Acting Your Age ? - Ep.149
The Reenactor's Corner
During World War Two the average age of soldiers serving in the German Army was around 25 years old. Reenactors, however, come in all ages from those who are still in their teens to some who are still actively involved in living history well into their 60s and 70s.... In this episode our guest host Rudi Lange talks with Josef Brandt, a fellow member of 7kp GD, who has been reenacting since 1983. He shares his memories of the early days of German Reenacting and explains why he thinks that advancing years should not be a reason to give up the hobby...... As ever, a very big thank you to everyone...
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Hurray for Hollywood - Ep.148
The Reenactor's Corner
World War Two has long been the backdrop for many Hollywood films - meaning that reenactors can sometimes offer their servives to film makers and be employed as extras. In this episode Chris recounts his experiences portraying a German soldier in the 2010 movie Shutter Island - alongside several other members of his reenactment group and Leonardo DiCaprio.................
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Fort Indiantown Gap - Ep.147
The Reenactor's Corner
This January marks eight years since the last Fort Indiantown Gap.... For many reenactors who attended over the years it's been hard to find another event that compares - whilst for some of those who didn't attend, the annual reenactment in Pennsylvania has achieved almost mythical status. By the time the event closed in 2018 Chris had been taking part for almost 20 years and in this episode he shares his memories of what made Gap so special - and how it changed over the years....... As ever, a very big thank you to everyone that supports the Podcast via Patreon - we really couldn't do...
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2025 Review - Ep.146
The Reenactor's Corner
Join Chris and podcast regulars Rudi Lange and Ludwig Topf as they look back at WW2 German reenacting in 2025 and share their predictions for what the New Year has in store for the world of living history... As ever, a very big thank you to everyone that supports the Podcast via Patreon - we really couldn't do this without you ! Why not sign up and become one of our growing band of supporters with access to all of our Patreon exclusive content for as little as $5 a month.
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WW2 German Identity Disc Deep Dive - Ep.145
The Reenactor's Corner
It is estimated that over 18 milion identity discs (Erkennungsmarken) were stamped and issued by the German Armed Forces in World War Two. It's unique design, with a perforated centre and identitical details on each half, carried no name but instead a unit designation and numbers that would identity the soldier when cross-referenced with official records. In this epsiode Chris goes on a deep dive into the world of Erkennungsmarken from both a reenacting and collecting perspective and explains why he doesn't deal in battlefield relic identity discs...... As ever, a very big thank you to...
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Higher Import Costs for US Reenactors - Ep.144
The Reenactor's Corner
The ability to source both original and reproduction items from overseas is an important part of the hobby for many reenactors - however recent changes in the United States mean that buying from Europe , or any other part of the world , has become more problematic....and expensive. At the end of August 2025 the Trump Administration removed the long-standing "de minimus" arrangement whereby non-commercial imports under the value of $800 usually had all duties and tariffs waived. This move sent shock waves not only through many in the reenacting community in America but also amongst...
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Picturing the Past - Ep.143
The Reenactor's Corner
For many reenactors using a vintage camera loaded with film is the best way to capture images at an event - they provide a more authentic and tangible record than their digital counterpart and having only 12 or 36 shots available per roll of film really focuses the mind when it comes to subject matter and composition . In this episode Chris talks to Vijay, a WW2 reenactor from Chicago who has combined his passions for both vintage photography and living history and, as a result, is making a well deserved name for himself within the hobby thanks to the quality of his images. You can view...
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Horrors of Reenacting 2025 - Ep.142
The Reenactor's Corner
Ever since our first Halloween Special way back in 2019 every year we've brought you a selection of our listeners spookiest stories . From late night encounters with spectoral sentries or enemy combatants to original items in your collections that maintain a malevolent aura long after World War Two. This year the story submissions were more spine-chilling than ever - so sit back, lock the doors and prepare to be spooked.............. As ever, a very big thank you to everyone that supports the Podcast via Patreon - we really couldn't do this without you ! Why not sign up and become...
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Ludwig Switches Sides for the Weekend - Ep.141
The Reenactor's Corner
In this episode UK based reenactor and long time friend of the show Ludwig Topf tells Chris about the events that he has attended this summer - including one organised by the "We Have Ways" WW2 history podcast where he swapped his regular German uniform for a British one for the weekend and had a vigorous exchange of views with comedian and podcast host Al Murray in the beer tent..... As ever, a very big thank you to all our Patrons for their support - we really couldn't do this without you ! Why not sign up and become one of our growing band of supporters with access to all of our Patreon...
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Why is Fall the Best Season to Reenact ? - Ep.140
The Reenactor's Corner
As temperatures drop and the days get shorter across North America and Europe here is another chance to hear an epsiode originally recorded back in October 2022 when Chris and Ben Tracey discussed why Fall is, in their opinion, perhaps the best time of the year to reenact WW2 in the field. Let us know if you agree ? As ever, a very big thank you to all our Patrons for their support - we really couldn't do this without you ! Why not sign up and become one of our growing band of supporters with access to all of our Patreon exclusive content !
info_outlineLike any hobby Reenacting is constantly changing and evolving - sometimes in unexpected directions. In this episode Chris looks at some of the reasons why Soviet reenacting grew in the years before Covid and why the trend cycle has, maybe, now moved on and interest in WW2 Soviet is on the decline .…
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