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

Dive into the murky waters of American presidential transitions in this episode of Dave Does History. From John Adams' infamous "midnight judges" to the executive maneuvers of Harry Truman, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and even Donald Trump, Dave unravels the calculated actions taken by outgoing presidents to constrain or influence their successors. Alongside Bill Mick, Dave explores the motivations, controversies, and unintended consequences of these transitional tactics, revealing how they’ve shaped U.S. history—and what lessons they hold for today's political landscape. Tune in for a fascinating, insightful, and occasionally humorous take on the not-so-peaceful transfer of power.

The world Zebulon Montgomery Pike was born into on January 5, 1779, was one of tumult and transformation. The American Revolution was in full swing, and the infant United States, fighting for its independence, was a land of ideals and ambition. Pike’s birthplace, Lamington, New Jersey, lay amid the chaos and hope of a burgeoning nation. His father, a Continental Army officer, imbued young Zebulon with a deep sense of patriotism and duty. Growing up on the frontier in Ohio and Illinois, Pike absorbed the rugged resilience of the early settlers and dreamed of carving his name into the story of America.

Welcome to 2025: New Year, Same Chaos!

In this episode, we unravel the life and legacy of James Ussher, the 17th-century scholar whose meticulous work on biblical chronology pinpointed the date of Creation to October 23, 4004 BCE. From his rise as a young academic prodigy in Dublin to his role as a key religious figure during turbulent times, Ussher’s story is one of intellect, faith, and perseverance. Join us as we explore the methodology behind his famous timeline, his contributions to theology and history, and the lasting debates sparked by his groundbreaking work. It’s a journey into the mind of one of history’s most fascinating figures, packed with insights, surprises, and timeless lessons.

Today we journey back to ancient Rome to explore the life of Marcus Tullius Cicero—a man whose words shaped empires and whose ideals still resonate today. Born in a tumultuous era of political corruption and social upheaval, Cicero rose from humble beginnings to become Rome’s greatest orator and a staunch defender of the Republic. We’ll delve into his dramatic confrontations with Catiline, his uneasy alliances with Pompey and Julius Caesar, and his fiery speeches against Mark Antony, which sealed his fate. But Cicero was more than a politician—he was a philosopher, a writer, and a thinker whose works bridged the worlds of Greece and Rome. We’ll discuss how his ideas on justice, leadership, and natural law inspired Renaissance humanists and Enlightenment thinkers alike. From his rise to power to his tragic downfall, this is the story of a man who dared to stand for principle in an age of chaos. Don’t miss this captivating dive into the life of Cicero!

Trapped between a river and a relentless British army, George Washington and his ragtag Continental forces faced what seemed like certain defeat on a freezing January night in 1777. In this episode of Dave Does History, we take you to the banks of Assunpink Creek in Trenton, New Jersey, where the second battle of Trenton played out in a fiery clash of strategy, grit, and sheer determination. Discover how Washington’s cunning maneuvers and his soldiers’ bravery turned a desperate situation into a pivotal moment in the Revolutionary War. It’s a story of resilience, deception, and a daring midnight escape that set the stage for America’s fight for freedom. Tune in as we unravel the battle that proved the Revolution was far from over!

Today we journey to the farthest corner of the South Atlantic to uncover the story of Bouvet Island—the most remote, uninhabited place on the planet. Discovered on New Year’s Day 1739 by French explorer Jean-Baptiste Charles Bouvet de Lozier, this icy volcanic island was “lost” for decades thanks to a cartographic error. From the high seas drama of its rediscovery to its peculiar status as a Norwegian dependency, Bouvet Island has remained a mysterious outpost of scientific intrigue and ecological wonder. Tune in as we navigate its history, myths, and legacy, exploring how this frozen rock captured imaginations and claimed its place in the annals of exploration.

December 31, 1941: The Pacific Fleet is in shambles, its battleships resting in the muddy depths of Pearl Harbor after Japan's devastating surprise attack. Enter Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, a calm and pragmatic leader handpicked by FDR to steer the Navy through its darkest hour. In this episode of Dave does History, the remarkable story of Nimitz’s assumption of command aboard the USS Grayling, a submarine that became a symbol of resilience. From the gripping details of the ceremony to the sweeping impact of Nimitz’s leadership on the Pacific War, we’ll explore how this pivotal moment set the stage for one of the most dramatic comebacks in military history. Leadership, resolve, and the unbreakable spirit of the U.S. Navy—this is the story of hope rising from the depths."

Dive into one of the most infamous murders in history as we unravel the life and death of Grigori Rasputin, the "Mad Monk" who rose from Siberian obscurity to become one of the most influential—and controversial—figures in the Russian Empire. This episode of Dave Does History takes you deep into the final days of Imperial Russia, where Rasputin’s magnetic presence in the court of Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra sparked scandal, intrigue, and ultimately, a deadly conspiracy. Was Rasputin truly the mystical healer who soothed the ailing Tsarevich Alexei, or was he a charlatan manipulating a desperate monarchy? What drove a group of Russian aristocrats, led by Prince Felix Yusupov, to conspire against him on a frigid December night in 1916? Did Rasputin survive poisoning and gunfire, only to succumb in the icy waters of the Neva River—or has history been distorted by myth and exaggeration? This episode explores Rasputin’s meteoric rise to power, the political and social chaos of World War I-era Russia,

In this episode of Dave Does History, we take you back to December 29, 1170, to uncover the dramatic and world-changing story of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury. At the heart of medieval England’s most infamous murder is a clash of titans: King Henry II, a ruler determined to consolidate power, and Thomas Becket, his former friend turned unwavering defender of the Church. Their personal feud spiraled into a conflict that would shake both the Crown and Christendom to their core. Join us as we explore the rise of Thomas Becket, a London-born son of merchants who climbed the ranks to become the most powerful cleric in England. Initially a loyal ally of Henry II, Becket’s transformation into a fierce advocate for Church independence set the stage for one of history’s most riveting showdowns. Through vivid storytelling, we unravel the tension that led to Henry’s fateful outburst—“Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?”—and the tragic chain of events that followed. Discover the chilling details of B

In this festive yet chaotic post-holiday episode of What The Frock?, Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod dive into the bizarre "dead zone" between Christmas and the New Year, a time where no one seems to know what day it is—or why football games happen every night. From Hanukkah celebrations and holiday hangovers to fiery debates about homelessness statistics and airplane crashes, the duo tackles it all with their trademark humor and insight. They also explore hot topics like the Bible being banned in Texas schools, the conspiracy theories swirling around the 25th Amendment, and the ridiculousness of modern-day college football bowls (Pop-Tart Bowl, anyone?). Plus, Friar Rod gets called out for his European date formats, and Rabbi Dave contemplates a wild New Year’s Eve adventure. It’s an episode packed with laughs, debate, and just the right amount of WTF. Don’t miss it—your sanity may depend on it!

She wasn’t just an actress. Nichelle Nichols was a force of nature who shattered barriers and opened new frontiers for women and people of color. From her groundbreaking role as Lieutenant Uhura on Star Trek to her tireless efforts recruiting diverse astronauts for NASA, Nichols lived a life dedicated to inspiring others to dream bigger and aim higher. In this episode of Dave Does History, we explore the extraordinary journey of Nichelle Nichols, the woman who boldly went where no one had gone before. We delve into her early days in Chicago, her whirlwind career in music and theater, and the serendipitous encounter with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that convinced her to stay aboard the USS Enterprise. You’ll hear how her portrayal of Lt. Uhura not only broke racial and gender barriers but also redefined what was possible for generations of fans. Join us as we discuss the impact of her historic on-screen interracial kiss, her lifelong advocacy for civil rights, and her pivotal role in shaping the future of spa

If you were to ask me to name the scientists who have most impacted my own life and views of the Cosmos, at the very top of that list would be Johannes Kepler. Since I was introduced to him on Sunday, October 12, 1980, he has been a constant foundation for understanding the later works of Einstein, as well as my enjoyment of science fiction and of cosmology. I first met Kepler on the third episode of the series, Cosmos, with Carl Sagan relating not just his works, but his life as a man, which was fraught with dangers we can hardly imagine today. a man who amid events that historian’s study, religious and political upheaval and cultural clashes, defenestration's and war, still wanted to know the answers to questions that we too seek to find. It is his work that led us to our first steps into the Cosmos. Without his laws, we would not understand how to land on the Moon, or take photos of Pluto, or to communicate with Voyager all those billions of kilometers away on its expedition. Each year, on the 27th of D

Step back in time to one of the most pivotal moments of the American Revolution in this riveting episode of Dave Does History. Join us as we relive the daring Christmas night of 1776, when General George Washington led his ragtag Continental Army across the icy Delaware River for a surprise attack that changed the course of history. With vivid storytelling, sharp analysis, and a touch of humor, we uncover the challenges, strategies, and triumphs of the Battle of Trenton. From the icy march to the fiery clash in the streets of Trenton, this episode celebrates a moment that turned despair into hope for a fledgling nation. Perfect for history buffs and casual listeners alike—don’t miss this tale of resilience, risk, and revolution!

Today the Dave Does History team takes you back to Christmas Day, 1492, when Christopher Columbus’s flagship, the Santa María, ran aground off the coast of Hispaniola. What began as a navigational mistake turned into the construction of La Navidad, the first European settlement in the Americas. But this wasn’t the triumph Columbus envisioned. Within a year, the settlement was reduced to ashes, leaving behind a tale of ambition, greed, and cultural collision. Join us as we unravel the dramatic story of the Santa María’s wreck, the fort built from her remains, and the tragic downfall of La Navidad. We’ll explore the historical search for its lost location and reflect on the legacy of this forgotten outpost. Packed with vivid details and fascinating insights, this episode dives into a pivotal yet often overlooked moment in history. Tune in and discover how one shipwreck shaped the course of the New World!

Eggnog, whiskey, and rebellion—what could possibly go wrong? In this episode, we dive into the wild and chaotic tale of the Eggnog Riot of 1826 at West Point. What started as a covert Christmas celebration turned into a full-blown riot, complete with drunken cadets, smashed furniture, and a near miss with total catastrophe. Join us as we uncover how a seemingly innocent holiday tradition challenged authority, tested discipline, and left a lasting mark on one of America’s most prestigious institutions. Grab your eggnog (spiked or not), and let’s relive this historical holiday chaos!

It’s December 1776, and the American Revolution is hanging by a thread. George Washington is plotting his daring crossing of the Delaware River, but success depends on one critical element: keeping the British and Hessian forces distracted. Enter Colonel Samuel Griffin and his scrappy militia in Mount Holly, New Jersey. In this episode, we unravel the little-known story of the Battle of Iron Works Hill—a cunning ruse that lured Hessian Colonel Carl von Donop away from Trenton at a pivotal moment. Discover how this small skirmish, fueled by grit and guile, set the stage for Washington’s iconic victory at Trenton and changed the course of history. Perfect for anyone who loves tales of underdogs turning the tide.

In the middle of World War II, deep beneath enemy waters, the crew of the USS Silversides faced an unimaginable challenge: an emergency appendectomy performed without a doctor, using improvised tools, and under constant threat of enemy attack. Join us as we dive into the incredible story of Pharmacist’s Mate Thomas A. Moore, who defied the odds to save his crewmate’s life in one of the most daring medical feats in naval history. From bent spoons as surgical tools to a harrowing depth charge escape, this episode captures the ingenuity, resilience, and courage that defined the silent service during WWII. You won’t believe what happened next.

When Tigers Would Smoke is an episode that’s equal parts insightful, irreverent, and downright quirky. Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod bring their signature mix of humor and sharp commentary to this week’s biggest headlines, baffling mysteries, and some truly oddball science. The result? A rollercoaster ride through the absurdities of modern life, politics, and even predatory squirrels. Kicking things off with the mysterious case of the USS Gettysburg and a downed F/A-18, the duo explores conspiracy theories, media spin, and why we’re more inclined than ever to distrust official explanations. From there, they dive into the political circus of a 1,500-page continuing resolution, complete with secret funding, public meltdowns, and the ever-looming specter of government shutdowns. Along the way, they ponder how trust in leadership has crumbled since “the days when tigers would smoke,” a delightful Korean proverb that becomes a recurring theme. But it’s not all politics! Friar Rod reveals that vegetarian ground squirr

In the blood-soaked chaos of 69 AD—the infamous Year of the Four Emperors—Rome teetered on the brink of collapse. With Nero gone and three failed emperors in his wake, the empire was desperate for stability. Enter Vespasian, the unassuming general from Judea whose rise to power was as improbable as it was transformative. In this episode, we unravel the gripping story of how Vespasian emerged from the ashes of civil war to restore order, reform the empire’s crumbling finances, and leave an enduring legacy. From battles in Judea to the intrigue of Roman politics, we’ll explore the omens, alliances, and decisive moments that shaped his remarkable journey to the throne. Was Vespasian truly destined for greatness, or was it his sheer pragmatism that won the day? Tune in for a rich dive into Roman history, packed with drama, insight, and the fascinating details that bring the ancient world to life. Perfect for history buffs, casual listeners, and anyone who loves a tale of resilience and redemption. Don’t miss it