WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

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History #98

Achtung! Achtung!Comedian Al Murray and historian James Holland discuss all matters WW2.WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk is a bi-weekly show exploring the war in close up. James and Al have a stunning knowledge of their subject, but don't expect a linear narrative. The boys love a tangent and a forgotten tale.We Have Ways of Making You Talk roams down forgotten front lines, casts new villains and makes the case for unlikely heroes.Send questions to James and Al via Twitter using #WeHaveWays or by email to wehavewayspodcast@gmail.comJoin our membership club for extra content, livestreams and ad-free listening: patreon.com/wehaveways

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Recent Reviews
  • Scot2944
    Hitler Trump
    Please stick with history, leave interpretation to others It will be better for your reputations
  • Catsloveme2
    Trump and Hitler
    Stick to WWII. American politics is clearly not your forté.
  • Kev1580
    Good but…
    Good information and guests. But banging on American conservatives, no thank you. Try sticking to your subject matter.
  • BuckinBeeRez
    Trump and Hitler
    Kelly’s word as reported in the Atlantic is like using Wikipedia for a school report. Lost lots of respect here. Do more homework next time.
  • BlueGreyBronco
    Review and Trump
    Gentleman, I love your podcast and I have read many of Mr. Holland’s books and will continue to do so. Trump: he won easily, fairly and in an inspirational fashion. To suggest he is a fascist or to compare him any way to Hitler is obscene and far below the two of you. You err greatly listing to mainstream American media. Are you aware that a minimum of 80 percent of Orthodox American Jews very strongly support him? That a vast majority of Israelis support him? Would this be the case if he were a would be fascist dictator? Please open your minds and reasses.
  • TobyGant
    Exceptional History Podcast
    Wildly entertaining for any Second World War enthusiast. Would be 5 star review if they’d keep their opinions about US politics to themselves. 😃
  • k from the sticks
    Market-Garden (Part 5)
    Fantastic operational details included here. As a former infantryman in the 101st, to finally hear hear on a podcast a detailed evaluation of the events surrounding the delay in securing the road bridge at Nijmegen was refreshing. By the way James….the 325th was the glider infantry of the 82nd, not the 327th (that was 101’s glider regiment). It stabbed my heart to hear your (understandable ) misallocation. The 327th is better than that…..No Slack!
  • Sam Thistleton
    Keep up the good work!
    I have listened at every podcast and love it. Wish you could do more US Navy and other navy episodes.
  • ejmac1023
    Awesome!!
    I love listening and getting into the details of so many aspects of WW2! So good. Thanks guys and keep up the good work!!
  • jedibink69
    I love you guys
    Your awesome 👍👍👍
  • Mike G Chicken Patrol IC 4002
    Tongue in Cheek. An interesting review of WW2
    Al and James offer their personal perspectives on a wide range of subjects and campaigns. My personal favorites are the deep dive reviews of Dunkirk, El Alamein, Stalingrad Etc. Guest speakers offer opinions that get you thinking. Take the revisions that some offer on the morality of decisions with a pinch of salt. In the words of Johnny Johnson, if you weren’t there keep your bloody mouth shut. Their British attempts at American German and other accents could offend if they weren’t so bad. All in all a lighthearted review of a very complex and on occasion very dark subject 80 years on, with relevance to the challenges of today’s world.
  • chomper1009
    Love the podcast, but
    Love the podcast and the guys, however I found the recent episodes on fighting in Normandy post D-Day to be tough to get through. Monty has perhaps been unfairly blamed for much that was outside his control, but Al and James may be over correcting in their support of Monty, to the point of narrowly presenting information that elevates his generalship while failing to address his tactical shortcomings. Also, the reading of German primary sources in an overwrought accent can come across as boorish. Still, wonderful on the whole.
  • SullyAg
    Bit of a Bore Now
    Over the years this pod has devolved from sincere history into a promotional vehicle for Holland and Murray's careers. It can be quite good, but all too often it's just Al and Jim yukking it up and shilling for themselves. The occasional political commentary betrays an elitist bias (Murray is a direct descendent of William Makepeace Thackeray, after all), as well as a frankly bigoted and shockingly simplistic view of American culture and current affairs. Still, the pod's stature does attract big-name guests. Listen, but be aware that the hosts are mighty pleased with themselves -- and they might consider your views beneath their enlightened intellect.
  • Jacks2157
    Unorganized
    A little rehearsal would be nice. This stream of consciousness presentation it’s hard to follow. A lot of information is given, but it’s all very much what you could get at your local bar.
  • Dbouwmeester
    Absolutely love this show
    Have discovered “we have ways” this past year and the voices of James and Al have been constant companion on my dog walks. Have been a WW2 nerd since primary school. My grandfather spent the war in Japanese POW camp and my father and other grandfather were Dutch Nationals in Indonesia and spent the war in an internment camp. Have paid special attention to those episodes on pow camps and have gained a lot more appreciation in what my father and grandfather’s experienced. Have also loved the episodes with John McManus and would love more episodes on the Pacific (especially the Naval war) and the Far East, including Malaysia and Burma. My only criticism of the show is sometimes it’s hard to follow the conversation. James and Al sometimes are trying to talk over each other and interrupt a lot.
  • Greg with one g
    James in wonderful…..
    Ww2 is a category that Lacks personality on the various podcasts available. These two are not short on that, they do an excellent job of having a natural conversation about a variety of topics surrounding World War II that is both engaging and accurate. The One that fancies himself a comedian doesn’t give the U.S. enough credit for our role in the war. James Holland is outstanding, gives fair credit and criticism to all sides on the topic of the day. One of my favorite shows. I’m amending this review to add further documentation of the fact that the man that calls himself a comedian really has a underlying distain for the US during the war. I chalk it up to national pride on his part. But ever more the proof that James Holland is the constant professional and fully understands that both nations played their part, and that ultimately had it not been for the US the word bleak is an understatement for what had happened to Great Britain without the support of the USA. 80 years since the war and so many Europeans have forgotten about what so many American serviceman did and the sacrifices they made. Those men and women went and fought on soil that meant nothing to them. I’m a subscriber and a passionate listener
  • gary cort
    Informative and entertaining
    A terrific presentation of information. Does not get bogged down while still presenting significant amounts of detail. Well worth the listening.
  • ItsJohnBone
    The Best WWII/History Podcast There Is
    Highly engaging 21st century podcast about the defining event of the 20th century. A knowledgeable, all-encompassing dive into WWII from a social, political and military perspective. Humanity and (at times) humour ensure this is not a dry, scholarly trudge of a pod.
  • Harpo the Marx
    Pacific Perspective
    Great podcast. Dr McManus is a great addition for his American perspective especially on the Pacific theater. A caution though: Hatred of the Japanese is not automatically racism and you need to look deeper into why that hatred was there before simply calling it racist. My dad served in the Philippines in 1945; he despised WWII Japanese but it had everything to do with WHAT they did (atrocities were widely known) and not WHO they were. That’s not racism; that’s a very understandable response to what they were doing to Allied servicemen and indigenous civilians, which was hellish in the extreme. Why such a response didn’t apply to Germans to the same level is for many reasons beyond racism, and you’ve discussed many of them.
  • Tigermole
    Very Enjoyable
    Entertaining, occasionally irreverent but detailed, in-depth coverage of WW II topics. Great fun and very informative.
  • Gunther Rouhaus
    Holland’s amazing
    When James Holland is telling his stories this series is at its peak and engrossing. Unfortunately as the knowledge gulf between Holland, the consummate historian, and Al Murray, the dabbler, widens, a frustrating pattern emerges as Al will invariably feel the need to interject some comment that is not in the notes written for him and usually incorrect. Holland then has to gently correct the inaccuracies and attempt to restart his narrative. Al really needs to stick to his job, enabling the brilliance of Holland, not posing as something he is not.
  • J Clam
    England Swings!
    The battle of Britain is the greatest movie ever made with real flying none of that CGI nonsense! Just got back from London, and I was privileged to go to the RAF museum and actually sat in a spitfire. It was so cool the reason we went to London will see the all blacks play South Africain the rugby World Cup. Actually best vacation ever. But to be at the REF Museum and stand where the brave flyers stood was an incredible rush.
  • Sean Sharp
    A bit too jovial for the subject matter
    New listener here and I have bounced around a few episodes from over the years. These guys have great info but are almost always a bit too jovial in their delivery considering the subject matter at hand. Every episode that I've listened to feels overly lighthearted and the guys are yucking it up with jokes and laughs and funny voices. This to me feels more than a bit out of place considering the devastation this war brought and the 75+ million people left dead in its wake. Their approach is almost if they are recapping a blockbuster movie or a video game. In my humble opinion I think this topic should be approached with a bit more reverence. I will continue to listen, but to be honest I have to be in the right mood.
  • J47W
    Infotainment
    Lighthearted history, Generally a stream of consciousness analysis both informed and uninformed, very Anglo centric
  • Pho. Bolo. H.
    The best WW2 history podcast
    This is the way to discuss all aspects of WW2. Fact based, analytical with a touch of dark and light humor. Glad I found it.
  • V7i7c
    Simply the best.
    Simply the most informative and enjoyable podcast on the second world war. Understandably coming from a British perspective, it’s still manages to cover those from other countries in a very balanced fashion. I highly recommend this podcast for those wanting a wide variety of deep dives and memorable and experiences into WWII history! And these guys are a hoot to boot!
  • J.Doerksen1
    Great World War Two History
    Al and James are the best, both have unbelievable knowledge of the subjects and with the banter and humor along with fascinating stories about a time that was difficult for the world.
  • Codybroken
    My favorite podcast
    I have been a podcast fiend for 10+ years and this is my all time favorite.
  • Akutan Zero
    Always Reaching for More and Delivering
    Top notch experts and primary sources of history. Few other podcasts can attract such great talent such as James Webb and others. Thank you for your great delivery of information and history that spans military, industrial, scientific and social domains.
  • Mark WWJ
    Best of WW2
    I consider this the best of the WW2 podcasts. New episodes come out often. It’s given over to a sense of humor. Some who wish a more professorial approach may chose elsewhere (I do both). These guys are British, so expect a noticeably less emphasis on the Russian front and the US effort in the pacific
  • Kirstnter
    Hi
    I Like WW2
  • Lex576
    Brilliant
    Love the podcast! Enjoying learning more about WW2 from two enthusiastic gents. Keep it up and don’t worry about offending the GOP snowflakes in the States (I doubt you do). 🤣
  • Lobsters12
    Fantastic
    Just got stationed in Germany for assignment. I have always been interested in WWII history, but the new change of location has certainly spurred me to take up more of an interest. My great uncle served during the war, and many of my family are currently serving. I love the pod! I also echo that not all of us from across the pond are MAGA! Cheers!
  • Sacha pie
    Fantastic podcast
    I just love this podcast. The pinnacle moment for me was their interview with Antony Beevor who talked about writing Stalingrad. I was CHUFFED to hear Sir Antony talk about getting access to the archives during a brief window when they were open to historians. It’s amazing to hear Al and James just chatter on about various battles, motivations, and personalities. You can tell the history is ALIVE for them. I especially appreciate the insight on the eastern front. Bang up pod. Pls Zulu was my dad’s fave movie. RIP dad.
  • E1001@@@
    The Best
    A lovely show on WW2. I’m always learning something new.
  • BillBlaster1
    Great History, Artfully Done
    This podcast is very professionally produced and I really enjoyed it. Highly recommended if you enjoy history. Well done, lads.
  • David Matvey
    Best WW 2 Podcast: Never Bridge too Far
    This is by far the best podcast on World War thats out there today. Not only are the hosts experts on the topic, but the topics are wide ranging, interesting, and sometimes very unreported subjects and events. I look forward to each drop of each episode.
  • leatherneck7476
    You cannot find real History like it is presented here!
    I respectfully beg the podcasters to not use Gods name disrespectfully or flippantly. Thanks
  • Stuka Afabant
    Best podcast ever
    As a young person this is my favorite podcast. Highly entertaining and informative.
  • will thizzle
    Almost great but not quite
    If only they could let each other finish a sentence. Sometimes I feel like this is a case study on adult ADD. That said, I like the show.
  • variety4077
    Incredible detail
    Every episode is jam packed with information and new insights. Talks about ww2 personalities warts and all.
  • hang zuckerberg
    Five-oh
    I’m in the socal wasteland so just discovered it. This one’s filthy. Gotta give it the rare 5-oh.
  • statedept1515
    Great content but would be even better with small tweaks
    Buying better microphones and fewer interruptions by both would make this pod unbeatable. Saying “right” after each sentence doesn’t add much to the pod IMO.
  • Revans50
    One Of The Best!
    Fast becoming one of my favorite podcasts. Would love them to take David Irving to task in future episodes. Excellent otherwise.
  • mick0726
    Fantastic!!!!!
    I loved the Brian Johnson episode!! All your works are great, but this one was above and beyond! Thank you for all the hard works!!!
  • Warlord99
    Have to ways to make you talk.
    I’m big fan of your show! keep up the great work. Andre from Detroit Michigan.
  • Todd A Reed Inspired B2B
    Perspective
    I really dig the perspective these guys bring. They focus on logistics, training, and politics bring more depth to the story of wwii
  • ScareCrowA7X
    One of the BEST!
    I absolutely love the work that James Holland does from his books to the documentaries that he has been apart of. This is the first time I have heard of Al Murray but he is just as enjoyable and knowledgeable as James. I have been binge listening to “We Have Ways” off and on for about six months now and it quickly has become one of my favorite World War II podcasts and as an amateur World War II historian and writer myself I find this podcast to be very useful not to mention extremely entertaining. They have chats with many other prominent World War II historians whose books I have read and studied (most of them numerous times plus any available audiobooks and Kindle versions). I found this podcast when James’ brother mentioned it on his podcast (forget which one but when I find it in my list I will edit my review). Keep up the great work James and Al, this part of our worlds history NEEDS to be taught, talked about, studied, and REMEMBERED otherwise this will happen again if it has not already started (just like WW II start date should begin in 1937 when Japan invaded China). EDIT: Why has no one ever talked about the incredible story of Auschwitz Prisoner #4859: Witold Pilecki, the Auschwitz Volunteer except for the AMAZING Rock Band Sabaton. Come on James and Al, his story NEEDS to be told from the beginning until he after a show trial and executed by the Communist state of Russia in 1953 (?).
  • NeverBored.
    Top notch history telling and I listen every day.
    Excellent job of keeping the us informed and entertained.
  • ELBEE33
    Fantastic Podcast
    One of my favorite pieces of modern history to learn about is the Second World War. This podcast is my favorite one for this subject. One of the reasons why I love it that it's presented from a British perspective. The presenters, one a historian and one a comedian who loves the subject, are knowledgeable and entertaining. I recommend it highly.
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