Explore every episode of the podcast The Reenactor's Corner

Keeping up our annual tradition join Chris as he shares listeners spooky stories about things that go bump in the night whilst reenactors are manning those lonely machine gun posts or out on patrol at 2am.......

A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content!

https://www.patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

Film, radio and press photography played an important role feeding the German news and propaganda machine during WW2. In this episode Rudi Lange talks to Hans Wickmann about his Propagandakompanie (PK) impression and his three year search to find an original WW2 Arriflex 35 movie camera to film reenactment events. 

A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content!

https://www.patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

The German Stahlhelm is perhaps one of the most iconic totems of WW2 and a crucial part of any reenactors impression. In this episode Chris discusses the best ways to buy your helmet and how to restore originals or improve the appearance of a reproduction...

A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content! Thank you 

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

In this episode Ludwig Topf is joined by Lasse and Rob to discuss their involvement in the recent Cobra to Lüttich event in Normandy which saw almost 100 WW2 German reenactors take part in recreating  the key events of the Avranches breakthrough and the German counter-attack at Mortain.

This year the annual D-Day event in Conneaut, Ohio marked the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings. In this episode podcast regular Rudi Lange talks to Chris about his experiences over the three day event, which draws huge numbers of reenactors and  spectators from the USA and beyond....

A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content!

https://www.patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

In the first of a new series of occasional kit deep dives Chris focuses on  WW2 German Field Caps - which under went several changes following the issue of  the iconic M34 in the mid 1930s. 

A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content! Thank you.

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

The internet, and social media in particular, have introduced a whole new dimension to reenacting - helping us connect, research and share our passion for living history. However it has also brought with it risks that need to be taken seriously. In this episode Chris is joined by podcast regulars Rudi and Ludwig to talk about how to manage our online profiles in connection with the hobby and raise awareness of how doxing can be an ever present threat that may have potentially harmful real-life implications....

A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content! Thank you.

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

Back in 2004 Erich Wessel attended his first WW2 Living History event at Peak Rail in the UK . He was 11 years old at the time  - now, 20 years on, he has just returned from the same event. In this episode Erich joins Chris to share his reflections on how the hobby has changed and developed over the past two decades.

A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content! Thank you.

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

Work or combat uniform ? Hot weather use only or all year round? No pockets, two pockets or four? After carrying out extensive research using original German wartime documentation Chris takes a deep dive into HBTs to challenge common misconceptions about Drillichanzug.

To read the article Chris refers to in this episode please follow the link below..

https://festung.net/reproduction-first-and-second-pattern-german-army-hbt-uniforms/

A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content! Thank you.

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

In this episode Ludwig Topf talks to Chris and Rudi about attending events at historic sites following the recent Dover Castle reenactment in the UK. Plus there's a discussion on how German soldiers are portrayed by Hollywood and how movie plot lines are often far removed from the reality of World War Two.

UK based Epic Militaria has become one of the best know vendors within WW2 Reenacting . In this episode Chris talks to Adrian from Epic about how they design and source their reproductions, customised helmets and when those much anticipated M38 gasmasks might be available.

A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content! Thank you.

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

Join us as Chris and Rudi celebrate our 5th birthday !! When the podcast first started we had no idea we would make it this far and grow such a loyal band of listeners - thank you. 

Here's to all of the fantastic guests who have appeared on the podcast since 2019 and to Lasse, Ben, Ludwig, Rudi and Mike who have all played a big part in our success. A huge thank you also goes to all of our supporters on Patreon - we literally could not have done this without you. Here's to the next 5 years .....Prost !!

Don't forget you can sign up to us on Discord anytime by using the link below

In this episode Chris talks to Adam Bednar and Ernst Schäfer about the recent Romanian Spring Event in Wisconsin . Over 175 German and Soviet Reenactors took part and we hear what went into creating an event on such a big scale and how the organisers ensured it would be a success . 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/850256482980698

A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content! Thank you.

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

In this episode Chris talks to special guest Markus, who has experience of Reenacting WW2 in both Europe and the USA . He describes the differences in Reenacting on both sides of the pond and explains why he has gone on to form his own unit - 10./Gren-Reg 41 (mot.) - now that he is back in the States .

With a big emphasis on portraying 1940s German cultural norms within the new unit Markus uses his extensive experiences in Europe to help shape his Reenacting .

In this episode Rudi Lange tells Chris how his recent house move gave him the opportunity to create a new Kreigzimmer. With an ever growing collection space is still an issue….along with the possible negative reaction of family and friends plus the potential need for insurance cover. 

A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content! Thank you.

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

There is no denying that ours is a controversial hobby - so the big question has to be is it safe or sensible to let people know how you like to spend your weekends? In this episode Chris, Rudi and Ludwig discuss how they have navigated this issue and share listeners stories....

A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content! Thank you.

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

In this episode Chris talks to Adam from Germany about the sensitivities surrounding reenacting there . Until recently Adam was one of the main creatives behind the popular  ParaLight WorX channel on Youtube - which makes films about WW2 from the German perspective. He has recently gone on to create his own channel which you can find by following the link below.

www.youtube.com/@militainment 

A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content! Thank you.

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

In this latest episode Chris and the team take a look at the use, and sometimes abuse , of alcohol within the hobby . There’s no denying that alcohol helped many soldiers deal with the stress of combat and being away from home back in WW2 - but what role does it have at todays public and private events ? 

A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content! Thank you.

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

All hobbies thrive on new ideas but, when it comes to WW2 Reenacting, how can you tell the difference between a good and maybe bad idea. In this episode Chris is joined again by Rudi Lange and Ludwig Topf to offer some cautionary tales and share anecdotes about why it often pays to think twice before investing in that niche impression or planning a new event that you are convinced will be a success.

A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content! Thank you.

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

Weapons are a crucial part of WW2 Reenacting but, depending on your wallet, location and level of authenticity, what is the best option - original live firing , deactivated or Denix/Airsoft replica ? In this latest edition of the podcast Chris talks to weapons expert Paul Kramarz about what he recommends and why . Focusing on the iconic K98 this is a deep dive covering everything from the perils of using originals to how to de-farb a replica….

A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content! Thank you.

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

What kind of a year was 2023 for WW2 German Reenacting ? As has become tradition in the run up to New Year's Eve Chris is joined by Ludwig Topf and Rudi Lange to reflect on the past 12 months. If 2022 was a transition year for Reenacting following the Covid pandemic how did 2023 shape up ? Let us know how 2023 was for you by leaving us a message on Facebook or Discord and a very Happy New Year to all of our listeners and thank you for your support.  We'll see you in the field in 2024!

A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content! Thank you.

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

WW2 Reenacting is a hobby that is open to misinterpretation and often suffers at the hands of media. However, given that much of the hobby is public facing, occasional press interest is inevitable. In this episode Reinhard Weber from SSTK in the UK shares his experiences and advice on the best way to handle the media with Chris - and gives an insight into how his unit responded to a recent hit piece run by a national news outlet. 

A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content! Thank you.

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

In this episode Chris is in conversation with Adam Bednar, leader of the 5. Kp. Grossdeutschland reenactment group based in the Mid-West of the USA.  He is one of the organizers of the upcoming Victory in the Ardennes and Romanian Spring tacticals in Wisconsin and, in this episode, he talks about how plans for both events are shaping up plus shares a lot of great insights into hosting and organising events in general.

Also thanks to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content! Thank you.

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

Two years since he first appeared on the podcast Bruno from Project Edelweiss is back to talk to Chris about their next expeditions high in the Swiss Alps, recreating the life of WW2 German Gebirgsjager. The climbs are due to take place in 2024 and 2025 and if you are interested in maybe signing up then please use the link below to contact Bruno.

https://www.facebook.com/projectedelweissofficial

Also thanks to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content! Thank you.

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

Join Chris as he shares listeners spooky reenacting stories and some of his own in this fifth annual special Halloween episode. Thanks to everyone who submitted their tales of terror in the field......!

Also thanks to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content! Thank you.

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

Reenactors Corner favourite Ludwig Topf joins Chris to talk about his experiences attending the recent Monty's Men private event in the UK. Billed as a "lived experience" , the emphasis was more focused on portraying the everyday life of a soldier than combat - an approach which Ludwig says he would like to see replicated at other private events.

Thanks to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content! Thank you.

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

In the latest episode Chris and Ben discuss the best ways to sell-on your surplus reenacting gear . Maybe you’ve changed impressions , are looking for funds to upgrade your kit or simply want to de-clutter and make some space for even more gear! 
We’ve got tips on how to decide on the best price, where to advertise and how to ship. Plus there’s news of an exciting business venture from Ben that’s designed to take the stress out of selling

If you want to learn more about Ben Tracey's business contact him direct at btracey296@gmail.com or find and message him on Facebook.

Thanks to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content! Thank you.

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

Polizei impressions are rare amongst WW2 German Reenactors . In this episode Chris talks to Daniel from Norway about what inspired him to portray Polizei and the challenges of putting together an accurate impression. PLUS there’s an update on the bunker build in Norway that’s proved to be a big hit on YouTube!

You can find Daniel on IG @schutzpolizei45 

Also check out the bunker build on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ww2historyandreenacting

Thanks to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content! Thank you.

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

The Flamethrower (Flammenwerfer) is seldom seen or used at WW2 public or private events - but that could be about to change! In this episode Casey Hogan joins Chris to talk about his new venture - reconditioning and supplying original WW2 flamethrowers. It goes without saying please never attempt to operate or restore a flamethrower without extensive training and experience - in short, don't try this at home !!

For more information on Casey's new venture check out

https://flamethrowerexpert.com/

or search for Flamethrowerexpert on Facebook, IG and YouTube.

Thanks to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content!

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

Controversy has always surrounded SS impressions within the hobby - in this episode Chris talks to a reenactor about his approach to portraying members of the Waffen SS, public reactions and how he navigates the controversy. 

Thanks to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content!

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

As Chris is on vacation Ben steps up to talk to Zac Williams about how his academic studies have benefitted his reenacting career and how the Kursk event panned out this year, along with potential  event scenarios for the future.

In this episode Ludwig Topf returns to talk to Chris about his experiences at the recent Capel Military Show, a big public reenactment event in the UK. 

Thanks to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content!

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

Reenacting German WW2 since the 1990s Otto Landrik has become a well known face at events in the USA. In this special episode Otto talks to Chris about his vision for the hobby going forward and why he believes it has a great future!

Thanks to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can up for as little as $5 a month to unlock regular exclusive content!

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

Many branches of the German Armed Forced were issued with rucksacks during WW2 but what were they used for, how many different variants were manufactured and what should you look for if you want to add one to your impression ?

In this episode Chris and Ben do a deep dive Into German WW2 rucksacks and bust some myths along the way....!

Following the end of a long term relationship Rudi Lange talks to Chris about how attending an event in Ontario, Canada helped him to reconnect with reenacting, lift his spirits and remind him of just how important Kameradschaft can be when times get tough......

For more information on the Aquino Tank Weekend click on the link

Thanks to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we really do appreciate every donations, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air !

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

The variety of uniforms currently available from suppliers has probably never been more comprehensive but is this a positive thing - or has it led to some reenactors putting together too many different impressions, some of which they will never use? Join Chris and Ludwig as they discuss when enough is maybe enough....

In this special episode Chris is joined by original co-host Lasse as they both look back on the early days of the podcast and catch up after a tumultuous time for the world and reenacting !

Thank you to everyone who listens, supports us and has appeared as a guest on the podcast since 2019. We owe our success to you and here's to the next 100 episodes !!

Thanks also to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we really do appreciate every donations, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air !

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

In this episode we tackle the controversial topic of smoking and 
reenacting as Chris talks to Erich Wessel from the U.K, about whether smoking a pack of cigarettes at an event makes your impression more authentic or should modern health concerns and sensibilities win out over historic accuracy ? 

Thanks to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we really do appreciate every donations, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air !

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

When talking other Axis powers in WW2 both Italy and Japan often come to mind, but there were several others nations who sided with Germany , many of whom don't get much mention either in history books or within the reenacting hobby. In this new episode Chris talks to Hunter, who portrays a soldier in the Hungarian Army during WW2 about the challenges and rewards of  his impression. 

For more information about this unit contact Royal Hungarian Army 9th Light Division on Facebook

Thanks to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we really do appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and couldn't do this without you !

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

Since Covid vintage hiking is a trend that has definitely grown but on this edition of the podcast we meet WW2 German Reenactor Dan who took hiking to the extreme by covering a distance of over 2000 miles using modern equipment.

Thanks to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we really do appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and couldn't do this without you !

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

Although panned by some German film critics "All Quiet on the Western Front" picked up four Oscars at the recent awards ceremony in Los Angeles. In this episode Chris discusses the film with WW1 reenactor Casey Hogan and finds out how reenacting the Great War compares with World War Two.

For more information on WW1 Reenacting please check out the Great War Association

http://www.great-war-assoc.org/

Also check out Casey's Youtube Channel where he posts his awesome reenactment films, many shot on original period movie cameras

https://www.youtube.com/@ColonelHoganFilm

If you are keen to learn more about WW1 reenacting why not sign up to support the podcast via Patreon - where this month's exclusive members only episode features Casey talking about a potentially life changing injury he suffered whilst reenacting WW1 trench warfare at a recent event. As ever, thanks to all of our Patreon supporters - we really wouldn't be able to do what we do without you!

https://www.patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

In this episode Chris and Ben are joined by special guest Rick Squeri from Hessen Antique. Together they trace Rick's early forays into collecting and reenacting whilst serving with the US Army in West Germany and go on to discover how he created his own company, which has grown to became one of the best know and most respected vendors in WW2 reenactment. From being an advisor and extra on the legendary movie "Stalingrad" to  travelling the world sourcing the best quality reproduction uniforms Rick's story is a unique and fascinating one...

Thanks to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we really do appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and couldn't do this without you !

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

In this episode Chris talks to Frank Beuter - content creator of the WW11freak001 account on YouTube that has over 2.5 million views - about the upcoming North Africa "Drive on Tunis" event taking place in Texas, USA in March 2023. Franks shares his experiences of organising previous North Africa events and explains why, in his opinion, this year will be the best ever !

For more information on the event check out these links

https://facebook.com/groups/911714939369282/

https://driveontunis.com/about/

Thanks to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we really do appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and couldn't do this without you !

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

In this new episode Chris talks to Tom from the WW2 Atlantic Wall Museum in Ohio about their collection and a big upcoming event.

Getting a good nights sleep at events can make or break the fun of taking part - so should you make your sleeping arrangements as comfortable as possible with the aid of some modern equipment or strive for authenticity, and maybe suffer a restless night, instead? 

In this episode Chris talks to Tim Nott from the Second Battle Group in the UK about his approach to sleeping overnight at events and why inflatable beds may not be the authenticity compromise you might imagine.....

The Gas Mask canister is one of the most iconic items of WW2 German kit. In this episode Chris and Ben take a deep dive into this essential item - asking how practical it is to use original canisters for reenacting, discussing different models and the merits of post-war issues and reproductions.

If you love history and WW2 Reenacting why not join the conversation going on right now on our Discord server?

https://discord.gg/aD39RSrv

Thanks to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we really do appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and couldn't do this without you !

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

As the year draws to a close Chris and Ben are joined by Ludwig Topf from the UK and Rudi Lange from the USA to share their thoughts on the past 12 months of WW2 Reenacting. From the war in Ukraine to the increasing cost of getting to and from events its been an eventful year. Plus we mark Ben's first year as co-host with a compilation of bloopers to show that, behind the scenes, things don't always run as smoothly as we would like !!

Thanks to everyone who has listened and supported us throughout the year. We wish you all a healthy and happy 2023 - full of fun, kameradschaft and awesome reenactments !!

Whether its a vintage blanket, camera or cooking pot you are looking for Antique Stores can be a great resource for Reenactors. In this episode Chris and Ben discuss their best buys and give tips on what to look for and how to find it !

If you love history and WW2 Reenacting why not join the conversion you'll find going on right now on our Discord server?

https://discord.gg/aD39RSrv

Thanks to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we really do appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and couldn't do this without you !

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

Sweden has a real reputation as being the home of awesome Live Action Role Play. In this episode Chris talks to Robert who helped to organise a recent WW2 based LARP there that recreated a late WW2 scenario involving reenactors and Larpers, all aiming for a high level of detail and authenticity. So how did the two hobbies get along together and what challenges and opportunities did the event present ?

If you love history and WW2 Reenacting why not join the conversion you'll find going on right now on our Discord server?

https://discord.gg/aD39RSrv

Thanks to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we really do appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and couldn't do this without you !

https://patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

From putting fuel in your car to get to an event to ordering kit from overseas - there is no doubt that the cost of reenacting is on the rise for everyone.  In this episode Chris and Ben talk about the impact that this is having on the hobby and the tough decisions that many people are having to make as the cost of living continues to rise.

Join us on Discord to contribute to the discussion and share stories with other reenactors

https://discord.gg/YZMp4PBa

Thanks, as ever, to Mike (Rhett Roman) for editing the podcasts.

Don't forget you can sign up to help support the podcast via Patreon. From just $5 per month you'll get access to special monthly Members Only episodes plus a load of other special benefits. Thanks to everyone who supports us - we really couldn't do this without you !

www.patreon.com/reenactorpodcast