Podcasts · History · Society & Culture

The History of WWII Podcast

Ray Harris Jr

300 episodes

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.

Episodes page 1 of 6

  1. Episode 666-The Cactus Air Force Defies The Odds

    · 21 min

    The Japanese Navy and the 11th Air Fleet come at Henderson Field with everything they have. But the American pilots rise to give challenge each time. This episode is sponsored by Coveron. One scam can cost you…

  2. Episode 665-Marines and GIs Assemble!

    · 23 min

    Chesty Puller and his Marines get some much needed help from GIs just in time. Not that the Japanese are giving up when the sun rises. This episode is sponsored by Coveron. One scam can cost you everything. Protect…

  3. Episode 664-Charles Lachman Interview: They Shall Not See The Dawn

    · 48 min

    Author Charles Lachman comes on to discuss his book that follows the Army’s Counter Intelligence Corps personnel that seek to track down the Nazi elites of Hitler’s inner circle. This episode is sponsored by Coveron.…

  4. Episode 663-Hang On!

    · 27 min

    As the Japanese prepare for the final battle of Guadalcanal, their various units get mixed signals, thus they will attack piecemeal. Not exactly a recipe for success. Still, Chesty Puller’s leadership will be tested as…

  5. Episode 662-Leah Garrett Interivew-The Flight Nurses' War

    · 57 min

    Behind the men fighting on Iwo Jima and Okinawa are young women from the US Navy Nurse Corps. Their job, to triage the wounded and decide who gets out first by plane. Leah Garrett shares exciting and little known tales…

  6. Episode 661-Playthings of the Gods

    · 29 min

    As the Japanese prepare for their final battle of Guadalcanal, bad omens become apparent. But their attack gets delayed, twice, as the Americans only get stronger. This episode is sponsored by Coveron. One scam can…

  7. Episode 660-Interview w/ Craig Chapman: Javelins in the Half Light

    · 58 min

    Craig Chapman comes on to discuss his book, which covers the largest surrender of Allied troops in Europe and the learning curve of war. This episode is sponsored by Coveron. One scam can cost you everything. Protect…

  8. Episode 659-Nimitz Brings In Bull Halsey

    · 18 min

    The Battle of Guadalcanal is not going well for the Americans and the politicians in Washington are worried that they will lose the entire island. While they await events, Adm. Nimitz makes a move. Adm. Ghormley is out…

  9. Episode 658-On Their Knees, but Still Defiant

    · 24 min

    As intense as the fighting as been, the Japanese increase the tempo, bringing the Americans to their knees. Still, they fight on. While Gen. Vandegrift asks for more of everything, Adm. Yamamoto sends all his has…

  10. Episode 657-Hell Comes to Henderson Field

    · 23 min

    The Japanese pull out all the stops in attacking Henderson Field. Meanwhile, Japanese reinforcements continue to land on Guadalcanal. Gen. Vandegrift pleads for help. This episode is sponsored by Coveron. One scam can…

  11. Episode 656-Interview with Catherine Katz: Shadow Before the Flame-The Hindenburg Disaster and the Prelude to War

    · 59 min

    Historian and writer Catherine Katz joins us to cover the horrendous accident of the airship Hindenburg's tragic end. More over, the Nazi's lies and coverups after the event point to much larger sinister kind of…

  12. Episode 655-Jason Bell Interview: Operation Sparrow

    · 50 min

    Operation Sparrow will decide if D-Day is successful. But first 3 OSS Agents have let themselves be caught by the Germans to plant the deception. Prof. Jason Bell comes on to cover one of the greatest gambles of WWII.…

  13. Episode 654-America's Revenge: The Battle of Cape Esperance

    · 29 min

    The Americans need to do something they haven’t done before, win a night naval engagement. This episode is sponsored by Coveron. One scam can cost you everything. Protect yourself now. The first 100 users get 20% off…

  14. Episode 653-Interview w/ Jared Diamond: Profits, Prophets, Coaches & Kings

    · 50 min

    Pulitzer Prize winner Jared Diamond comes on to discuss his book, Profits, Prophets, Coaches and Kings. Can one person change the world? What qualities determine effective leadership? How do individual talent and…

  15. Episode 652-Chesty Puller Chooses Death

    · 25 min

    With the Japanese forces in disarray to the west of Matanikau River, Marine Gen. Vandegrift will hit the enemy to his east. Meanwhile, the commander of the Japanese 17th Army himself lands on Guadalcanal. And as the…

  16. Episode 651-Interview w/ Nick Reynolds & Katie Sanders: Ortiz's War

    · 54 min

    Peter Ortiz had an incredible life including the French Foreign Legion, the US Marines and the OSS. Using his experience he will help organize the French Resistance who is getting ready for D-Day. This episode is…

  17. Episode 650-Interview w/ Peter Zablocki: 8 Days in August

    · 1 h 14 min

    Historian Peter Zablocki comes on to talk about his book. 8 Days in August: The Countdown to the Collapse of Japan and the End of WWII. This episode is sponsored by Coveron. One scam can cost you everything. Protect…

  18. Episode 649-Flying and Fighting Blind

    · 26 min

    The Japanese bring their A Game. Their communications are changed, leaving the Americans blind and deaf, their air attack tactics are improved and more men are landed to take command of the east bank of the Matanikau…

  19. Episode 648-Chesty Puller Saves His Men

    · 25 min

    Needing more time to build up his perimeter, Gen. Vandegrift sends Lt. Col. Chesty Puller and his men out to recon the Matanikau River. The Marines get more than they bargained for. Soon, its Chesty leading a line of…

  20. Episode 647-Here Comes Chesty Puller

    · 22 min

    While both sides regroup, Gen. Vandegrift sends out the 7th Marines to scout the enemy at the Matanikau River. They’re being led by Col. Chesty Puller. This episode is sponsored by Coveron. One scam can cost you…

  21. Episode 646-Guadalcanal: All Or Nothing

    · 19 min

    With the latest Japanese defeat or near run American victory, both sides decide to up the ante, sending massive reinforcements. This episode is sponsored by Coveron. One scam can cost you everything. Protect yourself…

  22. Episode 645-Japanese Mistakes/American Luck

    · 26 min

    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…

  23. Episode 644-Hold The Line!

    · 24 min

    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?…

  24. Episode 643-Battle of Bloody Ridge

    · 27 min

    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…

  25. Episode 642-The Cactus Air Force v. The Tokyo Express

    · 27 min

    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…

  26. Episode 641-Greg Jackson book Interview. Been There, Done That.

    · 1 h 01 min

    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…

  27. We The Founders (The Constitution) | Government That Doesn’t Suck

    · 8:33 · Bonus

    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…

  28. Episode 640-Blood In The Water

    · 24 min

    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…

  29. Episode 639-Live WW2 Story Share

    · 50 min

    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,…

  30. Episode 638-Bloodletting at Guadalcanal

    · 23 min

    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…

  31. Episode 637-Battle of the Eastern Solomons

    · 32 min

    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…

  32. Episode 636-No Mercy, No Quarter Given

    · 19 min

    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…

  33. Episode 635-Battle of Alligator Creek

    · 28 min

    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…

  34. Episode 634-First Battle of Matanikau

    · 20 min

    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.…

  35. Episode 633-A Lack of Battlemindedness

    · 20 min

    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…

  36. Episode 632-Battle of Savo Island

    · 35 min

    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…

  37. Episode 631-Their First Banzai Charge

    · 24 min

    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…

  38. Episode 630-Steve Vesce Interview: Harry Hopkins: One Ordinary Man

    · 1 h 01 min

    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…

  39. Episode 629-Mop Up The Americans

    · 25 min

    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.…

  40. Episode 628-Interview w/ Anthony Maras: Director of Pressure

    · 29 min

    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…

  41. Episode 627-Interview with Dave R. Holland

    · 55 min

    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.…

  42. Episode 626-Operation Watchtower Begins

    · 23 min

    US Marines land in the Guadalcanal area. The plan is to march up the Solomon Islands. But first they have to survive the coming Japanese counter attack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  43. Episode 625-Next Stop: Guadalcanal

    · 25 min

    With Midway over the U.S. has to decide how to proceed. But the Japanese make the decision for them, by landing on Guadalcanal. But who will get the command, Nimitz or MacArthur? Learn more about your ad choices.…

  44. Episode 624-The Battle of Midway Comes To An End

    · 27 min

    The main victory of Midway has been accomplished, but Spruance goes for more. Meanwhile, Japanese sub I 168 stalks the wounded Yorktown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  45. Episode 623-And The Hiryu Makes Four

    · 21 min

    Through a stroke of luck, the Americans find the last enemy carrier. Despite a series of mistakes, the Enterprise and Hornet launch their final attack. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII…

  46. Episode 622-Yorktown: Abandon Ship

    · 20 min

    Though hit with 3 bombs the Yorktown seems to have survived. But then comes 10 Kate Torpedo Bombers. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus…

  47. Episode 621-Did Japan Start WWII?

    · 1 h 07 min

    Jake Clapham of Flashback History joins Ray to discuss Japan's 1931 invasion of China, setting off a chain of events that will lead to Pearl Harbor. Listen on your usual podcast player or watch the video on YouTube…

  48. Episode 620: The Hiryu Strikes Back

    · 25 min

    The Japanese, down 3 carriers, still seeks combat with the Americans. YouTube Live event: https://studio.youtube.com/video/Z1kmrD7qhnM/livestreaming. June 6, 2026. 7-9pm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…

  49. Episode 619-Flight to Nowhere

    · 22 min

    While the various aircraft from Enterprise and Yorktown attack Nagumo’s Kido Butai, the majority of the Yorktown’s fly elsewhere, engaging no one. AND, join us on June 6th, from 7 to 9pm to share your family’s WWII…

  50. Episode 618-Midway: Nagumo's Dilemma

    · 29 min

    Adm. Nagumo, after his first raid on Midway, has 15 minutes to decide if he should launch another one. But the continuous attacks from Midway and the US carriers take his options away. Learn more about your ad…

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