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
851
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
852
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
853
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
854
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
855
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
856
16. I fought at Dunkirk and saw Harold Larwood ...
In this bonus episode veteran John Hamilton describes shooting down a Stuka before being rescued from the beach at Dunkirk. He also details the extraordinary fitness regime he still maintains despite being 101 years old.
18 min
857
Ten Things You Didn’t Know About D-Day
In this bonus episode recorded at Chalke Valley History Festival James Holland talks to Professor Peter Caddick-Adams about some of the more extraordinary D-Day stories.
20 min
858
14. Live at the Chalke Valley History Festival
Al Murray and James Holland discuss Nazis dressed in Allied uniforms; the possibility of the US dropping an atomic bomb on the Germans; plus they take questions from a live audience.
53 min
859
13. The Soldbuch
Al and James spend part of this week’s podcast examining the life of a single German soldier, as revealed by his identity papers. Also discussed: the Russian boy used as a mascot by German soldiers and Hitler’s near brush with the battle in Normandy.
35 min
860
12. Our Russian Friends
James and Al get into a heated debate about the role of Russia in the defeat of the Nazis. Also discussed are the French civilian experiences in Normandy; the curious case of the Daily Telegraph crossword; and the fashion status of American army uniforms.
46 min
861
11. Smoking Snakes
James Holland and Al Murray discuss the remarkable story of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force and their contribution to the war effort in Italy. Plus the boys debate the raid on Dieppe and the incompetence of German Intelligence.
38 min
862
10. The Thing About Hitler...
Al Murray and James Holland discuss Hitler’s personal life. Also James finally turns the conversation to air power, Al recalls meeting a Russian Night Witch and James allows Al to try on his British Battledress jacket.
41 min
863
9. Bunker Busting
Al Murray and James Holland explore the converted tanks used at Normandy. Also up for discussion are parachute decoys, the dangers of back-flash and who killed Michael Wittmann.
36 min
864
8. D-Day and DD Tanks
D-Day takes centre stage as Al Murray and James Holland discuss floating tanks, flame throwers and the story of Omaha Beach.
50 min
865
7. Monty’s Hat and the Tiger
Al Murray and James Holland head to Bovington Tank Museum to discuss Normandy and the tanks that fought there.
46 min
866
6. A Foothold in France
James Holland discusses the early planning of Operation Overlord while Al Murray debates the merits of the PIAT, the British hand-held anti-tank weapon with a mixed reputation.
28 min
867
5. Rommel, Rations and the Battle of Sangshak
James Holland and Al Murray debate Rommel, rations and the right approach to heavy bombing. Plus we hear the story of an important battle between the British and Japanese.
34 min
868
4. Arnhem, Eastwood and Normandy antics
Al and James explain why Arnhem was a Bridge too Far; James describes the Germans’ enormous guns in Crimea; Al tells a boy’s own story of Normandy.
31 min
869
3. Machine guns, Nazi menswear and an Italian m...
Al Murray arrives at the podcast carrying a German machine gun. James tells the story of a little known Italian massacre. Both men discuss the role of Hugo Boss in Nazi tailoring.
44 min
870
2. Rations, the Ritz and Nazi FM
Al Murray explains why Madagascar was briefly the most important battleground in World War Two, while James Holland talks us through the output of Nazi radio and why the Ritz served lobster and fine wine throughout the blitz.
46 min
871
The Spitfire, the Major and Monte Cassino
In the first episode of our new World War II series Al Murray explains why the wings of a Spitfire never break off, while James Holland remembers the man who was told to smash up Monte Cassino. Plus General Patton, tactical genius or bloody murderer?
46 min
872
Trailer
Achtung! Achtung!Comedian Al Murray and historian James Holland bring you a new podcast all about the Second World War. We Have Ways of Making You Talk will see the two men tell battlefield tales and bring forgotten events back into sharp focus.
2 min