WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk
Achtung! Achtung! Comedian Al Murray and historian James Holland discuss all matters WW2. WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk is a bi-weekly show exploring the war in close up. James and Al have a stunning knowledge of their subject, but don't expect a linear narrative. The boys love a tangent and a forgotten tale. We Have Ways of Making You Talk roams down forgotten front lines, casts new villains and makes the case for unlikely heroes. Send questions to James and Al via Twitter using #WeHaveWays or by email to wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join our membership club for extra content, livestreams and ad-free listening: patreon.com/wehaveways
Episodes
May 16, 2024 • 64 mins
It was the single most day in the entire Allied campaign during WW2, the storming of the beaches of Normandy on the 6th June 1944.
Al Murray and James Holland detail what happened on that day, almost 80 years ago on every beach - and try to dispel the myth of ‘Bloody Omaha’.
In the biggest series of We Have Ways of Making You Talk, join Al and James as they unravel the heroism, sacrifices, and strategic brilliance behind one of the...
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May 14, 2024 • 48 mins
Al Murray and James Holland continue to narrate the story of D-Day in stunning detail.
In today’s episode they spend time focusing on an often untold stories of the invasion - the massive minelaying operation, and the first men to land at Pegasus Bridge.
Next up, The Beaches.
In the biggest series of We Have Ways of Making You Talk, join Al and James as they unravel the heroism, sacrifices, and strategic brilliance behind one of th...
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May 9, 2024 • 61 mins
With only a few hours to go before Landing Craft are due to hit the beaches of Normandy, the Allies plan for Operation OVERLORD hangs finely in the balance.
It is the role of a few weathermen to make the incredibly brave decision to push back D-Day by 24 hours, out of fear of devastating weather.
Al Murray and James Holland look at the final hours before boots hit the beaches.
In the biggest series of We Have Ways of Making You Tal...
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May 7, 2024 • 60 mins
The Allied plan for OVERLORD is a masterclass in logistics. Al Murray and James Holland detail the roles of US and British forces in planning the largest coastal invasion of all time.
From Monty’s personality cult to the role of the SOE in Occupied France, no stone is left unturned in preparation for D-Day
In the biggest series of We Have Ways of Making You Talk, join Al and James as they unravel the heroism, sacrifices, and strate...
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May 1, 2024 • 62 mins
May 1944, it is clear to Erwin Rommel that the Allied counter attack is just a few weeks away. The answer is simple - defend the Atlantic Wall.
But Nazi infighting and ludicrous top-down decision making has led to chaos on the Western Front. With the 6th June just days away - they are still asking themselves: where will the Allies land?
In the biggest series of We Have Ways of Making You Talk, join Al and James as they unravel the ...
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April 30, 2024 • 53 mins
In a follow up to our superb episode in which John McManus opened up the archives to a glut of post-war surveys of US soldiers, the boys really dig into the harrowing experience of fighting in the Italian campaign.
Not only do we look at the nightmarish conditions in Europe, but also the racism and bloodthrist of American soldiers against Japanese troops.
A Goalhanger Production
Produced by Joey McCarthy
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor...
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April 25, 2024 • 49 mins
June 1944 was a month of allied invasion, both in Europe and the Pacific.
James Holland and John McManus discuss Operation RECKLESS, the invasion of Hollandia (now New Guinea) on Humboldt Bay.
A Goalhanger Production
Produced by Joey McCarthy
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Social: @WeHaveWaysPod
Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com
Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams, get earlybird tickets and our weekly newsletter...
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April 23, 2024 • 45 mins
Is the Spitfire the perfect plane? Al Murray and James Holland speak to Matt Jones - possibly the most experienced Spitfire pilot in the world. Matt explains to Al and James his love for the classic warbird and what it took to fly it around the world.
A Goalhanger Production
Produced by Joey McCarthy
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Social: @WeHaveWaysPod
Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com
Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our liv...
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April 18, 2024 • 48 mins
In the final episode of our epic Italy series, Al Murray and James Holland follow OPERATION DIADEM to completion. The Germans have been pushed back past the Adolf Hitler line and the final victory for the Allies is the liberation of the Eternal City.
A Goalhanger Production
Produced by Joey McCarthy
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Social: @WeHaveWaysPod
Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com
Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our li...
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April 16, 2024 • 49 mins
Cassino is cleared, and the Allies are planning one final push to take Rome and end the war in Italy, once and for all. Ira Akers presents OPERATION STRANGLEHOLD, a bombing effort on an enormous scale- freezing the Nazi rearmament. As the ground hardens and blue skies return to the Italian countryside - OPERATION DIADEM is launched.
In this penultimate episode, Al Murray and James Holland begin the road to victory in Southern Europ...
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April 11, 2024 • 48 mins
The capturing of Monte Cassino and Cassino town was crucial to the Allied victory in Italy, so why did it take so long to break through the stubborn German resistance?
Al Murray and James Holland also discuss the morale and manpower problems faced by the New Zealand troops.
A Goalhanger Production
Produced by Joey McCarthy
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Social: @WeHaveWaysPod
Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com
Join our ‘Independent Com...
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April 9, 2024 • 61 mins
The Nazis have assembled over 90,000 troops to counterattack under General von Mackensen’s troops, they’re beginning to amass at the Anzio beach head.
The Allies' progress through Italy is slow, and pressure from Whitehall triggers a change of command in Italy. Will this turn the tide?
A Goalhanger Production
Produced by Joey McCarthy
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Social: @WeHaveWaysPod
Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com
Join our ‘Ind...
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April 4, 2024 • 58 mins
As the battle heats up in Italy, Al Murray and James Holland detail of the most iconic moments in WW2 history - the Battle of Monte Cassino in February 1944.
The Nazis defending the Abbey are depleted, but the Allies' attacks up narrow ridges are failing. Progress is slow, and the terrain is treacherous - will the Abbey be liberated?
A Goalhanger Production
Produced by Joey McCarthy
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Social: @WeHaveWaysPod...
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April 2, 2024 • 60 mins
In the early hours of the 22nd January 1944, US Fifth Army swarmed the beaches of Anzio largely unopposed. The Nazis’ response was swift, sending the 14th Army to stop them and preventing the Allies getting any closer to Rome.
Al Murray and James Holland also assess the situation at the Cassino front, the military make-up of the French Expeditionary Corps and the civilian situation in Italy both in the Nazi-occupied north, and ‘lib...
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March 28, 2024 • 53 mins
As the launch of OPERATION SHINGLE nears, Al Murray and James Holland dig deeper into the mountains, mud and mayhem that categorised the fighting in Italy in January 1944 and take a look at the opening battles of the year.
They also review the innumerable failures of German high command, from the meddling by Hitler that led to a culture of fear that engulfed all decision making, to Kesselring’s mismanagement of frontline troops.
A ...
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March 26, 2024 • 49 mins
January 1944. The Allies have failed to reach Rome by Christmas, the ‘soft underbelly’ of Europe is reaching crisis point.
To break through the Nazi’s strangle hold of Italy, the Allies plan OPERATION SHINGLE - the daring beach assault at Anzio.
In the first episode of our Italy series, Al Murray and James Holland outline the reasons for recapturing Rome, Kesselring’s double lock defences at Cassino and the dangers of continuing a ...
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March 21, 2024 • 45 mins
The Nazi occupation of Hungary led to the mass transportation and murder of over 400,000 Jews in 1944 and 1945. Why had Hungary's leadership sided with the Axis?
Al Murray and James Holland are joined by John McManus to review the events of 80 years ago this week.
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March 19, 2024 • 43 mins
Al Murray, James Holland and John McManus delve into the remarkable and often overlooked history of the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African American pilots that defied racial barriers to become some of the most distinguished fighter pilots of World War II.
A Goalhanger Production
Produced by Joey McCarthy
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Social: @WeHaveWaysPod
Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com
Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our...
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March 14, 2024 • 55 mins
One of the most gruelling and horrifying roles in all military history was being a grunt during the Second World War. It was so terrifying, that at least 1/5 of all soldiers admitted to losing control of their bowels on the front line.
Al Murray, James Holland and John McManus discuss survival rates and American soldiers' attitudes during the war.
A Goalhanger Production
Produced by Joey McCarthy
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Social:...
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March 12, 2024 • 45 mins
Charlie Lawson, famous for playing Jim McDonald in Coronation Street shares with Al Murray and James Holland his family's history in the Second World War.
Charlie's uncle, who fought with the Royal Irish Fusiliers, was incredibly close with Australian Lawrie Franklyn-Vaile. During the war they shared an incredible connection and both wrote incredibly moving letters back home.
A Goalhanger Production
Produced by Joey McCarthy
Exec...
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