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 503-A Desperate Defense If Ever There Was One

Episode 503-A Desperate Defense If Ever There Was One

After a quick and merciless victory just above the Sea of Azov, Gen. Eric Hansen readies his 6 infantry divisions to take the Crimea. But the naval infantrymen of Odessa are shipped over. The battle ground is marshy and limited so the Germans will attack all three...

Episode 502-The Wolf is at the Door

Episode 502-The Wolf is at the Door

Army Group South reaches the opening of the Crimea. But waiting for the invaders are 3 lines of defense. Yet as there is no other way to gain access, the Germans will come straight at the Tatar Wall. 

Episode 501-The Other Crimean War

Episode 501-The Other Crimean War

The story of the Crimea had seen tragedies for centuries. Nothing would improve with Operation Barbarossa. Yet, the why of the importance of the Crimea to Hitler was the Stavka’s own doing.

Episode 500-Too Much, Too Soon

Episode 500-Too Much, Too Soon

The Rzhev salient seems to be contained, but the new threat is near Vyazma. Can the Germans hold onto it, for the Soviets have the man power to attack from multiple vectors. German professionalism will be tested as will the heart of every Russian soldier.

Episode 499-The Wild West of the Eastern Front

Episode 499-The Wild West of the Eastern Front

As the Germans keep attacking the Rzhev Salient, another Soviet thrust comes up at Vyazma from the South East. Both sides are undermanned and under equipped. It is a time for heroes, as long as the hero doesn’t mind sacrificing himself.

Episode 498-Living Through Hell in the Middle of Winter

Episode 498-Living Through Hell in the Middle of Winter

Though Stalin’s great counter attack has failed, he refuses to see it as such. More attacks are ordered but the Heer or German Army is getting stronger by the day. The german troops around Rzhev even start up their own newspaper. Clearly, they plan to stay here until...