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The History of WWII Podcast

Ray Harris Jr

A biweekly history podcast covering the last great war. Join Ray Harris Jr as he explores World War Two in intimate detail.

The History of WWII Podcast is produced and narrated by Ray Harris Jr. Ray has a degree in history from James Madison University. I’ve been obsessed with the events and people from WWII since I first learned of them. I’ve been waiting years for someone to do a podcast on WWII and couldn’t wait any longer.

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20 episodes
Updated Today
a few times a week
31 min on average

Episodes 20

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Today · 26 min
Episode 645-Japanese Mistakes/American Luck
The Japanese forces almost take Edson’s Ridge but fail. Then Kawaguchi realizes, 1/3 of his attack force didn’t participate. Now the Japanese Combined Fleet will make Guadalcanal their paramount priority. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, expert interviews, and commercial-free listening for just $5/month! Every penny supports the show and keeps the history coming. https://worldwariipodcast.net/members/ Donations are always welcome and help keep the History of WWII Podcast free for all. https://bit.ly/3UuTZxU Follow The History of WWII Podcast: RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thursday · 23 min
Episode 644-Hold The Line!
The Japanese come again during the late evening of September 13th. And this time Kawaguchi will make sure his attack is along the entire Marine line. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, expert interviews, and commercial-free listening for just $5/month! Every penny supports the show and keeps the history coming. https://worldwariipodcast.net/members/ Donations are always welcome and help keep the History of WWII Podcast free for all. https://bit.ly/3UuTZxU Follow The History of WWII Podcast: RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 3 · 26 min
Episode 643-Battle of Bloody Ridge
Gen. Kawaguchi comes at the Marine perimeter, over confident by half. His men advance, which is when it all starts to go wrong. But he’ll return soon. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, expert interviews, and commercial-free listening for just $5/month! Every penny supports the show and keeps the history coming. https://worldwariipodcast.net/members/ Donations are always welcome and help keep the History of WWII Podcast free for all. https://bit.ly/3UuTZxU Follow The History of WWII Podcast: RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 30 · 27 min
Episode 642-The Cactus Air Force v. The Tokyo Express
Late August/Early September 1942 is all about the Japanese sending more troops to Guadalcanal and the Americans trying to stop them. All for the next big battle. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, expert interviews, and commercial-free listening for just $5/month! Every penny supports the show and keeps the history coming. https://worldwariipodcast.net/members/ Donations are always welcome and help keep the History of WWII Podcast free for all. https://bit.ly/3UuTZxU Follow The History of WWII Podcast: RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 27 · 1 hr 1 min
Episode 641-Greg Jackson book Interview. Been There, Done That.
Prof. Greg Jackson discusses his new book, Been There, Done That: How Our History Shows What We Can Overcome. Podcast Host and Creator of The History That Doesn't Suck Podcast offers examples from America's past that shows, we have survived other political and literal challenges and can do it again. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, expert interviews, and commercial-free listening for just $5/month! Every penny supports the show and keeps the history coming. https://worldwariipodcast.net/members/ Donations are always welcome and help keep the History of WWII Podcast free for all. https://bit.ly/3UuTZxU Follow The History of WWII Podcast: RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 23 · 8 min
We The Founders (The Constitution) | Government That Doesn’t Suck
Government That Doesn't Suck is a Rewind Studios original podcast from the creators of History That Doesn't Suck, hosted by Professors Lindsey Cormack and Greg Jackson. Each episode digs into the surprising story of an American institution — from the origins of the internet, to the National Park Service, to the GI Bill, and so much more. You'll hear the stories behind them, plus a conversation with an expert who knows it inside and out. New episodes release every other Monday. Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or subscribe on YouTube for full video episodes. https://pod.link/1896938110 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 20 · 24 min
Episode 640-Blood In The Water
Trying to shield Henderson Field with carrier based aircraft, Japanese submarines go hunting for them. Their successes further weaken Adm. Nimitz’s offensive air arm. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, expert interviews, and commercial-free listening for just $5/month! Every penny supports the show and keeps the history coming. https://worldwariipodcast.net/members/ Donations are always welcome and help keep the History of WWII Podcast free for all. https://bit.ly/3UuTZxU Follow The History of WWII Podcast: RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 16 · 50 min
Episode 639-Live WW2 Story Share
Tony Lupo and Ryan Fairfield join me as we host several relatives who share WWII stories. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, expert interviews, and commercial-free listening for just $5/month! Every penny supports the show and keeps the history coming. https://worldwariipodcast.net/members/ Donations are always welcome and help keep the History of WWII Podcast free for all. https://bit.ly/3UuTZxU Follow The History of WWII Podcast: RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 13 · 23 min
Episode 638-Bloodletting at Guadalcanal
The constant Japanese air attacks are joined by Naval bombardment. But the Marine’s supplies or lack thereof is still issue #1. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, expert interviews, and commercial-free listening for just $5/month! Every penny supports the show and keeps the history coming. https://worldwariipodcast.net/members/ Donations are always welcome and help keep the History of WWII Podcast free for all. https://bit.ly/3UuTZxU Follow The History of WWII Podcast: RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 7 · 32 min
Episode 637-Battle of the Eastern Solomons
A strong Japanese force comes for Guadalcanal, but Fletcher’s carriers have turned around to shield Henderson Field and the Marines there. Join Ray Harris Jr. (The History of WW2 Podcast), Tony Lupo, and Ryan Fairfield (The Warrior Next Door Podcast) for a live crossover event to share your personal stories of family or friends who served in WWII. When: Thursday, July 9th | 7:00 – 9:00 PM EST Moderator: Shaun Hall (Veterans Breakfast Club) Bonus: Select stories may be featured on future podcast episodes! Don't let these legacies be forgotten—come share yours live! Click on the link below to register for the event: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/-7tUxTWRSl-Zsm2OPpXcnw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 3 · 18 min
Episode 636-No Mercy, No Quarter Given
The Battle of Alligator Creek is over, but not the fighting. The US Marines learn a new rule of combat. Kill the enemy as many times as necessary. Join Ray Harris Jr. (The History of WW2 Podcast), Tony Lupo, and Ryan Fairfield (The Warrior Next Door Podcast) for a live crossover event to share your personal stories of family or friends who served in WWII. When: Thursday, July 9th | 7:00 – 9:00 PM EST Moderator: Shaun Hall (Veterans Breakfast Club) Bonus: Select stories may be featured on future podcast episodes! Don't let these legacies be forgotten—come share yours live! Click on the link below to register for the event: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/-7tUxTWRSl-Zsm2OPpXcnw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 30 · 28 min
Episode 635-Battle of Alligator Creek
Japanese reinforcements arrive on Guadalcanal and Col. Ichiki wastes no time in attacking the Marine’s East perimeter. Yet local scouts have warned the Marines. Join Ray Harris Jr. (The History of WW2 Podcast), Tony Lupo, and Ryan Fairfield (The Warrior Next Door Podcast) for a live crossover event to share your personal stories of family or friends who served in WWII. When: Thursday, July 9th | 7:00 – 9:00 PM EST Moderator: Shaun Hall (Veterans Breakfast Club) Bonus: Select stories may be featured on future podcast episodes! Don't let these legacies be forgotten—come share yours live! Click on the link below to register for the event: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/-7tUxTWRSl-Zsm2OPpXcnw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 25 · 20 min
Episode 634-First Battle of Matanikau
The Marines finish the airstrip, now just waiting for fighters to defend them against daily air raids. Meanwhile, an American patrol gets ambushed which leads to Vandegrift's first major offensive. Join Ray Harris Jr. (The History of WW2 Podcast), Tony Lupo, and Ryan Fairfield (The Warrior Next Door Podcast) for a live crossover event to share your personal stories of family or friends who served in WWII. When: Thursday, July 9th | 7:00 – 9:00 PM EST Moderator: Shaun Hall (Veterans Breakfast Club) Bonus: Select stories may be featured on future podcast episodes! Don't let these legacies be forgotten—come share yours live! Click on the link below to register for the event: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/-7tUxTWRSl-Zsm2OPpXcnw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 22 · 20 min
Episode 633-A Lack of Battlemindedness
After the Battle of Savo Island the US Marines are alone of Guadalcanal. But Maj. Gen. Vandegrift gets on with his job of securing the island. He is handed his first casualty. Join Ray Harris Jr. (The History of WW2 Podcast), Tony Lupo, and Ryan Fairfield (The Warrior Next Door Podcast) for a live crossover event to share your personal stories of family or friends who served in WWII. When: Thursday, July 9th | 7:00 – 9:00 PM EST Moderator: Shaun Hall (Veterans Breakfast Club) Bonus: Select stories may be featured on future podcast episodes! Don't let these legacies be forgotten—come share yours live! Click on the link below to register for the event: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/-7tUxTWRSl-Zsm2OPpXcnw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 12 · 35 min
Episode 632-Battle of Savo Island
Adm. Fletcher, nervous about losing more carriers departs Guadalcanal. Not 24 hours later the Japanese attack. Join Ray Harris Jr. (The History of WW2 Podcast), Tony Lupo, and Ryan Fairfield (The Warrior Next Door Podcast) for a live crossover event to share your personal stories of family or friends who served in WWII. When: Thursday, July 9th | 7:00 – 9:00 PM EST Moderator: Shaun Hall (Veterans Breakfast Club) Bonus: Select stories may be featured on future podcast episodes! Don't let these legacies be forgotten—come share yours live! Click on the link below to register for the event: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/-7tUxTWRSl-Zsm2OPpXcnw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 8 · 24 min
Episode 631-Their First Banzai Charge
The fighting on Gavutu, Tanambogo and Tulagi is intense. The US Marines have air power and naval might to support them, the Japanese have the Banzai attack, which they unleash for the first time. Both sides will bleed to hold these islands. Join Ray Harris Jr. (The History of WW2 Podcast), Tony Lupo, and Ryan Fairfield (The Warrior Next Door Podcast) for a live crossover event to share your personal stories of family or friends who served in WWII. When: Thursday, July 9th | 7:00 – 9:00 PM EST Moderator: Shaun Hall (Veterans Breakfast Club) Bonus: Select stories may be featured on future podcast episodes! Don't let these legacies be forgotten—come share yours live! Click on the link below to register for the event: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/-7tUxTWRSl-Zsm2OPpXcnw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 5 · 1 hr
Episode 630-Steve Vesce Interview: Harry Hopkins: One Ordinary Man
Entrepreneur and author Steve Vesce comes on to talk about his book, One Ordinary Man: A Novel Based on the True Story of Harry Hopkins. Mr. Vesce follows Hopkins as he get intertwined in ever larger events, first the Great Depression and then helping to form The Big Three: FDR, Churchill and Stalin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 2 · 25 min
Episode 629-Mop Up The Americans
With Marines on Guadalcanal, Adm. Yamamoto orders an overwhelming response. He wants the Americans chased away. Japanese air craft arrive first, but the Wildcat fighters of Enterprise and Saratoga are waiting for them. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, expert interviews, and commercial-free listening for just $5/month! Every penny supports the show and keeps the history coming. https://worldwariipodcast.net/members/ Donations are always welcome and help keep the History of WWII Podcast free for all. https://bit.ly/3UuTZxU Follow The History of WWII Podcast: RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 27 · 29 min
Episode 628-Interview w/ Anthony Maras: Director of Pressure
Director, editor and co-writer of the D-Day film Pressure, Anthony Maras shares behind the scenes tidbits and little known gems of the final hours before D-Day was launched. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 22 · 54 min
Episode 627-Interview with Dave R. Holland
Dave Holland, author of Guadalcanal: The Pivotal Battles of the Matanikau Front, comes on to get us started on Operation Watchtower. Why was Guadalcanal chosen by the U.S. as a starting point to take on the Japanese. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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