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19 episodes

The Race to Messina | Battle for Sicily – Episode 4
30/1/2026 | 52 mins.
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 conversation highlights the complexities of warfare and the importance of logistics, leadership, and historical context in understanding the events of World War II.

The Longest Yarn Exhibit:
https://www.militaryaviationmuseum.org/event/the-longest-yarn-traveling-d-day-exhibit/

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Fire and Fortitude: John C. McManus on the Book That Reframed the U.S. Army in WWII
23/1/2026 | 1h 7 mins.
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 Bataan Death March, the controversial Market Garden operation, and the underappreciated role of the 88th Infantry Division.

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Did Patton HATE the Infantry
16/1/2026 | 1h 3 mins.
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 and touch on Switzerland's role during the war. John also lays out the challenges of teaching World War II to a new generation of students.

Send questions for Stump the Chumps to: [email protected]
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Speedrunning Sicily: The Truscott Trot
09/1/2026 | 1h 2 mins.
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 General Patton. The conversation also highlights the importance of infantry tactics, the role of armor, and the significance of local resistance in Sicily. The capture of Palermo is framed as a pivotal moment for American forces, and the episode concludes with audience questions that further explore the themes discussed.

Send us questions for Stump the Chumps at:
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Christmas during World War Two!
22/12/2025 | 1h 1 mins.
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.

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About World War 2 LIVE

Welcome to World War II 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.These aren’t just any hosts—John is a professor of U.S. military history, author of fifteen award-winning books, and one of the nation’s top experts. Kevin has written five acclaimed books (including a trilogy on Patton), consults on films and documentaries, and brings the battlefields to life with his tours.On World War II Live, we’re here to answer your questions—big or small—while also sharing behind-the-scenes stories from their research, their tours, and their time working with documentaries. Expect a mix of serious insights, surprising details, and a touch of humor as they explore every corner of the war and what it means to us today.Subscribe, send in your questions, and join the conversation—because this is your chance to talk history with the experts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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