Plausibly Live

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 […]

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 […]

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.

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.

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.

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 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 — […]

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.

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.