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 Re ...
…
continue reading
Front End Happy Hour Podcasts
A podcast featuring panelists of engineers from Netflix, Twitch, & Atlassian talking over drinks about all things software engineering.
…
continue reading
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 fishy goose, Christmas party war stories, and generous helpings of American butte…
…
continue reading
What happened to the Fairey Swordfish after Taranto? What was life like on the Arctic Convoys? How did aircrew cope with the polar conditions in an open cockpit? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 4 of this exploration of the Fairey Swordfish biplane torpedo bomber, and the brave crews of the Fleet Air Arm who achieved incredible victories i…
…
continue reading
1
The Battle Of Taranto Ends: Stringbags (Episode 3)
53:48
53:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:48
How many Italian ships were damaged or destroyed during the Taranto raid? Why did the British cancel the second day of attacks for Operation Judgement? When did the Italian fleet recover from the attack? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 3 of this exploration of the Fairey Swordfish biplane torpedo bomber, and the brave crews of the Fleet A…
…
continue reading
1
The Battle Of Taranto Begins: Stringbags (Part 2)
34:40
34:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:40
What happened in the Battle Of Taranto? Did the raid on Taranto catch the Italian defenders by surprise? How many Swordfish attacked the Italian fleet stationed at Taranto? Join James Holland and Al Murray for the second part of this mini-series exploring the Fairey Swordfish biplane torpedo bomber, and the brave crews of the Fleet Air Arm who achi…
…
continue reading
1
How the Navy Learned to Fly: Stringbags (Part 1)
1:06:16
1:06:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:16
How did naval aviation develop out of The First World War? Why was the Fairey Swordfish so good? What is the nickname of a Fairey Swordfish? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 1 of this exploration of the Fairey Swordfish biplane torpedo bomber, and the brave crews of the Fleet Air Arm who achieved incredible victories in an 'obsolete' airfr…
…
continue reading
1
Atlantic War: The Loss Of Three Aces (Part 6)
45:40
45:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:40
How did destroyers and escort groups protect convoys from U-Boat attack? When did convoy HX112 encounter the U-Boat 'Wolfpack' of Kretschmer and Schepke? What is a 'Pocket Battleship'? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 6 of this deep dive on the war in the Atlantic, the most vital theatre of war in WW2 and the long-running campaign between …
…
continue reading
How did the British government overhaul the port system to process convoys? What is a corvette? Why was life on an Atlantic convoy so dangerous? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 5 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 Germ…
…
continue reading
Forget what you think you know about reality. The Rest Is Science is a mind-bending new show from Goalhanger that tears down familiar ideas… time, randomness, beauty, it will reveal just how bizarre the world truly is. Join Professor Hannah Fry and science creator Michael Stevens (aka Vsauce) twice a week to explore big, small and surprising questi…
…
continue reading
1
Atlantic War: Papering Over The Cracks (Part 4)
47:04
47:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:04
What was so important about Cyril Thompson and the British Shipbuilding Commission in the USA? When was the first Liberty ship made? How did Hitler and the Luftwaffe prevent the U-Boats from becoming more effective in The Atlantic Ocean? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 4 of this deep dive on the war in the Atlantic, the most vital theatre…
…
continue reading
Why was this period known as 'The Happy Time' for Germany's U-Boats? How much merchant tonnage did the Allies lose to Nazi U-Boat aces? Has the impact of U-Boats on the Allied war effort been overstated in history since 1945? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 3 of this deep dive on the war in the Atlantic, the most vital theatre of war in W…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
1
Atlantic War: Norwegian Interlude (Part 2)
51:49
51:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:49
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 c…
…
continue reading
1
Atlantic War: No Phoney War At Sea (Part 1)
57:47
57:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:47
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…
…
continue reading
1
The Siege Of Malta: Operation Pedestal (Part 6)
52:28
52:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:28
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 yo…
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
1
The Siege Of Malta: The Most Bombed Place On Earth (Part 4)
47:44
47:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:44
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 …
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
1
The Siege Of Malta: Britain's Submarine Ace (Part 2)
58:47
58:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:47
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 i…
…
continue reading
1
The Siege Of Malta: Fortress Malta (Part 1)
54:13
54:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:13
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 Mediterr…
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
1
Death In The Mountains: Warning From History
39:24
39:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:24
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 unde…
…
continue reading
1
Death In The Mountains: Massacre At Monte Sole
56:09
56:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:09
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 wh…
…
continue reading
1
Death In The Mountains: Italy's Robin Hood
59:49
59:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:49
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 poor…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
By Goalhanger
…
continue reading
1
The Battle Of Britain: The Defeat Of The Luftwaffe
45:53
45:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:53
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 …
…
continue reading
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 t…
…
continue reading
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 t…
…
continue reading
1
The Battle Of Britain: Attack Of The Eagles
53:24
53:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:24
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 fre…
…
continue reading
1
The Battle Of Britain: The Dowding System
59:23
59:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:23
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 …
…
continue reading
When did the Luftwaffe begin the Kanalkampf phase of The Battle Of Britain? How many fighters and bombers did Nazi Germany have for the air war over Britain in Summer 1940? What was Operation Sealion called before the name was changed? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 1 of this new mythbusting series on The Battle Of Britain as they explor…
…
continue reading
Who was known as 'Smiling Albert'? Why is von Manstein overrated? What makes Model such a good general? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 6 as they run through the best leadership of the Western Theatre in WW2, and the best generals may surprise you. If you're ready to go beyond the books and walk in the footsteps of heroes - visit legerba…
…
continue reading
Which Prussian general wore a kilt and tricked British units with his excellent English? Why did Halder lose command even after his successes in Poland and France? Who refused to wear their general insignia after the Second World War, and became a humble mechanic? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 5 as they run through the best leadership o…
…
continue reading
How many times was George S. Patton fired by his superiors? Why isn't Lucian Truscott better known? Was Ridgway the most effective airborne commander of the Second World War? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 4 as they run through the best land forces leadership of the Western Theatre in WW2 - and their answers may surprise you. Start your …
…
continue reading
Was General Eisenhower the best US general of WW2? What decision impacts the reputation of Jumpin' Jim Gavin? When did General Mark Clark capture Rome? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 3 as they run through the best land forces leadership of the Western Theatre in WW2 - and their answers may surprise you. Start your free trial at patreon.…
…
continue reading
Was Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery a bad general? Why isn't Richard O'Connor known for his stunning victories? When did Horrocks take command of XXX Corps? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 2 as they run through the best land forces leadership of the Western Theatre in WW2 - and their answers may surprise you. Start your free trial at pa…
…
continue reading
Was Harold Alexander the best land forces commander the British Empire had? Why was Field Marshal Alan Brooke called Lord Alanbrooke? What's so funny about Percy Hobart? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 1 as they run through the best land forces leadership of the Western Theatre in WW2 - and their answers may surprise you. Start your free …
…
continue reading
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 being washed up in Barbados, accidental parachute deployments, and lost summer lo…
…
continue reading
When was WW2 over? How did different leaders behave at the end of the war? Why was the surrender on the deck of the USS Missouri? Join James Holland, Al Murray, and John McManus for Part 4 of the Hiroshima mini-series as they explore the end of WW2, 80 years on. Start your free trial at patreon.com/wehaveways and unlock exclusive content and more…
…
continue reading
Why was the second atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki? How did Japanese mutineers in government try to keep the war going? When did the Emperor Hirohito admit defeat? Join James Holland and Al Murray for Part 3 as they explore the monumental decisions that led to the world's first atomic bomb being dropped at the end of WW2. Start your free trial at p…
…
continue reading
When was Little Boy dropped on Hiroshima? How did different people react to the news of the explosion? Why was the second atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki? Join James Holland, Al Murray, and Iain MacGregor for Part 2 as they explore the monumental decisions that led to the world's first atomic bomb being dropped at the end of WW2. SUBSCRIBE FOR A FR…
…
continue reading
What was the Manhattan Project? How accurate is the movie Oppenheimer? Why was the world's first nuclear weapon dropped on Hiroshima? Join James Holland, Al Murray, and Iain MacGregor for Part 1 as they explore the monumental decisions that led to the world's first atomic bomb being dropped at the end of WW2. SUBSCRIBE FOR A FREE WEEK AND GET EPISO…
…
continue reading
Who was the forgotten general in the Burma campaign? When was he made the last Chief of the Imperial General Staff and a Field Marshal? How understrength and ad-hoc were battalions fighting in Burma? Join James Holland and Al Murray for a bonus episode to the Burma '45 series, as they finish exploring the forgotten victories of commander Bill Slim …
…
continue reading
Who won the race to liberate Rangoon: Mountbatten or Slim? When was Operation Dracula in 1945? Why was the treatment of Slim so bad after his incredible achievements? Join James Holland and Al Murray for Part 6 of this series, as they explore the forgotten victories of commander Bill Slim and the 14th Army at the end of a bloody Burma Campaign in W…
…
continue reading
How did Allied air superiority and mechanisation contribute to the liberation of Central Burma? In what ways did Heitarō Kimura and William Slim compare as commanders? When did Punch Cowan's 17th Indian Infantry Division capture Meiktila? Join James Holland and Al Murray for Part 5 of this series, as they explore the forgotten victories of commande…
…
continue reading
How did Slim and the Allies plan to deceive Japanese forces in Burma? What was the true worth of the Chindits under Orde Wingate? When did the Allies attack Mandalay? Join James Holland and Al Murray for Part 4 of this series, as they explore the forgotten victories of commander Bill Slim and the 14th Army at the end of a bloody Burma Campaign in W…
…
continue reading
Why did different Allied commanders clash in their goals and methods to win the Burma campaign? What happened to the Japanese forces that tried to swim away from Ramree Island? How did the British supply forces in Burma, hundreds of miles from bases in India? Join James Holland and Al Murray for Part 3 of this series, as they explore the forgotten …
…
continue reading
How did Mountbatten and South East Asia Command marshall new forces and tactics to retake Burma? What were conditions life for soldiers fighting in Burma? When did the Allies plan to go on the offensive against Japanese forces? Join James Holland and Al Murray for Part 2 of this series, as they explore the forgotten victories of commander Bill Slim…
…
continue reading
What was war like in Burma in 1944 and 1945? How did British and allied forces overcome the difficulties of jungle warfare and tropical disease? When did the Allies master fighting in the jungle during this campaign? Join James Holland and Al Murray for Part 1 of this series, as they explore the forgotten victories of commander Bill Slim and the 14…
…
continue reading
How did the Potsdam Conference lead to the Marshall Plan, NATO, and The Warsaw Pact? What was The Long Telegram and the US policy of Containment? When did the Big Three of WW2 stop being antifascist allies and start being ideological enemies? Join James Holland, Al Murray, and guest Giles Milton for Part 2 on this exploration of the Potsdam Confere…
…
continue reading
