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22 episodes

Band of Brothers Episode 1: What It Gets Right (and Wrong)
27/02/2026 | 55 mins.
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 significance of understanding the past.

For information on Band of Brothers Tours visit:
stephenambrosetours.com

Send us questions for Stump the Chumps at:
[email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Fall of Bataan: How the Pacific War Turned Brutal
20/02/2026 | 1h 7 mins.
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 endured during the march
• Who bore responsibility
• How news of the event shocked the United States
• And how Bataan influenced the brutal Pacific campaigns that followed

Understanding Bataan is essential to understanding the Pacific War.

📩 Send your questions for “Stump the Chumps” to: [email protected]

Watch Mark's documentary about Jeremiah Denton for free here:
https://www.pbs.org/video/alabama-public-television-documentaries-jeremiah/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Real Fury - A Real Tanker Talks
13/02/2026 | 1h 8 mins.
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 Stump the Chumps segment the guys delve into the complexities of neutrality, supply routes, and the roles of different nations involved in the conflict. They explore the significance of the Lend-Lease program, the Iranian connection, and the contributions of minor Axis powers, discussing whether these nations were more of a help or hindrance to the Axis cause.

Send Stump the Chumps questions to:
[email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Race to Messina | Battle for Sicily – Episode 4
30/01/2026 | 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/

Send us questions at:
[email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Fire and Fortitude: John C. McManus on the Book That Reframed the U.S. Army in WWII
23/01/2026 | 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.

Send your questions for Stump the Chumps to:
[email protected]
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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