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
751
141. Dunkirk - Day One
May 26th, 1940, was the first day of the most important week in history.Today Al and James are joined by the head of the Naval Historical Branch,Stephen Prince
62 min
752
140. Olivia Smith - Bonus Episode
Young historian Olivia Smith shares the story of her grandmother’s early life in Nazi Germany with James.Join the We Have Ways members’ club now for £5 a month using the link below:Patreon.com/wehavewaysA Goalhanger Films productionProduced by ...
22 min
753
139. Philippe Sands - Part 2
In this second episode of our Philippe Sands interview we explore The Ratline and its central cast of characters. Otto Wächter, the Nazi on the run from justice; his wife Charlotte, avowed Nazi but loving wife and mother.
46 min
754
138. St Nazaire Raid
It was one of the most audacious raids of the Second World War. A combined Royal Navy and British Commando attack on the Normandie dry dock in German occupied France.But was it worth the high human cost to stop the German warship Tirpitz potentially b...
46 min
755
137. Philippe Sands and The Ratline
Philippe Sands, author of East West Street and The Ratline, joins Al and James to discuss the extraordinary war time stories he unearthed in his research. In this first episode he talks about Hans Frank, the Nazi ruler of Poland, and Frank’s son Niklas...
37 min
756
136. Blitzkrieg 1940
In May 1940 the German armed forces launched a massive offensive against Holland, Belgium and ultimately France.Al Murray and James Holland take a detailed look at the events which shaped the first half of the Second World War.Join the We Have Ways...
42 min
757
135. VE Day Special
Al Murray and James Holland discuss the end of the war in Europe.
30 min
758
134. Legacy and Myth
In part two of their conversation with historian Guy Walters, Al Murray and James Holland explore how the Second world War is viewed in Britain as the nation’s defining myth. Nationalism and political identity are also key themes of their discussion.
30 min
759
133. Paras and Portugal
After spending an evening watching A Bridge Too Far, both Al Murray and James Holland are keen to discuss the film’s stunning scale and also its frustrating inaccuracies. Plus why did Portugal stay neutral, despite a long standing alliance with Britain...
39 min
760
132. Hunting Evil
How great an effort was made to hunt down Nazi war criminals? Historian Guy Walters joins Al Murray and James Holland as they trace the escape route from Germany to South America.
33 min
761
131. The Gurkhas
The people of Nepal raised 40 Gurkha Battalions to fight alongside the British and Commonwealth troops during the Second World war. James Holland and Al Murray discuss the extraordinary contribution of this proud fighting force. Plus, the story of a Br...
39 min
762
130. The Life and Crimes of Joachim Peiper
He served on both the Eastern and Western Fronts and was a ruthless Nazi ideologue. After the war Peiper was found guilty of war crimes for murdering prisoners of war. Al Murray and James Holland discuss the life and violent death of the most famous Ge...
12 min
763
129. One Man’s Window
In 1942 Denis Barnham flew spitfires repeatedly against enemy raids over Malta. In this extract, Al Murray reads a terrifying account of his first air battle above the island. The whole book is available at patreon.com/wehavewaysA Goalhanger Films p...
17 min
764
128. We Need Transport, Over…
James and Al discuss important issues such as the range of the Ju52 in Where Eagles Dare and answer the key question: could it really have made it to the Alps and back? Also discussed, the infamous U-48, which sunk the City of Benares. Plus Italian air...
40 min
765
127. The Black Market
Were there any good consequences of the black market in Western Europe? Al Murray and James Holland don’t think so. Especially not for the impoverished Italians.
11 min
766
126. Don’t Start at the Bottom
Did the Allies take too long winkling the Germans out of Sicily? Expect strong views from James Holland and Al Murray. Plus an extraordinary story of the captured Enigma machine from a listener who’s relative was on HMS Bulldog.Join the We Have Ways...
36 min
767
Chapter 22: The Cauldron, by Zeno
Chapter 22: The Cauldron, by ZenoIn September, 1944, the British 1st Airborne Division found itself in a fierce battle for the Dutch city of Arnhem. Al Murray reads the story of a single platoon trapped in the smoking ruins of the city. The author, ...
29 min
768
Chapter 21: The Cauldron, by Zeno
Chapter 21: The Cauldron, by ZenoIn September, 1944, the British 1st Airborne Division found itself in a fierce battle for the Dutch city of Arnhem. Al Murray reads the story of a single platoon trapped in the smoking ruins of the city. The author, ...
19 min
769
Chapter 20: The Cauldron, by Zeno
Chapter 19: The Cauldron, by ZenoIn September, 1944, the British 1st Airborne Division found itself in a fierce battle for the Dutch city of Arnhem. Al Murray reads the story of a single platoon trapped in the smoking ruins of the city.
13 min
770
Chapter 19: The Cauldron, by Zeno
Chapter 19: The Cauldron, by ZenoIn September, 1944, the British 1st Airborne Division found itself in a fierce battle for the Dutch city of Arnhem. Al Murray reads the story of a single platoon trapped in the smoking ruins of the city. The author, ...
12 min
771
121. Upping our Game
Al and James discuss the need to keep soldiers in the front line physically fit. As the British army faced increasingly varied and challenging terrain it became apparent they needed to be physically ready for the challenge.Join the We Have Ways memb...
10 min
772
Chapter 18: The Cauldron, by Zeno
Chapter 18: The Cauldron, by ZenoIn September, 1944, the British 1st Airborne Division found itself in a fierce battle for the Dutch city of Arnhem. Al Murray reads the story of a single platoon trapped in the smoking ruins of the city.
11 min
773
Chapter 17: The Cauldron, by Zeno
Chapter 17: The Cauldron, by ZenoIn September, 1944, the British 1st Airborne Division found itself in a fierce battle for the Dutch city of Arnhem. Al Murray reads the story of a single platoon trapped in the smoking ruins of the city.
26 min
774
118. Ditched and Dunkirk
Al Murray recounts the extraordinary story of one listener’s grandfather who ditched in the Med on the way to Sicily and swam out of a rapidly sinking plane.
26 min
775
Chapter 16: The Cauldron, by Zeno
Chapter 16: The Cauldron, by ZenoIn September, 1944, the British 1st Airborne Division found itself in a fierce battle for the Dutch city of Arnhem. Al Murray reads the story of a single platoon trapped in the smoking ruins of the city.
17 min