WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk
Episodes
Tanks: From the Second World War to Ukraine
16 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Is the UK pulling its weight in sending just 14 tanks to the Ukranian army? Al Murray and James Holland are joined by former British Army colonel Hami...
1943: Make or Break for Italy
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In a follow-up to their broader discussion on the impact of 1943 on the Second World War, Al Murray and James Holland focus on the Italian campaign an...
1943: The Most Important Year Of The War
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After their barnstorming Stalingrad series, Al Murray and James Holland turn their sights to the importance of 1943, a year of incredible events at se...
USA: We Have Ways - Bomber Crew
10 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
From flying in state fairs to planning strategic bombing missions over Europe, what was the experience of the young men that dedicated their war to se...
8th Army's Invasion Of Italy
09 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
While researching his latest book in Italy, James Holland sets his sights on the picturesque harbour city of Messina. Walking the ground, admiring its...
Jericho’s Trumpet: The German Stuka
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We’re taking to the air today, with Battle of Britain expert Andy Saunders. Together, the trio explore the infamous german ‘Stuka’ dive bomber: ...
Stalingrad: Lend Lease
04 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For the final installment of our Stalingrad series, John McManus explains the baffling scale of lend lease between the US and the Soviet Union and how...
Stalingrad: Anthony Beevor
03 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, Al and James are joined by legendary historian Sir Anthony Beevor. They discuss his seminal book on the topic and his extraordinary experience ...
Stalingrad: Operation Uranus
02 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As winter grips the ruins of Stalingrad, General Zhukov’s ambitious plan to end the stalemate is put into action Al and James discuss why Hitler ref...
Stalingrad: Street Fighting
01 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the third instalment of our Stalingrad series, Al Murray and James Holland reach the devastating fighting that takes place within Stalingrad's fact...
Stalingrad: The Battle Begins
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What prevented the Nazis from capturing Stalingrad and the rest of the Soviet Union with ease as they did in Western Europe? As the battle for Staling...
Stalingrad: The Launch of Case Blue
30 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week is 80 years since the end of the Battle of Stalingrad and we're running a special series to mark the occasion. In the first episode of the s...
Jewish Resistance: Selma van de Perre
27 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The 27th of January is Holocaust Memorial Day, to commemorate this day we are re-sharing our interview with the Holocaust survivor, Selma Van De Perre...
The Miniature War
26 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Al and James often talk about 'walking the ground', but what about 'playing the ground'? Wargamer Nick Skinner takes the boys on a crash course on the...
Vichy France
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How much do you know about the relationship between the Royal Navy and pirates during the Second World War? Vichy France, Hawker Typhoons, and a Jamai...
USA: We Have Ways - Mobilisation
20 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
James Holland, Al Murray, and John McManus continue their conversation on the mobilisation of the US army. What pushed the nation over the edge into f...
The Black RAF
19 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
“He didn’t go to serve his majesty, he went to fight Hitler, the general consensus in the Caribbean was that if the Nazis defeated Britain, the Ca...
The Sherman Tank
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Al and James discuss the Sherman Tank, and why the German’s lack of tanks cost them the war. They also chat about Douglas Porch’s book: Defeat and...
USA: We Have Ways - Smith v Smith
13 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Al, James, and John McManus set their sights on Lieutenant General Holland Smith and Major General Ralph Smith, charting their relationship over the S...
With The Jocks - The 52nd Lowland Division
12 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Who was Peter White - writer of the incredibly influential war memoir 'With The Jocks'? Al Murray and James Holland speak to Andy Aitcheson about the ...
Sherman Deaths and Diaries
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Al Murray and James Holland delve deep into the re-discovered war diaries of Italy veteran Lawrence Vale. They also discuss tank warfare after reading...
USA: We Have Ways - Salerno
06 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Al Murray, James Holland and John C. McManus discuss Salerno. What was the importance of Operation Avalanche - and is history's assessment ...
Sebastian Faulks
05 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In case you missed it - a re-uploaded version of our January 1st interview with Sebastian Faulks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more infor...
Christmas in Italy
05 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In our final Christmas special, Al and James take turns reading the diary entries of servicemen in Sicily during the harsh winter of 1943. A Goalhang...
The 'Real' Zulu
04 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As our Christmas series continues, today we let our very own Al Murray take control. In this episode Al speaks about his recent trip to South Africa t...
Ian Lavender
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This year, Al and James are inviting famous fans onto the podcast to chew the cud about the Second World War as part of our special Christmas series. ...
Dan Snow
02 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today on We Have Ways Christmas Specials, Al and James are joined by historian and friend of the show Dan Snow to discuss logistics during the war. Da...
Sebastian Faulks
01 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our run of Christmas special episodes continues today with author Sebastian Faulks talking to Al and James about his passion for the subject and his f...
Susan Eisenhower
31 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This year, Al and James are inviting famous fans onto the podcast to chew the cud about the Second World War for our Christmas series. Today Susan Eis...
Rory Stewart
30 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For this year's Christmas series, Al and James are inviting famous fans onto the podcast to chew the cud about the Second World War. Rory Stewart and ...
Jack Stein
29 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Next up in our Christmas specials series is chef and author Jack Stein, who talks about life on the home front and the complexities of rationing durin...
Ben Willbond
28 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the next of our Christmas series specials, Ghosts and Horrible Histories star Ben Willbond talks about growing up in the cadets and how his passion...
James May
27 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For this year's Christmas series, Al and James are inviting famous fans onto the podcast to chew the cud about the Second World War. Top Gear and The ...
Sophie Raworth
26 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On today's Christmas special, BBC Newscaster Sophie Raworth tells Al and James about her grandfather's role as a home-front doctor in the Second World...
Dermot O'Leary
25 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This year, Al and James are inviting famous fans onto the podcast to chew the cud about the Second World War. Today, TV presenter and broadcaster Derm...
USA: We Have Ways - A Standing Start
23 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How did the US Military become the powerhouse it is today? John C. McCManus talks about the political decisions that caused the US Army to expand mass...
Sir Richard Fairey
22 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Former race car driver and broadcaster Tiff Needell speaks to Al and James about his great uncle Sir Richard Fairey - the experimental aircraft engine...
Command - Live at The National Army Museum
20 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As an early Christmas gift, we're releasing Al Murray and James Holland's conversation about Command from the National Army Museum. A Goalhanger Films...
USA: We Have Ways - Eichelberger
16 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Special guest John McManus joins Al and Jim to talk about Robert L. Eichelberger, the US General who commanded the Eighth United States Army in the So...
The Economics Of War
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Al and James are joined by economist and journalist Duncan Weldon for a deep dive into the money that funded the Second World War. A Goalhanger Films ...
The Alexander Collection
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Al and James go through the Alexander Collection from The National Archives to discuss morale, welfare and discipline of the Allies in Italy and the M...
USA: We Have Ways - Patton and Bradley
09 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Al and James continue their USA series with historian John C. McManus. They discuss two of the United States’ most iconic commanders - George S. Pat...
Operation Retribution
08 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Al and James speak to American lawyer Peter Kentz about Operation Retribution, the air and naval blockade designed to prevent the seaborne evacuation ...
The Pacific
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
James talks about his recent trip to Northern Ireland and the pair discuss the shipping production during the Second World War. Al chats about the up...
USA: We Have Ways - Douglas MacArthur Part 2
02 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the second part of our General MacArthur podcast, John C. McManus goes into detail on the American’s reputation with the Allies and Axis Powers. ...
With the Old Breed
01 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In New Orleans, James Holland speaks to Saul David and Henry Sledge - the son of legendary writer Eugene Sledge, the author of the memoir ‘With The ...
Second World War Voices
29 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Al Murray and James Holland delve into the world of Second World War books and memoirs, plus they further explore the story of Italy’s war. A Goalha...
USA: We Have Ways - Douglas MacArthur Part 1
25 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Who was General MacArthur? Al Murray, James Holland and special guest John C. McManus debate one of the most influential, but controversial, generals ...
Immortal Valour
24 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Al Murray and James Holland are joined by Emmy nominated screenwriter Robert Child to speak about the incredible lives of the seven African-American s...
Second World War Blunders
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Al Murray and James Holland tuck into some diaries, plus look into some of the greatest Second World War Blunders A Goalhanger Films Production Produc...
End of War
17 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Al Murray and James Holland talk about the chaotic final days of the Second World War, including the horrific reality of soldiers having to fight when...
The Blackout Ripper
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
James Holland is joined by historians Hallie Rubenhold and Julia Laite to discuss the awful treatment of civilian women in London during the Blitz - i...
Remembrance Day Special - Family Stories
13 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For this year’s Remembrance Day, Al and James read out listener stories - including brothers in arms, wartime honeymoons and the liberation of Berge...
The Spy Who Loved
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Al Murray and James Holland speak to historian Clare Mulley about the extraordinary life of Krystyna Skarbek - a Jewish aristocrat who became one of B...
24th Battalion
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Al and James go back to their roots and attempt to answer as many audience questions as they can. Up for discussion is the New Zealand 24th Battalion,...
The War Below
03 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
James Holland speaks to US historian James Scott about the life as a submariner during the Second World War. How successful was the US submarine campa...
Bomber Command
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Al discusses his visit to The International Bomber Command Centre and his sobering experience of the Spire Memorial. Later, the boys talk through the ...
SAS: Rogue Heroes
30 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode of We Have Ways, Al and James turn their hand to being TV critics. The boys were lucky enough to see a preview of the new BBC...
EL ALAMEIN WEEK - Day 6
28 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
To remember 80 years since the start of the Second Battle of El Alamein, We Have Ways are releasing a week’s worth of specials about the North Afric...
EL ALAMEIN WEEK - Day 5
27 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
To remember 80 years since the start of the Second Battle of El Alamein, We Have Ways are releasing a week’s worth of specials about the North Afric...
EL ALAMEIN WEEK - Day 4
26 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
To remember 80 years since the start of the Second Battle of El Alamein, We Have Ways are releasing a week’s worth of specials about the North Afric...
EL ALAMEIN WEEK - Day 3
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
To remember 80 years since the start of the Second Battle of El Alamein, We Have Ways are releasing a week’s worth of specials about the North Afric...
EL ALAMEIN WEEK - Day 2
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
To remember 80 years since the start of the Second Battle of El Alamein, We Have Ways are releasing a week’s worth of specials about the North Afric...
EL ALAMEIN WEEK - Day 1
23 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
To remember 80 years since the start of the Second Battle of El Alamein, We Have Ways are releasing a week’s worth of specials about the North Afric...
Difficulties of the Italian campaign
20 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
James has been in Italy to try and find out about the problems the Allies would have faced in 1943. He tells Al why criticism of the campaign is unfa...
WHWF - Berlin 45
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The final year of the war saw savage fighting and horrific civilian suffering, nowhere more than in Berlin. Experts on the period Alex Ritchie, Waitma...
Peter White - To The Very End
13 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The boys discuss Al Murray's new book - 'Command: How The Allies Learned to Win The Second World War' which is out today. Al shares a chapter on Peter...
D-Day Memorial
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
During James Holland’s recent trip to the US he visited Bedford, Virginia, where he explored the National D-Day Memorial, as well as researching t...
The War In China
06 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Of all the theatres in the Second World War China is perhaps the least known and little understood. Renowned expert Rana Mitter tells the story of...
Command
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Al and James take a deep dive into Al's recently published book, Command: How the Allies Learned to Win the Second World War. https://coles-books....
Blame Game
29 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As the Nazi regime began to unravel, a number of German civil servants dared to criticise the high command for their failure to prosecute the war succ...
Inside Band Of Brothers
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Al Murray and James Holland speak to actor Ross McCall about his role in Band of Brothers as Joseph Liebgott. Ross talks about researching the role, m...
Mark Clark and Morale
22 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
James Holland attempts to restore the reputation of General Mark Clark after exploring his private diaries in the USA. Al Murray delves into what frus...
Spike Milligan's War
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Private Eye editor Ian Hislop and cartoonist Nick Newman have written a new play about the comedian Spike Milligan. They join Al Murray and James Hol...
Max Hastings
15 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Al Murray and James Holland speak to esteemed British historian Sir Max Hastings about his career that has spanned over four decades. They look at cha...
September 1939 - Part 2
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Motivation, Morale, Method Al and James continue their discussion on September 1939, looking at individual nations' readiness for war. They also asses...
The Queen at War
09 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When the Second World War broke out Princess Elizabeth was 13 years old. By the end of the conflict she had seen bombs fall on London, trained as a me...
September 1939
08 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Al and James discuss the start of the Second World War and what each country did to prepare for what was to come. A Goalhanger Films Production Produc...
The Firebombing of Tokyo
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Al and James are joined by historian and author James M. Scott to talk about his new book 'Black Snow: Curtis LeMay, The Firebombing of Tokyo, and the...
Grand Strategy 1943
01 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Al and James discuss Churchill and Eisenhower’s plans for Italy in 1943, plus the importance of shipping throughout the Second World War. A Goalhang...
Post War Colonialism
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
James is joined by friend of the show Philippe Sands to discuss his new book: The Last Colony. Philippe explains decolonisation after 1945 and his ow...
The Indian Army
25 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Indian Army played a vital role in the Second World War despite the nation's growing clamour for independence. Rob Lyman joins Al Murray to of...
Operation Semut
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
James Holland is joined by anthropologist Christine Helliwell to discuss her book Semut: The Untold Story of a Secret Australian Operation in WWII Bo...
German Generals
18 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Alex Ritchie and Bernard Kast join forces to explore the best German Generals of the Second World War A Goalhanger Films production Produced by Pa...
Greece - Part 2
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Al and James discuss new film, Operation Mincemeat, and also finish off talking about SOE’s involvement in Greece A Goalhanger Films Production Pr...
Malta - Part 2
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this 500th episode of We Have Ways of Making you Talk, Al and James are joined my marine archeologist Timmy Gambin to further discuss Malta's invol...
Malta - Part 1
14 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Al and James discuss operation Pedestal and the importance of Malta in the Second World War. A Goalhanger Films Production Produced by Harry Lineker E...
Greece
11 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Following on from Tuesday’s episode, Al and James continue to talk about SOE’s involvement in Greece throughout the Second World War. A Goalhanger...
Operation Harling
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Al tells some stories of Nazi evaders in the Pyrenees and James explains SOE’s first operation in Greece. A Goalhanger Films Production Produced by ...
WHWF - Sappers at Pegasus Bridge
04 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ingram Murray (otherwise known as 'The Colonel') takes to the stage to talk about the battle for Pegasus bridge A Goalhanger Films production Produced...
WHWF - DUNKIRK
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
James Holland takes to the main stage to detail the incredible true story of Dunkirk. A Goalhanger Films production Produced by Paul King Exec Produce...
WHWF - Citizen Army
28 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Daniel Todman, Jonathan Fennell and John McManus discuss the effectiveness of citizen armies throughout the Second World War at We Have Ways Fest. A G...
WHWF - Road to War
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Speaking from an overflowing tent at the recent We Have Ways Fest, Katja Hoyer details the events, attitudes and overall German zeitgeist leading up t...
The Countdown to War
21 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Why did Japan join the war? And what made the Japanese Admirals think attacking Pearl Harbor was a good idea? Erri Hotta, author of the award-winning ...
The Battle of Atlantic: 80 years on
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Al and James discuss the use of U-Boats in the Battle of the Atlantic, also including Al's recent trip to Spike Milligan's house. A Goalhanger Films ...
The Glider Pilot Regiment
14 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Al Murray and James Holland are joined by retired Army Air Corps Officer Mike 'Chalky' Peters to discuss the Glider Pilot Regiment throughout the Seco...
The Dowding System
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Al Murray and James Holland take a deep dive to explain The Dowding System, the wartime technology that changed the Battle of Britain A Goalhanger Fil...
Drone Warfare
07 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Al and James are joined by podcaster and historian James Rogers to discuss Drone Warfare and the evolution of Second World War American doctrine, with...
Larroque & French Resistance
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Al Murray has his boots on the ground as he reports from Larroque, a small village on the border of the Pyrenees. Al has been out researching what ha...
USS Arizona - with The National WWII Museum
30 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
James Holland speaks to Rob Citino from the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, about the bombing of Pearl Harbour and US naval logistics through the...