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
13 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 42min
How To Commemorate WW2
In this engaging discussion, Henry Montgomery, grandson of Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, shares insights on the legacy and importance of remembrance in WWII, influenced by his experiences with veterans. Angela Findlay, author and German remembrance expert, explores confronting her family's wartime history and the role of collective memory in reconciliation. Together, they emphasize nuanced perspectives on national histories, the need for honest remembrance, and lessons to prevent future conflicts, urging a broad view of all wartime victims.
Dec 25, 2025 • 44min
What Did My Family Do In WW2?
Explore the intriguing world of family history during WWII! Discover the hidden surprises in service records, from clerical errors to personal stories. Hear about the harrowing experiences of POWs through detailed questionnaires. Learn how to trace units using operational record books and gain insights into the relentless operations of coastal commands. Get practical tips for beginners on starting your family tree, and dive into the logistical challenges faced in Sicily. Unravel the past while connecting with your family's wartime legacy!
Dec 23, 2025 • 26min
A Blackmarket Christmas
This week, dive into heartwarming wartime Christmas tales! Discover a hidden crate of oranges that brightened one family's holiday. Hear about uncles on opposite sides of battle at Arnhem and a grandfather's poignant Normandy memories. Enjoy fascinating home-front anecdotes like a fish-fed goose and butter gifts from Americans. Plus, gripping stories from B-17 crews and a mother's radar service during the war add depth to these personal histories. These stories encapsulate resilience and the spirit of the holidays amidst conflict.
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.
13 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.
20 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.
