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
Nov 23, 2023 • 53min
USA: We Have Ways - Tarawa 1943
Al Murray, James Holland and John McManus discuss the deadly battle on Tarawa. A close quarters and bloody fight for a small atoll in the central PacificWhy was it so brutal, and how did their leaders convince the counterparts to fight to the last man?A Goalhanger ProductionProduced by Joey McCarthyExec Producer: Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPodWebsite: wehavewayspod.comMembers’ Club: patreon.com/wehavewaysEmail: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 21, 2023 • 44min
The Birth Of The UN, Prisoners in the Isle Of Man and the Cairo Conference
Al Murray and James Holland catch up on their latest research and after some revelatory peering down rabbit holes look back to this week in 1943 to explore the war in Italy, the role of Charles De Gaulle in Lebanon, the birth of the United Nations and the complexity of the Cairo Conference.Tickets for We Have Ways Fest 2024 are on sale now! Find out more now...wehavewaysfest.co.ukA Goalhanger ProductionProduced by Joey McCarthyExec Producer: Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPodWebsite: wehavewayspod.comMembers’ Club: patreon.com/wehavewaysEmail: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 16, 2023 • 1h 8min
Eddie Izzard: My Second World War Obsession
Al Murray and James Holland speak to actress, comedian and political campaigner Suzy Eddie Izzard about their lifelong love for the Second World War.In another jam-packed episode of war waffle, Suzy discusses the difference between performing stand up in Germany and France, playing a Nazi alongside Tom Cruise in the film Valkyrie, and her incredible 1940s themed model railway.A Goalhanger ProductionProduced by Joey McCarthyExec Producer: Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPodWebsite: wehavewayspod.comMembers’ Club: patreon.com/wehavewaysEmail: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 14, 2023 • 49min
Life On A Destroyer
Tribal Class Destroyers, what was life like serving on them - and what is a Destroyer?Al Murray and James Holland go into detail into the staffing, roles and weapons that could be found on an Allied Navy Destroyer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 9, 2023 • 52min
USA: We Have Ways - The Marine Corps
Al Murray and James Holland speak to decorated Marine Corps officer and former United States senator Jim Webb.They discuss the evolution of the US Marine Corps between the two world wars, including the lessons learned from the disaster of Galipoli.A Goalhanger ProductionProduced by Joey McCarthyExec Producer: Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPodWebsite: wehavewayspod.comMembers’ Club: patreon.com/wehavewaysEmail: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 7, 2023 • 46min
How to Win in Arnhem
Al Murray and James Holland read Second World War manuals produced by the British and American Army.They detail the unbelievable difficulty that XXX Corps faced in Arnhem, and the problems posed in urban warfare. Plus- how many horses did the Waffen SS have?A Goalhanger ProductionProduced by Joey McCarthyExec Producer: Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPodWebsite: wehavewayspod.comMembers’ Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 2, 2023 • 54min
War Music
Recorded at We Have Ways Fest 2023, Al Murray sits down with music journalist David Hepworth for a chat about 1940s pop music, the spirit of the nation, and the BBC.A Goalhanger ProductionProduced by Joey McCarthyExec Producer: Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPodWebsite: wehavewayspod.comMembers’ Club: patreon.com/wehavewaysEmail: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 31, 2023 • 59min
A Philosopher Goes To War
Al Murray chats to Dr Waitman Wade Beorn about one of the most fascinating ruminations on fighting during the Second World War - Warriors by J. Glenn Gray.J. Glenn Gray entered the army as a private in May 1941, having been drafted on the same day he was informed of his doctorate in philosophy from Columbia University, years after the end of war - the philosopher reread his war diaries and began to write eloquently on warfare does to soldiers, especially our understanding of cruelty in war.A Goalhanger ProductionProduced by Joey McCarthyExec Producer: Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPodWebsite: wehavewayspod.comMembers’ Club: patreon.com/wehavewaysEmail: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 26, 2023 • 1h 3min
Italy's Morale Crisis
Italy proved a nightmare place to fight, no matter what side you were on: the endless mountains, the innumerable rivers, the narrowness of roads, the blazing heat, and then torrential rain and freezing cold.Jonathan Fennell, John McManus and James Holland ask, just how big was the crisis in morale for both sides and how did commanders deal with the weight of expectation, mounting casualties and truly appalling conditions? Recorded at We Have Ways Fest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 24, 2023 • 53min
Landing Craft, Sappers and the Tyranny of Overlord
Al Murray shares a delightful evening at the Royal Engineers Museum with notable personalities like Jools Holland and Sir Tom Jones. They dive into the vital role of landing craft in WWII, revealing how military logistics shaped operations. The conversation touches on the unsung heroes in railway engineering post-D-Day and the evolution of amphibious warfare strategies. Listeners get a glimpse into military heritage and personal anecdotes that intertwine with historical significance, all while keeping the mood light and entertaining.
