

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

Sep 24, 2025 • 41min
The Battle Of Britain: Attrition
Discover what turned fighter pilots into aces during the intense summer of 1940. Learn why Nazi Germany shifted to bombing British cities and explore the challenges faced by Polish and Czech pilots who joined the defense. Delve into Goering's flawed tactics and the Luftwaffe's operational setbacks, compounded by navigational errors that led to misidentified targets. Hear about the significant psychological impacts of British raids on Berlin and the ongoing aerial battles that defined this pivotal moment in history.

10 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 53min
The Battle Of Britain: Attack Of The Eagles
Explore the intense aerial battles during the summer of 1940 and the significance of Eagle Day, which aimed to cripple British defenses but ultimately failed. Discover the challenges of Operation Sea Lion and the impact of poor German intelligence. The hosts delve into pivotal moments, including fierce dogfights and the effects of pilot fatigue, alongside strategic decisions that shaped the course of the Battle of Britain. Tune in for detailed accounts of bravery and resilience against the Nazi war machine.

Sep 17, 2025 • 59min
The Battle Of Britain: The Dowding System
What was The Dowding System? Why was Chain Home pivotal to the defence of Britain in WW2? How many hours of training did RAF pilots have on average?
Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 2 of this new series on The Battle Of Britain as they explore the decisive aerial battles over Britain in summer 1940, and the dogged defence that stopped the Nazi warmachine.
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A Goalhanger Production
Produced by James Regan
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Social: @WeHaveWaysPod
Email: wehaveways@goalhanger.com
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25 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 56min
The Battle Of Britain: Their Finest Hour
Discover the pivotal moments of the Battle of Britain during the summer of 1940. Explore the intense aerial combat and the strategic challenges faced by the Luftwaffe and RAF. Uncover how personal diary entries from a German pilot provide a unique perspective on the conflict. Delve into the misperceptions about the RAF's capabilities and the crucial role of civilian contributions. Celebrate the impact of Churchill’s speeches on British morale amidst the chaos of war.

Sep 10, 2025 • 49min
Rommel: Germany's Best General
Discover the intrigue behind the nickname 'Smiling Albert' and why von Manstein may not be the top general many believe him to be. Dive into the complexities of leadership with discussions on Kessering's rise and fall, exploring tactical brilliance versus strategic failures. Unpack the loyalty dynamics among commanders and reflect on Rommel's legacy as both a leader and tactician. The lively debates on these military figures add an entertaining twist to the historical narrative, inviting listeners to reconsider the heroes of World War II.

5 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 48min
The Best Panzer Generals Of WW2
Discover the intriguing tales of Prussian generals, including one who wore a kilt and spoke impeccable English. Delve into strategic discussions on the best military leaders in the Western Theatre of WW2, examining unexpected voting results with humor. Explore the legacy of General Ernst Günther Bader and his journey from soldier to equestrian, and the leadership of General Hermann Balk on the Eastern Front. Prepare to be surprised by the complexity of these military figures and their pivotal roles in history.

Sep 3, 2025 • 36min
The Case Against General Patton
The podcast dives into the intriguing complexities of General Patton's legacy, exploring how his bold leadership style shaped the battlefield. It sparks debates about the effectiveness of lesser-known commanders like Lucian Truscott and the enigmatic Ridgway. The conversation contrasts the charisma and controversies surrounding Patton's character, questioning his attitudes post-war. Listeners are invited to reflect on the pivotal roles of American military leaders and encourage participation in ranking their favorites.

7 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 38min
Eisenhower: America's Best General
Explore the leadership of Dwight D. Eisenhower, examining how his personality shaped military strategy. Delve into a lively debate about the best American generals of WWII, with surprises in store. Discover General Omar Bradley's pivotal role in key operations and the overlooked contributions of General Jacob Divas. Learn about Jim Gavin's rise as an airborne pioneer and the importance of unity among Allies. The discussions blend humor with insightful analysis, inviting listeners to reflect on historical military leadership.

20 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 43min
Montgomery: Britain's Best General
Was Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery a flawed general? The discussion reveals surprising insights into his leadership and strategic decisions. The spotlight also shines on Lieutenant General Sir Brian Horrocks and his journey from a young army child to a war hero. The podcast examines resilience in military leadership and contrasts British contributions with American strategies during key battles like Normandy. The legacies of notable figures from Australia and Britain are also explored, highlighting their unique approaches and innovative strategies.

Aug 25, 2025 • 42min
The Best British General Of WW2
The conversation kicks off with a playful debate on Britain's top military commanders from World War II, examining figures like Harold Alexander and the controversial Percy Hobart. They dissect the distinctive leadership styles of generals and the nuances of their legacies. Audience engagement takes center stage with a poll on notable generals, while stories of strategy and innovation illustrate pivotal moments like the Dunkirk evacuation. Expect humor and surprise as they unravel the complex personalities behind the uniforms.