training. Armoured operations and the Normandy campaign also feature in a wide ranging discussion.
59 min
646
268. Steel not Flesh
Al Murray and James Holland discuss the Allies’ policy of using liberal amounts of ammunition as a way of conserving the lives of their men.
44 min
647
267. Family Stories - Ep 3
In this week’s episode of our Family Stories series we hear your tales of the first wedding after the war, surviving the Blitz and a harrowing visit to Bergen-Belsen.With thanks to Tom Achard, William Carver, David Ludlow, Tom Porter, Ben Ross, Dan ...
21 min
648
266. The Wings of Pegasus, By George Chatterton...
Brigadier George Chatterton's memoirs, read by Al Murray, tell the extraordinary story of his time as a soldier for the British Army who then went on to become the Commander of the Glider Pilot Regiment during the Second World War.A Goalhanger ...
37 min
649
265. Landing Craft
Archeologist and historian Stephen Fisher joins Al Murray and James Holland to discuss the organisational challenges faced by the Allies in the planning of D-Day as the Royal Navy attempted to perfect the art of beach landings.
56 min
650
264. The Wings of Pegasus, By George Chatterton...
Brigadier George Chatterton's memoirs, read by Al Murray, tell the extraordinary story of his time as a soldier for the British Army who then went on to become the Commander of the Glider Pilot Regiment during the Second World War.A Goalhanger ...
28 min