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.

In this episode of Dave Does History on Bill Mick Live, we head north—way north—to uncover the bizarre moment when the United States almost claimed part of Greenland.

It started with a bad map, involved a lost Danish expedition, and ended with two frostbitten heroes proving the truth. From mistaken geography to geopolitical consequences, Dave unpacks how a simple cartographic error nearly redrew the Arctic.

Join us as we explore survival, sovereignty, and the enduring value of getting your facts straight—even when they’re buried under two feet of ice.

Catch it now on Spotify, iTunes, and the iHeart Radio app.

April 1st isn't just for pranksters—it's for historians with a wicked sense of humor.

In this episode, Dave peels back the glittery nonsense of April Fools’ Day to uncover its shadowy (and often fictional) past. From Chaucer’s chicken to a Flemish prank poem, and the legendary hoax that duped the Associated Press, it all leads to one irresistible conclusion: we should be calling it Boskin Day.

Tune in for history, hilarity, and a few paper fish stuck to your back. Trust nothing. Laugh anyway.

Today on Dave does History on Bill Mick Live, we head back to 1805 for one of the most dramatic courtroom showdowns in American history—except this trial did not involve a criminal, it involved a Supreme Court Justice.

Samuel Chase, a signer of the Declaration and a fiery Federalist, was impeached by Jefferson’s allies for turning his courtroom into a political soapbox. Was it a righteous reckoning or a political hit job?

We unpack the politics, the personalities, and the precedent that his acquittal set—one that still protects the bench from becoming a branch of partisan payback.

Today on Dave Does History on Bill Mick Live, we’re diving into the life, legacy, and legend of one of America’s most peculiar presidents—Grover Cleveland.

You might not think much about the man who was both the 22nd and 24th president of the United States, but Cleveland was one of the most unique and controversial figures to ever occupy the White House.

Born on this day in 1837, he was the first president to serve two nonconsecutive terms—booted out of office in 1888, only to claw his way back four years later. But his presidency was more than just an interesting footnote in history books.

Celebrating Florida Day!

In this episode of Dave Does History on Bill Mick Live, we take a hard look at one of the most important Supreme Court cases in American history—Marbury v. Madison. You might remember our recent discussion about the Election of 1800 and John Adams’ infamous “Midnight Judges.” Well, this is the moment when that political showdown reached its explosive conclusion, and the Supreme Court emerged with a new, game-changing power: judicial review.

Chief Justice John Marshall didn’t just decide whether William Marbury got his job—he redefined the power of the Supreme Court itself. With a legal sleight of hand, Marshall ruled that a part of the Judiciary Act of 1789 was unconstitutional, marking the first time the Court struck down a law passed by Congress. This decision set the precedent that allows the Supreme Court to determine what laws stand and what laws fall.

Fast forward to today, and judicial review remains one of the most debated aspects of American government. From Dred Scott to Brown v. Board of Education, Roe v. Wade to Dobbs v. Jackson, the Supreme Court has used this power to reshape American society—for better or worse.

So, who really runs the government? The people? Congress? The President? Or nine unelected judges? We’ll break it all down and explore why Marbury v. Madison still matters right now. Tune in for history, controversy, and a few surprises along the way.

Lincoln County, New Mexico, in the late 19th century was a place where money and power went hand in hand, and those who held them ruled with an iron fist.

At the heart of this system was “The House,” a monopoly run by James Dolan and Lawrence Murphy. Their business, LG Murphy & Co., controlled everything from cattle sales to dry goods, banking, and even law enforcement.

If you wanted to do business in Lincoln County, you had to go through The House—or face the consequences.

On this episode ofBill Mick Live, it’s Tuesday, which means Dave Does History—and today, we’re taking on one of the most infamous political tricks in American history: gerrymandering. The term was coined on February 11, 1812, when Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry signed off on a redistricting plan that reshaped voting districts to benefit his party. A satirical cartoonist noticed that one district looked like a salamander, and just like that—the “Gerry-mander” was born.

But there’s more to Gerry than just a political scandal. He was a Founding Father, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and even served as Vice President. So how did his name get tied to a practice both sides love to hate? And more importantly—is gerrymandering actually the problem, or is low voter engagement the real issue?

Join Dave Bowman and Bill Mick as they break down the history, controversy, and lasting impact of gerrymandering—past, present, and future. Listen now!

Step back into Gold Rush-era San Francisco, a city teeming with fortune seekers, rogues, and visionaries. In this episode of Dave Does History on Bill Mick Live, we explore one of the most fascinating figures in American history—Emperor Norton I, the self-proclaimed Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico.

Once a wealthy businessman, Joshua Norton’s fortunes crumbled after a disastrous investment in the rice market. But instead of fading into obscurity, he reinvented himself as a monarch, issuing proclamations that abolished Congress, defended civil rights, and even envisioned the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge—a project completed decades later.

For twenty years, San Francisco embraced him, treating their eccentric ruler with affection and respect. Today, activists still fight to name the Bay Bridge in his honor. Was he mad, a visionary, or both?

Join us on Bill Mick Live as we unravel the legend of Emperor Norton—America’s most beloved self-made sovereign.