World War 2 LIVE
Join historians John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel each week for an entertaining, informal, and cutting-edge dive into the history of the Second World War. John is a professor of U.S. military history and author of fifteen award-winning books, while Kevin has written five acclaimed books and consults on films and documentaries. They answer listener questions, share behind-the-scenes stories from their research and tours, and explore every corner of the war with a mix of serious insights, surprising details, and humor.
Episodes
Our Fans Chose the Greatest WWII Movie — A Bridge Too Far
Our fans have spoken: A Bridge Too Far is the greatest World War II movie ever made. After months of voting, World War 2 Live viewers chose the 1977 epic A Bridge Too Far as their #1 WWII movie, beating out classics including Patton, Saving Private Ryan, The Longest Day, Das Boot, and Tora! Tora! Tora! So why did this movie win? John McManus and Kevin Hymel take a deep dive into A Bridge Too Far,
FROM NORTH AFRICA TO CORREGIDOR: The Evolution of American Airborne Warfare
The first American combat parachute drop of World War II was a disaster. By the end of the war, American airborne forces were conducting extraordinarily sophisticated operations. So how did they get from one to the other? In this episode of World War 2 Live, John McManus, Kevin Hymel and Mark Fastoso trace the evolution of American airborne operations from the first combat drop in North Africa in
We Took World War 2 Live to We Have Ways Fest
What happens when World War 2 Live leaves the studio and meets its audience? John McManus, Kevin Hymel and producer Mark Fastoso headed to We Have Ways Fest in the UK—and found ourselves in the middle of thousands of World War II enthusiasts, historians, authors, reenactors, aircraft, tanks, and one unforgettable live World War 2 Live show. In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of the fes
POINTE DU HOC: Debunking D-Day's Biggest Myth
POINTE DU HOC: Debunking D-Day's Biggest Myth | World War II LiveThe guns were gone by the time the Rangers scaled the cliffs — but that fact has fueled one of the most persistent myths of D-Day. Dr. John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel take aim at the idea, popularized by Cornelius Ryan's The Longest Day and cemented in the 1962 film of the same name, that the mission was a pointless waste because the
THE FORGOTTEN SOLDIER: Can We Believe This Russian Front Memoir?
Is The Forgotten Soldier one of the greatest firsthand accounts of World War II—or is it a story we can't completely trust?Guy Sajer's The Forgotten Soldier has become one of the best-known memoirs of the German experience on the Russian Front. For generations of readers, it has offered a gripping, often brutal account of combat on the Eastern Front.But how accurate is it?In this episode of World
Omaha Beach in 3D: The Story Behind Keith Rocco's Incredible Diorama
What happens when World War 2 Live meets Someone Talked at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia? You get a special crossover episode—and a fascinating look at one of the most ambitious D-Day projects we've been involved with.The centerpiece of this episode is Keith Rocco's extraordinary Omaha Beach diorama, created with dioramist Bernie Kempinski. The massive 3D recreation captures Oma
How REAL is GREYHOUND?
How realistic is Greyhound? John McManus and Kevin Hymel take a close look at the Tom Hanks WWII movie and separate Hollywood from the reality of the Battle of the Atlantic.Greyhound puts viewers on the bridge of a destroyer escorting an Allied convoy across the North Atlantic as German U-boats close in. But how much of what we see on screen actually reflects what it was like to fight the Battle o
The Italian Campaign Debate | WW2 Hot Takes
Was the Italian Campaign Worth It? John McManus and Kevin Hymel DebateWas the Allied campaign in Italy a necessary step toward victory in Europe—or a costly strategic mistake?In this special debate episode of World War 2 Live, Dr. John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel take opposite sides of one of the most enduring controversies of World War II. After exploring the Italian Campaign over several episodes
Guadalcanal Was Only Half the Story | WW2 Hot Takes
Most accounts of the Pacific War treat Guadalcanal and New Guinea as two separate campaigns. But from the Japanese perspective, they were part of the same desperate struggle—and understanding that connection changes how we view the turning point of the Pacific War. In this episode of World War 2 Live, Dr. John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel connect the dots between these two epic campaigns and explain
Was the Invasion of Anzio Worth It?
Why did one of the boldest Allied operations in Italy turn into months of brutal stalemate?In this episode of World War 2 Live, Dr. John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel examine the Battle of Anzio, one of the most controversial campaigns of the Italian Campaign. Conceived as a daring amphibious landing that would outflank the German Gustav Line and open the road to Rome, Operation Shingle instead becam
The WWII Story That Brought America to Tears: Ernie Pyle & Captain Waskow
What makes a great leader in combat?In this episode of World War 2 Live, Dr. John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel explore one of the most moving stories to emerge from World War II: the bond between famed war correspondent Ernie Pyle and the soldiers of the U.S. Army's 36th Infantry Division, culminating in his unforgettable column about Captain Henry T. Waskow.During the brutal fighting around San Pie
Patton vs. Rommel: Who Was the Better General?
Why did two of World War II's most famous generals become legends—and do they deserve their reputations?In this episode of World War 2 Live, Dr. John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel tackle one of the most enduring debates in military history: George S. Patton vs. Erwin Rommel. Although the two iconic commanders never actually faced each other in battle, Hollywood, popular culture, and decades of milita
Rommel vs. Kesselring: How Should Germany Defend Italy?
After surviving the brutal landings at Salerno, the Allies faced a new challenge: breaking through some of the strongest defensive terrain in Europe.In this episode of World War 2 Live, Dr. John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel continue their exploration of the Italian Campaign by examining what happened after the Allies secured the Salerno beachhead. Why did the campaign in Italy become such a long, gr
Salerno: The Invasion That Nearly Failed
Before the Allies could fight their way up Italy, they first had to survive one of the most dangerous amphibious operations of World War II.In this episode of World War 2 Live, Dr. John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel examine the Invasion of Salerno—Operation Avalanche—the September 1943 landing that brought Allied forces onto the Italian mainland. While often overshadowed by Normandy and other famous
WWII Hot Takes: Should the Allies Have Raced for Berlin?
Before the war in Europe ended, Allied armies stood poised on the borders of Germany while the Red Army raced toward Berlin from the east. But should the Western Allies have pushed harder to capture Berlin before the Soviets?Welcome to WW2 Hot Takes, a new recurring series within World War 2 Live where Dr. John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel tackle some of the biggest debates, myths, and "what ifs" of
D-Day's Most Important Forecast? The Real Story Behind Pressure
Could the fate of D-Day really have come down to a weather forecast?In this episode of World War 2 Live, Dr. John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel examine the true story behind the new film Pressure, which tells the remarkable tale of the Allied meteorologists tasked with forecasting the weather for Operation Overlord. With hundreds of thousands of soldiers, thousands of ships, and the future of Western
New Secrets of General Patton? | Kevin Hymel’s New Book
General George Patton remains one of the most studied—and controversial—American commanders of World War II. But even after decades of scholarship, are there still new things to learn about him?In this episode of World War 2 Live, Dr. John C. McManus, Kevin Hymel, and producer Mark Fastoso celebrate and discuss Kevin’s brand-new book, Patton’s War: An American General’s Combat Leadership—the third
Behind the WWII Photos You See in History Books
Every iconic World War II photograph tells a story—but how do historians actually find the right images to bring history to life?In this episode of World War 2 Live, Dr. John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel take viewers behind the scenes of writing military history and reveal how they search for, evaluate, and select photographs of World War II battles for their books and projects.John and Kevin discus
How Historians Create WWII Battle Maps
How do historians turn battlefield chaos into maps readers can actually understand?In this episode of World War 2 Live, Dr. John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel pull back the curtain on one of the most overlooked parts of writing military history: creating maps of World War II battles. From tracing troop movements to simplifying confusing terrain and conflicting accounts, John and Kevin discuss how map
The Doolittle Raid: America Strikes Back
The Doolittle Raid was one of the most daring—and improbable—operations of World War II.In this episode of World War 2 Live, Dr. John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel break down the famous April 1942 mission led by James H. Doolittle, in which American bombers launched from an aircraft carrier to strike the Japanese home islands. Though the physical damage was limited, the raid had enormous strategic an
The Battle of Guadalcanal - Episode 4: Halsey Takes Command
The struggle for Guadalcanal reached a critical turning point when a new commander stepped in.In this episode of World War 2 Live, Dr. John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel examine the moment William F. Halsey Jr. took command in the South Pacific—and how his leadership helped shift the momentum of the campaign. Aggressive, determined, and willing to take risks, Halsey brought a new energy to a fight th
The Thin Red Line: What It Gets Right About Guadalcanal
What does The Thin Red Line get right about war—and where does it take artistic license?In this episode of World War 2 Live, Dr. John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel take a deep dive into one of the most thought-provoking World War II films ever made. Set during the Battle of Guadalcanal, The Thin Red Line offers a very different portrayal of combat—one that focuses as much on the inner lives of soldie
The Battle of Guadalcanal - Episode 3: Rescue Plane Down
In the chaos of Guadalcanal, one little-known story captures something essential about the American war effort: they didn’t leave their own behind.In this episode of World War 2 Live, Dr. John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel dive into a remarkable and often overlooked episode from the campaign—the rescue of a downed U.S. Army Air Forces C-47 supply plane. Based on Kevin’s article “Rescue Plane Down,” t
The Battle of Guadalcanal – Episode 2: Hanging in the Balance
When the Marines secured their foothold on Guadalcanal, the battle was far from over.What followed was not a quick victory—but a brutal, back-and-forth struggle across jungle, sea, and sky. In this episode of World War 2 Live, Dr. John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel continue their deep dive into Guadalcanal, exploring how the campaign evolved into one of the most complex and hard-fought battles of the
The Battle of Guadalcanal – Episode 1: The Landings
When U.S. Marines hit the beaches of Guadalcanal in August 1942, the Pacific War entered a new phase.This wasn’t just another landing—it was the beginning of a brutal, months-long struggle across jungle, sea, and sky that would test everything the Allies had.In this episode of World War 2 Live, Dr. John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel break down the opening of the Guadalcanal campaign:• Why Guadalcanal
The Sicilian Campaign Episode 5: The End
John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel discuss the significant events following the Sicilian campaign in World War II, including Mussolini's fall from power, the strategic decisions made by Eisenhower regarding the Italian campaign, and the complexities of partisan warfare in the Balkans. They delve into leadership changes within the U.S. Army, particularly the transition from General Terry Allen to Gene
Diving into Band of Brothers Episode 3 - CARENTAN
In this episode, John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel delve into the intricacies of the Band of Brothers series, focusing on the Battle of Carentan and its strategic significance during WWII. They explore character portrayals, particularly Albert Blythe's experience with combat fatigue. In the Stump the Chumps segment they take questions from around the workd and discuss the broader themes of racial t
Diving into Band of Brothers Episode 2 - DAY OF DAYS
In this episode, John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel delve into the second part of the Band of Brothers series, exploring the complexities of D-Day, the experiences of Easy Company, and the significance of George Luz's footage. They discuss the portrayal of combat, the challenges of communication, and the dynamics of leadership in wartime. The Stump the Chumps segment touches on the cooperation betwee
Band of Brothers Episode 1: What It Gets Right (and Wrong)
In this episode, John and Kevin delve into the iconic miniseries 'Band of Brothers,' exploring its themes, character dynamics, and the historical context of World War II. They discuss the impact of music, the training of Easy Company, and the leadership styles of figures like Herbert Sobel. Stump the Chumps touches on the experiences of POWs and reflections on historical narratives and the signifi
The Fall of Bataan: How the Pacific War Turned Brutal
When American and Filipino forces surrendered on Bataan in April 1942, the Pacific War entered a darker phase.What followed—the Bataan Death March—was not just a tragedy. It reshaped American resolve, hardened attitudes toward Japan, and influenced the conduct of the war that followed.In this episode of World War 2 Live, John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel break down:• Why Bataan fell• What soldiers e
The Real Fury - A Real Tanker Talks
John and Kevin into the experiences of Irving Bromberg, a World War II tanker. The discussion highlights the realities of tank warfare, the psychological toll of combat, and the importance of veteran narratives. Through Bromberg's story, they explores themes of camaraderie, the impact of war on mental health, and the often-misrepresented portrayal of military experiences in popular culture. In the
The Race to Messina | Battle for Sicily – Episode 4
John and Kevin delve into the Battle of Sicily, focusing on the strategic decisions made by General Patton, the challenges faced during amphibious assaults, and the engineering feats that played a crucial role in the campaign. They discuss the controversies surrounding Patton's leadership, the final push to Messina, and the implications of the victory for future military operations. The conversati
Fire and Fortitude: John C. McManus on the Book That Reframed the U.S. Army in WWII
Kevin interviews John about FIRE AND FORTITUDE, his seminal work on the US Army in the Pacific War. They delve into the often-overlooked contributions of American ground soldiers in the Pacific Theater during World War II, highlighting their struggles and achievements. They take viewer questions in the Stump the Chumps segment and discuss General Patton's legacy, the harrowing experiences of the B
Did Patton HATE the Infantry
John and Kevin delve into the complexities of General George Patton's legacy, particularly his relationships with infantry divisions and his command style. They discuss the upcoming symposium dedicated to Patton, explore his controversial tactics and strategies. The Stump the Chump segment puts John and Kevin on the spot as they examine the broader implications of war crimes trials in the Pacific
Speedrunning Sicily: The Truscott Trot
In this episode, Dr. John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel discuss the complexities and tragedies of the Battle of Sicily during World War II, highlighting the famous 'Truscott Trot'. They delve into the unfortunate friendly fire incident that resulted in the loss of many paratroopers, the lessons learned from this campaign, and the leadership decisions made by key figures like General Ridgeway and Gene
Christmas during World War Two!
In this episode, the hosts discuss the significance of Christmas during World War II, focusing on the contrasting experiences of 1941 and 1944. They explore the emotional impact of the war on holiday celebrations, the visit of Winston Churchill to the U.S., and the stories of kindness that emerged amidst the chaos. The conversation also touches on the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen compared to Easy
The Invasion of Sicily Begins: John C. McManus & Kevin Hymel Break It Down
Join military historians John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel on World War 2 Live as they dive into the dramatic opening phase of the Allied invasion of Sicily in 1943—Operation Husky. In this episode, they break down the strategy behind the landings, the challenges on the beaches and in the air, and why Sicily became the crucial first step in prying open Hitler’s Fortress Europe.You’ll hear battlefiel
Did We Fight the Soviets? And Who Named D-Day’s Beaches?
In this Stump the Chumps segment, historians John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel tackle two fascinating viewer questions that shed new light on the final months of World War II and the planning for D-Day.First Question: Did the U.S. Army and the Soviet Army ever fight each other at the end of World War II?John and Kevin explore the tense, chaotic final weeks of the European war, examining where U.S. a
Operation Husky: Planning the Allied Assault
We kick off our series on the Sicilian Campaign with a look at the Allied planning. John and Kevin take you into the minds of the Allied planners for Operation Husky. They also take viewer question in Stump the Chumps....including looking at the issue of British tea breaks during Operation Market Gardern.Send us questions at worldwar2live@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more
From the Vault: Patton’s Private WWII Images
In this episode of World War II Live, Kevin Hymel takes viewers deep inside General George S. Patton’s personal archive to uncover a remarkable treasure: previously unseen photographs from World War II. Kevin reveals how he found these rare images, what they show about Patton’s leadership and personality, and why they change our understanding of his legacy.Join Kevin and John C. McManus as they ex
Inside WWII Battlefield Tours with McManus & Hymel
In this episode of World War II Live, hosts John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel engage in a lively discussion about their experiences leading battlefield tours, the significance of personal connections to history, and the challenges of military logistics. They share insights from recent tours, including memorable meals and interactions with participants, and delve into the complexities of intelligence
Why WWII Veterans Swore By Their M1 Garands
John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel chat about the US Army's small arms during World War 2. Why the switch from the bolt action Springfield to the semi-auto M1 Garand? In our Stump the Chumps segment hear how they start to research a new topic!Send in your WW2 questions for Stump the Chumps at: worldwar2live@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Henry Sledge Finds His Father’s Bunker on Peleliu | The Real Story Behind The Pacific
For a deeper look at Henry Sledge’s journey, visit Mark’s Game Room on YouTube to watch the in-depth interview that Mark Fastoso and George Luz Jr. conducted with him. LINK: https://youtu.be/ceGbkcE4xfYIn this episode, Kevin Hymel, John C. McManus, and Henry Sledge delve into the personal and historical significance of Peleliu during World War II. They explore Henry's emotional journey to the isl
Peleliu: The Forgotten Hell of the U.S. Army | John C. McManus & Kevin Hymel
Join historians Kevin Hymel and John C. McManus for a fascinating deep dive into one of World War II’s most intense and misunderstood battles — Peleliu. In this episode, they uncover the Army’s overlooked role in the Pacific, revealing stories of courage, sacrifice, and strategy that history often leaves behind.From the rivalry between the Army and Marines, to the critical importance of logistics
The Truth Behind With The Old Breed: Henry Sledge Talks with John C. McManus
Check out Mark Fastoso's video about Sledge's War Souvenirs here:https://youtu.be/3ei2UMxZYXsWatch George Luz and Mark interview Henry here:https://youtu.be/ceGbkcE4xfYJohn C. McManus and Kevin Hymel discuss the profound impact of Eugene Sledge's memoir, 'With the Old Breed,' and its companion piece by his son, Henry Sledge. They explore the emotional journey of writing, the realities of war, and
Rommel vs. America: Kasserine Pass – The Battle That Shocked the Allies
John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel delve into the Battle of Kasserine Pass, exploring the leadership challenges faced by American commanders, the dynamics of the German offensive, and the lessons learned from this early World War II engagement. The hosts discuss the significance of command visibility, the impact of logistics, and the morale of troops during combat. They reflect on the historical cont
Patton at Casablanca | Vichy France vs. America
John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel dive into General George Patton's leadership during the North African campaign, the experiences of troops during invasions, and the complexities of military communication. The discussion also touches on the surrender of French forces in Casablanca, Patton's controversial decisions, and the impact of media portrayals of the war. Additionally, Stump the Chumps explore
Why George C. Marshall may be WW2's most under-rated leader.
John and Kevin take deep dive into the life and legacy of George C. Marshall. How his leadership set a course for the world. In out Stump the Chumps section we contemplate the North Platte Canteen!!!Send your WW2 questions for John and Kevin to:worldwar2live@gmail.comWe would love to hear from you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Patton in Morocco
Patton was so concerned about the Torch Landings in Morocco that he prayed to an Hawaiian war god. It even followed him to the landing beaches. John and Kevin take you along as they walk in the footsteps of General George S. Patton ... starting with him walking ashore in Morocco. Stump the Chumps has some great questions:What was the worse things eachmajor power did during World War Two?Which b
Omaha Beach with John McManus
Welcome to the very first episode of World War II Live! 🎥Historians John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel kick things off with a deep dive into the myths and realities of D-Day at Omaha Beach—one of the most famous, misunderstood, and hotly debated battles of World War II. They recall visiting the beach and how walking the ground can change your perspective.But that’s not all. Stick around for our fan-f
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