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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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
902
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
903
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
904
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
905
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
906
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
907
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
908
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
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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
912
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
913
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
914
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
915
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
916
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
917
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
919
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
920
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
922
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
923
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
924
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
925
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