Although the majority of WW2 reenactors are based in North America and Europe the hobby has members all over the world. In this epsiode Chris talks to James Fortner, who is originally from the United States but now lives in Japan - where he is a member of several reenacting groups that portray both Allied and Axis powers during World War Two. Given Japan's sometimes complex relationship with recollections of the conflict James shares his own unique perspective with Chris . To find out more about reenacting in Japan you can follow James on X (Twitter) @rat_master792 or contact him via Facebook  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 and more for as little as $5 a month.  www.patreon.com/reenactorpodcast  

The Wound Badge (Verwundetenabzeichen ) was one of the most issued German military awards during World War Two. Around five  million were awarded during the conflict and, as a result, originals often come up for sale on the collectors market. Price depends on the grade of the award (black,silver or gold) and manufacturer. In this epsiode guest host Rudi Lange walks through the history of the Verwundetenabzeichen and the different issue criteria required for each grade  - plus shares listeners stories and comments on how the award is used within reenacting.   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 and more for as little as $5 a month.  www.patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

Ever since the American Civil War photography has played an important role in recording the realities of war. Whether posed propaganda photographs, combat reportage or candid shots of life behind the lines this kind of material can be a priceless resource when building your reenacting impression. In this episode Chris gives his hints and tips on how to use original photogtraphs to their best advantage and highlights some of the pitfalls when searching for the most useful images..... 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 and more for as little as $5 a month.  www.patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

Current events in the Middle East are already having a knock on effect for many at home as fuel costs rise - potentially impacting members of the hobby who are already operating on a tight budget. In this episode Chris discusses ways to help reduce the costs associated with World War Two reenacting..... 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 and more for as little as $5 a month.  www.patreon.com/reenactorpodcast    

Our last episode, which focused on the topic of finding an appropriate role within the hobby as we grow older, certainly generated alot of feedback from our listeners. In this episode guest host Rudi Lange shares his thoughts on what some of our listeners had to say.......

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 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.  www.patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

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.................

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 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.  www.patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

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.  www.patreon.com/reenactorpodcast

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 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.  www.patreon.com/reenactorpodcast