Dave Does History

On this episode of Dave Does History, we turn the clocks back to April 24, 1183 BCE—the day Troy burned. Join Dave as he walks through the smoldering ruins of the legendary city, uncovering the epic tale of gods, warriors, betrayal, and a giant wooden horse. From Achilles’ wrath to Aeneas’ escape, this story shaped empires and echoed through time. Drawing from Homer, Virgil, and archaeological clues, we blend myth and memory into a vivid narrative of the Bronze Age’s fiery twilight. Buckle up—history is about to get heroic, tragic, and just a bit divine.

On this episode of Dave Does History, we mark the birthday of James Buchanan—America’s only bachelor president and, many say, its most ineffectual. Born April 23, 1791, Buchanan entered office with unmatched experience and left it as the nation shattered into civil war. What went wrong? Was he a victim of circumstance or a man who mistook inaction for wisdom? Join us as we explore Buchanan’s tragic love story, tangled presidency, and the fateful decisions—or lack thereof—that helped bring the Union to the brink. It is a cautionary tale of a gentleman lawyer in an age that demanded a warrior.

Pope Francis has died, and the world now turns its eyes to the smoke above the Sistine Chapel.In this episode of Dave Does History, Dave Bowman joins Bill Mick to break down the ancient—and often misunderstood—process of the papal conclave. From medieval roof removals to modern-day power plays, Dave explores the rituals, rules, and raw politics of picking the next pope. Was it always this secretive? (Yes.) Was it always this messy? (Also yes.) Tune in for history, humor, and maybe a few holy surprises. It’s “Game of Thrones,” but with incense and Latin.

Today on Dave Does History, we journey back to the sacred soil of the Palatine Hill for the story that launched an empire. From the flames of Troy to the she-wolf’s lair on the banks of the Tiber, discover how Aeneas, Romulus, and Remus forged the foundations of Rome—not just as myth, but as history, taught and believed by the American Founding Fathers. Join Dave as he channels Livy, pierces the fog of legend, and uncovers the moral heart of a city destined to rule the world. Subscribe now on Spotify, iHeart Radio, and iTunes.

On this episode of Dave Does History, we dive into the fiery moment that launched America onto the global stage—the 1898 declaration of war against Spain. From the mysterious explosion of the USS Maine to the explosive headlines of Hearst and Pulitzer, we explore how media, politics, and patriotism collided to send the United States into war. Was it a fight for Cuban freedom—or the birth of an empire? Join us as we uncover the characters, controversies, and consequences behind one of the most pivotal declarations in American history. Subscribe now on Spotify, iHeartRadio, or iTunes.

In episode of Dave Does History, we take you to Lexington Green on the morning of April 19, 1775—the moment the American Revolution began. But this is more than musket fire and marching redcoats. It is the story of Ebenezer Bowman, a seventeen-year-old who stood his ground and helped ignite a war for independence. Join Dave as he explores not just America's history, but his own legacy. From an eyewitness account of the first shots, and how his own life connects the fight for liberty to the founding of the Constitution. History gets personal, powerful, and patriotic—only on Dave Does History on iTunes, Spotify, and the iHeart Radio app.

On this episode of Dave Does History, we explore the meaning and importance of preserving monuments and historic sites—especially those that make us uncomfortable. From the international mission of ICOMOS and UNESCO to a personal journey through Hamburg, South Carolina, Dave shares why even the most controversial markers of the past deserve to be remembered, not removed. Join us as we uncover how monuments teach, warn, and remind us who we are—and what happens when we forget. Tune in on Spotify, the iHeart Radio app, or iTunes for a powerful conversation about truth, memory, and the battle for history.

On this episode of Dave Does History, we salute one of America’s greatest unsung heroes—Joe Foss. From dust-choked South Dakota fields to the war-torn skies over Guadalcanal, Foss became a WWII flying ace, Medal of Honor recipient, governor, football commissioner, and NRA president. His story is not just about dogfights and medals—it is about grit, service, and what it truly means to be an American. Join us as we explore the remarkable life of the man who defied odds, shaped history, and reminded a nation that patriotism still has a human face. This is Joe Foss—fighter, leader, legend.

On this episode of Dave Does History, we journey to the windswept heights of Masada, where nearly two thousand years ago, Jewish rebels made their final, fateful stand against the Roman Empire. Was it mass suicide, martyrdom, or myth? Host Dave unpacks the powerful story passed down from Josephus, explores the archaeological evidence, and examines how Masada became a national symbol—and a cautionary tale. From flaming battlements to modern memory, this is not just a history lesson. It is a conversation about truth, identity, and the enduring human struggle between resistance and survival. Tune in for the real story.

In 1561, the skies over Nuremberg erupted in what witnesses described as a celestial battle—spheres, rods, crosses, and a massive black spear appeared above the city at dawn. Was it divine warning, extraterrestrial war, or misunderstood natural phenomenon? This week on Dave Does History, we explore Hans Glaser’s famous broadsheet, the Reformation-era mindset behind it, and how this event morphed into modern UFO legend. With both historical insight and skeptical analysis, we unravel the story behind one of the strangest sightings in recorded history—and why it still sparks debate more than 450 years later. Tune in for truth... and a few clouds.