DiscoverWW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk
WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk
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WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

Author: Goalhanger

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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/wehaveways

For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com

933 Episodes
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War Under The Waves

War Under The Waves

2025-11-2115:18

How did submariners survive for weeks at a time at sea on patrol? Were there any perks to joining the submarine service? Why did so many submariners in WW2 have bad breath? Listen to this exclusive extract from James M Scott and Roger Moorhouse's talk from this year's We Have Ways Festival on life in the submarines of the Imperial Japanese Navy and the Nazi German Kriegsmarine. Start your free trial at ⁠patreon.com/wehaveways⁠ and to listen to the rest of this talk, and more get more subscriber perks. Enjoy livestreams, early access to podcast episodes, ad-free listening, bonus episodes, and a weekly newsletter packed with book deals and behind-the-scenes insights. Members also get priority access and discounts to live events. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Assistant Producer: Alfie Rowe Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehaveways@goalhanger.com Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why was Norway attacked in WW2? Why might the Norwegian Campaign be considered a success at sea for the Allies? What was the result of The Fall Of Norway and France for Britain and its naval strategy? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 2 of this deep dive on the war in the Atlantic, the most vital theatre of war in WW2 and the long-running campaign between the British Royal Navy and the Nazi German Kriegsmarine. Start your free trial at ⁠patreon.com/wehaveways⁠ and unlock exclusive content and more. Enjoy livestreams, early access to podcast episodes, ad-free listening, bonus episodes, and a weekly newsletter packed with book deals and behind-the-scenes insights. Members also get priority access and discounts to live events. https://www.patreon.com/wehaveways/membership?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehaveways@goalhanger.com Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why is the battle of the Atlantic so crucial to the Allied war effort in WW2? How did Prien manage to sink Royal Oak in Scapa Flow? When did the civilian passenger liner Athenia get attacked by U-Boats? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 1 of this deep dive on the war in the Atlantic, the most vital theatre of war in WW2 and the long-running campaign between the British Royal Navy and the Nazi German Kriegsmarine. Start your free trial at ⁠patreon.com/wehaveways⁠ and unlock exclusive content and more. Enjoy livestreams, early access to podcast episodes, ad-free listening, bonus episodes, and a weekly newsletter packed with book deals and behind-the-scenes insights. Members also get priority access and discounts to live events. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehaveways@goalhanger.com Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why is Operation Pedestal such an important event in WW2? How many ships in the convoy were sunk by Axis forces? What happened to the tanker, the Ohio? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 6 of this thrilling series on the siege of Malta, and how the very course of WW2 depended on the defence of this small island in the Mediterranean. Start your free trial at ⁠patreon.com/wehaveways⁠ and unlock exclusive content and more. Enjoy livestreams, early access to podcast episodes, ad-free listening, bonus episodes, and a weekly newsletter packed with book deals and behind-the-scenes insights. Members also get priority access and discounts to live events. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehaveways@goalhanger.com Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
When did Lord Gort and Sir Keith Park arrive on Fortress Malta? How many calories did people on Malta have each day for survival? What made George Screwball Beurling such a talented fighter ace? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 5 of this thrilling series on the siege of Malta, and how the very course of WW2 depended on the defence of this small island in the Mediterranean. Start your free trial at ⁠patreon.com/wehaveways⁠ and unlock exclusive content and more. Enjoy livestreams, early access to podcast episodes, ad-free listening, bonus episodes, and a weekly newsletter packed with book deals and behind-the-scenes insights. Members also get priority access and discounts to live events. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehaveways@goalhanger.com Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why did King George VI award Malta the George Cross? How did the 'Target Date' of starvation and surrender affect morale on the island? Were the Anti-Aircraft defences enough to blunt Kesselring's blitz on the island? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 4 of this thrilling series on the siege of Malta, and how the very course of WW2 depended on the defence of this small island in the Mediterranean. Start your free trial at ⁠patreon.com/wehaveways⁠ and unlock exclusive content and more. Enjoy livestreams, early access to podcast episodes, ad-free listening, bonus episodes, and a weekly newsletter packed with book deals and behind-the-scenes insights. Members also get priority access and discounts to live events. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehaveways@goalhanger.com Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why was the arrival of RAF Spitfires so important to Malta's defence? How did the Fall Of Singapore impact the situation in Malta? Was the British leadership on Malta incompetent? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 3 of this thrilling series on the siege of Malta, and how the very course of WW2 depended on the defence of this small island in the Mediterranean. Start your free trial at ⁠patreon.com/wehaveways⁠ and unlock exclusive content and more. Enjoy livestreams, early access to podcast episodes, ad-free listening, bonus episodes, and a weekly newsletter packed with book deals and behind-the-scenes insights. Members also get priority access and discounts to live events. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehaveways@goalhanger.com Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why was Malta such a threat to Nazi plans? What made HMS Upholder the most successful British submarine of WW2? How did British submarines disrupt Axis shipping routes and invasion plans? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 2 of this thrilling series on the siege of Malta, and how the very course of WW2 depended on the defence of this small island in the Mediterranean. Start your free trial at ⁠patreon.com/wehaveways⁠ and unlock exclusive content and more. Enjoy livestreams, early access to podcast episodes, ad-free listening, bonus episodes, and a weekly newsletter packed with book deals and behind-the-scenes insights. Members also get priority access and discounts to live events. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehaveways@goalhanger.com Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why was Malta attacked in WW2? Where in the world is Malta? How did the British fail to build up Malta's defences before Italy entered the war on Nazi Germany's side? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 1 of this thrilling series on the siege of Malta, and how the very course of WW2 depended on the defence of this small island in the Mediterranean. Start your free trial at ⁠patreon.com/wehaveways⁠ and unlock exclusive content and more. Enjoy livestreams, early access to podcast episodes, ad-free listening, bonus episodes, and a weekly newsletter packed with book deals and behind-the-scenes insights. Members also get priority access and discounts to live events. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehaveways@goalhanger.com Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
WW2 British Tank Myths

WW2 British Tank Myths

2025-10-2234:033

What made British tank steel so superior? Why do people think British tanks were so bad in WW2? How was the Centurion the peak of British tank engineering? Join James Holland and Al Murray as they dispel the many pervasive myths that surround the history of British tank design and procurement in WW2, showing conclusively it was often ahead of Nazi German production. Start your free trial at ⁠patreon.com/wehaveways⁠ and unlock exclusive content and more. Enjoy livestreams, early access to podcast episodes, ad-free listening, bonus episodes, and a weekly newsletter packed with book deals and behind-the-scenes insights. Members also get priority access and discounts to live events. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehaveways@goalhanger.com Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What happened after the war to the communities around Monte Sole? Why did SS troops execute civilians, including women and children? How did survivors try to move on with their lives? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 3 as they explore the story of the largest mass killing of civilians in Western Europe outside of the camps, and try to understand why the tragedy is so poorly known. *This episode contains content that may upset some listeners.* Start your free trial at ⁠patreon.com/wehaveways⁠ and unlock exclusive content and more. Enjoy livestreams, early access to podcast episodes, ad-free listening, bonus episodes, and a weekly newsletter packed with book deals and behind-the-scenes insights. Members also get priority access and discounts to live events. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehaveways@goalhanger.com Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How did the SS units fight back against the Italian partisan brigades? When was the Marzabotto massacre? What happened to the leaders of the Stella Rossa, and their families? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 2 as they explore the story of the largest mass killing of civilians in Western Europe outside of the camps, and try to understand why the tragedy is so poorly known. *This episode contains content that may upset some listeners.* Start your free trial at ⁠patreon.com/wehaveways⁠ and unlock exclusive content and more. Enjoy livestreams, early access to podcast episodes, ad-free listening, bonus episodes, and a weekly newsletter packed with book deals and behind-the-scenes insights. Members also get priority access and discounts to live events. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehaveways@goalhanger.com Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Where is Monte Sole in Italy? Why was the Stella Rossa such a successful partisan group? What resistance did Italians engage in to fight Nazi Germany? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 1 as they explore the story of the largest mass killing of civilians in Western Europe outside of the camps, and try to understand why the tragedy is so poorly known. *This episode contains content that may upset some listeners.* Start your free trial at ⁠patreon.com/wehaveways⁠ and unlock exclusive content and more. Enjoy livestreams, early access to podcast episodes, ad-free listening, bonus episodes, and a weekly newsletter packed with book deals and behind-the-scenes insights. Members also get priority access and discounts to live events. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehaveways@goalhanger.com Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Spy Family

Spy Family

2025-10-0818:212

As a part of our continuing effort to commemorate the incredible global story of WW2, we present our ongoing ‘Family Stories’ series. This series tells YOUR relatives’ stories of derring do - both on the front line and home front. In this episode we hear your tales of bucking broncos, Hogan's heroes, and adventures with The Chindits. With thanks to Norman Bell, Peter Finch, Will Hogan, Malcolm Allen, Jo Pool, and Chris Bryan. Start your free trial at ⁠patreon.com/wehaveways⁠ and unlock exclusive content and more. Enjoy livestreams, early access to podcast episodes, ad-free listening, bonus episodes, and a weekly newsletter packed with book deals and behind-the-scenes insights. Members also get priority access and discounts to live events. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehaveways@goalhanger.com Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Did Daphne du Maurier design the paratroopers' maroon beret? Why was the defence of Malta so poor? What do the Army Air Corps do? Join James Holland and Al Murray as they discuss a broad range of topics in this show, including the hagiography of RAF ace, Sir Douglas Bader, and some top WW2 book recommendations. Start your free trial at ⁠patreon.com/wehaveways⁠ and unlock exclusive content and more. Enjoy livestreams, early access to podcast episodes, ad-free listening, bonus episodes, and a weekly newsletter packed with book deals and behind-the-scenes insights. Members also get priority access and discounts to live events. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehaveways@goalhanger.com Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why did Hitler give up on Operation Sealion and look East for conquest? What longterm consequences did British victory have for the wider war? When did the intensity of air attacks over Britain lessen? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 6 of this new series on The Battle Of Britain as they explore the decisive aerial battles over Britain in summer 1940, and the dogged defence that stopped the Nazi warmachine. Start your free trial at ⁠patreon.com/wehaveways⁠ and unlock exclusive content such as episode 7 of this series. Enjoy livestreams, early access to podcast episodes, ad-free listening, bonus episodes, and a weekly newsletter packed with book deals and behind-the-scenes insights. Members also get priority access and discounts to live events. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehaveways@goalhanger.com Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
When was the worst day for RAF casualties in The Battle Of Britain? Why did bombing London mean relief for RAF Fighter Command? What happened on September 7th 1940? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 5 of this new series on The Battle Of Britain as they explore the decisive aerial battles over Britain in summer 1940, and the dogged defence that stopped the Nazi warmachine. Start your free trial at ⁠patreon.com/wehaveways⁠ and unlock exclusive content and more. Enjoy livestreams, early access to podcast episodes, ad-free listening, bonus episodes, and a weekly newsletter packed with book deals and behind-the-scenes insights. Members also get priority access and discounts to live events. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehaveways@goalhanger.com Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What made a fighter pilot an ace in aerial combat? Why did Nazi Germany switch to bombing British cities? When did Polish and Czech pilots join the frontline in The Battle Of Britain? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 4 of this new series on The Battle Of Britain as they explore the decisive aerial battles over Britain in summer 1940, and the dogged defence that stopped the Nazi warmachine. Start your free trial at ⁠patreon.com/wehaveways⁠ and unlock exclusive content and more. Enjoy livestreams, early access to podcast episodes, ad-free listening, bonus episodes, and a weekly newsletter packed with book deals and behind-the-scenes insights. Members also get priority access and discounts to live events. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehaveways@goalhanger.com Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What was Eagle Day? Why was German intelligence about British defences so poor? Was British success due to 'The Few'? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 3 of this new series on The Battle Of Britain as they explore the decisive aerial battles over Britain in summer 1940, and the dogged defence that stopped the Nazi warmachine. Start your free trial at ⁠patreon.com/wehaveways⁠ and unlock exclusive content and more. Enjoy livestreams, early access to podcast episodes, ad-free listening, bonus episodes, and a weekly newsletter packed with book deals and behind-the-scenes insights. Members also get priority access and discounts to live events. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehaveways@goalhanger.com Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What was The Dowding System? Why was Chain Home pivotal to the defence of Britain in WW2? How many hours of training did RAF pilots have on average? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 2 of this new series on The Battle Of Britain as they explore the decisive aerial battles over Britain in summer 1940, and the dogged defence that stopped the Nazi warmachine. Start your free trial at ⁠patreon.com/wehaveways⁠ and unlock exclusive content and more. Enjoy livestreams, early access to podcast episodes, ad-free listening, bonus episodes, and a weekly newsletter packed with book deals and behind-the-scenes insights. Members also get priority access and discounts to live events. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehaveways@goalhanger.com Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Comments (85)

Peter Maruff

please stop waffling on about what you did on the weekend.

Oct 25th
Reply

Louis Zaretzki

I'm first

Aug 1st
Reply

Colin Mackie

.d

Jul 30th
Reply

New Jawn

one of the most insightful discussions I've heard in a very long time.

May 31st
Reply

louis zaretzki

I can't understand this dude! how the hell is he on tv?

Apr 25th
Reply

New Jawn

I had no idea. Truly brutal fighting for weeks without end.

Mar 27th
Reply

David Lee Ferns

I wish y'all would put the names and authors of books you refer to in description. I listen whilst driving and can't write them down. Love the pod.

Mar 4th
Reply (1)

louis zaretzki

HELLO from Waterbury CT. (which is in what we call New England.) My little city is nicknamed "The Brass City" because of the large amount of machine shops started in the war effort. As I write this, I'm listening to your podcast with the volume full blast because machine #B-61 is extremely loud.lol! Keep the podcast coming, they are very interesting. AND KEEP MAKING FUN OF S-hitler because your Jewish listeners....me.....LOVE EVERY MINUTE! LOL Louis J. Zaretzki

Feb 25th
Reply

SteelConsul44

Accepting that it was a quick answer to a question from six years ago, the argument that the war would have ended earlier if Hitler had attempted Sealion in 1941 completely fails to appreciate the wider scope of the rest of the war. Yes, a failed invasion of Britain would have caused a lot of damage to Nazi military might and indeed have placed Hitler in a more precarious position politically which might have led to a coup by the military, but equally a failed Sealion both might have delayed Barbarossa and the Soviets opening up a second front in the East, but also would have potentially done enough damage to the nascent recovery of the British Armed Forces in 1941 to mean that they were a lot more risk averse and defensive in their doctrine and tactics in the years afterwards, rather than having the space and support that no Sealion gave to reconfigure the economy and doctrine towards the kind of offensive warfare which led to the successful liberations of North Africa, Italy and then

Jan 2nd
Reply

Mark Joslyn

another great year of podcasts, really enjoyed walking the ground at Arnhem on YouTube really highlighted the issues the para's had. Great work fantastic stuff.

Dec 22nd
Reply

David Christian Larsen

v disappointed in this superficial treatment of this subject...

Sep 28th
Reply

Steve Walton

Again, a good compliment to the book.

Jun 24th
Reply

Steve Walton

A good compliment to the great book.

Jun 24th
Reply

David Lee Ferns

Pardon my language, but this guy is fucking awesome!

Jun 13th
Reply

Abdul aziz

🔴✅📺📱💻ALL>Movies>WATCH>ᗪOᗯᑎᒪOᗩᗪ>LINK>👉https://co.fastmovies.org

Feb 9th
Reply

Hugh Braddock

Yet a other great episode, but the Dornier 217 wasn't a seaplane, chaps. That would be a Dornier 24 or 26. Keep it going - best WW2 pod out there !!

Jan 16th
Reply

Adam Bennett

I've been listening to these podcasts since they started and they are getting better and better

Oct 27th
Reply

Charles Lloyd

Really enjoyed the Stilwell episode! How about more CBI shows, especially about Bill Slim?

Oct 23rd
Reply

Andrew Tuley

Hi.... I have just listened to this and I know it is a year old but I would like to comment.... My father was a Dispatch Rider in the Royal Signals. He road across North Africa, Sicily and then the Mud, Rain, Bullets and Bombs in Italy. He saw Friends, Colleagues and Senior Ranks killed and blown up. He felt they weren't given the credit they so richly deserved and I feel too many people don't know about the actions in Italy. I would like to thank both Al and James for highlighting this.

Oct 10th
Reply

Sneha Wilson

I loved it. Great work. Thanks for telling us the untold stories of the Indian freedom struggle.

Sep 13th
Reply