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
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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
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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
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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
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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
880
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
881
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
882
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
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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
884
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
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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
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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
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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
888
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
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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
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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
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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
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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