Podcast Episodes

Episode 539-Interview w/ Laurence Rees: The Nazi Mind

British historian Laurence Rees explores the warning learned from studying WWII.

Episode 538-Operation Mincemeat

While both Moscow and Berlin focus on the Kursk salient, Operation Mincemeat convinces the Germans to focus troops in the wrong place. Meanwhile, Zhukov convinces Stalin to let the enemy attack first, for they will be ready.

Episode 537-Gen. Manstein’s Backhand Blow

Manstein overcame Hitler’s objections and then two Soviet Fronts. By early March 1943, Kursk was exposed and open to attack.
Episode 416-The Terrifying Had Become Commonplace

Episode 416-The Terrifying Had Become Commonplace

When the sun rose on August 13th, the Axis forces in the Mediterranean knew they had one last day to stop Operation Pedestal. As such, the Axis air formations came in hot and heavy, with their normal level of accuracy. This wasn’t over yet and more ships would be...

Episode 415-Ships That Sink In The Night

Episode 415-Ships That Sink In The Night

Within a four hour period of darkness, Pedestal will lose many ships. By morning, 7 of the 14 merchants were gone. Still if the rest can get through, then Pedestal would be considered a success. And yet, the rising sun brings whole scores of Luftwaffe planes, vying to...

Episode 414-In the Lap of the Gods

Episode 414-In the Lap of the Gods

As August 13th turns into the 14th, more ships of Pedestal are lost. Some fought bravely during their last moments, other’s not. But Adm. Syfret’s orders are that all ships are to try. And Commander Gibbs of the destroyer HMS Pathfinder and his crew enter into the...

Episode 413-I Was Always Grateful to Mussolini

Episode 413-I Was Always Grateful to Mussolini

The ships of Pedestal have entered The Narrows. Waiting for them are Italian E-boats that rule the night. But Keith Park, Malta’s Air Arm commander, has an ace up his sleeve. Well, at least a great poker face. Meanwhile Kesselring and the Italians argue from sun rise,...

Episode 412-Courage and Cowardice

Episode 412-Courage and Cowardice

Churchill visits Stalin for the first time, only to give him bad news. There will be no Second Front in 1942. Then, back to Pedestal as the merchant ships have been scattered. The destroyers will try to round them up, but some captains don’t want to finish the trip....