Best Ww2 Episode 1 Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 58: German invasion of Poland 1939 Part 1 53:35

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24d ago53:35

53:35

In today's episode, we are marking a very important anniversary. In September, 1939, Germany invades Poland and the Second World War begins. The six week campaign would change the course of world history and even help set the stage for some of Europe's most difficult political problems today. Join our community! The steps are simple: Visit:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠…

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William Biehler's Story | 90th Infantry Division - Episode #1 55:03

23d ago55:03

55:03

Experience William Biehler’s incredible WW2 journey from Normandy’s hedgerows to the urban combat of Metz. *Episodes of POV:WW2 are dramatizations based on actual oral histories. While dialogue and narrative have been adapted for clarity, they reflect the veterans’ own memories and experiences. Any opinions about the war or its figures represent th…

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Trump v. Tylenol. Plus, How Charlie Kirk Became a Martyr for the Christian Right. 50:35

13h ago50:35

50:35

President Trump has declared that Tylenol should not be used during pregnancy. On this week’s On the Media, how funding cuts and disputed claims linking the drug to autism have sent scientists reeling. Plus, how the religious right are processing the death of Charlie Kirk. [01:00] Host Brooke Gladstone sits down with John Tuthill, neurobiology and …

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Midseason Break | Season Returns Veteran's Day - Nov. 11th 1:20

3h ago1:20

1:20

We’re halfway through season one of POV:WW2. Three episodes are out, and there are three more to go. I’ll be taking a short midseason break. These stories take a lot of research and care, and I want to make sure the second half of this season has the same depth, accuracy, and storytelling quality as what you’ve already heard. The podcast will be ba…

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Episode 61: Soviet invasion of Poland 1939 52:46

1h ago52:46

52:46

In today’s episode, we’ll sink our teeth into the other invasion of Poland in 1939 - the one carried out by the Soviet Union, which still generates spirited debates today, both online and in the arena of international politics. Join our community! The steps are simple: Visit:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://both-sides-of-the-wire.com/⁠⁠ Select your rank – (Captain c…

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Goodnight, and Good Luck: 20 Years Later 12:39

3d ago12:39

12:39

Joseph and Shirley Wershba, worked at CBS news back in the good ol' days. In 1948, along with Edward R. Murrow, Joe Wershba helped produce the CBS’s first salvo against McCarthyism. Brooke spoke to Joe and his wife Shirley in 2005 about the film "Good Night, and Good Luck," which was partly based on their life. On the Media is supported by listener…

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Sao Noan Oo or Nel Adams, born 1931 - Unravelling the history of the Panglong Agreement and the rights of the Shan people 14:08

2d ago14:08

14:08

94 year old Sao Noan Oo was born in Shan State as a princess, being the daughter of the Sawbwa or Sao Hpa of Lawksawk, a state in the Federated Shan States or Mong Tai. She has been fighting for the rights of the Shan people for almost all of her long life. And she hasn't given up yet. Sao Noan Oo was studying in England at the time of the 1962 cou…

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Sao Noan Oo or Nel Adams, born 1931 - the life story of a Shan princess- Chapter 16 of My Vanished World -The End of A Dynasty dealing with the disastrous long term consequences for the Shan people following ... 12:13

5d ago12:13

12:13

Sao Noan Oo was born in 1931 in Shan State as a princess, being the daughter of the Sawbwa or Sao Hpa of Lawksawk, a state in the Federated Shan States or Mong Tai. Sao Noan Oo was studying in England at the time of the 1962 coup and her scholarship was cancelled. Given what happened to her family and other Shan families after that coup she has nev…

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Free Speech for Me, but Not for Thee. Plus, Librarians Under Siege. 51:39

8d ago51:39

51:39

Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show has been pulled off the air following his comments about Charlie Kirk’s killer. On this week’s On the Media, how threats to free speech have escalated in the wake of the assassination. Plus, a school librarian in Louisiana shares how she’s been targeted by book-banning activists. [02:25] Host Micah Loewinger sits down…

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Paul Offit Has Opinions About RFK Jnr. 38:16

10d ago38:16

38:16

Brooke Gladstone speaks with Paul Offit, the director of the Vaccine Education Center and a physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, about how the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., purged the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee members, the controversial figures Kennedy repla…

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Maurice Meyer's Story | 3rd Infantry Division - Episode #3 1:00:29

7d ago1:00:29

1:00:29

Experience Maurice Meyer’s incredible WW2 journey from France to crossing the Rhine under fire. *Episodes of POV:WW2 are dramatizations based on actual oral histories. While dialogue and narrative have been adapted for clarity, they reflect the veterans’ own memories and experiences. Any opinions about the war or its figures represent the perspecti…

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Episode 60: German invasion of Poland 1939 Part 3 54:12

10d ago54:12

54:12

In today’s episode, we follow the action on the ground in September 1939 as the German army smashes into Poland and the Poles try to hold their ground and hope for help from Britain and France. Join our community! The steps are simple: Visit:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://both-sides-of-the-wire.com/⁠⁠ Select your rank – (Captain comes with one month free) Fill in …

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The Aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s Murder. Plus, the Rise and Fall of CBS. 50:20

15d ago50:20

50:20

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed in front of a crowd of students at Utah Valley University. On this week’s On the Media, how the murder of a MAGA media powerhouse is driving both calls for unity, and more violence. Plus, CBS cracks under pressure from the Trump administration. [01:00] Hosts Brooke Gladstone and Micah Loewinger…

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Apocalypse Again 21:41

14d ago21:41

21:41

Brooke chats with Dorian Lynskey, cultural journalist and author of the recent book, Everything Must Go: The Stories We Tell About the End of the World, to examine our centuries-long obsession with telling end-of-the-world stories and what they reveal about our shifting fears through history. Plus, the evolution of the apocalyptic story, from the B…

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Episode 59: German invasion of Poland 1939 Part 2 54:41

17d ago54:41

54:41

In today’s episode, we continue the story of the Polish campaign in 1939 - from the Nazi-Soviet Pact to Germany’s so-called Blitzkrieg. Join our community! The steps are simple: Visit:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://both-sides-of-the-wire.com/⁠⁠ Select your rank – (Captain comes with one month free) Fill in your details and use promo code: DEEPDARKWOODS Enjoy ad-fr…

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Ernest Hilberg's Story | 1st Infantry Division - Episode #2 49:45

14d ago49:45

49:45

Experience Ernest Hilberg’s incredible WW2 journey from Omaha Beach to the urban combat of Aachen. *Episodes of POV:WW2 are dramatizations based on actual oral histories. While dialogue and narrative have been adapted for clarity, they reflect the veterans’ own memories and experiences. Any opinions about the war or its figures represent the perspe…

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No, Trump Isn't Cracking Down on Crime. Plus, How Ukrainians Tell Their Story of the War. 54:39

22d ago54:39

54:39

President Trump is preparing to send the National Guard to cities across the country. On this week’s On the Media, what the press is missing about the president’s so-called “crackdown” on crime. Plus, in the aftermath of a Russian attack, a Ukrainian town asks journalists to record the atrocities. [01:00] Host Micah Loewinger speaks with Jamison Fo…

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The Viral Outrage Over Peanut the Squirrel 30:04

24d ago30:04

30:04

A beloved squirrel named Peanut was seized in a raid by New York environmental officers last year. A maelstrom of online outrage ensued, upending New York wildlife enforcement in the process. In conversation with NYC Now's Janae Pierre, our colleague, reporter Jon Campbell, unravels the saga -- revealing a story about mistaken identities and the po…

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Episode 6: Demon of Unrest Part 2: The Fall of King Cotton 37:02

23d ago37:02

37:02

Today we will talk about the most internationally important battle of the war, and about a terrible human being who will mostly be unmentioned the rest of the show.By Joshua Egler

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Is America Becoming an Autocracy? 50:28

29d ago50:28

50:28

President Donald Trump’s countless executive orders and mounting deportations are testing America’s democratic institutions. On this week’s On the Media, what we can learn from Hungary’s recent backslide into autocracy. Plus, why resistance movements throughout history have succeeded with 3.5 percent of the population, or less, behind them. [01:00]…

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Episode 57: Appeasement: The Biggest Mistake Before WWII? 59:47

1M ago59:47

59:47

In today’s episode, we’re going to take a page from the armchair generals and Monday morning quarterbacks and look at what might have been one of the Second World War’s great mistakes - the appeasement of Germany in the 1930s. Join our community! The steps are simple: Visit:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://both-sides-of-the-wire.com/⁠⁠ Select your rank – (Captain co…

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The Journalist Who Saw WW2 Coming 9:59

1M ago9:59

9:59

For these last couple of weeks of August we’ve been airing a miniseries from our friends at Radio Diaries.The third and final part is about a woman named Dorothy Thompson. In 1939, Time Magazine called her a woman who “thinks, talks and sleeps world problems and scares strange men half to death.” They weren’t wrong. Thompson was a foreign correspon…

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Episode 5: Demon of Unrest Part 1: A Prelude to War 38:32

30d ago38:32

38:32

Before we really start discussing the battles of the Civil War, we first need to look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of the combatants. We also need to discuss the "Lost Cause of the Confederacy" myth because it will become super important for our story going forward.By Joshua Egler

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The Power of Shortwave Radio. And, What Gets Lost with Voice of America? 50:36

1M ago50:36

50:36

This month, the director of Voice of America is being forced out in the latest of many moves to dismantle the state broadcasting service. On this week’s On the Media, a history of the Voice of America, and how it’s been politicized. Plus, hear why propagandists in Russia, China, and Iran are celebrating cuts to U.S.-funded foreign reporting. [01:00…

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Episode 56: The Malta Mistake: Operation Hercules That Wasn’t 44:56

1M ago44:56

44:56

In today’s epsiode, we take up the story of Malta again, and dip our toes into the dangerous waters of historical counterfactuals: could the Axis have taken Malta, and if so, how? Join our community! The steps are simple: Visit:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://both-sides-of-the-wire.com/⁠⁠ Select your rank – (Captain comes with one month free) Fill in your details a…

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The Forgotten Shock Jock Who Paved the Way for Rush Limbaugh 9:39

1M ago9:39

9:39

This week, we're airing part two of a documentary series, courtesy of Radio Diaries, about three radio personalities who had huge audiences in their time, but today, are largely forgotten. These days, we’re used to media that thrives on conflict, that amplifies the most outrageous voices in the room. It’s something we often trace back to shock jock…

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You Are There: Experience WWII Like Never Before 1:41

1M ago1:41

1:41

You're crouched in a foxhole in Normandy as German paratroopers advance with chrome bayonets. Machine gun fire rips through the air above over your head on Omaha Beach. An 88mm shell screams past you from a German tank. What's your next move? Sign up for launch notifications at povww2.com This isn't just another history podcast—this is your chance …

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Silicon Valley's Rightwing Roots. Plus, the CEO of Bluesky Reimagines Social Media 50:28

1M ago50:28

50:28

When Donald Trump returned to office, tech companies donated millions of dollars to his inaugural committee. On this week’s On the Media, the rightwing roots of Silicon Valley. Plus, the CEO of the burgeoning social media platform, Bluesky, on how to billionaire-proof the internet. [01:00] Micah Loewinger speaks with Becca Lewis, a postdoctoral res…

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Episode 55: The Malta Mistake: Why Hitler Never Took the Island 41:30

2M ago41:30

41:30

In today’s episode, we’re going to investigate what some consider a major strategic mistake of WW2 - the Axis failure to capture the Mediterranean island of Malta. Join our community! The steps are simple: Visit:⁠ ⁠⁠https://both-sides-of-the-wire.com/⁠ Select your rank – (Captain comes with one month free) Fill in your details and use promo code: D…

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The Famous Black Preacher Who Feuded With MLK 15:41

2M ago15:41

15:41

For these final weeks of summer we wanted to transport you away from the doom and gloom of the daily news with a trio of stories produced by our friends at the public radio documentary-maker, Radio Diaries. The series is called “Making Waves” and it profiles three people who pushed the boundaries of radio: one to warn, one to rile, one to preach. T…

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Trump's Fact Eradication Program. Plus, How Jubilee is Transforming Political Debate 50:20

2M ago50:20

50:20

President Trump fired the commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics following a weak jobs report. On this week’s On the Media, how the Trump administration is threatening government data. Plus, a viral YouTube channel raises questions about the meaning of political debate. [01:00] Host Brooke Gladstone situates President Trump’s recent firing …

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Episode 54: The Secret to Military Success? German Doctrine During WWII 57:43

2M ago57:43

57:43

In today's session we are going to explore what made the Germans fight well in the Second World War. This is linked to doctrine and we will therefore analyse the most important German doctrine, the so-called Truppenführung, and we will shed light on how this influenced the "German way of war". Join our community! The steps are simple: Visit: https:…

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Eric Adams' Latest Scandal 20:13

2M ago20:13

20:13

Here in New York we’re not due to select our next mayor till November but somehow it feels like we’re already embroiled in pre-election chaos. Eric Adams is now running as an independent, and to do so he was required to present the signatures of 7,500 New Yorkers who support him. He actually handed in around 50,000 signatures so he more than made t…

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Episode 4: Battle Cry of Freedom Part 3: Secession and Explosion 47:08

2M ago47:08

47:08

Finally we are here. Tensions have been growing for the last 84 years and now everything breaks down. 10 years after the Compromise of 1850 Abraham Lincoln was elected as president, and 11 states left the union. On April 12, 1861 shots rang out at Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. By the end of April 13 Fort Sumter was surrendered and the war offic…

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Images of Mass Starvation Shift Gaza Coverage. Plus, the Forgotten History of the First Sitcom. 50:30

2M ago50:30

50:30

As reports of starving children in Gaza mount, France, Britain, and Canada are preparing to recognize Palestinian statehood. On this week’s On the Media, Palestinian journalists documenting food scarcity in Gaza are themselves going without food. Plus, how Israeli tv stations are deflecting blame for the blockade on aid. [01:00] Host Micah Loewinge…

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McKay Coppins on The Murdochs 19:46

2M ago19:46

19:46

Brooke spoke in May with McKay Coppins, a staff writer at The Atlantic, about the remarkable, extensive interviews he conducted with members of the Murdoch family — particularly James Murdoch and his wife Kathryn. (Rupert and his eldest son, Lachlan, declined to participate). Hear about the infighting and sibling rivalry, and how the HBO show “Succ…

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Episode 53: Listeners’ Q&As – From Jet Fighters to Rommel’s Missed Opportunity 53:44

2M ago53:44

53:44

In today’s episode, we’re diving back into your questions—ranging from myths that outlived empires to the nuts and bolts of battlefield logistics—because, once again, you've sent us more great ones than we could possibly ignore. Join our community! The steps are simple: Visit: https://both-sides-of-the-wire.com/ Select your rank – (Captain comes wi…

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Episode 3: Battle Cry of Freedom Part 2: Expansion 39:46

2M ago39:46

39:46

When we last left off, we had discussed some of the leadup to the Civil War, namely the Nullification Crisis, and Nat Turner’s Rebellion and some of the actions made by southern legislatures after both events. Today we will continue our look into the leadup to the Civil War, focusing on The Mexican-American War, and the ensuing Compromise of 1850. …

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Libyan Arab Force 57:01

2M ago57:01

57:01

Join Zane and Chris for another Inter-Season Episode discussing the Libyan Arab Force. In this episode they discuss the LAF with Liz Gardner whose research focuses on the Libyan Arab Force. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Trump's Presidential Library Grift. Plus, the Hacker Behind the NYT’s Mamdani Story. 50:09

2M ago50:09

50:09

The FCC just approved a lucrative merger between Paramount and Skydance. Weeks earlier, Paramount settled a lawsuit with the president by paying him 16 million dollars. On this week’s On the Media, hear how that money is being funneled to Donald Trump’s future presidential library. Plus, how conservative outlets are coordinating attacks on universi…

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Episode 52: Occupied Norway: Resistance, Raids & the Final Surrender| Norway in WWII — Part 3 58:52

2M ago58:52

58:52

In today's episode, we'll round off the story of Norway in World War II by exploring what happened in the country after the German conquered it from raids to resistance to liberation. Join our community! The steps are simple: Visit:⁠ ⁠⁠https://both-sides-of-the-wire.com/⁠ Select your rank – (Captain comes with one month free) Fill in your details …

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EXTENDED VERSION: Michael Douglas Movies And The Crisis Of Masculinity 32:44

2M ago32:44

32:44

EXTENDED VERSION: Brooke sits down with Jessa Crispin, critic and editor-in-chief of The Culture We Deserve, to talk about her new book What Is Wrong with Men: Patriarchy, the Crisis of Masculinity, and How (Of Course) Michael Douglas Films Explain Everything, which tracks the “masculinity crisis” through Michael Douglas films. On the Media is supp…

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Episode 2: Battle Cry of Freedom Part 1: Nullification. 34:23

2M ago34:23

34:23

Before we begin our discussion on The Gilded Age, we first need to do a brief overview of the Civil War. Now we will not be doing a dive on the war because there are countless better podcasts, books, documentaries, and films about it, but it is important for our story going forward. The Civil War was certainly the most explosive time in American hi…

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MAGA Fractures Over Epstein. Plus, What Michael Douglas Movies Tell Us About Masculinity. 50:13

2M ago50:13

50:13

The Trump administration is trying to subdue fury from all angles over the Epstein Files. On this week's On the Media, how the controversy is fracturing Republicans and firing up Democrats. Plus, tracing today’s so-called “masculinity crisis” through the films of Michael Douglas. [00:00] Host Brooke Gladstone dissects the bitter division between Pr…

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Planning for Inevitable Climate Disaster 16:42

2M ago16:42

16:42

The Atlantic hurricane season is currently underway – and in fact, it was the tail end of tropical storm Barry that contributed to the deadly flash floods in Texas two weeks ago that has claimed at least 132 lives so far. As I write this, over 100 people are still missing. According to writer Nathaniel Rich, when it comes to planning for a fraught …

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Episode 51: Narvik 1940: Germany's Arctic Disaster? | Norway in WWII — Part 2 57:09

2M ago57:09

57:09

In today's episode, we continue the story of the invasion of Norway in 1940. Join our community! The steps are simple: Visit: https://both-sides-of-the-wire.com/ Select your rank – (Captain comes with one month free) Fill in your details and use promo code: DEEPDARKWOODS Enjoy ad-free podcasts and exclusive content with us! Don’t forget, you can c…

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Episode 1: A Tale of Today 39:34

2M ago39:34

39:34

The Gilded Age, I've Never heard of it! Before we begin our deep dive on The Gilded Age, we have to ask ourselves a few questions. First, what was the Gilded Age? The second thing we have to do is establish when it began. Thirdly, when it ended, and Finally, how the era got its name in the first place.…

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More Gilded than Gold Preview 2:16

3M ago2:16

2:16

Join me and Jon as we discuss one of the most transformative eras in US history. Beginning July 15, 2025.By Joshua Egler

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Inside the Artificial Intelligence Hype Cycle. And How AI is Making Music 50:17

3M ago50:17

50:17

Like it or not, more people are using artificial intelligence than ever. On this week’s On the Media, hear about the AI arms race between the U.S. and China, and how the tech gets overhyped. Plus, a composer wrestles with a new AI music generator – which threatens his own job. [01:00] Brooke speaks with Ed Zitron, host of the Better Offline podcast…

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Episode 50: Why Hitler Invaded | Norway in WWII — Part 1 56:59

3M ago56:59

56:59

In today’s episode, we’ll take on a topic that you, our supporters and listeners, requested us to discuss. And that is the story of Norway in WW2 - from invasion to occupation to liberation. Join our community! The steps are simple: Visit:⁠ ⁠⁠https://both-sides-of-the-wire.com/⁠ Select your rank – (Captain comes with one month free) Fill in your de…