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World War 2 LIVE

World War 2 LIVE

Written by: Mark Fastoso
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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

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Mark Fastoso World
Episodes
  • Speedrunning Sicily: The Truscott Trot

    Speedrunning Sicily: The Truscott Trot
    Jan 9 2026

    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:

    worldwar2live@gmail.com

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Christmas during World War Two!

    Christmas during World War Two!
    Dec 22 2025
    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.

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • The Invasion of Sicily Begins: John C. McManus & Kevin Hymel Break It Down

    The Invasion of Sicily Begins: John C. McManus & Kevin Hymel Break It Down
    Dec 19 2025

    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 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.


    Have a World War II question you’d like answered on our Stump the Chumps segment?

    📩 Email us at: worldwar2live@gmail.com


    If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help more history fans find World War 2 Live.

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    56 mins
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