In this episode of Why Wars Happened, we're joined by war historian and author Shannon Monaghan, whose work 'A Quiet Company of Dangerous Men' explores the covert operations and untold stories of British Special Operations Soldiers during World War II. Shannon discusses the clandestine world of the SOE (Special Operations Executive), a secret British agency tasked with espionage, sabotage, and resistance during the war. The discussion highlights the incredible exploits of figures like Peter Kemp, David Smiley, Billy McLean, and Julian Amery—men who operated behind enemy lines, gathered intelligence, and executed daring missions that were critical to the Allied war effort. From guerrilla warfare in occupied Europe to covert actions against totalitarian regimes, this episode uncovers the hidden heroes whose bravery and ingenuity made a significant impact during WWII.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:32 The Story Behind the Book Title

01:47 Discovering the SOE

04:59 Peter Kemp: The Real-Life Action Figure

13:37 David Smiley: The Soldier's Soldier

18:07 Billy McLean: The Born Guerrilla Leader

27:59 Julian Amery: The Intellectual Politician

32:00 Conclusion and Upcoming Projects

#WWIIHistory #SpecialOperations #Britain #British #WWIIallies #SOE #SpyStories #WWIIHeroes #Historypodcast #CovertOps #WarPodcast #BritishHistory #WWIISecrets #WWII #WorldWar2 #Espionage #MilitaryHistory #BehindEnemyLines #HistoryPodcast #WarStories #BritishSpies #podcastinterviews #spies #wwiispies #worldwar2spies #HistoryInterviews #GuerrillaWarfare #WWIIHeroes #WarHistory #HistoryBuffs

In this episode of the Why Wars Happen History podcast, we sit down with Hollywood actor and producer Jon Cryer to discuss his new podcast series, 'The Man Who Calculated Death.' We discuss the compelling story behind the series, which explores the life of journalist Suzanne Rico's grandfather, Robert Lusser, an engineer whose work included creating the V1 – the world’s first cruise missile – during World War II. We cover Lusser's legacy, his contributions to Germany's wartime efforts, and the personal and emotional journey of protecting his family through it all.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:51 The Man Who Calculated Death: Origin of the Title

01:58 Suzanne Rico's Family Revelation

03:28 Facing the Dark Past: Suzanne's Journey

05:33 Historical Context and Moral Dilemmas

08:19 Robert Lusser's Life and Motivations

13:32 Podcast Production Insights

15:48 The Impact of Lusser's Work

29:10 Future Projects and Final Thoughts

#WWIIHistory #WorldWar2 #WWII #HistoryBuff #WarHistory #MilitaryHistory #HistoryPodcast #HistoricalInterviews #JonCryer #WWIImissiles #Podcastinterviews #V1Rocket #WWIIFacts #HistoryFans #WWIIStories #WarStories #WWIIepisodes #WWIIinterviews #warhistory #WWIIsecrets

Join us in an insightful conversation with Dr. Chris Newton, a renowned war historian and teaching fellow at King's Institute for Applied Security Studies. With a PhD in war studies and a background as a defense policy advisor, Dr. Newton delves into the intricacies of military history, the potential for World War III, and the contemporary security landscape. Explore his journey into history, the impact of current geopolitical tensions, and his analysis of the American Revolution. If you're passionate about history, warfare, and global security, this episode is a must-watch!

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Chris Newton

00:22 King's Institute for Applied Security Studies

01:47 Chris's Journey into Military History

04:18 Contemporary Global Conflicts and World War III

08:31 Modern Parallels to Historical Conflicts

09:16 Polarization in Politics and Society

20:53 Historical Debates in Modern Politics

22:42 The Evolution of Soldiers and Warfare

33:24 Prisoners of War: Then and Now

37:55 Personal Reflections and Future Projects

42:58 Conclusion and Farewell

#MilitaryHistory #AmericanRevolution #RussiaUkraineConflict #Warfare #HistoryBuffs #Kingscollege