

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

Feb 27, 2025 • 43min
The Battle Of The Bulge: A Tale Of Two Villages (Part 4)
Discover the intense battles around Two Villages during the Ardennes Offensive, where American soldiers held off overwhelming Nazi forces against all odds. Uncover the tough conditions that both sides faced, including severe winter hardships and supply shortages. Delve into the strategic missteps of the German command and the key roles played by American artillery. Through harrowing stories of bravery and desperation, the podcast reveals how isolated bands of troops managed to buy crucial time for their allies.

11 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 50min
The Battle Of The Bulge: Attack At Dawn (Part 3)
Dive into the adrenaline-fueled moments of the Battle of the Bulge as experts unravel the challenges faced by both Allied and Axis forces. Discover the psychological struggles of German soldiers, particularly through the lens of officer Gunther Reichelm. Learn about the critical vulnerabilities in American defenses and the heroic, yet doomed, efforts of reconnaissance units. Explore the tactical delays and decisions that shaped this chaotic battlefield, set against the backdrop of Nazi propaganda and the stark realities of war.

9 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 36min
The Battle Of The Bulge: America's Fight (Part 2)
The Battle of the Bulge showcased American resilience against a ruthless German offensive. It explores the struggle for territories amid harsh winter conditions and the complexities of Allied intelligence. General Patton's insights into enemy tactics reveal crucial predictions that shaped the battle. The planning stages highlight logistical challenges faced by both sides, emphasizing Hitler's shifting leadership. Ultimately, the American grit turned the tide, dispelling myths of unpreparedness and showcasing the bravery of GIs in the face of adversity.

4 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 43min
The Battle Of The Bulge: Hitler's Mad Plan (Part 1)
Explore the audacious yet reckless nature of Hitler's plans during the Battle of the Bulge. Discover how American resilience turned the tide against a disorganized German offensive. Delve into the psychological aspects of warfare, including morale and leadership chaos on the German side. Uncover the strategic miscalculations that led to operational failures, while examining the implications of harsh winter conditions on military effectiveness. Ultimately, the discussion reflects on the tragic consequences of a misguided attack.

7 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 40min
Churchill's Secret Weapon
Discover the intriguing concept of the land mattress and its pivotal role in the Allied victory during World War II. Dive into the quirky discussions about a vintage military jacket with a unique sizing system and its cultural significance. The hosts share amusing tales from military memorabilia and reflections on 80s fashion, connecting personal stories to historical events. They also unravel the complex relationship between military innovations and wartime morality, emphasizing propaganda's impact on soldier morale through vivid historical footage.

Feb 11, 2025 • 57min
Top Tanks Of WW2
In this discussion, renowned WW2 armor expert Steve Zaloga explores the intricate world of American tanks during the war. He examines the evolution of tank warfare and logistical challenges faced by the U.S. military, highlighting the iconic Sherman and other tanks. Zaloga delves into misconceptions around tank technology, the role of tank destroyers, and the balance of quality versus quantity in armored units. He even connects these insights to contemporary conflicts, making the topic relevant for today's military strategies.

Feb 6, 2025 • 47min
Auschwitz: Rob Rinder Remembers (Part 4)
Rob Rinder, a renowned barrister and Holocaust memorial advocate, shares his personal connection to Auschwitz, having lost family members during this dark period. He delves into the historical significance of remembrance and the urgent need for societal awareness today. The conversation touches on the resilience of survivors transitioning to sanctuary in Windermere, alongside discussions on intergenerational trauma and cultural identity. Rinder emphasizes the importance of storytelling in preserving legacies, capturing the enduring spirit of hope and courage in the face of adversity.

12 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 44min
Auschwitz: Extermination (Part 3)
Discover how a small Polish town transformed into the epicenter of the Holocaust. The chilling evolution of Auschwitz from a concentration camp to a mass extermination hub is vividly explored. Hear the harrowing stories of the Sinti and Roma, whose suffering paralleled that of the Jews. Delve into the horrific medical atrocities committed there and the desperate uprising of the Sonderkommando against their oppressors. The discussion emphasizes the crucial importance of Holocaust remembrance and the enduring impact of these dark histories.

10 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 50min
Auschwitz: The Cost Of Cruelty (Part 2)
Discover how Auschwitz transformed into a chilling industrial hub under the Nazis, entwining capitalism with atrocity. Delve into the exploitation of forced labor and the dire conditions faced by victims in IG Farben’s factories. The podcast reveals the intricate architecture of oppression and examines the evolving policies of extermination that defined the Holocaust. A haunting exploration of the chilling connections between economic motives and human suffering during one of history's darkest chapters.

18 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 50min
Auschwitz: The Zone Of Interest (Part 1)
Discover how a small Polish town evolved into the center of the Holocaust. Explore the dehumanizing experiences faced by early prisoners within Auschwitz’s harrowing confines. Learn about the chilling collaboration between IG Farben and the SS, transforming the camp into a site of mass murder. Unearth the historical and socio-political shifts that shaped Auschwitz, and the disturbing contrasts between the lives of SS officers and their victims. This narrative reveals the dark complexities of human ambition and atrocity during a pivotal era.