Best Ray Harris Jr Podcasts (2025)

51
Episode 531-Operation Little Saturn Pt 1 22:15

1d ago22:15

22:15

Picking another weak point of the Axis defensive line to the NW of Stalingrad, the Italian 8th, the Hungarian 2nd and what remained of the Romanian 3rd Armies would be attacked. Then the airfield feeding Gen. Paulus’ 6th Army would be raided. The German forces would be tied down and unable to assist. Punch by punch Army Group South is losing its st…

1
Pope Francis, Paddy Higson, David Sassoon 27:49

2h ago27:49

27:49

Matthew Bannister on Pope Francis, the first Latin American Pope who was noted for his humility and modest lifestyle. Paddy Higson, the TV and film producer once described as “the mother of the Scottish film industry”. Jed Mercurio and Clare Grogan pay tribute. And David Sassoon, the fashion designer who dressed royalty and film stars. Dame Zandra …

1
1,052 - MC Taylor Goldsmith Show, Kat Edmonson, Ken Pomeroy, Jonny Fritz, and Scott Mulvahill 2:12:07

7h ago2:12:07

2:12:07

This episode was recorded on March 9, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes The MC Taylor Goldsmith Show (featuring Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes and MC Taylor of Hiss Golden Messenger), Kat Edmonson, Ken Pomeroy, Jonny Fritz, and Scott Mulvahill. https://bit.ly/4iftS6O…

1
Episode 530-Operation Mars 27:21

14h ago27:21

27:21

Operation Mars was the sister Soviet counter attack to Uranus, which freed Stalingrad. But Mars would end very differently for the Soviets. When it was all over, the Stavka would turn their attention back to the south. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ray Harris Jr

1
Ep 529-Interview w/Jonathan Horn: The Fate of the Generals 47:24

9d ago47:24

47:24

Author Jonathan Horn’s Book, The Fate of Generals: MacArthur, Wainwright and the Epic battle for the Philippines, covers the experiences of both generals during the war. Yet, one is remembered by history, the other, not so much. This book seeks to rectify this. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Anne Scargill, Ronnie Appleton, Cecil Wright, Mario Vargas Llosa 27:52

5d ago27:52

27:52

Matthew Bannister on Anne Scargill, who founded the Women Against Pit Closures group when her husband Arthur was leading the Miners Strike of the 1980s. The actor Maxine Peake pays tribute. Ronnie Appleton who was Chief Crown Prosecutor for Northern Ireland during the height of the troubles. Cecil Wright, the Jamaican born cricketer who made his ma…

1
1,051- Larkin Poe, Victoria Canal, Raye Zaragoza, Ron Pope, and Christian Lopez 2:19:19

7d ago2:19:19

2:19:19

This episode was recorded on February 16th, 2025 at the Canady Creative Arts Centerat West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. The lineup includes Larkin Poe, Victoria Canal, Raye Zaragoza, Ron Pope, and Christian Lopez. https://bit.ly/3RWmKBeBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

101
Episode 528-Operation Northern Lights 26:53

8d ago26:53

26:53

Gen. von Manstein is sent north to capture Leningrad. But days before his attack is launched, the Soviets launch their own. And the results of this battle will be felt all the way to Stalingrad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ray Harris Jr

151
Episode 527-Winning By Other Means 21:39

11d ago21:39

21:39

The German 17th Army on the Taman peninsula is bending, but not breaking. Then the Soviets realize, they don’t have to win, just hold. For events at Kursk will decide the fate of the Caucasus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ray Harris Jr

1
Lord Kalms, Melissa Llewallyn-Davies, Rex Cowan, Wilma Finla 27:57

12d ago27:57

27:57

Matthew Bannister on Lord Kalms, who turned his family’s camera shop into the multi-million-pound Dixons electronics chain. Melissa Llewellyn-Davies, the anthropologist who made an acclaimed TV series about Kenya’s Masai tribe before turning her camera on the UK. Rex Cowan, the lawyer who changed career to become one of the world’s most successful …

1
1,050- The Headhunters, Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters, David Berkeley, Buffalo Rose, and Crys Matthews 2:14:14

15d ago2:14:14

2:14:14

This episode was recorded on February 2nd, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes The Headhunters, Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters, David Berkeley, Buffalo Rose, and Crys Matthews. https://bit.ly/42AWjHvBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

1
Episode 526-Operation Neptune 26:06

16d ago26:06

26:06

With the building up of troops on the Taman Peninsula, the Germans realize they need an all out attack to drive the enemy back into the Black Sea. Thus Operation Neptune is born. Yet as the Germans look into their cupboard for reserves, they are shocked by what they find. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Val Kilmer, Jane Reed, Sir Torquil Norman, Dr Marika Sherwood 27:51

19d ago27:51

27:51

Matthew Bannister on The Hollywood actor Val Kilmer, best known for his roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever and The Doors. Jane Reed, the media executive who made Woman’s Own magazine a powerful voice for its readers at a time of changing roles for women in society. Sir Torquil Norman, who used the proceeds from the sale of his successful toy business…

1
Episode 525-Alone, Isolated and About to Die 19:56

24d ago19:56

19:56

Now that Stalingrad is liberated, the Stavka decide to clear the Caucasus of Axis troops. Which means annihilating the German 17th Army and the Romanian 3rd Army. But Soviet mistakes will start things off badly for the, now attackers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ray Harris Jr

1
1,049 - Oliver Wood, Stephen Wilson Jr., Dar Williams, TopHouse, and Cloud Cult 2:23:54

22d ago2:23:54

2:23:54

This episode was recorded on January 26th, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes Oliver Wood, Stephen Wilson Jr., Dar Williams, TopHouse, and Cloud Cult. https://bit.ly/4hTzT8LBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

1
Episode 524-The Line Has Been Drawn at Stalingrad 22:46

23d ago22:46

22:46

With overwhelming forces, the German 6th Army is trapped by the Soviets and then reduced. Paulus does not want to surrender, but the call is not his to make. The 6th Army is no more and Army Group South is very much weakened for it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ray Harris Jr

1
Episode 523-Resistance Is Futile 21:42

26d ago21:42

21:42

The Soviets squeeze the trapped German 6th Army even more. Axis air fields are attacked, making it impossible to feed Paulus’ men. By January of 1943, the Russian winter now has its grip on the Axis soldiers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ray Harris Jr

1
Oleg Gordievsky, Renee Goddard, Professor Richard Fortey, Sofia Gubaidulina 27:53

26d ago27:53

27:53

Matthew Bannister on Oleg Gordievsky, the KGB agent who defected to Britain and became a valued source of secret intelligence during the 1970s and 80s. Renee Goddard, the actress and TV commissioner who fled Nazi persecution only to be interned in Britain. Professor Richard Fortey, the palaeontologist who used his expertise in trilobites to tell st…

1
1,048 - Kip Moore, Joy Clark, Brad Tursi, Andrew Marlin Stringband, and Matt Mullins & The Bringdowns with guest host David Mayfield 2:22:08

28d ago2:22:08

2:22:08

This episode was recorded on December 8, 2024 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes SKip Moore, Joy Clark, Brad Tursi, Andrew Marlin Stringband, and Matt Mullins & The Bringdowns with guest host David Mayfield. bit.ly/4iwypCoBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

1
Episode 522-Operation Winter Storm 30:25

30d ago30:25

30:25

As Gen. Manstein readies for Operation Thunderclap, the breakout of the German 6th Army, the Soviets attack again. This time, against the Italian 8th Army. They will be no more successful in resisting, than were the Romanians. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ray Harris Jr

1
Group Captain John Allman ‘Paddy’ Hemingway DFC, Dame Julie Kenny, Tuppy Owens, Dick McTaggart 27:52

1M ago27:52

27:52

Matthew Bannister on: Group Captain John Allman ‘Paddy’ Hemingway DFC , the last surviving pilot who fought in the Battle of Britain during the second world war. Dame Julie Kenny, the successful businesswoman from Rotherham who led the regeneration of one of Britain’s largest stately homes. Tuppy Owens, who campaigned for greater openness about sex…

1
Episode 521-Decision Time: Fight or Flight 24:45

1M ago24:45

24:45

Operation Uranus is launched. The Axis forces, caught unawares, fall back. Berlin makes plans, but they simply do not have the means to counter the Soviet attack, not that they realize this yet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ray Harris Jr

1
1,047 - Stephen Kellogg, Jill Sobule, Mindy Smith, Caleb Caudle & The Sweet Critters, and The David Mayfield Parade 2:30:05

1M ago2:30:05

2:30:05

This episode was recorded on December 1st, 2024 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes Stephen Kellogg, Jill Sobule, Mindy Smith, Caleb Caudle & The Sweet Critters, and The David Mayfield Parade, with guest host Conor Knighton. http://bit.ly/3FLIixDBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

1
Episode 520-Operation Uranus 22:34

1M ago22:34

22:34

While Stalingrad holds out, additional Soviet Armies are being assembled nearby. And in mid November they would be launched, to either side of Gen. Paulus’ 6th Army. If all goes well, those German troops within and near Stalingrad would be surrounded. But the trap must first be set. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Athol Fugard, Janet Pharaoh, Alison Halford, Johnny Green 27:51

1M ago27:51

27:51

Kirsty Lang on: Athol Fugard, the playwright whose art became synonymous with exposing the inequities of the Apartheid regime in South Africa. Janet Pharaoh, the dancer from Yorkshire who became the artistic director at the Moulin Rouge in Paris. Alison Halford who rose through the ranks to become the first female Assistant Chief Constable. Johnny …

1
Episode 519-Defeat is Always Possible. But Will it Be Today? 21:40

1M ago21:40

21:40

Stalingrad’s defenders are pushed to the breaking point. Worse, they are only sometimes given help by Zhukov. The Germans attack again and the defense all but collapses. Fortunately, the attackers get tired and the Russians hang on. Meanwhile, while Zhukov is making moves behind the lines, certain German officers realize, how weak the Romanian divi…

1
Episode 518-Stalin's Latest Mistake 23:45

1M ago23:45

23:45

The attack against northern Stalingrad fairs well, still the defenders on holding on. But Stalin is unsatisfied, he wants counter attacks. It will waste men and ammunition, but no one argues with Stalin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ray Harris Jr

1
Bill Dare, Clint Hill, Valérie André, Gene Hackman 27:51

2M ago27:51

27:51

Matthew Bannister on Bill Dare, the writer and producer behind some of Radio 4’s best loved comedies, including “The Now Show” and “Dead Ringers”. Jan Ravens pays tribute. Clint Hill, the American Secret Service agent who threw himself across President John F. Kennedy’s body after he was shot in Dallas. Valérie André, the first woman General in the…

1
Episode 517-The Black Hole That Is Stalingrad 27:36

2M ago27:36

27:36

As Gen. Paulus’ second major attack on Stalingrad gets underway, he’s even more impatient as he had been offered a promotion. But first, he must take the city. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ray Harris Jr

1
Episode 516-Holding Stalingrad by the Skin of their Teeth 23:33

2M ago23:33

23:33

Now that German forces are inside Stalingrad, the fighting centers around the Main Ferry Terminal, the Grain Elevator and the heights of Mamayev Kurgan Park. Both sides will take these locations only to lose them again and again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ray Harris Jr

1
Roberta Flack, Dr D G Hessayon, Keith Dewhurst, Rose Hanks 27:50

2M ago27:50

27:50

John Wilson on: Musician Roberta Flack, best known for The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Killing Me Softly. Dr David Hessayon, the author of a series of gardening books known as The Expert guides. His one word advice to keen gardeners was 'mulch'. Keith Dewhurst whose work for television and stage included the National’s unconventional adapta…

1
Episode 515-Rat Warfare in Stalingrad 24:22

2M ago24:22

24:22

Axis forces enter Stalingrad. But the Germans, unused to urban warfare, adapt as best they can. Whereas the new local commander of the defenders, Vasily Chuikov, will fight like a cornered rat and will quickly devise tactics to counter German advantages. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Episode 514-Zhukov Arrives at Stalingrad 27:34

2M ago27:34

27:34

Though Army Group B approaches Stalingrad, all does not go according to plan. Thus Gen. Paulus calls on Field Marshal Wolfram von Richthofen and his Fliegerkorps 8 to bomb Stalingrad for 48 hours. The destruction is terrible, still, the defenders will not yield. And while Marshal Zhukov readies Stalingrad’s defenses, Berlin starts taking men from A…

1
Rick Buckler, Margaret Miles-Bramwell, Harry Stewart Jr, Maureen Halton 27:44

2M ago27:44

27:44

John Wilson on Rick Buckley, the drummer in The Jam, one of the most popular and influential British bands of the 70s and 80s. Margaret Miles-Bramwell who founded Slimming World in response to what she saw as humiliation tactics by weight loss groups. World War Two fighter pilot Harry Stewart Jr, part of the all-African American Tuskegee Airmen who…

1
Episode 513-Stalingrad or Bust 27:06

2M ago27:06

27:06

Dividing Army Group South, both the Baku Oil Fields and Stalingrad are to be captured. Berlin believes this will weaken Soviet Russia’s war effort. But between Gen. Zhukov’s leadership and Lend Lease material reaching Russia by June 1942, Gen. Paulus’ 6th Army is in for a surprise. Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter @WW2Podcaster Ti…

1
Episode 512-Operation Anthropoid 29:30

2M ago29:30

29:30

First, a summary of Stalin’s late winter, early spring 1942 counter attacks, along the entire Eastern Front. They mostly fail and cost hundreds of thousands of Soviet lives, but the Germans are checked once again. Then we turn to the Axis losing one of their own, in Operation Anthropoid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoice…

1
Nigel McCrery, Andrée Dumon, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, Diana Melly 27:50

2M ago27:50

27:50

Matthew Bannister on Nigel McCrery, the former police officer who created the popular TV series “Silent Witness” and “New Tricks”. Andrée Dumon, who rescued many allied service men during the Second World War by escorting them along “The Comet Line” from Brussels to Paris. Lord Elis-Thomas, the former leader of Plaid Cymru and the first Presiding O…

1
Episode 511- FDR's Fireside Chats 52:02

3M ago52:02

52:02

As President Roosevelt knew his New Deal policies would be unpopular with the business owners, he sought to explain himself directly to the people. Thus his fireside chats were born. But then came another crisis, the outbreak of WWII. Over the years, FDR would keep his fellow citizens informed of the country’s failures and successes, but ever striv…

1
Tony Martin, Pete Wilkinson, Loretta Ford, Marianne Faithfull 27:53

2M ago27:53

27:53

Matthew Bannister on Tony Martin, the Norfolk farmer who shot dead a burglar and started a national debate about the rights of householders to defend themselves. Pete Wilkinson, the co-founder of Greenpeace UK, known for his high-profile direct-action campaigns. Loretta Ford, who pioneered the role of nurse practitioner in American health care. Mar…

1
Episode 510-The Fall of Sevastopol 38:12

3M ago38:12

38:12

Using overwhelming artillery, the Germans close in on Sevastopol. Petrov does what he can, but the Stavka stop giving him reinforcements, thinking, the enemy can’t attack for more than 2 weeks at a time. But through daring risks, the Germans get closer, though lose staggering amounts of men, enough, to disrupt Hitler’s larger plans for the area. Le…

1
Episode 509-Resist Today, Resist Tomorrow, Resit Until It’s Done 31:32

3M ago31:32

31:32

During WWII many civilians became resisters, rebels and they would strike at their oppressive governments in any way they could. For some, it will be boycotts, for others, they will choose to pick up weapons. Tyranny should never be allowed an easy victory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Rev Don Cupitt, Phyllis Dalton, Cecile Richards, Michael Longley 27:41

3M ago27:41

27:41

Matthew Bannister on The Reverend Don Cupitt, the controversial theologian whose TV series “The Sea of Faith” asked in what form - if any - is Christian faith possible for us today? Phyllis Dalton, the Oscar winning costume designer who worked on classic films, including “Lawrence of Arabia”, “Doctor Zhivago” and “Oliver!”. Cecile Richards, the Ame…

1
Episode 508-The Fall of Kerch 34:48

3M ago34:48

34:48

Though outmanned, Gen. Manstein will brilliantly use what he has to out maneuver the Soviet forces on the eastern half of Crimea. It will take time, but soon the defenders are bottled up, their reinforcements cut off by the Luftwaffe. And on May 8, 1941, the final blows start against Gen. Kozlov’s forces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit meg…

1
Episode 507-Wolf Killers 33:53

3M ago33:53

33:53

Of all Gen. Manstein’s Infantry Divisions, Maj. Gen. Ludwig Wolff’s 22nd Division will get the closest to Sevastopol. But Petrov’s regular flow of reinforcements will devour these wolves seeking to take the vital port city. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ray Harris Jr

1
Dame Joan Plowright, Sir Jim Walker, Barbara Clegg, Denis Law 27:51

3M ago27:51

27:51

Matthew Bannister on Dame Joan Plowright, one of the most acclaimed actresses of her generation who was married to Laurence Olivier. Dame Judi Dench pays tribute. Sir Jim Walker, who built up his family business from a small bakery in the North of Scotland to become a global food exporter. Barbara Clegg, the first woman to write a story for Dr Who.…

1
Episode 506-Lord Haw-Haw 33:57

3M ago33:57

33:57

Masters of Propaganda, the German state employs William Joyce to broadcast news, in a taunting tone, to the Allied Nations. His objective, to demoralize the Allied soldiers and the civilians supporting them, to give up the fight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ray Harris Jr

1
Tony Slattery, Rosalind Savill, Paddy Hill, Noreen Riols 27:45

3M ago27:45

27:45

Matthew Bannister on The comedian and actor Tony Slattery. Sir Stephen Fry reflects on his friend’s talent – and struggle with addiction and poor mental health. Dame Rosalind Savill, the respected director who brought new audiences to the Wallace Collection in London. Paddy Hill, one of six men wrongly convicted of carrying out pub bombings in Birm…

1
Special Edition: Tony Slattery 24:09

3M ago24:09

24:09

Tony Slattery was known for his quick-witted improvisations on the popular Channel 4 show Whose Line Is It Anyway?, from 1988 onwards. He also played comedic and serious roles in films such as crime thriller The Crying Game, Peter's Friends and the dark comedy How to Get Ahead in Advertising. Tony died on 14th January 2025. For Last Word, Matthew B…

1
Episode 505-Catch Me, If You Can 23:10

3M ago23:10

23:10

With the Battle of Ishun lost, the Soviets retreat, in all directions. Soon, Crimean cities are falling and prisoners are being scooped up in the thousands. At Sevastopol, the first line of defense is lost, but does that mean defeat for the massive port city. One man thinks, no. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Episode 504-Demanding Miracles, Ignoring Reality 25:43

4M ago25:43

25:43

The German 11th Army comes at Ishun, but Gen. Kuznetsov is ready or as ready as he can be. But with three attacking forces, Gen. Erich von Manstein only needs one to get through. What follows is Russian mistakes, followed by folly, followed by German determination. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Ray Harris Jr Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen