In this episode, Dave dives into the challenges of juggling his podcast, schoolwork, and his frustrations with modern education. From writing a paper on his television viewing habits to reflecting on how Michael Crichton's college experience mirrored his own, Dave shares his thoughts on the disconnect between passion and academia. He also discusses how Crichton's shift from English to Biological Sciences led to his legendary writing career, while Dave himself grapples with staying the course in his history studies.

Along the way, there’s some football talk, the art of talk radio vs. television, and reflections on the bizarre nature of mass communication classes. As always, Dave blends his personal experiences with a healthy dose of humor and historical insight.

Listen in as Dave works through college life, reflects on Crichton’s career, and keeps his eyes on his ultimate goal: bringing history to life for a wider audience.

On this special Constitution Day episode of *Dave Does History* on Bill Mick Live, Dave Bowman takes us back to September 17, 1787, when the framers of the U.S. Constitution gathered for one final act—signing the document that would define the nation. Through vivid storytelling, Dave delves into the tense atmosphere in the room, where not all delegates were in agreement. He examines the optimism of some, like Benjamin Franklin, who urged unity despite imperfections, and the concerns of others, like George Mason, who saw fatal flaws, especially the absence of a Bill of Rights. With his signature blend of humor and insight, Dave also explores how the debates of that day still resonate in our modern world. How did the compromises reached shape the future of the United States, and what lessons can we draw today? Join us for a compelling historical analysis, filled with rich details, as we reflect on the birth of the Constitution and its lasting impact.

Tune in and learn why, as Franklin said, this Constitution would “astonish our enemies” and shape the future of a fledgling nation.

In this special episode, Dave sits down with author and historian Ryan C. Walker to dive deep into the life and legacy of Henry Breault, the first enlisted submariner to receive the Medal of Honor. Walker's new book, Henry Breault: The Silent Service's First Hero, unravels the extraordinary story of Breault's heroic actions during a deadly submarine accident in 1923. From Walker's journey into naval history to the thrilling tale of bravery beneath the sea, this interview sheds light on a forgotten hero and the fascinating world of submariners. Whether you're a naval history enthusiast or just love a good story of courage, you won't want to miss this!

Click here --> Sign the petition to name a new US Navy Submarine for Henry Breault! <--

On this episode of Dave Does History, Dave Bowman takes us back to the post-Revolutionary War era of America, a time when the new nation was struggling to find its footing. Contrary to the idyllic vision many have of early America, life was far from perfect. Economic chaos, political instability, and the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation left the young country in disarray. From state tariff wars to veterans coming home with no jobs, it was clear that the government structure was failing.

Dave and Bill Mick dive into the Annapolis Convention of 1786, where delegates from five states gathered to address these issues. Despite the limited turnout, the convention sparked conversations that would ultimately lead to the Constitutional Convention and the creation of a stronger central government. Dave highlights the pivotal role figures like James Madison and Alexander Hamilton played in reshaping the nation and emphasizes just how close America came to failure.

Join us for a deep dive into the challenges America faced and the solutions that ultimately shaped the future of the country.

In this episode of Bill Mick Live, Historian Dave Bowman takes us back to September 3, 1777, to explore the pivotal Battle of Cooch’s Bridge during the American Revolutionary War. Known as the only Revolutionary War engagement fought on Delaware soil, this skirmish played a crucial role in the Philadelphia Campaign. Dave dives into the strategic importance of this small yet significant battle, where American forces, despite being outnumbered and outgunned, managed to delay British troops long enough to give General Washington time to prepare his defenses.

Join Bill and Dave as they discuss the gritty details of the battle, including the first documented instance of the American flag being flown in combat. Discover how this lesser-known encounter helped shape the course of the war and what it reveals about the resilience and determination of the Continental Army.

Tune in for an insightful and engaging historical discussion that brings the past to life with Dave's unique blend of knowledge and storytelling.

Dave Bowman dives into the wild and whimsical story of the Great Moon Hoax of 1835, when the New York Sun convinced the public that bat-like beings thrived on the moon. But this is just the starting point for a broader discussion on the nature of media, communication, and the influence they wield over society. Dave reflects on his experiences in a new mass communications class, critiques the idea that "all media is social," and questions the role of modern news outlets. What happens when media, government, and powerful entities shape our perceptions? Is it just fear, or is there something more? Tune in as Dave unravels the threads connecting 19th-century lunar fantasies to today’s media landscape, with a few pointed jabs at Zuckerberg's recent revelations about media manipulation thrown in for good measure.

In this episode of “Dave Does History on Bill Mick Live,” Dave Bowman dives deep into the life and legacy of Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd President of the United States. Often overshadowed by other historical figures, Harrison played a crucial role in shaping the post-Civil War era, advocating for civil rights, modernizing the U.S. Navy, and navigating the challenges of a rapidly changing America. Dave discusses Harrison’s lesser-known accomplishments, his challenges as a leader during the Gilded Age, and how his principles continue to influence American politics today. Learn why Harrison, though often forgotten, was truly “somebody” in the annals of U.S. history.

It almost seems like ancient history. But it was just seventeen days ago that the world watched as the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris either baffled or offended pretty much ever one who isn’t…. well… French. was it a parody of the Last supper painting – itself an inaccurate distortion of the actual Seder event. Or… was it a reenactment of several paintings of the behavior of the Greek god Dionysus? And if it was that, why did so many people not “get it?” while French people seemed to innately understand the whole thing.

In the aftermath of the Opening Ceremonies, Christians loudly objected while the Mayor of Paris blamed “far right reactionaries” for the outrage over what was, at best, confusing.

So… is there any actual truth in any of this? Anything that we can learn from it all? Is there a cultural divide or was it just satanic Hollywood influence and art nouveau schtick?

In the end, the idea that Americans are confused or have mixed reactions to the happenings in Paris is nothing new. This week in 1792, George Washington was just a few months from being unanimously elected as President. Things in American had stabilized after our Constitution had been at last ratified the year before. We had thrown off – or more accurately out – our own King. In the previous two years, newspapers had excitedly carried the reports of the French people, like us, rising up against the tyranny of the King. But this week in 1972, things would turn dark in Paris. King Louis XVI was arrested and declared an enemy of the people of France.

Americans struggled to keep up with the happenings in Paris. Our focus was on our own mint and post office, politics, the new state of Kentucky, and indeed the first US Navy frigate began her construction. The New York Stock exchange was founded and the first true political party was formed, which strongly the policies of the Federalists.

All those happenings in Paris were a long way off, across the Atlantic, and they were confusing. Weren’t we anti-monarchial? wasn’t one of the founding principles of the French revolutionaries “liberty,” just like our own revolution had been? Shouldn’t we be supportive of the French people as they had supported us? Or was this French Revolution turning too dark, and apt to give rise to violence and instability – two things the Americans had all but eliminated?

It may seem odd to us today, but this week in 1792, the French revolution was every bit as divisive and confusing to Americans as the Opening Ceremonies of the 2024 Olympics would be two hundred and thirty two years later. Almost to the day… “Claire… it’s French…”