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
15 snips
Mar 5, 2026 • 39min
The Channel Dash: Hide & Seek (Part 2)
A detailed look at the audacious German breakout from Brest and the plans behind Operation Cerberus. They trace rehearsed air cover, radar jamming, and the Goldilocks weather that aided the escape. The narrative follows missed detections, delayed warnings, and how small misreads and redeployments let massive warships slip through the Channel.
28 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 52min
The Channel Dash: Operation Cerberus vs Operation Fuller (Part 1)
A dramatic WWII naval breakout is unpacked: why Hitler ordered the Brest fleet moved and the bold plan to steam up the English Channel. Listeners hear how air cover, mine-clearing, radar jamming and fast escorts were coordinated. British coastal defences and the risky Admiralty response are laid out, with focus on the choices that made the dash possible.
8 snips
Feb 26, 2026 • 26min
The Magician Who Missed the Boat
Tales of narrow escapes at sea and a conjuror who missed a doomed voyage. Shipboard repairs, torpedo scares and daring Dunkirk rescues feature heavily. Stories of U-boat hunts, lost sailors and a sailor traced from a charity bookshop add mystery and poignancy. Naval life, POW survival and surprising personal artefacts weave through these family recollections.
21 snips
Feb 24, 2026 • 45min
Books, Balls, and Bismarck
They dive into naval intelligence, Bismarck relics and dramatic sea accounts. They discuss convoy survival, air patrol tactics and U-boat hunt mechanics. They explore wartime songs and how ridiculing leaders spread among troops. They talk about explaining complex gunnery and strategy to children and list key February events and notable sinkings.
19 snips
Feb 19, 2026 • 44min
Warbirds of Liberty: The Fantastic Fighting 4th - A Thousand Destroyed (Part 4)
A rollicking look at the Fourth Fighter Group’s role on D-Day and the frantic early-morning sweeps over Normandy. Tales of daring long-range shuttle missions to Soviet fields and a 1,600-mile escort flight. Intense air battles across Europe, dramatic shootdowns and near-miraculous survivals. A run through rising ace tallies, jet-era fears, and the group’s legacy after the war.
15 snips
Feb 17, 2026 • 1h 14min
Warbirds of Liberty: The Fantastic Fighting 4th - The Blakesleewaffe (Part 3)
Long-range P-51 Mustangs and how the Rolls-Royce Merlin turned them into high-altitude killers. Don Blakeslee's push to equip and train the Fourth Fighter Group on Mustangs and his hard-nosed leadership. How Mustang escorts changed bombing campaigns, Big Week missions, and air operations over Berlin. Tactics, roaming strikes on the ground, and the group's role preparing for the Normandy invasion.
20 snips
Feb 12, 2026 • 47min
Warbirds of Liberty: The Fantastic Fighting 4th - Transition (Part 2)
A lively look at how American pilots joined the fight before Pearl Harbor and the wartime timeline for US entry. The transformation from Spitfires to P-47 Thunderbolts and the rise of key Fourth Fighter Group aces. Tactical experiments, range problems and the game-changing adoption of drop tanks. High-stakes 1943 battles and the group's growing role ahead of the invasion.
42 snips
Feb 10, 2026 • 54min
Warbirds of Liberty: The Fantastic Fighting 4th - The Eagle Squadrons (Part 1)
Outrageous tales of American pilots who flew for Britain before the US entered the war. The formation and culture of the Eagle Squadrons and their love of Spitfires. The rise of Don Blakeslee and colorful fellow pilots with daring leadership and risky missions. A catastrophic 1942 escort mistake and the dramatic transfer into the USAAF Fourth Fighter Group.
13 snips
Feb 5, 2026 • 50min
Sink The Bismarck! Legacy (Part 4)
A retelling of the dramatic hunt for the battleship Bismarck and the Royal Navy’s efforts to sink her. Rescue missions and the grim scene at sea are described. Debate over HMS Hood’s rapid loss, design flaws and the forensic findings from its wreck are explored. The strategic fallout for German naval plans and the shift toward U‑boat warfare are discussed.
7 snips
Feb 3, 2026 • 1h 7min
Sink The Bismarck! Sink The Bismarck (Part 3)
A tense retelling of the night-long harassment and torpedo attempts by British destroyers that wore the Bismarck down. Weather, fatigue and coordinated picketing shape the chase. Heavy ships converge at dawn, opening devastating fire that cripples command and superstructure. The battered battleship is pummeled, torpedoed and finally scuttled as survivors struggle in the sea.
