WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk
Goalhanger
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/wehavewaysFor more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 18, 2025 • 42min
Arctic Patrol: Stringbags (Part 4)
Discover the fate of the Fairey Swordfish after its famed Taranto raid. Delve into the Arctic Convoys, where brave aircrews faced life-threatening conditions in open cockpits. Learn about the aircraft's surprising adaptability from torpedo bomber to anti-submarine warfare. Hear firsthand accounts of facing U-boats and the extreme hardships endured by pilots battling freezing temperatures. The hosts reflect on the Swordfish's critical yet often overlooked role in maritime strategy during World War II.
Dec 16, 2025 • 54min
The Battle Of Taranto Ends: Stringbags (Episode 3)
Delve into the daring Taranto raid as the hosts recount the thrilling approach of Lieutenant John Wellham and the challenges faced by the Swordfish pilots. Discover the strategic brilliance behind Operation Judgement and the deception tactics that kept the British fleet undetected. Hear gripping tales of narrow escapes during fierce flak and the aftermath, including damage assessments of the Italian fleet. Finally, explore the significant lessons learned for future carrier warfare and how Taranto shaped naval tactics.
Dec 11, 2025 • 35min
The Battle Of Taranto Begins: Stringbags (Part 2)
The Battle of Taranto unfolds with surprising elements and strategic deception. Despite being deemed obsolete, the Fairey Swordfish proves its versatility and effectiveness. Discover the challenges the British faced with heavy defenses and the complexities of torpedo deployment. The hosts detail the suspenseful takeoff and navigation issues, leading to an intense first wave that strikes key Italian ships. As the flare-lit harbor sets the stage, anticipation builds for the outcome of the second wave.
Dec 9, 2025 • 1h 6min
How the Navy Learned to Fly: Stringbags (Part 1)
Discover the intriguing evolution of naval aviation from World War I. Learn how the Fairey Swordfish, an 'obsolete' biplane, played a crucial role in the Fleet Air Arm's victories. Delve into the development of early aircraft carriers and the naval strategies that transformed these machines into effective weapons. Explore the tactical lessons from historic operations, including the daring raid on the Richelieu and the intricate planning behind the Taranto strike. This vivid narrative brings to life the bravery and innovation of those who shaped naval warfare.
7 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 46min
Atlantic War: The Loss Of Three Aces (Part 6)
Discover how destroyers and escort groups guarded convoys against U-Boat assaults during WWII. Explore the dramatic encounter of convoy HX-112 with the infamous 'Wolfpack' and the impact of veteran U-boat aces on the Kriegsmarine. Delve into the tactical challenges faced by Dönitz, including reconnaissance flaws and crew fatigue. Uncover incidents of bravery, like the ramming of U-100, and the significant loss of ace captains that shifted the balance in the Atlantic campaign.
10 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 46min
Atlantic War: The Turning Point (Part 5)
Explore the perilous life aboard Atlantic convoys during WWII, as James and Al dive into the British government's radical port system overhaul. Discover the crucial role of flower-class corvettes and their limitations amidst the chaos of convoy operations. Learn about the intense training regimen for destroyers, firsthand accounts of harrowing conditions at sea, and the rapid expansion of the Royal Canadian Navy. Witness how strategic innovations, such as integrated naval-air command and improved intelligence, shifted the momentum in the Atlantic campaign.
6 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 12min
Introducing: The Rest Is Science
Dive into the quirky world of reality as two brilliant minds, Hannah Fry and Michael Stevens, tackle gravity and its surprising effects. Discover how gravity isn't just a one-way street, pulling everything together, but a mutual attraction that influences our daily lives. They debate astrology's relevance versus local gravity, and unravel Einstein's mind-bending theories of curved spacetime. Learn why time ticks differently based on gravity's pull, leaving you questioning everything you thought you knew about the universe.
9 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 47min
Atlantic War: Papering Over The Cracks (Part 4)
Discover the pivotal role of Cyril Thompson in negotiating shipbuilding in the US, leading to the creation of the iconic Liberty ships. Explore how winter weather hampered U-boat effectiveness and hear about Admiral Scheer's ambitious but misguided Atlantic sorties. Delve into Hitler's strategic blunders and the challenges of Luftwaffe support. And don’t miss the discussion on the Allies' maritime recovery efforts that shifted the balance in the Atlantic. It's a fascinating look at naval strategy and wartime innovation!
22 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 41min
Atlantic War: The Happy Time (Part 3)
The discussion revolves around the intriguing term 'The Happy Time' for German U-Boats and the significant merchant tonnage lost by the Allies due to their attacks. The hosts delve into U-boat tactics, including surface attacks and the formation of wolfpacks, highlighting the emotional toll and human cost of sinkings. They also explore the challenges faced by British ports and shipbuilding amid wartime chaos. Finally, the reliance on U-boat aces and the strategic consequences of their losses are examined, offering a nuanced view of this critical maritime conflict.
Nov 21, 2025 • 15min
War Under The Waves
Roger Moorhouse, a historian and author specializing in WWII, dives into the gritty realities of U-boat life. He shares fascinating insights on how submariners managed cramped living conditions and the infamous U-boat stink caused by dampness and poor hygiene. Moorhouse contrasts the glamorous propaganda of Nazi U-boats with the harsh lived experiences, including chronic scurvy and peculiar crew morale tactics. Discover the grim yet intriguing details of survival and sacrifice beneath the waves, shedding light on the human experience of submariners.
