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 497-My Leader, Who Commands 9th Army? You or Me?

Episode 497-My Leader, Who Commands 9th Army? You or Me?

Stalin sought an encirclement of the northern half of Army Group Center. Instead he would get two encirclements, the second, larger than the first. But then fate, inexperience, bad weather and seemingly personal vendettas stepped in. The situation changed rapidly from...

Episode 495-Fight, Lose, Retreat, Repeat

Episode 495-Fight, Lose, Retreat, Repeat

Stalin’s second wave of massive counter attacks get underway in January 1942. Yet the Germans are a bit more prepared this time. Not that Gen. von Kluge will not have to fire numerous commanders as Army Group Center is threatened with encirclement.

Episode 493-The Rzhev Meat Grinder

Episode 493-The Rzhev Meat Grinder

As both sides still think they can win in the East, Germany and Soviet Russia will clash along the entire line of fighting. But no where more intensely than Rzhev. It will become a black hole of human lives and war equipment.

Episode 492-The Battle of Volkhov River: Leningrad is to be Saved

Episode 492-The Battle of Volkhov River: Leningrad is to be Saved

Stalin, not giving up winning the war by early 1942 has ordered a massive attack across the Volkhov River. Meanwhile, Hitler’s troops have finally cut the rail line feeding supplies to Leningrad. The Russians have the numbers and the desire, but they lack practically...