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1945

1945

The National WWII Museum 9 Episodes Apr 16, 2026

The National WWII Museum presents 1945, a six-part podcast series hosted by New York Times best-selling author Donald Miller and Playtone producer Kirk Saduski. The series tells the story of the most consequential year in modern history and explores significant questions over how the war will end. It features interviews with Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, along with Richard Frank, John McManus, Rebecca Erbelding, and Stephanie Hinnershitz, and also includes performances by Academy Award nominees Patricia Clarkson and Gary Sinise.

Episodes

Secret WWII: Spies & Special Ops Season 2
Secret WWII: Spies & Special Ops Season 2 Apr 16, 2026 01:08 World War II was fought on battlefields all over the globe. But it was also fought in the shadows—in covert operations that didn't make the headlines, both at home and overseas. The National WWII Museum presents Secret WWII: Spies & Special Ops Season 2, a podcast exploring wartime tales of espionage and intrigue. Hosted by Museum Senior Historian Bradley W. Hart, PhD, tune in to hear from expert
Secret WWII: Spies & Special Ops Trailer
Secret WWII: Spies & Special Ops Trailer Sep 12, 2025 01:16 World War II was fought on battlefields all over the globe. But it was also fought in the shadows—in covert operations that didn't make the headlines, both at home and overseas. The National WWII Museum presents Secret WWII: Spies & Special Ops, a new podcast series exploring wartime tales of espionage and intrigue.  Hosted by Museum Senior Historian Bradley W. Hart, PhD, tune in to hear from exp
Part 6: Postwar World
Part 6: Postwar World May 22, 2025 56:33 September to December 1945: This final episode explores aftermath and consequences of World War II, as the trials at Nuremberg and Tokyo seek to restore justice in a world destroyed. Hosts Kirk Saduski and Donald Miller speak with historians Richard Frank, Stephanie Hinnershitz, and Rebecca Erbelding.  Academy Award nominee Gary Sinise reads an excerpt from Judgment at Tokyo by Gary Bass. 
Part 5: Japan Surrenders
Part 5: Japan Surrenders May 15, 2025 46:19 August 1945: The surrender of Japan is announced days after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. WWII veterans begin the long road home.  Guests include historian Richard Frank, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, and historian John McManus.  Academy Award nominee Patricia Clarkson reads an excerpt from Hiroshima by John Hersey. 
Part 4: Victory in Europe
Part 4: Victory in Europe May 8, 2025 41:05 May to July 1945: Germany surrenders. The war in Europe is over, but the fighting in the Pacific rages on. America prepares to test the most fearsome weapon ever created.  Guests include Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin and historian Richard Frank.  Academy Award nominee Gary Sinise reads an excerpt from E.B. Sledge. 
Part 3: Road to Japan
Part 3: Road to Japan May 1, 2025 43:22 April to June 1945: Focus shifts to the Pacific theater, where the Battle of Okinawa is underway. As America considers an invasion of Japan, efforts to build the atomic bomb are reaching climatic stages.  Hosts Kirk Saduski and Donald Miller speak with historian Richard Frank, author of Downfall: The End of the Imperial Japanese Empire.  Academy Award nominee Gary Sinise reads an excerpt from
Part 2: The Death of FDR
Part 2: The Death of FDR Apr 24, 2025 36:06 April 1945: Western Allies and Soviets are closing-in on Nazi Germany from both sides. The deaths of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Adolf Hitler occur within weeks of each other. Harry S. Truman becomes President of the United States, as American generals and journalists witness the horrors of the concentration camps.  Guests include historian John McManus, Pulitzer Prize-winning histo
Part 1: Beginning of the End
Part 1: Beginning of the End Apr 17, 2025 55:06 January to March 1945: In a period marked by intense military campaigns and high-stakes diplomatic efforts, significant questions emerge over how World War II will end.  Hosts Kirk Saduski and Donald Miller speak with historian Richard Frank, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, and historian Rebecca Erbelding. Academy Award nominee Gary Sinise reads an excerpt from With the
1945: New Podcast from The National WWII Museum
1945: New Podcast from The National WWII Museum Apr 7, 2025 01:07 The National WWII Museum presents 1945, a six-part podcast series hosted by New York Times best-selling author Donald Miller and Playtone producer Kirk Saduski. 1945 tells the story of the most consequential year in modern history, and explores significant questions over how the war will end.  Guests include Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, Richard Frank, John McManus, Rebecc

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