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
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
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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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March 7, 2024 • 46 mins
Throughout the 20th and 21st century, America's foreign policy has swung violently from isolationist to interventionist - how did the Second World War impact this switch?
Al Murray, John McManus and James Holland answer your questions on WW2 and USA.
A Goalhanger Production
Produced by Joey McCarthy
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Social: @WeHaveWaysPod
Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com
Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our lives...
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March 5, 2024 • 40 mins
Why did Paddy Mayne earn four Distinguished Service Orders during World War 2 but no VC? Al Murray and James Holland answer your questions, including who had the best operation names - the Americans or the Nazis?
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 ...
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February 29, 2024 • 55 mins
Al Murray, James Holland and John McManus discuss the controversial Rapido river crossing by the 36th Texan Division in January 1944.
Why did General Fred Walker fail the river crossing in Italy where so many succeeded? And should it have led to a congressional hearing?
A Goalhanger Production
Produced by Joey McCarthy
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Social: @WeHaveWaysPod
Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com
Join our ‘Independent Company...
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February 27, 2024 • 41 mins
If the Mosquito could hold the same bomb load and had a smaller crew, why did the Americans use the bulky B17 to bomb Germany? Al Murray and James Holland talk air superiority, Nazi boffins and why there was no air support in Arnhem.
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 earl...
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February 22, 2024 • 33 mins
As the Nazis waged war on Europe, Britain had to take extreme measures to protect its shores. German and Italian nationals were imprisoned across the UK, including a small community of women on the Isle Of Man.
Al Murray and James Holland return to the National Archives, to discover more about this little known part of the Second World War story.
Great Escapes: Remarkable Second World War Captives at The National Archives is free ...
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February 20, 2024 • 46 mins
Over 150,000 British and Commonwealth troops were imprisoned by the Germans or Japanese during the Second World War.
What were their lives like, what diseases did they suffer, and how good were their musicals?
Al Murray and James Holland delve into the National Archives to find out more of the lives of POWs.
Great Escapes: Remarkable Second World War Captives at The National Archives is free to visit and runs from Friday 2 February...
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