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

This morning on *Dave Does History*, we head back to 1805 for a political showdown that nearly shattered the balance of power in America. Supreme Court Justice **Samuel Chase**—a signer of the Declaration and a fiery Federalist—stood trial in the Senate, impeached by Jefferson’s allies for partisan bluster from the bench. But was it justice, or just politics? Today we unpack how a bitter feud between Jefferson and the Federalist judiciary sparked the only impeachment of a Supreme Court Justice—and why his acquittal may have saved the independence of the American courts. It’s history with teeth, only on *Bill Mick Live*.

Born Erik Weisz in 1874, Harry Houdini became the most famous escape artist in history—and one of the most fascinating figures of the early 20th century. In this episode of *Dave Does History*, we explore the real man behind the myths: from his daring milk can and water torture cell escapes to his battles with spiritualists, his short-lived film career, and even his aviation adventures. Houdini was more than a magician—he was a showman, a skeptic, and a symbol of defiance. Join us as we unlock the life, the legacy, and the final mystery of Harry Houdini.

Spring allergies, legal absurdities, and subterranean TikTok fame—this episode of *What the Frock?* has it all. Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod tackle the politics of impeachment, the dysfunction of healthcare bureaucracy, and whether axing the Department of Education would actually improve anything. They also uncover the bizarre tale of a janitor turned bio-terrorist and a Virginia woman digging unauthorized tunnels under her house—with government approval. It's a wild ride through history, policy, and modern madness, served with sarcasm, insight, and a sprinkle of antihistamines. Grab your tissues (for the pollen), your Constitution, and your WTF button—this one's a doozy.

In this episode of *Dave Does History*, we ride back to a moment that quietly transformed the modern world—March 23, 1857—when a bearded mechanic named Elisha Otis cut the rope and changed the skyline forever. Long before skyscrapers kissed the clouds, one man's bold demonstration made it possible to go up without fear of coming down. Join us as we explore how a wooden platform, a steel spring, and a bit of showmanship launched a revolution in architecture, business, and daily life. It is the story of the elevator—and the man who gave the world permission to rise.

On this episode of Dave Does History, we head back to 1765, when Parliament passed a law that lit the fuse of American rebellion—the Stamp Act. It was more than a tax on paper; it was a bold assertion of control over the colonies. What followed was outrage, protest, and the first sparks of unity among the American people. Join me as we unpack the motives behind Britain’s decision, the colonists’ fierce response, and how a simple stamp became a symbol of tyranny—and resistance. This is the story of how liberty found its voice in the face of imperial overreach.

In March of 1943, Nazi Germany was on the defensive. The catastrophe at Stalingrad had shattered the myth of Hitler’s invincibility, and inside the German military, resistance was brewing. Among those who saw Hitler as a threat to Germany’s survival was Rudolf-Christoph von Gersdorff, a decorated officer willing to sacrifice himself to end the dictator’s reign. On March 21, during a Heroes’ Memorial Day event in Berlin, he attempted a daring suicide bombing. But as history shows, timing is everything. Today on *Dave Does History*, we uncover the story of a failed assassination and what might have been.

Baseball has always been a game of tradition, but every so often, someone comes along who challenges the status quo. In the early 1900s, Amanda Clement did just that—not by swinging a bat, but by making the calls. She was the first woman ever paid to umpire a baseball game, stepping onto the field with authority in an era when women weren’t even supposed to be there. Her story isn’t just about baseball; it’s about determination, breaking barriers, and proving that talent speaks louder than prejudice. Today on *Dave Does History*, we’re diving into the life of Amanda Clement.

On March 19, 1945, the USS *Franklin* (CV-13) became the most heavily damaged U.S. aircraft carrier to survive World War II. While launching airstrikes near Japan, she was devastated by a surprise enemy attack, igniting catastrophic fires and explosions that killed over 800 sailors. Against all odds, her crew fought to keep her afloat, defying the odds in one of the most harrowing survival stories in naval history. In this episode of *Dave Does History*, we dive into the battle, the heroism, and the controversy surrounding *Franklin’s* leadership and legacy. Listen now on Spotify, iTunes, or your favorite platform!

**Grover Cleveland: The Man, The Myths, The Mustache** Grover Cleveland is the **only U.S. president to serve two nonconsecutive terms**—but how did he lose the White House, only to win it back four years later? In this episode of *Dave Does History*, we dive into Cleveland’s **rise as an anti-corruption reformer, his scandal-filled first campaign, his brutal 1888 defeat, and his disastrous second term.** Was he the last true **small-government Democrat** or just too stubborn for his own good? Plus, the **truth about the Baby Ruth candy bar!** Tune in for history, humor, and one of America’s most overlooked presidents.

On March 17, 1973, a moment unfolded on the tarmac of Travis Air Force Base that would become one of the most iconic images of the Vietnam War era. Captured by Associated Press photographer Slava "Sal" Veder, the Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph known as Burst of Joy depicts what appears to be the pinnacle of a joyous reunion. Lt. Col. Robert L. Stirm, recently released from captivity as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam, strides across the tarmac as his family rushes toward him, arms outstretched in an expression of pure relief and elation. His fifteen-year-old daughter, Lorrie, is the most animated figure in the shot, her exuberance embodying what many Americans longed to believe about the homecomings of returning POWs. But as is so often the case with war, and with history itself, the truth behind the moment was far more complicated than it appeared.

What does it take to make a truly great villain? Is it power, evil intent, or just a misguided sense of righteousness? On this week's episode of What the Frock?, Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod embark on a deep and often hilarious journey into the nature of villainy—both fictional and real. From the dark corridors of film and literature to the absurdity of modern-day politics and sports scandals, the duo tackle an age-old question: What makes a villain truly great?

James Madison, born in 1751, became a crucial figure in American history as “Father of the Constitution.” He advanced Enlightenment ideals, fought for religious liberty, and played key roles in the Constitutional Convention and the drafting of the Bill of Rights. His presidency faced challenges, including the War of 1812, but his legacy endures through democratic principles and structured governance.

In March 1917, the Russian Empire collapsed under the weight of war, famine, and revolution. Tsar Nicholas II, once the absolute ruler of one-sixth of the Earth's landmass, found himself powerless, stranded on a train, and forced to sign away his throne. His abdication ended 300 years of Romanov rule and set Russia on a path toward chaos, Bolshevism, and ultimately, the Soviet Union. How did a monarch who believed in divine right lose it all? In this episode of *Dave Does History*, we unravel the dramatic downfall of Nicholas II and the empire that vanished with his signature.

In the depths of the Cold War, America’s Strategic Air Command kept nuclear-armed bombers in the sky around the clock, ready to strike at a moment’s notice. But on March 14, 1961, a B-52F Stratofortress on airborne alert out of Mather Air Force Base faced a catastrophic failure over California’s Central Valley. With two hydrogen bombs onboard, the crew battled extreme heat, decompression, and fuel exhaustion before making a desperate escape. In this episode of *Dave Does History*, we unravel the harrowing true story of the Yuba City B-52 crash—one of the Cold War’s closest brushes with disaster.

For over two centuries, *Encyclopaedia Britannica* was the gold standard of knowledge, the go-to reference for students, scholars, and anyone looking to settle a debate before Google existed. From its Scottish Enlightenment origins to its dominance in American households, *Britannica* evolved with the times—expanding, modernizing, and eventually shifting online. But how did it rise to such authority, and why did its print empire ultimately fall? In this episode of *Dave Does History*, we explore the fascinating journey of *Britannica*, its impact on education, and its fight to remain relevant in the digital age. Join us for the story of knowledge itself!

On this episode of *Dave Does History*, we dive into one of the deadliest engineering failures in American history—the collapse of the St. Francis Dam on March 12, 1928. Built to quench Los Angeles’ growing thirst, the dam was hailed as a triumph until it gave way in the dead of night, sending a 140-foot wall of water roaring through San Francisquito Canyon. Hundreds perished, entire towns were wiped out, and the disaster forever changed dam safety in the U.S. What went wrong? Who was responsible? And what lessons did we learn? Let’s uncover the shocking truth.

On March 11, 1941, Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the **Lend-Lease Act**, a move that provided billions in aid to Allied nations and pushed the U.S. closer to World War II—without a formal declaration. But just three years earlier, the **Ludlow Amendment** nearly changed everything, proposing a **national referendum before America could go to war**. In this episode, we explore how FDR fought to kill the amendment, why most Americans supported it, and how its passage could have altered history. Would the U.S. have entered WWII at all? Join us as we unpack one of history’s biggest **"what-ifs."**

In this episode of *Dave Does History*, we set sail for the **Battle of the Aegates**, the dramatic climax of the **First Punic War** in 241 BCE. Rome, battered but relentless, launches a final naval gamble against Carthage, determined to break their stranglehold on Sicily. With newly built quinqueremes, improved tactics, and sheer Roman grit, the fleet of **Gaius Lutatius Catulus** faces off against Carthage’s desperate relief force. How did this battle reshape the Mediterranean world? What lessons did Rome learn that set the stage for future domination? Strap in for a high-stakes clash on the stormy seas of history!

he Extended Version – because some stories just can’t be crammed into a soundbite. In this episode of What The Frock?, Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod break down the ongoing battle between long-form podcasts and short-form radio. Spoiler: they’re on the right side of history. Along the way, Rabbi Dave finally gets answers to his Lord of the Rings questions, Friar Rod dissects the Gene Hackman fiasco, and both take a skeptical look at the latest national security absurdities. Meanwhile, the Epstein files remain locked away (shocking), post-Zelensky meeting PTSD is a thing, and—because we’ve apparently lost the plot—calling someone “bald” is now considered sexual harassment. And just when you think it can’t get stranger, an OnlyFans twist enters the chat. Buckle up for history, headlines, and hilarity as the guys make sense of the madness—one extended rant at a time.

In March 1862, history was made in the waters of Hampton Roads. The age of wooden warships came to a crashing halt as two ironclad titans, the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia, clashed in a battle unlike any seen before. The stakes? The Union blockade, Confederate survival, and the future of naval warfare itself. Smoke filled the air, cannons roared, and for the first time, iron met iron on the open sea. This wasn’t just a battle—it was a revolution. Today, we dive into the epic showdown that changed everything: the Battle of Hampton Roads.