PODCAST · leisure
The Reenactor's Corner
by Chris Schreiber
A bi-weekly podcast on WWII reenactment, featuring Chris Schreiber, Ben Longfellow, and guests. We discuss every aspect of our unique hobby of living history.
Episodes
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Half a Century of Reenacting ! - Ep.163
This month 7th. Kompanie Grossdeutschland Div. celebrates 50 years of reenacting . To celebrate this landmark event here is an episode from our archives where Chris and Ben talk to Rudi Lange about the secret to the group's longevity ! In a world where burn-out and drama tend to limit the life…
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Public Events Positivity - Ep.162
Public events can range from small local "dog and pony" shows to large scale multi-period reenactments. For many they offer a great opportunity to meet the public and explain more about the hobby - for others they represent a necessary evil, or something to be avoided.... In the run-up to this...
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Fixing Your Focus - Ep.161
As ever, a very big thank you to everyone that supports the Podcast via Patreon - we really couldn't do this without you ! Why not sign up and become one of our growing band of supporters with access to all of our Patreon exclusive content and more for as little as $5 a month....
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Reenacting WW2 British ....Ep.160
Despite being a mainly conscripted force the British Army of WW2 drew on many hundreds of years of history and tradition. Dylan from the UK has previously reenacted both medieval periods and WW2 German but is now focusing on his own native military with The Platoon Living History Group. In this...
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Tariff Tactics - Ep.159
The introduction of additional tariffs on imported goods last year hit many reenactors across the United States hard in the wallet . Sourcing items from overseas has always been important to many in the hobby but the additional charges proved problematic and also caused many vendors and suppliers...
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Reenacting French Resistance - Ep.158
As ever, a very big thank you to everyone that supports the Podcast via Patreon - we really couldn't do this without you ! Why not sign up and become one of our growing band of supporters with access to all of our Patreon exclusive content and more for as little as $5 a month....
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WW2 Reenacting in South Australia - Ep.157
As ever, a very big thank you to everyone that supports the Podcast via Patreon - we really couldn't do this without you ! Why not sign up and become one of our growing band of supporters with access to all of our Patreon exclusive content and more for as little as $5 a month....
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A Fresh Approach to Public Events - Ep.156
For some reenactors public events have long lost their appeal - with the same mock "battles" being played out against the same inappropriate backdrops year after year. However could a change of approach maybe help to revitalise these type of events ? In this epsiode Chris is joined by Peter…
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Creating a New Reenactment Group - Ep.155
In this episode long time contributor and friend of the podcast Ludwig Topf catches up with Chris to discuss the perils and possibilities associated with creating a new reenactment unit.
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Soldbuch Deep Dive - Ep.154
It is estimated that over 17 million Soldbuch identity documents were issued during World War Two and surviving examples often provide valuable insight into the everyday lives of those who served within the German military, including what uniforms and equipment they were issued. In this episode...
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Reenacting in Japan - Ep.153
Although the majority of WW2 reenactors are based in North America and Europe the hobby has members all over the world. In this epsiode Chris talks to James Fortner, who is originally from the United States but now lives in Japan - where he is a member of several reenacting groups that portray…
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The Wound Badge (Verwundetenabzeichen) - Ep.152
The Wound Badge (Verwundetenabzeichen ) was one of the most issued German military awards during World War Two. Around five million were awarded during the conflict and, as a result, originals often come up for sale on the collectors market. Price depends on the grade of the award (black,silver…
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Using Original Photos as a Resource - Ep.151
Ever since the American Civil War photography has played an important role in recording the realities of war. Whether posed propaganda photographs, combat reportage or candid shots of life behind the lines this kind of material can be a priceless resource when building your reenacting impression....
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Keeping Costs Down - Ep.150
Current events in the Middle East are already having a knock on effect for many at home as fuel costs rise - potentially impacting members of the hobby who are already operating on a tight budget. In this episode Chris discusses ways to help reduce the costs associated with World War Two...
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Feldpost Feedback on the Last Episode - Ep.150
Our last episode, which focused on the topic of finding an appropriate role within the hobby as we grow older, certainly generated alot of feedback from our listeners. In this episode guest host Rudi Lange shares his thoughts on what some of our listeners had to say.......
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Acting Your Age ? - Ep.149
During World War Two the average age of soldiers serving in the German Army was around 25 years old. Reenactors, however, come in all ages from those who are still in their teens to some who are still actively involved in living history well into their 60s and 70s.... In this episode our guest…
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Hurray for Hollywood - Ep.148
World War Two has long been the backdrop for many Hollywood films - meaning that reenactors can sometimes offer their servives to film makers and be employed as extras. In this episode Chris recounts his experiences portraying a German soldier in the 2010 movie Shutter Island - alongside several...
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Fort Indiantown Gap - Ep.147
This January marks eight years since the last Fort Indiantown Gap.... For many reenactors who attended over the years it's been hard to find another event that compares - whilst for some of those who didn't attend, the annual reenactment in Pennsylvania has achieved almost mythical status. By the...
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2025 Review - Ep.146
Join Chris and podcast regulars Rudi Lange and Ludwig Topf as they look back at WW2 German reenacting in 2025 and share their predictions for what the New Year has in store for the world of living history... As ever, a very big thank you to everyone that supports the Podcast via Patreon - we…
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WW2 German Identity Disc Deep Dive - Ep.145
It is estimated that over 18 milion identity discs (Erkennungsmarken) were stamped and issued by the German Armed Forces in World War Two. It's unique design, with a perforated centre and identitical details on each half, carried no name but instead a unit designation and numbers that would...
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Higher Import Costs for US Reenactors - Ep.144
The ability to source both original and reproduction items from overseas is an important part of the hobby for many reenactors - however recent changes in the United States mean that buying from Europe , or any other part of the world , has become more problematic....and expensive. At the end of...
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Picturing the Past - Ep.143
For many reenactors using a vintage camera loaded with film is the best way to capture images at an event - they provide a more authentic and tangible record than their digital counterpart and having only 12 or 36 shots available per roll of film really focuses the mind when it comes to subject...
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Horrors of Reenacting 2025 - Ep.142
Ever since our first Halloween Special way back in 2019 every year we've brought you a selection of our listeners spookiest stories . From late night encounters with spectoral sentries or enemy combatants to original items in your collections that maintain a malevolent aura long after World War...
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Ludwig Switches Sides for the Weekend - Ep.141
In this episode UK based reenactor and long time friend of the show Ludwig Topf tells Chris about the events that he has attended this summer - including one organised by the "We Have Ways" WW2 history podcast where he swapped his regular German uniform for a British one for the weekend and had a...
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Why is Fall the Best Season to Reenact ? - Ep.140
As temperatures drop and the days get shorter across North America and Europe here is another chance to hear an epsiode originally recorded back in October 2022 when Chris and Ben Tracey discussed why Fall is, in their opinion, perhaps the best time of the year to reenact WW2 in the field. Let us...
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Too Soon to Reenact the Vietnam War ?...........Ep.139
At the age of just 31 Gunter Rapp already has 20 year of reenacting under his belt. Starting out with Colonial Period living history at 11 years of age he then moved onto American Civil War and was for a long time a well known face amongst East Coast German Reenactors too. Now based in California...
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Assault and Close Combat Awards - Ep.137
The wearing of Medals and Awards is often a hot button topic amongst reenactors. In this, the latest in his series of deep dives, Rudi Lange looks at Assault and Close Combat Awards and tackles the thorny question of if they should be worn within the hobby. The book that Rudi references and...
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Creating Constructive Relationships with Allied Units - Ep.135
In this episode Chris is joined by Adam Bednar from 5.Kp GD and Casey Sill from Fox Company, 101 Airborne to talk about a new late war event taking place in Iowa in October and how creating constructive dialogue and collaboration with Allied units leads to better outcomes at events. For more...
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Reflections on Reenacting - Ep.134
Christopher Smead from Missouri, is now in his 42nd year of reenacting and first attended Weldon Springs way back in 1983. Thanks to a reenacting career that has spanned British , Russian, German and even Japanese Christopher has a unique perspective on the hobby and we know you are going to…
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New Prohibited Symbols Law in Australia - Ep.133
In 2024 Australia introduced a new Prohibited Symbols Act which includes a ban on the public display, sale and trade of original or reproduction items which carry the Hakenkreuz or SS runes. There are exemptions in place if the items are used for "educational, artistic, academic or scientific...
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France 1940 Event - Ep.132
Last year we previewed a new event planned for 2025 that focused on France in Summer 1940. In this episode Chris catches up with Dylan Williams to hear how the event went and whether it is set to become a regular fixture in the Mid-West reenacting calendar. For more details on the Fall Gelb event...
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Travel - Ep.131
They say that travel broadens the mind but does it also bring another dimension to reenacting? In this episode Chris talks about how, for him, trips to Europe are not just about visiting historic sites and former battlefields - they are about searching out or experiencing at random the very…
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Monty's Men 2025 - Ep.130
Monty's Men is a reenactment event that takes place every two years and aims to portray the closing days of World War Two in Europe. This year the event took place in the Netherlands and podcast regular Ludwig Topf attended. In this episode he talks to Chris about how the event went and shares…
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The Iron Cross - Ep.129
The Eisernes Kreuz (Iron Cross) is perhaps the most iconic of all historical German military awards . During World War Two almost five million were issued in recognition of bravery in battle or distinguished military service. In this latest of our occasional series looking at WW2 German military...
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Commitment issues .... - Ep.128
Reenacting is a hobby best enjoyed as part of a group - however work, family and other commitments often have to come first. So its no surprise that low attendence is a constant fear for many event organisers. In this episode Chris shares his tips and tricks on how to motivate your unit members…
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When Less is More - Ep.127
Reenacting is a hobby that often encourages the aquistition of more and more kit in an effort to enhance the experience. However, in this episode Chris asks if authenticty takes a hit when your amount of gear starts to get out of control... A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via...
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The War Merit Cross - Ep.126
In this first of an occasional series looking at medals issued by Germany during the Second World War Rudi Lange takes a deep dive look at the Kriegsverdienstkreuz (War Medal Cross) - which was awarded to both serving members of the military and civilians engaged in outstanding contributions to…
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Trend Cycles in Reenacting - Ep.125
Like any hobby Reenacting is constantly changing and evolving - sometimes in unexpected directions. In this episode Chris looks at some of the reasons why Soviet reenacting grew in the years before Covid and why the trend cycle has, maybe, now moved on and interest in WW2 Soviet is on the decline...
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Kriegsende 1945 - Ep.123
2025 is a big year for WW2 reenactors as it marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the conflict . In this episode Chris talks to Adam from the Militainment YouTube channel about how reenactors can mark the event and how the end of the war is viewed in modern day Germany… To follow Adam please...
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Redefining Red Army Reenacting - Ep.122
Its thought that over 30 million soldiers were conscripted into the Red Army during WW2 and many saw action in some of the most brutal campaigns of the conflict. In this episode Chris talks to Andryusha Taras of Osoaviakhim Foundation about their unique approach to reenacting, postitioning...
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An Arctic Blast from the Past !
As Chris and the rest of the team take a New Year break we've dug deep into the archives to bring you again an episode from way back in August 2020 ! As temperatures plummet across the Northern Hemisphere here's one of our original show hosts, Lasse, talking to Nicholas, who has served in the...
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Christmas 2024 and Review of the Year - Ep.121
Join Chris and podcast regulars Ludwig Topf and Rudi Lange as they celebrate Christmas and look back on a busy year of reenacting. Thanks to Christophe Piefke and his accordion for playing us out so beautifully at the end of the show and Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to all of our...
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Marschmusik & Soldatenlieder - Ep.120
Music has always played an important role within the military - from signalling manouveres on the battlefield to bolstering morale around the camp fire. In this episode Rudi Lange talks to reenactor Christoph Piefke about how he uses his talents as a musician within the hobby to enhance...
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Cobra to Lüttich Part 2 - Ep.119
Back in the summer 100s of German and American WW2 reenactors attended a big event in France, marking the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Normandy. In this follow up episode Ludwig Topf is joined by one of our original podcast hosts, Lasse from Norway and Rob from Sweden to talk about how the...
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New Summer 1940 Event - Ep.118
Early war events based on France Summer 1940 are few and far between, in part due to the lack of WW2 French Army Reenactors. In this episode Chris talks to Dylan Williams about an ambitious new event in Illinois next summer which will focus on this time period - and hopes to become an annual…
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Horrors of Reenacting 6 - Ep.117
Keeping up our annual tradition join Chris as he shares listeners spooky stories about things that go bump in the night whilst reenactors are manning those lonely machine gun posts or out on patrol at 2am....... A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate…
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Propagandakompanie - Ep.116
Film, radio and press photography played an important role feeding the German news and propaganda machine during WW2. In this episode Rudi Lange talks to Hans Wickmann about his Propagandakompanie (PK) impression and his three year search to find an original WW2 Arriflex 35 movie camera to film...
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Helmet Restoration - Ep.115
The German Stahlhelm is perhaps one of the most iconic totems of WW2 and a crucial part of any reenactors impression. In this episode Chris discusses the best ways to buy your helmet and how to restore originals or improve the appearance of a reproduction... A big thank you to everyone who…
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Cobra to Lüttich - Ep.133
In this episode Ludwig Topf is joined by Lasse and Rob to discuss their involvement in the recent Cobra to Lüttich event in Normandy which saw almost 100 WW2 German reenactors take part in recreating the key events of the Avranches breakthrough and the German counter-attack at Mortain.
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D-Day Ohio - Ep.132
This year the annual D-Day event in Conneaut, Ohio marked the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings. In this episode podcast regular Rudi Lange talks to Chris about his experiences over the three day event, which draws huge numbers of reenactors and spectators from the USA and beyond.... A…
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