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

Among the memories I have from my time in New London, CT, at US Navy Submarine School, is a few moments on a bright but very cold January afternoon, listening to an audio tape. The problem with such memories is that I remember the sounds more than I recall the technical details. We were told that this was a highly classified recording of the direct loss of USS Scorpion on May 22, 1968. For all I know, it was a tape of a powered screwdriver spinning. I was very young and easily influenced, and the instructors were trying to impress upon us the dangers involved with what we were training to do. In the subsequent years, I have come to believe that no such tape actually existed, but on that day, it was a sobering reminder that the ocean – and everything in it (including the Soviets) was trying to kill me. The year 1968 was a very bad year for submarines. The Soviets, the French, the Israelis and the United States all lost boats in those months. The French and Israeli boats would not be found for many years, and

Welcome to a new episode of “What the Frock,” where we dive deep into a blend of historical curiosities, personal memories, and spontaneous musings. Join Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod as they navigate through a fascinating discussion that spans volcanic eruptions, the poignant reminiscence of past days, and a quirky exploration of a conspiracy that might just rewrite our understanding of time itself. Whether you’re here for a light-hearted reflection or a thought-provoking discussion, today’s show promises to offer insights with a sprinkle of humor, all wrapped in the enigmatic charm of our hosts’ dynamic banter.

Around three in the morning on May 13, 1862, the lookouts aboard a Union Naval vessel blockading Charleston Harbor was surprised to see a vessel bearing down upon his ship. Sounding the alarm, the gun ports were opened and all was brought to preparation to open fire. It was then that the lookout noticed that the ship approaching wasn’t coming on too fast and flying from it’s mast appeared to be a white… bed sheet? When the vessel came up to the Union ship, it was clear that it intended to surrender. What became clear at that moment was the incredible man piloting the vessel was not your average Confederate looking to get away. It was a black man – in fact an escaped slave – who had escaped, along with his entire crew, their families and this valuable vessel. And that was really only the beginning of the story…

The latest episode of “What the Frock” presents a medley of conversations that traverse personal anecdotes, nature’s marvels, and profound sociopolitical commentary. Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod, the show’s hosts, delve into a range of topics that encapsulate both the mundanity and complexity of daily life intertwined with broader societal issues. The episode kicks off with Rabbi Dave sharing a personal narrative about his struggle with short-term memory issues and the challenges of navigating public events, particularly mentioning his participation in an irrigation festival in Sequim, WA. This segment sets a tone of introspection and vulnerability, as Rabbi Dave also touches on the limitations imposed by his health. A significant portion of the dialogue revolves around the natural phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis. The hosts reflect on the unpredictability of nature, sharing their experiences and disappointments when attempting to witness this celestial spectacle. The discussion broadens into a critique of how

Perhaps the most prescient act of the framers of the US Constitution was the establishment of an amendment process by which the document could be modified. Not in some instant, light and transient way, but with involvement of the peoples representatives, the States and the people themselves. It’s not easy to do, and, in fact, it should not be. As George Washington himself once said, any amendment can only be performed by an “authentic and explicit act” of the American people. Twenty-seven times the constitution has been amended*. There remain countless other attempts which failed to pass Congress. Six further times amendments were proposed and passed by not ratified by the requisite number of States. Each and every time Congress gathers there are proposals and calls for amendments, most of which are little more than attention gimmicks, bound to go nowhere except a few interviews on media and garner campaign funding. Why is it so difficult to get an amendment passed and ratified? Well… first off all, it shou

Join Rabbi Dave and Jedi Knight Rod as they return to the airwaves after a hiatus, bringing with them tales of family visits, unexpected adventures, and a good dose of humor. In this episode, they share insights into their recent escapades, including a memorable visit to Chattanooga and the notorious Buc-ee’s, where a “wall of jerky” left an indelible impression on Rod, as well as the pollen-laden landscapes of North Atlanta and the enchanting environs of Lake Lanier. The episode delves into Rod’s family dynamics, including a heartfelt reunion with his grandchildren and a quirky incident involving a turtle exhibit. Rabbi Dave opens up about his recent knee surgery, sharing the challenges and unexpected revelations of his recovery. His candid account provides a glimpse into the personal struggles and resilience behind his usually upbeat demeanor. The duo’s banter covers a range of topics, from the nuances of drinking a fifth on Revenge of the 5th (May 5th) to light-hearted exchanges over unwanted turtles and

Today, we embark on a journey back to the dawn of the American experiment. Our spotlight shines on the first presidential term of George Washington, a time when the nation’s destiny hung in the balance. On April 30, 1789, amidst the grandeur of Federal Hall in New York City, Washington stepped onto a second-floor balcony to take the oath of office. His inaugural address, delivered with humility and vision, set the tone for a young republic grappling with its identity, its Constitution, and the promise of liberty. Join us as we explore the echoes of that historic moment—the birth of a presidency, the forging of a nation, and the enduring legacy of George Washington’s words…

On April 24, 1183bce (as determined by Eratosthenes the Beta), the City of Troy fell to the Greeks after nine years of devastating siege and bloody war. Few people today realize how many of our cultural values have been inculcated into us by the events of that day. The defeated Trojans would wander west and finally resettle in another city, this time one with seven hills. The Greeks would soon find trouble enough because of the moral compromises they had made to achieve their victory. Nine years of war, and all over… what, exactly? What if what we are told was the reasons – the necessary and moral imperatives for the war – were not only untrue, but little more than propaganda? And what lessons are there for us today, more than three thousand years later, as we gaze on the beach where the Trojan Horse waited that fateful morning….

In the intriguing world of naval history and maritime technology, few things capture the imagination quite like the evolution of the submarine. In a special episode of "Bill Mick Live" on April 9, 2024, Dave Bowman, a seasoned historian and submarine veteran, dives deep into the legacy of submarines, from their early inception to their critical role in modern naval warfare. With his unique blend of firsthand experience and historical knowledge, Dave navigates through the stories of innovation, bravery, and tragedy that have defined submarine service. This episode not only sheds light on the technological advancements and strategic significance of submarines but also honors the memory of those who served beneath the waves, facing the ocean's unforgiving nature. Join us for a journey through time, exploring the depths of human ingenuity and the relentless spirit of exploration that characterizes the submariners' path.

In the latest episode of “What The Frock,” listeners were treated to the unique banter and insightful discussions that have become the hallmark of this engaging podcast. Hosted by the dynamic duo of Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod, this episode once again proved why this podcast has captured the hearts and minds of its audience. The episode kicks off with Rabbi Dave’s playful teasing of Friar Rod’s choice of headwear, setting the tone for an episode filled with humor, candid observations, and a touch of irreverence. The duo briefly delved into their shared interest in the Sacramento River Cats baseball team, hinting at the personal quirks and interests that enrich their on-air chemistry. Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod then embarked on a historical journey, recounting the intriguing tale of Christopher Columbus in Jamaica during 1501. They used this story to explore themes of power, persuasion, and the unexpected impact of natural phenomena, such as eclipses, on human history. This narrative not only showcased the hosts’

On the evening of April 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson stood before an excited Congress and Gallery, and asked that the nation declare war on Imperial Germany. In a strange way, this was the penultimate Wilson moment. He would ask – already knowing the answer – the nation to follow his leadership into a war to make the world safe for democracy. We are told that he had spent the night before in a small office of the east Wing, pouring out his soul to a friend who also happened to be a newspaper reporter. He was terrified for the nation, that he believed that he war would destroy the United States as a free nation. That the Constitution would be shredded to pieces and the very freedoms on which it had been founded and stood would be erased. Standing before Congress, and the nation, he showed no signs of such concerns or fears. To thunderous applause and joyous acclaim, he would tell the Congress that “We are the champions of the rights of mankind.” The nation would rally behind his words and go “over there

This week on “What The Frock,” Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod dive into a vibrant discussion, touching upon a myriad of topics that span religion, politics, and culture, with a special focus on Easter Sunday, which coincidentally aligns with Ramadan and the Transgender Day of Visibility. They kick off by acknowledging the simultaneous occurrence of significant religious observances for Christians, Muslims, and Jews, setting a tone of interfaith dialogue. The conversation swiftly moves into more contentious waters, addressing the actions and religious identity of the current U.S. President, Joe Biden, with particular scrutiny on his Catholic faith and political decisions, suggesting a disconnect between public persona and personal beliefs. This segues into a broader debate on identity, practice, and perception in religious adherence, drawing parallels to the concept of ‘Jack Mormons’ and the implications of publicly declared faith versus actual practice. Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod also touch upon the declaration of

What if… we had a President who disagreed with Congress on everything? And when I say, “everything,” I mean… “everything?” What if the Congress passed a law that was so important to the national development of our society that it was deemed in many places, and a “new birth of freedom,” and the President, vetoed it? What would the reaction be? If this were to happen, how would it change the course of the nation? What would be the result of a direct conflict between the power and authority of the executive and the power of Congress to make law? And… if this were to ever happen, what could Congress do to make sure that the President couldn’t even try to do it again? This week on Dave Does History on Bill Mick Live, we’re going to take a look into one of the most controversial acts of the Reconstruction era: President Andrew Johnson’s veto of the 1866 Civil Rights Act. In the aftermath of the Civil War, the United States found itself at a crossroads, grappling with the challenges of reintegrating the Southern

The weeks episode kicks off with the dynamic duo of Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod, who immediately dive into a light-hearted banter about not being Irish, a humorous nod to a previous episode’s feedback. However, the levity soon shifts as they segue into discussing contemporary events, such as the war in Ukraine and a peculiar terrorist attack in Moscow, sparking a debate over its authenticity and implications. This discussion cleverly parallels the intricacies and deceptions often found in historical wars, setting the stage for their main topic. The core of the episode explores the Trojan War, not just as the mythologized battle over Helen of Troy but as a significant event influenced by economic and political factors. Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod unpack the war’s underlying causes, including the struggle for resources and the power of propaganda, drawing parallels to modern conflicts. Their conversation illuminates how historical narratives are shaped by more than just the dramatic episodes we often remember, such

Many people say that they “hate” Daylight Savings Time. Is that actually the case? Or is what they actually hate the twice a year fiddling with digital clocks in their cars? So it was that on March 19, 1918, the United States enacted the Standard Time Act, much of which remains on our law books today. But, was it just a war measure designed to held beat the Huns? Or was it a vast conspiracy by US Farmers to… to… to… well… to do something that would benefit their business at the expense of your sleep? Did it actually help anything in 1974 when the energy crises hit? Did it actually “save” anything? Did it help to win the war? And why exactly do people blame Benjamin Franklin for this? Let’s stop getting our history from Nicholas Cage flicks and see if we can figure out why Daylight Savings Time is still a thing…

In an engaging episode of “What the Frock,” Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod dive into a mix of personal anecdotes, cultural observations, and light-hearted banter, reflecting on the quirks of daily life and broader societal trends. From the onset, Rabbi Dave greets the audience with a cheerful “Good morning, America,” setting the tone for a show that intertwines humor with moments of genuine reflection. As spring arrives, both hosts grapple with the annual nuisance of pollen, sharing their personal battles with allergies. Rabbi Dave humorously describes the trees in his yard engaging in “tree sex” as soon as the sun shines, leading to his own discomfort. The conversation seamlessly shifts from personal afflictions to broader topics, such as the peculiarities of local weather, the challenges of adapting to different climates, and the unexpected joys and sorrows that come with seasonal changes. The discussion takes a playful turn as Friar Rod introduces the concept of the “Pirate Bible,” sparking a debate on the nua

One of the least discussed and acknowledged periods in US History got its start on March 11, 1880, with the birth of the man, Harry L. Laughlin, who would be among the driving figures in the eugenics movement in the United States. The ideas for which he would advocate included sterilization and would not actually end until well into the 1970s. It all sounds good on the surface – to improve humans through genetics. Today we tend to think of these ideas as the stuff of Nazi history and dystopian science fiction. The hard realization though is that these ideas – that we can eliminate undesirable genetic traits from the gene pool, like many ideas, was a European invention that was snagged onto and improved upon by American idealists. And if you thought that it would be stopped by high minded ideals found in the Constitution, you will be surprised to learn that the Supreme court not only supported and upheld these ideas, but once quipped that “three generations of imbeciles is enough…“

The good news is that Apple Podcasts has started creating great transcripts of the show. The bad news, nobody can figure out how to use them. Meanwhile, Rabbi Dave is getting… well… anxious abut the upcoming replacement knee replacement. He has a odd heart beat that has caused problems in the past, and still has to clear that hurdle to get on to Knee Surgery VII. The President’s state of the Union has left a lot of people rather confused. Including the New York Times, while Robert Di Niro and Bill Maher – who is NOT a conservative no matter what he says – think that a Trump Presidency would mean that they will be disappeared. Classic films are now becoming reality; a Korean Pop star is in deep trouble and Dave got distracted by an article about how to suck up to your boss without seemingly like you are sucking up to your boss… Friar Rod saw Dune 2 – in the Imax – while Dave has not. That doesn’t stop them from discussing the film and wandering through the desert to get to other films that should not have be

On Monday, the Supreme Court released its much anticipated but anti-climatic per curiam ruling in Trump v Anderson, the Colorado attempt to remove him from the 2024 Primary ballot. While there was nothing truly surprising in the ruling – that it is Congress that decides to enforce 14.3 – there was a bit of blowback from the fact that Justice Barrett appeared at first glance, to join the dissent in part. We had a caller to the show on Tuesday who referred to what she said as “the most naive thing” he had ever heard. One of the the things that I most dislike about the immediacy of Talk Radio is that there are too many occasions when there isn’t time to fully digest a story after it breaks, and even less time to form anything but a surface level opinion about it. Often we lose out on the opportunity for deeper consideration of an idea or what someone has said. Certainly that is the case with Justice Barrett’s comment. While I fully agree that it was unnecessary, that does not equate to being “naive.” Moreover

More and more, people are NOT happy. The reasons for this are as varied as there are international conglomerates willing to fund scientific studies that prove whatever their particular scientific viewpoint may be. But it also turns out that for all of these things that are making us unhappy, there are also things that could provide solutions to all this unhappiness. Among these things could be less choices, less money, less day dreaming, less work, more sibling interactions and moving to a lower altitude. Oh… and an OnlyFans account… Meanwhile there is a lot of good coffee out there that isn’t found at the Home of the Sirens. But for all of that, a young lady in Rickmansworth suddenly realized why we are so unhappy and what (and who) can actually do something about it. All that and more this week on an unhappy episode of What The Frock!