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.
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41. The Life and Death of the Desert Fox
No German military leader of World War Two has a greater reputation than Erwin Rommel. Seventy five years on from his death James Holland and Al Murray assess Rommel’s war time record and debate the truth of his reputation as an apolitical and decent man.
33 min
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40. The Massacre of Monte Sole
In the autumn of 1944 German troops murdered more than 700 Italian civilians in one village. James Holland visits the scene seventy five years on.
21 min
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39. Poland's Plight
Al Murray and James Holland discuss the terrible price paid by Poland in World War Two. Also, why is there a Russian tank on London’s Old Kent Road? Plus the lads discuss the role and reputation of Field Marshall Alan Brooke.
29 min
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38. Stalin in Paris
Did Russia have aspirations to march the Red Army all the way to Paris? Al Murray and James Holland debate Soviet intentions in 1945. The lads also name their favourite war museums and look back on their time in Arnhem and Nijmegen.
41 min
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37. A Bridge Too Far?
Al and James stand on the banks of the Neder-Rijn in the exact spot that the remnants of the 1st Airborne Division rowed and swam back across the river after nine days of hell in Arnhem. Was the operation doomed from the start? Or a risk worth taking?
17 min
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36. Lost at Nijmegen
Why did General Gavin not take the bridge at Nijmegen as soon as his 82nd Airborne Division landed in Holland? A hugely controversial decision to concentrate instead on the Groesbeek Heights is debated here by James and Dutch historian R G Poulussen.
22 min
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35. Al Murray walks the Oosterbeek Perimeter
On day four of Operation Market Garden, British commanding officer Roy Urquhart gave up trying to relieve John Frost at Arnhem bridge and ordered his remaining men to form a defensive perimeter around the village of Oosterbeek. Al Murray walks the ground.
35 min
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34. XXX Corps
In 1944 the Allied ground troops of Market Garden smashed their way north towards the beleaguered British troops holding on in Arnhem. 75 years later James Holland rides a Sherman tank up the same road outside Nijmegen and towards the Groesbeek Heights.
51 min
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33. Market Garden with Dan Snow
Dan Snow chats with James Holland by the bridge in Arnhem. The two historians discuss the battle’s iconic place in British history.
14 min
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32. The Battle for Arnhem Bridge
Al and James walk across the famous John Frost bridge at Arnhem while describing the intense fighting which took place there 75 years ago. The boys explore the locations of the buildings held by John Frost and his men before climbing up onto the bridge.
34 min
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31. Twenty Four Hours in Arnhem
Al Murray describes a single day in Arnhem as events turn decidedly against the British airborne troops.#WeHaveWayswehavewayspodcast@gmail.com
34 min
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30. The Hartenstein Hotel
In our first special episode to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem, Al Murray is at the Hartenstein Hotel. He's joined by battlefield tour expert Paul Reed to discuss the history of what became 1st Airborne Division’s Headqua...
41 min
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29. Operation Market Garden - Day 1
On September 19th, 1944, British and American forces launched one of the most audacious operations of World War Two.In this first of nine episodes devoted to Operation Market Garden, Al Murray and James Holland discuss the build up to the battle.
41 min
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28. The Capture of Rome
Al Murray and James Holland debate the controversial decision taken by General Mark Clark to liberate Rome. Also up for discussion are the mysterious Foo Fighters and the wartime experiences of comedian Spike Milligan.
35 min
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27. We Are at War
It’s 80 years since the outbreak of war. James and Al discuss the build up to the German invasion of Poland and the British and French response.
46 min
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26. Britskrieg
Is Paris burning? James Holland and Al Murray discuss the liberation of Paris and the final days of the Normandy campaign. Plus, what role did the mafia play in the invasion of Sicily? Were the Allies made an offer they couldn’t refuse?
42 min
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25. Nazi Drugs and Midget Subs
Al Murray and James Holland discuss the drugs used by the Germans to keep submariners awake. Plus what would have happened if the German army had fought in Asia, while the Japanese were defending the Normandy beaches? A fascinating if preposterous debate.
39 min
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24. We Have Ways Live from Edinburgh
Al Murray and James Holland take to the stage at the Edinburgh fringe to debate the great last stands of World War Two. Plus who was Wojtek the bear? And can we justify the bombing of Dresden? The boys answer some challenging audience questions.
44 min
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23. Mutinies and the Battle for Malta
Al Murray and James Holland discuss the challenges of maintaining morale in the Allied armies. Plus James answers the question of why Malta was denied Spitfires in the island’s greatest hour of need.
51 min
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22. The Eagle's Nest
James joins Al from Bavaria, where he sits in the shadow of Hitler's infamous summer residence, the Eagle's Nest. Al discusses his recent trip to Maquis country, plus the boys answer questions about forces and suncream and the toughest unit i...
51 min
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21. Take No Prisoners
Al Murray and James Holland look back on a murderous incident on D-Day plus one. Plus the lads use hindsight to decide which World War II regiment, squadron or ship they would choose to serve with or on.
47 min
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20. Colditz and our Book List
James and Al debate the wisdom of collecting the Allies’ most escape-minded prisoners of war in one place. Also discussed are bombing tactics, the Battle of the Atlantic and Monty’s autograph book. Plus Al and James’s recommended reading for the summer.
45 min
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19. Infamy and The World at War
In this bonus episode there’s a chance to hear Franklin D Roosevelt’s speech after Pearl Harbour as performed by American actor Chaz Mena. Legendary broadcaster Ed Murrow and World at War narrator Laurence Olivier also get a run out.
11 min
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18. Taking the Trench
James Holland joins British troops attacking a German trench. Experience the sounds and voices of Tommy soldiers in Normandy.
11 min
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17. Messing About in Tanks
We have EVEN MORE ways of making you talk. In this bonus episode James gets to explore the inner workings of a World War 2 tank.
16 min