

42 episodes
by Goalhanger · English
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

Operation Bluecoat (Part 6) in Normandy, July 1944—how the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry (armoured fighting vehicles) fight through the Battle of Hoto, suffer heavy losses, reorganize tactics (including…
24 Aug 2026 · 49m · 18 chapters
Part 5 of “British Band of Brothers” follows the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry in Normandy after their June 27th fighting, focusing on unit organization, brutal hedgerow combat around Rauray/Roray, and…
19 Aug 2026 · 58m · 19 chapters
The “phony war” in early 1940, focusing on economic warfare and supply constraints—especially metals, oil, and the Allied/Axis struggle over iron ore routes—plus how morale and indecision affect…
17 Aug 2026 · 46m · 16 chapters
Home-front conditions during the “Phony War” (winter 1939–40), comparing Germany, France, and Britain, and how shortages and propaganda shaped civilian life and war readiness; episode title is…
12 Aug 2026 · 1h · 19 chapters
The phony war (Sitzkrieg) and why France and the Low Countries seem stuck in 1914, while Nazi Germany prepares for a fast, decisive Western campaign.
10 Aug 2026 · 57m · 15 chapters
The “phony war” begins after Poland (Sept 1939), focusing on how major powers prepare for a Western front they mostly want to avoid.
5 Aug 2026 · 55m · 17 chapters
Episode 8 of We Have Ways of Making You Talk (“Operation Barbarossa: Winning To Death” Part 8) covers how Army Group Centre’s rapid advance after Smolensk (captured 15 July 1941) turns into…
3 Aug 2026 · 1h 5m · 31 chapters
Episode 7 of “Operation Barbarossa: One Man’s War” follows Austrian SS officer Unteroffizier Wilhelm Prüller through the early days of the German invasion of the USSR (late June to early/mid July…
29 Jul 2026 · 59m · 28 chapters
Operation Barbarossa’s “surge” phase (early July 1941) and how German rapid advances fail to destroy the Red Army or secure the rear, leading to a costly “culmination point” by mid-July.
27 Jul 2026 · 52m · 18 chapters
The opening days of Operation Barbarossa (Part 5), focusing on German armored spearheads crossing the Bug River, the broader strategic confusion at the top of the Nazi command, and the Soviet failure…
22 Jul 2026 · 1h 12m · 25 chapters
1000th episode special of We Have Ways of Making You Talk, mixing WWII history talk (especially the Taranto raid and broader “how the war unfolded”) with behind-the-scenes origin and pandemic-era…
20 Jul 2026 · 45m · 20 chapters
A special episode linking football (including the World Cup) to Second World War and its aftermath through multiple family histories, ranging from military football tours to wartime sports equipment…
15 Jul 2026 · 37m · 8 chapters
Part 3 of “North African Odyssey: To Hell And Back” follows John Frost’s parachute force after a failed, pointless deep-behind-enemy operation in Tunisia.
13 Jul 2026 · 53m · 22 chapters
The final months of WWII leading into and including the Battle of Berlin (April–May 1945), focusing on Allied planning, Soviet strategy, and the human realities of the fighting and occupation fears…
9 Jul 2026 · 25m · 10 chapters
Second Parachute Battalion’s failed attempt to seize and destroy aircraft at Udna airfield near Tunis, after a misdrop and breakdown in coordination with higher command; includes prolonged fighting,…
8 Jul 2026 · 49m · 18 chapters
The early North African airborne campaign around Operation Torch, focusing on the lead-up to the “Oudna disaster” (Part 1).
6 Jul 2026 · 54m · 17 chapters
The “Countdown” to Operation Barbarossa—how Stalin and Japan’s foreign minister Yōsuke Matsuoka negotiate a Soviet-Japanese neutrality pact, while Germany prepares a war of extermination against the…
1 Jul 2026 · 46m · 17 chapters
This episode (Part 3) explains why Germany’s Operation Barbarossa became both ideologically “inevitable” and practically risky.
29 Jun 2026 · 48m · 12 chapters