This week on What the Frock?, Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod take us on a whirlwind journey through pop culture, politics, and personal tales—all tied together by the theme of perspectives, or as Obi-Wan Kenobi might say, “a certain point of view.”

Denver wasn’t always the Mile High City. In this episode, we journey back to November 17, 1858, to explore how a rough-and-tumble patch of land at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River became the beating heart of Colorado. Discover the determination of General William Larimer Jr., the gold rush fever that drove settlers westward, and the fierce rivalry with Auraria that shaped the city’s early days. We’ll also reflect on Denver’s legacy as a hub of resilience and ambition—and why it still holds a special place for those of us who’ve called it home. Join us as we uncover the fascinating story of a city built on grit and dreams!

On November 16, 1907, Oklahoma officially became the 46th state in the Union, bringing together the Oklahoma and Indian Territories into one proud state. In this episode, we dive into the rich history of these two distinct regions, the leaders who fought for statehood, and the struggles and compromises that shaped the new state’s identity. We’ll explore the Land Run of 1889, the Native American push for the State of Sequoyah, and the federal decision to merge the territories. Hear how Oklahoma’s unique blend of settler and Native American cultures led to both celebration and challenge, and how the state forged its identity through hard work, resilience, and pride. Join us for a story as big as the plains and as bold as the people who call it home!

In this episode, we’re traveling back to the early 1900s, where baseball rivalries ran hot, double plays stung, and a poet named Franklin Pierce Adams captured it all in a few simple lines. Baseball’s Sad Lexicon may be short, but this poem has become part of baseball’s soul, memorializing the heartbreak that Giants fans felt every time the legendary trio—Tinker, Evers, and Chance—turned a would-be rally into yet another double play. Join us as we dive into the life of Adams, a newspaperman with a knack for humor and heartbreak, and explore how this poem became a rallying cry for frustrated fans and a piece of baseball’s eternal lore. We’ll talk about the poem’s meaning, its reception in Adams’ time, and its lasting legacy in the world of sports. Whether you’re a baseball fanatic or just love a good story, this episode brings a piece of baseball history to life with a touch of wit, nostalgia, and plenty of “Tinker to Evers to Chance.”

In this episode of *Dave Does History*, we dive into one of the most remarkable moments of Alexander the Great’s campaign: his crowning as Pharaoh in Egypt. Join us as we explore the young Macedonian conqueror’s journey into the ancient land of Egypt, his reception as a liberator, and the symbolic gestures that earned him the loyalty of the Egyptian people. We'll recount the Siege of Gaza, the crowning ceremony in Memphis, and Alexander’s strategic reverence for Egyptian gods, which solidified his rule. Discover how Alexander’s founding of Alexandria created a powerful legacy that reshaped Egypt and the Mediterranean for centuries. This isn’t just a story of conquest—it’s the story of how Alexander became part of Egypt's history.

On November 13, 1002, Æthelred the Unready, King of England, took a drastic step that changed the course of English history: he ordered the massacre of Danish settlers throughout his kingdom. In this episode, we dive into the chaotic world of 11th-century England, where Viking invasions, Danegeld payments, and cultural clashes fueled tensions between Anglo-Saxons and their Danish neighbors. We’ll explore Æthelred’s decision, fueled by paranoia and resentment, and the bloody consequences of that day. From the surprising cultural divides (like the Danes’ penchant for bathing!) to the brutal legacy that followed, this is a story of fear, politics, and one of history’s most tragic missteps. Join us as we uncover the St. Brice’s Day Massacre and the lasting impact it had on England.

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 isn’t enough. Bowman argues that it’s our failure to *remember* history that leads us to make the same errors—mistakes like Hitler’s ill-fated Russian campaign, made with full knowledge of Napoleon’s blunders but without any real lessons learned. The discussion also tackles the casual use of terms like “Nazi” and “fascist” in modern politics. Bowman explains how using these words as casual insults, detached from their historical weight, diminishes our grasp on what these ideologies truly represent. Together with Bill Mick, Dave sheds light on how historical narratives shape societal values and warns against the perils of forgetting these lessons. With calls from listeners and powerful anecdotes, this episode reminds us that misusing historical terms not only disrespects the past but also endangers the moral foundation they teach us to uphold. Tune in as Dave Bowman and Bill Mick delve into a thoughtful conversation on why history matters now more than ever.

On November 11, 1918, the world stood on the brink of peace, but for thousands of American soldiers on the front lines in France, the war’s final moments were anything but peaceful. In this episode, we recount the last morning of World War I, when American “doughboys” were ordered to launch one final push just hours before the guns would fall silent. Explore the intense atmosphere in the trenches, where these young men faced heavy fire, uncertain of whether they would live to see peace. We discuss the motivations behind those final orders, the tragic cost in lives, and how the lessons of November 11, 1918, shaped military policy and America’s observance of Veterans Day. This is a story of sacrifice, honor, and the complicated road to peace.

On November 9/10, 1938, a storm of hatred erupted across Germany and Austria in a brutal event known as Kristallnacht, or “Night of Broken Glass.” In this episode, we revisit that dark turning point when the Nazi regime transitioned from persecution to violence against Jewish communities, leaving streets filled with shattered glass and shattered lives. We explore the build-up to Kristallnacht, the horrifying events of that night, and its aftermath. Discover how this pivotal event foreshadowed the Holocaust and serves as a powerful warning today about the dangers of unchecked hatred and indifference. Join us as we remember and reflect on Kristallnacht, a grim chapter in history that must never be forgotten.

Here’s an episode description for Spotify and iTunes for the latest *What the Frock?* episode: --- In this candid post-election episode of *What the Frock?*, Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod dive deep into America’s current political climate, tackling everything from election anxiety to celebrity endorsements, the unexpected consequences of social media, and the changing nature of modern campaigns. They share personal reflections, from Rabbi Dave’s son’s reaction to the election to the surprising reactions (and rumored antics) of celebrities like George Clooney. With characteristic humor and introspection, they question the labels we throw around, such as “Nazi” and “fascist,” while reflecting on historical lessons that seem lost on today’s polarized society. As they touch on Veterans Day reflections, personal milestones, and upcoming Hallmark movie reviews, this episode combines thoughtful analysis with lighthearted banter, all wrapped up in the duo’s unique blend of historical insight and modern skepticism.

On November 9, 1799—or as the French Revolutionary calendar marked it, 18 Brumaire, Year VIII—Napoleon Bonaparte executed a bold coup that would change the course of French history. In this episode, we dive into the chaotic final days of the French Revolution, where distrust and division plagued the government. With France weary from years of political upheaval, Napoleon returned from his military campaigns as a hero, ready to seize control of a fractured nation. Join us as we recount the high-stakes drama of 18 and 19 Brumaire. We’ll look at the calculated moves Napoleon and his allies made to oust the Directory, the tense confrontations with the Council of Five Hundred, and the role of fear—both real and manufactured—that paved the way for Napoleon’s ascent. Was this the end of the Revolution, or simply its evolution? This episode explores how one moment shifted power, leaving France on the brink of empire and setting the stage for a legacy that would shape history worldwide.