Plausibly Live

The episode of Plausibly Live hosted by Dave Bowman examines the evolving nature of sports fandom, questioning longstanding loyalties tied to geography and community. As corporate interests and mobile societies disrupt traditional ties, it probes whether fans prioritize teams over cities, illustrated by historical shifts like the Brooklyn Dodgers' relocation.

This episode captures a nostalgic journey along Highway 101, blending technology, personal reflections, and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Dave shares musings on driving, aging technology, and contemporary issues, emphasizing the significance of small moments and memories made on the road, all while embracing a simpler, unrefined storytelling style.

On the island of Pharos, the air refused to move. Menelaus, king of Sparta and veteran of a decade-long war, sat trapped with a ship full of treasure and no wind to carry him home. In the Odyssey, he recounts how he wandered the shoreline in confusion until the old sea god Proteus finally told […]

Thomas Paine’s words, “These are the times that try men’s souls,” resonate as a profound challenge during America’s Revolutionary War, urging genuine commitment amidst hardship. They emphasize that true patriotism requires resilience in adversity, reinforcing the value of struggle for freedom and morality. Paine’s call remains relevant, inspiring steadfastness against modern challenges.

On October 2, 1775, the Continental Congress debated forming a navy amidst Britain’s naval supremacy. John Adams argued for its necessity to sustain the Revolution, while John Dickinson feared costs and repercussions. Host Dave Diamond highlights the urgency of this decision, framing it as America's first step towards becoming a seafaring nation.

It’s October 1, 1775, and the Revolution is hanging by a thread. On the surface, George Washington’s army looks formidable, stretched in a ragged cordon around Boston. Red flags wave, sentries keep watch, and the illusion of strength gives the Patriots hope. But behind the bravado lies a grim reality: the army is almost out […]

Last night wasn’t one of those restful ones. I was up too late, my mind chewing on stories that probably only matter to me. The kind of stories that slip into the local headlines and then vanish, but they stick in my head anyway. Like the lawsuit over Seattle’s homeless shelter hotels. Or the spectacular […]

Washington State Ferries are facing a significant shift as the state has opted to source new hybrid-electric ferries from an out-of-state shipyard, marking a departure from local construction practices. Critics argue this decision, influenced by climate goals, leads to inflated costs and questions the efficacy of the Climate Commitment Act.

Cracker Barrel faces a pivotal corporate struggle as activist investor Sardar Biglari aims to reform the brand, citing issues like poor management and identity crisis. While customers voice frustrations, analysts doubt the company’s leadership. The ultimate decision lies with major institutional investors, determining the future of this nostalgic American establishment.

This week on Dave Does History, Lena Marlowe and Graham Calder discuss whether the National Guard should police American cities, using Chicago as a case study. They analyze the Posse Comitatus Act, the role of the Guard, and historical examples, addressing the risks of normalizing military policing and its implications for democracy.

In this episode of Dave Does History, the discussion centers on the connection between flawed historical figures like Achilles and Thomas Jefferson. The hosts explore how acknowledging imperfections in great leaders enriches understanding of their legacies. Real history revolves around nuanced stories, revealing that greatness emerges from human struggle and imperfection.

In a world where political campaigns stretch on for years and headlines shift by the hour, there’s one ancient process that still clings to ritual, secrecy, and a whiff of incense: the papal conclave. In this week’s episode of Dave Does History on Bill Mick Live, Dave Bowman walks us through the Church’s time-tested — […]

The post explores the life of Joshua Abraham Norton, who declared himself Emperor Norton I of the United States during the Gold Rush era in San Francisco. Despite financial ruin, he was embraced by the public, issuing progressive proclamations advocating for social justice and infrastructure. His legacy endures, with ongoing discussions to honor him further.

In this episode of Dave Does History, Dave Bowman explores birthright citizenship, focusing on the 14th Amendment's historical significance and its effects since the Reconstruction Era. He discusses key legal battles, including United States v. Wong Kim Ark, and connects past immigration policies to present debates, urging listeners to consider their long-term implications.

Dave Bowman and Bill Mick team up for a captivating exploration of presidential transitions in this week’s episode of Dave Does History. Tackling the theme of “Presidential Transitional Skullduggery,” the duo takes listeners on a journey through historical moments when outgoing presidents attempted to constrain or influence their successors. From John Adams’ “midnight judges&#822...

In this episode of Dave Does History, Dave Bowman and Bill Mick discuss the Malmedy Massacre, where Joachim Peiper's Waffen-SS troops executed over 80 unarmed American soldiers on December 17, 1944. The episode examines the brutal event, its historical significance, the subsequent political decisions, and the importance of remembering such atrocities.

On this episode of Dave Does History on Bill Mick Live, titled “Pardon Moi?”, Dave Bowman takes us deep into the fascinating and often controversial history of presidential pardons. Starting with George Washington’s groundbreaking decision to pardon rebels from the Whiskey Rebellion, Dave examines how this unique executive power—granted by Article II of the Constitution—has […]

What happens when the music swells, the soldiers snap to attention, and history pivots on a single decision? In this episode, we march into a world where leadership, accountability, and sacrifice collide—through the lens of Ulysses S. Grant, the Cold War, and the scars of modern warfare. Dave Bowman pulls no punches as he connects […]

In this episode of Dave Does History, Dave Bowman explores the transformative Election of 1800, highlighting the first peaceful transfer of power between conflicting political parties. He examines the bitter campaign between Jefferson and Adams, the Electoral College tie, and the role of Aaron Burr, emphasizing its lasting impact on American democracy and the two-party system.

In this episode of Plausibly Live – The Dave Bowman Show, Dave dives into the controversial pardon of Hunter Biden. What does this decision mean in the context of presidential pardon power and political strategy? With his characteristic candor, Dave unpacks the historical use (and misuse) of pardons, media statements, and the political fallout of […]

In this special episode of Dave Does History on Bill Mick Live, Dave Bowman takes us on a journey to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, revisiting the battlefield, the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, and the timeless significance of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Through vivid storytelling, personal anecdotes, and deep historical insight, Dave brings to life the […]

In today’s riveting segment of Dave Does History on Bill Mick Live, Dave Bowman takes us on a journey exploring the chilling implications of Nazi ideology and why historical memory is vital. Using Adolf Hitler’s calculated policies in 1938 and his fascination with Napoleon’s mistakes as a starting point, Dave discusses why merely “knowing” history […]

In "The Buford Vision," an episode of Plausibly Live – The Dave Bowman Show, Dave Bowman examines the critical role of Union Brigadier General John Buford in the Battle of Gettysburg. He highlights Buford's determination to hold high ground on July 1, 1863, which was pivotal for Union victory. By analyzing a significant scene from the film Gettysburg, Dave illustrates Buford's strategic foresight...

The 1912 election was a pivotal moment in American political history, marked by intense competition among Roosevelt, Taft, Wilson, and Debs, each presenting distinct ideological visions. Roosevelt’s Progressive Party advocated for active government intervention in social issues, while Wilson’s platform sought to dismantle monopolies for a competitive free market. Taft's conservative approach alien...