Shows
World War 2 LIVEChristmas 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 Company, highlighting the importance of morale and the human experience during wartime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-12-221h 01
World War 2 LIVEThe Invasion of Sicily Begins: John C. McManus & Kevin Hymel Break It DownJoin 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 battlefield stories, logistical insights, and the kind of context you don’t get from a textbook, all grounded in John and Kevin’s decades of research and tour experience...
2025-12-1955 min
World War 2 LIVEDid 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. and Soviet forces collided—politically, geographically, and potentially on the battlefield. Their answer reveals how close the Allies came to un...
2025-12-1012 min
World War 2 LIVEOperation Husky: Planning the Allied AssaultWe 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 information.
2025-12-0651 min
World War 2 LIVEFrom the Vault: Patton’s Private WWII ImagesIn 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 explore these stunning visual discoveries and discuss what they reveal about one of America’s most iconic commanders.Get Kevin's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Pattons-Photographs-War-He-Saw/dp/157...
2025-11-281h 07
World War 2 LIVEInside WWII Battlefield Tours with McManus & HymelIn 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 and strategic decisions during the war. In the 'Stump the Chumps' segment they tackle listener questions and explore counterfactual scenarios related to World War II.Send us questions at: worldwar2live @gmail.com Hosted on Ac...
2025-11-211h 00
World War 2 LIVEWhy WWII Veterans Swore By Their M1 GarandsJohn 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.
2025-11-1458 min
World War 2 LIVEHenry Sledge Finds His Father’s Bunker on Peleliu | The Real Story Behind The PacificFor 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 island, the impact of his father's experiences, and the reception of Henry's book, 'The Old Breed: The Complete Story Revealed.' The discussion also touches on the...
2025-10-3157 min
World War 2 LIVEPeleliu: The Forgotten Hell of the U.S. Army | John C. McManus & Kevin HymelJoin 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 and the leadership choices that shaped the battle, Kevin and John bring new insight to a campaign long overshadowed by myth and misunderstanding. They also explore how Hollywood’s portrayals influence our view...
2025-10-241h 05
World War 2 LIVEThe Truth Behind With The Old Breed: Henry Sledge Talks with John C. McManusCheck 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 the importance of storytelling in preserving history. The discussion highlights personal anecdotes, the challenges of capturing the soldier's experience, and the...
2025-10-171h 02
World War 2 LIVERommel vs. America: Kasserine Pass – The Battle That Shocked the AlliesJohn 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 context and the personal stories that shape our understanding of this pivotal moment in military history....and of course, viewer questions in our Stump the Chumps segment! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-10-1059 min
World War 2 LIVEPatton at Casablanca | Vichy France vs. AmericaJohn 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 explores the controversial battle of Iwo Jima and the implications of decisions made during the war, including the liberation of Prague.Send us question for Stump the Chumps at: worldwar2live@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See...
2025-10-0358 min
World War 2 LIVEWhy 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.
2025-09-2658 min
World War 2 LIVEPatton in MoroccoPatton 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 battles in World War Two are over-credited in their significance and which battles are under-credited
2025-09-1954 min
World War 2 LIVEOmaha Beach with John McManusWelcome 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-favorite segment, Stump the Chumps, where YOU get to put the historians on the spot with your toughest World War II questions. From surpris...
2025-09-121h 15
20 Sided Gamified PodcastEpisode #105: 20SG Travels to Gettysburg: Recapping with Former Students Carter and Thomas!Friends- a few weeks ago, Kelly and I had the privilege of participating in an episode of Mark's Game Room, which covered the story of General Dan Sickles, and his infamous move into the Peach Orchard. Not only did we walk the battle with two of my former students (and Mark Fastoso, 11 time Emmy Award Winner), but we got a chance to refight part of the 2nd day of the Battle of Gettysburg in Mark's studio! It was a fantastic experience. This pair of episodes, dropping at the same time, interview several of the folks we spent the day...
2025-07-1859 min20 Sided Gamified PodcastEpisode #104: 20SG Travels to Gettysburg: Recapping with Austin and Matt from Mark's Game Room!Friends- a few weeks ago, Kelly and I had the privilege of participating in an episode of Mark's Game Room, which covered the story of General Dan Sickles, and his infamous move into the Peach Orchard. Not only did we walk the battle with two of my former students (and Mark Fastoso, 11 time Emmy Award Winner), but we got a chance to refight part of the 2nd day of the Battle of Gettysburg in Mark's studio! It was a fantastic experience. This pair of episodes, dropping at the same time, interview several of the folks we spent the day...
2025-07-181h 0720 Sided Gamified PodcastEpisode #95: Mark's Game Room Presents: "Glory", New Bedford, and Wargaming!Friends- this is a very special episode, as we're previewing and showcasing the work of Mark Fastoso of Mark's Game Room. He's put together a great video- in some ways, a prototype of where he sees his channel going in the future. I don't wanna ruin the surprise, but the movie "Glory", starring Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, Cary Elwes and others features prominently in the episode, as well as a miniature wargaming and a little bit of travel! Thanks to Mark for coming on the show to showcase all of this! It was a very moving episode. Enjoy! I've...
2025-02-281h 0720 Sided Gamified PodcastEpisode #91: Emmy Award Winning Mark Fastoso-of Mark's Game Room!Friends- please enjoy this episode featuring Mark Fastoso, multi-time, Emmy award winning producer from PBS and host of the popular youtube channel Mark's Game Room! In addition, Mark is an accomplished author, having written Fireball Forward (WW2 wargaming ruleset) and other popular titles! Kelly and I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with him, and we'll certainly connect with him in the future for another episode. Have with this one, and check out the link below which will take you directly to Mark's youtube page.https://www.youtube.com/@MarksGameRoom20 Sided Gamified Listeners- if you’re a...
2024-11-291h 16
Through the NoiseWhat Goes Into Creating Exceptional Content to Skyrocket Your YouTube Channel?Mark Fastoso from Mark's Game Room takes you behind the scenes sharing everything from researching his ideas, to the preparation, and even the best practices for making his videos that have gained him a large number of views in a very short period of time. Mark Fastoso, is a multiple Emmy® and Edward R. Murrow award-winning producer with more than twenty years experience working for PBS, Curiosity Stream, History Hit and other digital platforms. Mark has extensive experience in creating highly interactive programming using the most current technologies in broadcast and on the web. Currently, Mark's current PB...
2023-10-2538 min
God’s Own Scale PodcastEpisode 53 - The one with Mark FastosoAn interview with Emmy Award winning film producer, Mark Fastoso. Please note I get the episode numbering wrong udring the episode. This is most likely episode 53 and not 55. I did lose track of the numbering system a while a go. What can I say? Numbers are hard.
Mark talks about his rules writing with the likes of Fireball Forward Fire at Sea and Ruthless, all of which can be found at the same link.
He goes onto talk about his forthcoming Youtube channel, Mark's Games Room and also his professional life as an a...
2023-05-282h 02
WW1 Centennial NewsOctober 1918 & The Lost BattalionOctober 1918 & The Lost Battalion
Episode #144
Host: Theo Mayer
October 1918 Overview Roundtable - Dr. Edward Lengel & Katherine Akey | @02:15
Historians Corner: Lost Battalion - Ron Laplander | @18:25
Shifting sands and hard fighting - Mike Shuster | @25:10
Remembering Veterans: Story of John Foster - Mark Foster | @29:40
US Army CMH WWI Website - Dr. Erik Villard | @35:00
Spotlight On The Media 1: Dr. Edward Lengel | @40:15
Spotlight On The Media 2: Lost Battalion Documentary - Mark Fastoso & John King | @42:50----more----
World War One Then
October 1918 Roundtable: Dr. Edward Lengel, Katherine Akey, Host
Historian Corner with Rob Laplander
https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Lost-Battalion-Legends-Americas/dp/1411676564
h...
2019-10-1351 min
Story WorthyThe Lost Battalion with Mark Fastoso and John KingDan talks to the producers of a new documentary about a battalion cut off during the Meuse-Argonne offensive, Mark Fastoso and John King. You can see The Lost Battalion on HistoryHit.TV.
Producer: Natt Tapley
2018-11-0725 min
WW1 Centennial NewsOctober 1918 Overview: Ep.#92Highlights: October 1918 Overview
Host: Theo Mayer
October 1918 Overview Roundtable - Dr.Edward Lengel & Katherine Akey | @03:55
Historians Corner: Lost Battalion - Ron Laplander | @20:00
Shifting sands and hard fighting - Mike Shuster | @26:40
Commission News: Honor & Remember in Chicago - Host | @31:24
Commission News: Bells of Peace update - Host | @32:15
State Profile: Georgia - Dr. Tom Jackson | @33:40
Remembering Veterans: Story of John Foster - Mark Foster | @41:10
US Army CMH WWI Website - Dr. Erik Villard | @47:20
Spotlight On The Media 1: Dr. Edward Lengel | @52:40
Spotlight On The Media 2: Lost Battalion Documentary - Mark Fastoso & John King | @55:20
WWI War Tech: Pigeons - Host | @60:00
Articles & Posts...
2018-10-071h 12