Plausibly Live! - The Official Podcast Of The Dave Bowman Show

The Apollo program, an ambitious endeavor fueled by President John F. Kennedy’s challenge to land a man on the Moon by the end of the 1960s, stood as a symbol of the United States’ determination during the height of the Cold War. After the successes of Mercury and Gemini, Apollo was to push the limits further, paving the way for lunar exploration. AS-204, later officially named Apollo 1 in honor of its crew, was to be the program’s inaugural crewed mission. The astronauts chosen for this landmark flight—Gus Grissom, Ed White, and Roger B. Chaffee—represented the best of NASA’s burgeoning astronaut corps.

Bob Uecker’s life is the kind of baseball tale that feels as if it were spun from the threads of legend—equal parts fact, humor, and sheer charm. Born in Milwaukee on January 26, 1934, Uecker grew up surrounded by the game, though he’s always been quick to point out that his talent didn’t quite match his enthusiasm. But if you think that stopped him from carving out an unforgettable career, well, as Uecker might say, “You must be new here.”

In the years following the Revolutionary War, the fledgling United States faced a storm of economic turmoil and political discord. Massachusetts, once a hub of revolutionary fervor, became the epicenter of this crisis. For the farmers and war veterans of western Massachusetts, independence had brought not prosperity but crushing debt, rising taxes, and a financial system seemingly designed to benefit eastern merchants at their expense. The Articles of Confederation, under which the national government operated, left states to fend for themselves. It was a patchwork system incapable of offering relief or cohesion. Massachusetts, under the leadership of Governor James Bowdoin, pursued aggressive measures to repay war debts, including taxes payable only in hard currency. For rural farmers scraping by in a barter economy, this was an impossible demand. Their land and livestock were seized, their debts were called in, and they were hauled before courts often far from their homes. The courts became symbols of oppre

Frederick II, better known as Frederick the Great, was truly a figure who defied easy categorization. Born into a world where the old hierarchies were under siege by the rising tides of the Enlightenment, Frederick managed to straddle these two realities. His reign was defined by an uncanny ability to blend the old-world militarism of his father with the reformist ideals of the new age. Yet, Frederick’s story isn’t just about his reign—it’s also a deeply human tale of conflict, resilience, and transformation.

In 1556, during the reign of the Jiajing Emperor in Ming Dynasty China, the earth unleashed its fury in the Wei River Valley. The Shaanxi Earthquake, the deadliest in recorded history, obliterated entire cities, claimed an estimated 830,000 lives, and left an indelible scar on the region. As mountains shifted and rivers altered course, the quake transformed the very landscape of Shaanxi Province. Millions, living in fragile cave dwellings, were trapped in collapsing cliffs of loess soil. This catastrophic event not only reshaped the land but also highlighted humanity's vulnerability to nature's wrath and the enduring resilience of its survivors.

Russia in the early twentieth century was a land simmering with unrest. For centuries, the Tsar had been viewed as a near-divine figure, the "Little Father" of all Russians, but by 1905, that faith was crumbling under the weight of industrialization, poverty, and political stagnation. Nicholas II, the last of the Romanovs, was a man ill-equipped to manage the demands of a rapidly changing empire. While Europe surged toward modernity with reforms and democracy, Russia remained mired in the autocratic traditions of its past. Industrial workers toiled in factories under unbearable conditions, peasants suffered in crushing poverty, and even the middle class began to question whether reform was possible under a system that seemed willfully blind to their suffering. The rift between ruler and ruled had never been wider.

In this special episode of Dave Does History, host Dave Bowman dives into the revolutionary impact of the USS Nautilus, launched on January 21, 1954, as the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine. From its groundbreaking design and Admiral Hyman Rickover’s visionary leadership to its operational challenges and Cold War-era accomplishments, this episode explores how the Nautilus redefined submarine warfare and naval strategy. Dave and Bill Mick bring the story to life with engaging anecdotes, fascinating historical insights, and a touch of humor. Learn how this atomic marvel transcended its experimental roots, navigated unprecedented underwater missions, and laid the foundation for the modern nuclear navy. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a science buff, or just curious about the legacy of innovation, this episode offers a captivating look at one of the most transformative moments in naval history.

The Holocaust did not begin with gas chambers or death camps. It began with words, laws, and the deliberate construction of a societal hierarchy that placed Jews at the bottom. From the moment Adolf Hitler assumed power in 1933, the Nazi regime’s antisemitic ideology became state policy. Jews were stripped of their rights, starting with the Law for the Restoration of the Professional Civil Service, which banned them from government jobs. In 1935, the Nuremberg Laws institutionalized racial discrimination, prohibiting Jews from marrying or having relationships with "Aryans" and formally revoking their citizenship. These laws were not just legal barriers; they were the building blocks of a system designed to dehumanize an entire people.

Step into the quirky world of *What the Frock?*, where Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod serve up their unique mix of humor, historical reflections, and sharp cultural commentary. In this episode, recorded on the eve of a significant political transition, they delve into everything from the peculiarities of modern inaugurations to the TikTok ban's cultural ripple effects. Along the way, you'll hear their takes on noise-canceling headphones, scam stories involving Brad Pitt, and the latest Seattle headlines. It’s an unpredictable ride full of wit, wisdom, and a bit of mischief. Perfect for anyone looking to laugh, learn, and rethink the day's big and small moments. Tune in now to join the conversation and find out why this podcast is the perfect antidote to your Sunday blues.

In the final days of World War II, as the Allies advanced into Nazi-held territory, a sinister plot unfolded. Gustave Mesny, a decorated French General, became the target of a chilling Nazi reprisal. Chosen arbitrarily to answer for the death of a German general, Mesny’s life ended in a calculated act of vengeance. His murder highlighted the ruthlessness of Hitler’s regime, but his life and legacy endure as a powerful symbol of resilience and sacrifice. Today we remember the life, capture, and tragic death of a man who stood as a pillar of strength during one of history’s darkest chapters.

Today we delve into the life and legacy of one of America's most formidable statesmen and orators, Daniel Webster. Born in the early days of the republic, Webster rose from humble beginnings in New Hampshire to the heights of political power in Washington, D.C. As a champion of the Constitution and a staunch defender of the Union, his mastery of the spoken word and his profound impact on U.S. law and policy left an indelible mark on the nation. Join us as we explore the complexities of his career, from his notable Supreme Court victories to his controversial stance on the Compromise of 1850, and reflect on the enduring lessons of his dedication to "Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable!"

Discover the extraordinary story of Hatshepsut, the trailblazing Pharaoh who defied tradition to rule ancient Egypt during the 18th Dynasty. In this episode, we delve into her unprecedented rise to power, the bold strategies she used to establish her legitimacy, and the monumental achievements that defined her reign. From her legendary expedition to the Land of Punt to her breathtaking mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari, Hatshepsut's legacy is one of resilience, vision, and innovation. Join us as we explore how this remarkable woman reshaped history and left an indelible mark on one of the worlds greatest civilizations.

Admiral John S. McCain’s naval career exemplifies a lifelong dedication to the United States Navy, rooted in a family legacy of distinguished service. Notable for his command of the USS Gunnel during World War II, he earned the Silver Star for his bravery. His strategic influence extended into post-war roles, shaping naval policy and operations.

Salmon P. Chase was a man of profound conviction and unrelenting ambition, whose life intersected with America’s most defining struggles. From his early days as a lawyer defending runaway slaves to his pivotal roles as Secretary of the Treasury during the Civil War and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Chase shaped the legal, financial, and moral foundations of a divided nation. Today on Dave Does History, we explore his relentless fight for emancipation, his contributions to the Union war effort, and his legacy as a reformer. Join us as we delve into the remarkable life of a man who championed liberty and justice.

The latest episode of What the Frock?, titled “Gavin’s Inferno,” is a fiery deep dive (oops—an intense discussion!) into California’s current chaos, as Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod take on everything from government mismanagement to environmental policies gone awry. Recorded in the aftermath of catastrophic wildfires raging across Los Angeles County, this episode pulls no punches, starting with the sobering truth about California’s failed $7.5 billion water bond passed nearly a decade ago. The duo explores the controversial high-speed rail project that has gone nowhere fast and discusses how environmental regulations often crumble when political interests collide with disasters affecting affluent areas. With characteristic wit, they highlight everything from missteps in firefighting policy to the absurdity of football games being relocated because of air quality—and the irony of State Farm Stadium hosting the Rams while homeowners grapple with canceled insurance policies. As always, the conversation veers into

Super Bowl III, played on January 12, 1969, wasn’t just a football game—it was a seismic moment in sports history. The underdog New York Jets, led by the charismatic Joe Namath, shocked the football world by defeating the powerhouse Baltimore Colts 16-7. Namath’s bold pregame guarantee and the Jets’ victory legitimized the AFL, paving the way for the NFL-AFL merger and cementing the Super Bowl as a cultural phenomenon. In this episode, we’ll dive into the game’s drama, the personalities who made it unforgettable, and the lasting impact it had on football and American culture.

Welcome to Dave Does History, where we dig into the stories that shaped America, often in ways you might not expect. Today, we’re heading back to January 11, 1917—a day when the quiet town of Kingsland, New Jersey, erupted into chaos as explosions rocked the Canadian Car and Foundry munitions plant. It was a time when World War I felt like a distant European affair, yet acts of suspected sabotage on American soil—like the Kingsland explosion—brought the war to our doorstep. This wasn’t just about a factory; it was about espionage, heroism, and a nation wrestling with fear and identity. How did a single fire destroy half a million artillery shells, and what did it mean for German-Americans already under suspicion? We’ll uncover the truth behind the flames and why this moment still resonates today. Buckle up—this is history that hits close to home.

In 1927, a film premiered in Berlin that would forever change the landscape of science fiction and cinema: Metropolis. Directed by Fritz Lang and co-written with Thea von Harbou, this groundbreaking silent film envisioned a sprawling futuristic city where the elite basked in luxury while workers toiled underground to keep the machines running. At its core, Metropolis is a story of class division, technological ambition, and the human heart’s capacity for unity. Created during the politically turbulent Weimar Republic, Metropolis reflected the anxieties of its time—industrialization, inequality, and the fragile balance between progress and exploitation. Its iconic visuals, from the glittering cityscape to the hauntingly beautiful Maschinenmensch robot, set a new standard for filmmaking. Yet, the film’s reception was as divided as the world it depicted. Critics like H.G. Wells dismissed its story as naïve, while audiences were captivated by its audacious vision. Over the decades, Metropolis has evolved from a

The Basel Massacre of 1349 is a haunting chapter in history, where fear, superstition, and ignorance collided with devastating consequences. As the Black Death swept through Europe, claiming millions of lives, societies desperate for answers turned to scapegoats—and Jewish communities became the tragic targets of blame. In Basel, Switzerland, this rising tide of anti-Semitism culminated in one of the darkest atrocities of the medieval era. On January 9, 1349, the city’s Jewish population, accused of poisoning wells and spreading the plague, was rounded up and forced into a wooden structure on an island in the Rhine. In an act of unthinkable cruelty, the structure was set ablaze, killing scores of innocent men, women, and elders. Children were spared the fire, but their lives were forever altered as they were forcibly baptized and separated from their families. This episode not only highlights the depths of human fear and hatred but also serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of prejudice and scapegoating

By January 1918, the Great War had devastated Europe, prompting the U.S. to join under Wilson’s idealistic vision to promote democracy and peace. His Fourteen Points outlined principles for a just resolution, including open diplomacy and collective security, though they faced skepticism and resistance. Ultimately, while influential, their full realization was obstructed, leading to future conflicts.