PODCAST · society
The Second World War
by Stephen Bedard
A Podcast all about the second world war hosted by Stephen Bedard.
Episodes
-
56 - Rommel Strikes Back
Things were looking good in North Africa for the British. Until they weren't. Rommel still had some tricks and by the end of January 1942, the situation had reversed. Support this podcast by going to http://www.patreon.com/hopesreason or donating at https://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar
-
Bonus Episode: Japan’s Military at the Dawn of World War II
Everything changed when Japan entered the Second World War. But how prepared was Japan to accomplish its task? In this bonus episode, we look at the size of the Japanese military at the beginning of the Second World War. Please consider supporting this podcast at…
more -
55 - North Atlantic Crossroads: A Conversation With Darrell Hillier
In this episode of the podcast, I talk with Darrell Hillier, author of North Atlantic Crossroads, a story of the Second World War that many people have never heard of. Visit Darrell at https://crossroadsoftheworld.ca/ You can purchase his book from this Amazon affiliate link:...
-
Bonus Episode: Understanding German Military Ranks During World War II
If you do not speak German, the ranks of the German military can be a mystery. Who is an NCO and who is an officer? One of my most popular blog posts is https://www.stephenjbedard.com/understanding-german-military-ranks-during-world-war-ii/ and this episode is based on that article. For more on…
more -
54 - Operation Drumbeat: The U-Boats Come to America
In early 1942, where were attacks taking place? Africa and Asia? Yes, but how about just off the east coast of the United States? Operation Drumbeat was the German U-boat offensive against American shipping within sight of its shores. Perhaps the most effective German operation that you have…
more -
53 - Japan Invades Burma
The entry of Japan into the war in December 1941 set all sorts of other events in motion. One of these was the invasion of Burma as Japan eyes the valuable Burma Road. Support me at http://www.patreon.com/hopesreason My recommended book is Defeat Into Victory: Battling Japan in Burma and India,...
-
52 - The Fall of Manilla
One of the first things to happen in 1942 of the Second World War was the fall of Manilla in the Philippines. Not even the great Douglas MacArthur could prevent that. The fall of Manilla was a devastating blow to the Allies and it was a sign of Japanese dominance in the Pacific... at least for…
more -
51 - The War-time Birth of the United Nations
1942 begins with one of the biggest turning points of the war, one that did not take place on a battlefield. On January 1, 1942, the United Nations was born. In this episode, we look at this alliance and what it meant, as well as how it connects with our modern United Nations. Please support me...
-
50 - The World at War: December 1941
This episode wraps up 1941 by summarizing where things were left by the end of December. The Second World War was much different that it had been 12 months before. We also look at which side had the advantage as we enter 1942. Support me at https://www.patreon.com/hopesreason Visit me at...
-
49 - The USS Arizona and Her Captain: The Final Moments
Much happened on December 7, 1941. One story is that of the USS Arizona and her captain, Franklin Van Valkenburgh. In this episode, we share their tragic story. Support me at http://www.patreon.com/hopesreason Visit me at http://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar Look for my other podcast...
-
48 - Japan’s Blitz Across Asia and the Pacific
When we think of Japan and December 1941, we think of Pearl Harbor. But Japan had much more up their sleeve than just one attack. That same day saw surprise attacks by Japanese forces on American, British, and Thai territories. In this episode, we look at those attacks. Support me at...
-
47 - The Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor
December 7, 1941. A day that will live in infamy. The Japanese attack Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. This would forever change the course of the Second World War. In this episode, we look at the broad strokes of what happened that day. Please visit me at https://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar…
more -
46 - The Road to Pearl Harbor: Japan in 1941
We have been primarily following the German war machine during 1941. However, this year was to radically change the face of the Second World War before it ended. This would be the fateful day of December 7, 1941 and the attack on Pearl Harbor. But before we get to that, we catch up with Japan and...
-
45 - Before the Storm: America on the Eve of War
In this episode of Echoes of the Past, we explore the United States between September 1939 and December 1941 — the tense years leading up to Pearl Harbor. While Americans focused on recovering from the Great Depression, debates raged between isolationists and interventionists over whether to…
more -
44 - From War Hero to Spy: The Story of Frederick Rutland
In this episode of the podcast, I talk to Ronald Drabkin, the author of Beverly Hills Spy. In this excellent book, the author takes us through the story of Frederick Rutland, a man who was a British hero from the Great War, a companion of Hollywood stars, and a spy that gave the Japanese valuable...
-
43 - Catching Up With the Germans on the Eve of Pearl Harbor
The Germans have been busy during 1941. Not only had they invaded the Soviet Union and continued the Battle of the Atlantic, they also had occupied several countries and were still trying to deal with Britain. This included a bombing campaign, as well as the war in North Africa. This episode…
more -
42 - The Battle of the Atlantic: Chapter Two
The podcast episode provides a detailed overview of the Battle of the Atlantic from June 1941 to December 1941, highlighting the struggle between the Allies and German U-boats, as well as the growing involvement of the United States. This period, though marked by some Allied progress, still saw...
-
41 - Operation Barbarossa: Part Three
It is October and November of 1941. The weather is getting colder and only so much can be done before General Winter makes his appearance. Can the Germans make it to Moscow? In this episode, we look at Operation Typhoon and Germany's attempt to gain a major victory while they still have time. My...
-
40 - From Biplanes to Fast Jets
In this episode, I speak with Mark Aedy, son of Ken Aedy. Ken served in the Royal Air Force (RAF), beginning his career during the Second World War and wrote his story, which became From Biplanes to Fast Jets. Unlike many of his peers, Ken did not release after the war but continued to fly,...
-
39 - Operation Barbarossa: Part Two
In this episode, we look at the summer of 1941, specifically the battles for Smolensk, Leningrad, and Kiev. The Germans move forward and the Soviets attempt to push back. Visit me at my website. Discover the resources at Fiverr. Get Operation Barbarossa: Hitler's Invasion of Russia 1941 (Amazon...
-
38 - Bombing Hitler's Hometown: A Conversation With Mike Croissant
In this episode, I speak to Mike Croissant who is the author of Bombing Hitler's Hometown. This book is the story of the last major bombing run of the war in Europe. It also happened to be the town where Adolf Hitler grew up. This book gives an amazing description of the experience of dozens of…
more -
37 - Hearts of Steel: A Conversation With Jim Carter
One of the most influential organizations in the wars of the 20th Century was the Royal Navy. Jim Carter, in his book Hearts of Steel, gives us a snapshot of some of the pivotal years by looking at the activity of a handful of ships. You can find our more about Jim Carter at his website. You can...
-
36 - Cracking the Nazi Code: A Conversation With Jason Bell
In this episode, I speak with Jason Bell, author of Cracking the Nazi Code. This book tells the true story of Winthrop Bell, a Canadian philosopher who worked for MI6 between WWI and WWII as a spy, providing important intelligence. You can purchase this book through this Amazon affiliate link.…
more -
35 - Operation Barbarossa: Part One
One of the major turning points of the war was Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941. This had long been Hitler's plan and now it was time to put those plans into action. The first few weeks included tremendous German success. But could they maintain that...
-
34 - Operation Exporter: Britain vs France
When we think of areas of operations during the Second World War, we often do not think of the Middle East. But in the summer of 1941, there was indeed some significant combat in Syria and Lebanon. Unfortunately, it was between Britain and her Dominions and Vichy France. Visit my website here....
-
33 - The Battle of the Atlantic: Chapter One
In this first chapter of the Battle of the Atlantic, we catch up with what was happening in the Atlantic Ocean. Germany was trying to cut off Britain from all outside support by targeting shipping lanes. The Allies struggled to get the convoys to their destination from German ships, planes, and...
-
32 - Greece Lightning: The German Invasion of Greece
On the same day that the Germans invaded Yugoslavia, they also invaded Greece. Even with Allied support, the Germans pushed through all defences. In this episode, we look at the invasion of the mainland and Crete. Please support this podcast through Patreon. Visit me at my website.
-
31 - An Unexpected Journey: A Conversation With John Livens
Imagine living through a Soviet occupation. And then having the Nazis replace the Soviets. And then having the Soviets return and eject the Nazis. And all this while only a child. John Livens shares about his experience as a boy in Latvia during the Second World War plus much more in his book An...
-
30 - The April War: The Invasion of Yugoslavia
In April of 1941, Germany, along with Italian and Hungarian allies, invaded Yugoslavia. This was part of German's actions in the Balkans that would include the invasion of Greece. In this episode, we look at how that invasion went and what happened after. Visit me at my website. This episode is...
-
29 - The Siege of Malta
The Italians failed to take Malta. Could the Germans do better? They needed to neutralize this island to allow supplies to reach North Africa. However, the British stubbornly held onto Malta and frustrated the plans of the Axis. Support this podcast through Patreon.
-
28 - Enter the Desert Fox
In a previous episode, we saw Italy struggle in its ambitions in North Africa. Could Germany succeed where Italy failed? In this episode, we look at the arrival of General Erwin Rommel and his activity with the Afrika Korps during 1941. This episode is brought to by Athletic Greens. Please…
more -
27 - Catching Up With Japan: China Strikes Back
We have been focusing on Germany and Italy but what has Japan been up to? While technically not yet involved in the Second World War, they are in a fierce battle to dominate China. However, it is not going as well as they had hoped. In this episode, we catch up with Japan and what they have been…
more -
26 - Italy Swings... And Misses
Italy attempts to match their German partners by attacking in numerous places in the Mediterranean area. This includes Egypt, Malta, and Greece. While they have high hopes, each of these campaigns will leave them requiring the help of the Germans. For more on military history, visit me here....
-
25 - A Pope in Wartime: Pius XII
Pope Pius XII was the pope during the Second World War. There is controversy over how he responded to the crisis. Should he have openly opposed Nazism or should he have positioned himself strategically for later negotiations? This is a special crossover episode between the Second World War…
more -
24 - Italy Goes For Egypt
Italy was able to take British Somaliland. Could they duplicate that success with Egypt? They would soon find that Britain was much more motivated to hold onto Egypt. For more resources, please visit my website. This episode is brought to you by Pair. If you have a business, you need a website....
-
23 - The Able Queen: A Conversation With Rainy Horvath
In this episode, I talk to Rainy Horvath, who published the memoirs of her father who was a "hump pilot" during the Second World War. In this episode, you will hear about a theatre of the war and a type of mission that does not get talked about enough. Make sure to visit Rainy at her website.…
more -
22 - Italy Gets in the Game
So far we have been focusing on Germany but what about Italy? Mussolini still intended to build his empire. A logical place to start was British Somaliland, especially with the defeat of Britain's allies, the French. This episode is brought to you by my other podcast: The History of Christianity...
-
21 - The Battle of Britain
France has fallen. Is it Britain's turn next? Germany plans Operation Sea Lion, the invasion of Britain. But to be successful, the Luftwaffe will need to eliminate the RAF. This is the Battle of Britain. Visit me at my website. Today's podcast is presented by PODGO. PODGO is the easiest way for…
more -
20 - The Battle of France is Over...
The French had fought valiantly but how how long could they resist. The Germans were using innovative tactics that the French had never conceived of. Between the panzers and the Luftwaffe, they could not catch a break. In this episode, we look at how the Battle of France ends. Please visit me at…
more -
19 - The Miracle of Dunkirk
With almost a quarter of a million British troops stranded at Dunkirk, the majority of Britain's land forces, it looked like there was no hope. But then something happened. In this episode, we look at the miracle of Dunkirk, the amazing rescue that was both terrifying and inspiring. Make sure to...
-
18 - The Fall of France
Previously, the Germans had attacked through Holland and Belgium, exactly what the Allies expected. Now, the Germans turn to their unexpected real plan, a thrust through the Ardennes Forest. This episode is brought to you by Omio. Use the code OMIO5 for 5% off before July 31, 2021. You can…
more -
17 - Last Flight to Stalingrad: A Conversation with Graham Hurley
In this episode, I talk to Graham Hurley, author of Last Flight to Stalingrad. Our talk ranges from the role of propaganda to the battle of Stalingrad. Make sure to visit Graham' website and find more on Military History here.
-
16 - Low Blow: The Invasion of the Netherlands and Belgium
The conflict in Norway between the Axis and Allies was only a taste of what was to come. France must fall. But how? The first (but not only) part of the invasion would come through the low countries of the Netherlands and Belgium. The French and British came to their aid but things didn't go the...
-
15 - The Vikings Get Pillaged: The Invasion of Denmark and Norway
The Second World War started with the invasion of Poland. But who was next? And what would the French and British do about it? This episode looks at the German invasion of Danish and Norway. Visit me at my website. Support this podcast through Patreon or by downloading a FREE audiobook with a…
more -
14 - An Interview With Clare Mulley on the Women of World War Two
In the episode, I interview author Clare Mulley. Clare has written a couple of biographies related to the Second World War, telling stories that many of us have not heard before. You will enjoy our conversation. Please visit Clare at her website. Some of Clare's books: The Woman Who Saved the...
-
13 - Russian to the Finnish Line
Before there was the Battle of France, before there was the Battle of Britain, there was the Winter War. Just months after the start of the Second World War, the Soviet Union invaded Finland. But it didn't go quite the way they had hoped. Please support this podcast by downloading a FREE…
more -
12 - The First Month of the War
In this episode, we look at the events of the first month of the Second World War. We take a snapshot of September 1939 and see the seeds for much of what would happen throughout the rest of the war. Please support this podcast by getting a FREE audio book with a FREE trial of Audible. Come and...
-
11 - And So It Begins
The beginning of the Second World War is generally understood as being at the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany in September, 1939. Hitler created an excuse for invading and unleashed his forces on an outdated Polish army. Even knowing that Britain and France would not accept this, Hitler took...
-
10 - Japan and Italy at the Dawn of the Second World War
The Second World War really starts with the German invasion of Poland. But what were Japan and Italy up to as Germany was preparing to invade? This episode looks at what was happening in China and Ethiopia in the mid to late 1930s.
-
9 - Hitler and Stalin: A Match Made in Hell
Can we think of two greater monsters of the 20th century than that of Hitler and Stalin. Although the Second World War ended with them as bitter enemies, it began with them in cooperation. This episode looks at what led to the nonaggression pact.
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Second World War have?
The Second World War currently has 51 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Second World War about?
A Podcast all about the second world war hosted by Stephen Bedard.
How often does The Second World War release new episodes?
The Second World War has 51 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Second World War?
You can listen to The Second World War on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Second World War?
The Second World War is created and hosted by Stephen Bedard.
URL copied to clipboard!