WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk
Goalhanger
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/wehavewaysFor more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
5 snips
Apr 8, 2026 • 50min
Japan's Road To War: Countdown To Infamy (Part 4)
A deep dive into Japan’s internal politics, from ceremonial evasions to cabinet friction and Tojo’s rise. Debates over industrial capacity and war timing clash with Yamamoto’s Pearl Harbor preparations. Diplomatic twists spotlight Nomura, Togo and tense talks in Washington before final breakdowns lead to a secret countdown.
Apr 6, 2026 • 58min
Japan's Road To War: Honne & Tatemae (Part 3)
They unpack honne and tatemae and how private versus public faces shaped high‑level decision making. Military factionalism and competing northern and southern strategies push options toward conflict. The crushing US oil embargo and diplomatic deadlines that hardened choices get spotlighted. Naval warnings and tense intelligence and alliance dilemmas add to the sense of an increasingly trapped leadership.
6 snips
Apr 1, 2026 • 1h
Japan's Road To War: Power Behind The Throne (Part 2)
A deep dive into Yōsuke Matsuoka’s aggressive diplomacy and how mid-ranking Bakuryō officers pushed expansionist plans. The clash between northern and southern strategies after Barbarossa gets examined. Discussion of factional military power, Konoe’s weak civilian control, and the seizure of southern Indochina that set off sanctions and escalation.
26 snips
Mar 30, 2026 • 1h 3min
Japan's Road To War: Empire Of The Rising Sun (Part 1)
A dive into Japan’s slide toward war, from economic collapse after China’s invasion to bold moves in Indochina. Discusses Western racism, resource embargoes, and how diplomatic misreads pushed leaders toward confrontation. Covers rising militarism, revived Bushido, staged incidents like Manchuria, and the political paralysis that made conflict seem inevitable.
Mar 26, 2026 • 32min
Audie Murphy: Germany (Part 4)
A vivid rundown of Audie Murphy’s frontline heroics, from a lone tank-destroyer stand to seizing bridges and halting German advances. They trace his rise from company actions to Medal of Honor recognition. The story follows his postwar fame, film career, personal struggles, and tragic death, ending with reflections on legacy and memorials.
5 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 51min
Audie Murphy: Rome & France (Part 3)
They trace Audie Murphy’s wounds, hospital stays, and daring solo actions on Italian and French fronts. They cover the Anzio stalemate, the breakout to Rome, and the August landings in southern France. They describe hill fighting, mercy shown to a wounded German, and the chaos of Montélimar and the Rhône Valley routs.
Mar 19, 2026 • 50min
Audie Murphy: The Cave & Anzio (Part 2)
They explore Audie Murphy's wartime experiences in Italy, from a cave ambush and tending wounded enemies to the chaos at Cisterna and Anzio. They describe harsh terrain, defender advantages, and the toll on infantrymen. They also cover Murphy's R&R in poverty-stricken Naples and the moral complexities of civilians and soldiers in wartime.
Mar 17, 2026 • 53min
Audie Murphy: Sicily & Salerno (Part 1)
A deep dive into Audie Murphy's entry into combat and the chaos of Sicily and Salerno landings. They trace his Dust Bowl background and underage enlistment. Intense frontline scenes cover first kills, squad losses, disease and heat. Tactical context explores Operation Husky, mountain warfare, supply woes and daring assaults on machine-gun positions.
7 snips
Mar 12, 2026 • 41min
The Channel Dash: Out The Frying Pan (Part 4)
A dramatic retelling of Operation Cerberus and the daring German dash from Brest through the English Channel. Naval torpedo boat ambushes, misfiring torpedoes and rescue-at-sea confusion feature heavily. Air attacks struggle with navigation, flak and fuel limits. Chaotic destroyer clashes, a mine strike on Scharnhorst and the fleet’s eventual escape shape the narrative.
9 snips
Mar 10, 2026 • 37min
The Channel Dash: The Battle of The Narrow Seas (Part 3)
A tense retelling of Operation Cerberus and the audacious German dash from Brest across the Channel. Naval planning, secrecy and British confusion shape the story. Radar, coastal artillery and RAF miscommunications complicate attempts to stop the convoy. A doomed daylight torpedo attack by Swordfish and its human cost are vividly recounted.
