Talk About Teddy - Theodore Roosevelt Podcast

Hosts Larry Marple & Kurt Skinner are joined by historian Michael Cullinane to discuss his highly anticipated new book "Theodore Roosevelt and the Tennis Cabinet."  In his final days in office in 1909, Theodore Roosevelt invited dozens of friends to the White House for lunch. They had never met as a group, but they had one thing in common: Each played tennis with the president and advised on policy matters. Roosevelt half-joked that the public would never know how much these tennis partners did to make his administration a success. Journalists dismissively called them the “Tennis Cabinet,” making light of their contribution, but Roosevelt knew otherwise. This inner circle led the administration’s campaigns against corporate greed, investigated public health violations, and formulated consumer protections. They founded environmental conservation policies, prosecuted civil rights violations, and implemented bureaucratic efficiencies that saved the government billions. Roosevelt’s tennis mates shaped the nation’s diplomacy, ending wars and promoting American interests abroad.  (notes from the publisher University of Nebraska Press) 

Hosts Kurt Skinner and Larry Marple are joined by National Park Service veteran, Valerie Naylor, to discuss parks and monuments established by Theodore Roosevelt, focusing on four "repurposed" sites no longer within the National Park System. Parks included in this episode are Lewis and Clark Caverns National Monument (proclaimed 1908) which became a Montana state park; Wheeler National Monument (proclaimed 1908) which is now a protected geologic area in wilderness; Platt National Park (established 1906) which evolved into Chickasaw National Recreation Area; and Sullys Hill National Park (established 1905) which became a national game preserve. 

Hosts Kurt Skinner & Larry Marple are joined by Historian Andrew Porwancher to discuss his award-winning new book, "American Maccabee: Theodore Roosevelt & the Jews." Professor Porwancher's insightful work investigates how Jewish issues were part of the greater questions America faced at the turn of the 20th century during Theodore Roosevelt's years in public service. 

Hosts Kurt Skinner & Larry Marple are joined by Historian Andrew Porwancher to discuss his award-winning new book, "American Maccabee: Theodore Roosevelt & the Jews." Professor Porwancher's insightful work investigates how Jewish issues were part of the greater questions America faced at the turn of the 20th century during Theodore Roosevelt's years in public service. 

Hosts Kurt Skinner & Larry Marple are joined by Smithsonian naturalist, Darrin Lunde, author of "The Naturalist: Theodore Roosevelt, A Lifetime of Exploration, and the Triumph of American Natural History." The conversation highlights the behind-the-scenes work of museum naturalists, Theodore Roosevelt’s life-long fascination with the natural world, his life as a hunter-naturalist-conservationist, and his contributions to the scientific study of animals that culminated in the 1909-10 Smithsonian African expedition. 

In this episode of the Talk About Teddy Podcast, hosts Kurt Skinner & Larry Marple welcome Professor Matthew Oyos to discuss his extensive research on Theodore Roosevelt's influence on U.S. military policy as detailed in his book 'In Command: Theodore Roosevelt and the American Military'. The conversation covers Roosevelt's strategic vision for America's role in the world, his efforts to modernize the Navy and Army, the civil-military tensions involved with reform, and TR's fascination with the evolution of military technology. The discussion also touches on controversial episodes, such as Roosevelt's dismissal of Black soldiers in the 1906 Brownsville affair, and his relentless campaign for American military preparedness in the lead up to the Great War.  

In this episode of the 'Talk About Teddy' podcast, hosts Kurt Skinner & Larry Marple are joined by Edith Roosevelt historian, Julia Marple, to discuss the 1902 restoration of the White House overseen by Theodore Roosevelt and his wife, Edith Roosevelt.  The conversation highlights the historical significance of the restoration, the challenges faced, and the roles played by TR and especially Edith.  The episode includes discussion of the architects involved, the financial aspects, the public's reaction, and the specific architectural changes made during the restoration, emphasizing the Roosevelts' dedication to preserving the historical integrity of the White House. 

In recognition of the Inspiration network premier of season 2 of the Elkhorn series, we are re-releasing a favorite episode on Roosevelt's Ranches with Medora, ND author and historian, Rolf Sletten, in which we discuss Theodore Roosevelt's ranching adventures in the North Dakota Badlands, and the history of his Maltese Cross and Elkhorn ranches. 

Kurt and Larry chat with the Theodore Roosevelt Center staff members that are daily bringing to life a comprehensive online digital library dedicated to the life and legacy of Theodore Roosevelt  - they’re creating an item-level catalogue of searchable documents, making the available record of TR free and accessible to on-line researchers everywhere.  The folks at the Theodore Roosevelt Center are truly accomplishing “work worth doing”! 

Kurt & Larry are joined by historian Stacy Cordery, discussing her seminal 2007 biography Alice Roosevelt Longworth: From White House Princess to Washington Power Broker. Professor Cordery shares her insights and research on the life of Alice Roosevelt Longworth, daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt. She discusses Alice's early life, including the tragic death of her mother shortly after her birth, her complex relationship with her father and stepmother, and her transformation into America's first female celebrity. The narrative covers Alice's role as a political influencer, her controversial marriage to Nicholas Longworth, and her lifelong involvement in Washington D.C.'s political and social circles. The interview also touches on Alice's relationships with other prominent political figures, her support for her father's political campaigns, and her advisory roles within the Roosevelt family and beyond. Through personal anecdotes and extensive research, Professor Cordery paints a comprehensive portrait of Alice Roosevelt Longworth, highlighting her wit, intelligence, and enduring impact on American politics.

Hosts Kurt Skinner & Larry Marple are joined by special guest, Kermit Roosevelt III to discuss his great-great grandfather, Theodore Roosevelt, and the U.S. Constitution.  Professor Roosevelt discusses Theodore Roosevelt's views on social justice, his trust in the American people to govern themselves, and his progressive ideals. The conversation covers TR's belief in a powerful national government to address national issues, highlighting TR's legacy as a modern, democratic leader. Professor Roosevelt also elaborates on his 2022 book, 'The Nation That Never Was,' comparing TR’s progressive ideals with historical constitutional interpretations. 

Hosts Kurt Skinner & Larry Marple are joined on this special episode by fellow Teddy Roosevelt reprisors: Michael Romero, Peyton Dixon, John Dobmeier, Justin Riner, Nolan Reynolds, Bill Sommers, Adam Lindquist, and Joe Wiegand. This episode was recorded live July 2025 in Medora, North Dakota, during the 2025 Badlands Chautauqua Gathering of Teddy Roosevelts.  https://medora.com/chautauqua/  This was a rare opportunity to hear from multiple Theodore Roosevelt reprisors as they share their passion for preserving the legacy of our 26th President! 

The third episode of the TR’s National Park series features a discussion with retired Park Superintendent Valerie Naylor. 

In this episode of the 'Talk About Teddy' podcast, Larry and Kurt are joined by Clay Risen, a journalist and editor at the New York Times. Clay discusses his 2019 book 'The Crowded Hour: Theodore Roosevelt, the Rough Riders, and the Dawn of the American Century,'  which explores the significance of the Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War and their impact on Theodore Roosevelt's political career. Clay delves into the diverse composition of the regiment, describing how it reflected American society, and explains how the war and the Rough Riders served as a crucible for Roosevelt's leadership skills and public persona. The conversation also touches on the broader themes of American imperialism, the evolution of the U.S. military, and the role of the media in shaping public perception during the war.  See show notes at our website www.talkaboutteddy.com 

The second episode of the TR’s National Park series features a discussion with retired Park Superintendent Valerie Naylor. The episode explores the establishment and significance of various Southwestern parks, particularly those in Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. Valerie provides insights into the cultural and historical importance of these parks, many of which house ancient native sites and artifacts. Theodore Roosevelt's role in creating national monuments to protect these antiquities through the Antiquities Act is highlighted. Key parks discussed include Mesa Verde National Park, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Montezuma Castle, Petrified Forest National Park, El Morro, Tonto National Monument, and Tumacácori National Historical Park. The show also looks at Roosevelt’s vision for the Grand Canyon and his efforts to preserve it against exploitation. The episode concludes with Valerie’s personal experiences visiting these parks and her work with the Theodore Roosevelt Center.  www.talkaboutteddy.com 

Kurt and Larry discuss the influence of Christian faith in the life of Theodore Roosevelt with Associate History Professor Benjamin Wetzel. 

Kurt and Larry discuss the Theodore Roosevelt Association with TRA President & Chairman Gregory Wynn. 

Kurt & Larry are joined by veteran museum curator, Susan Sarna, to discuss her current role as Senior Curator of Collections at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum and 30+ year career as National Park Service Curator at Sagamore Hill NHS.  

Kurt & Larry discuss Theodore Roosevelt's Pacific Coast states National Parks & Monuments with National Park Service veteran Superintendent Valerie Naylor. Parks mentioned in this episode: Crater Lake NP, Lassen Peak NM & Cinder Cone NM (Lassen Volcanic NP), Muir Woods NM, Pinnacles NM, Mount Olympus NM (Olympic NP). 

Kurt and Larry are joined by TR historian and avid birder, Duane Jundt to discuss TR's lifelong fascination with birds. 

In commemoration of the mustering out of Colonel Roosevelt's Rough Rider regiment (1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry) on September 15, 1898, we are pleased to re-release our previous conversation with friend of the podcast, Mark Lee Gardner, acclaimed author of his award-winning 2016 book Rough Riders: Theodore Roosevelt, His Cowboy Regiment, and the Immortal Charge Up San Juan Hill. 

In recognition of the first presidential inauguration of Theodore Roosevelt upon the death of President McKinley in Buffalo, New York on September 14, 1901, we are re-releasing our previous conversation with Stanton Hudson at the TR Inaugural National Historic Site. 

Larry and Kurt are joined by Julia Marple to discuss our historical portrayals of Theodore and Edith Roosevelt. 

Kurt and Larry talk with NPS Ranger Joe Korber about the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site at 28 East 20th Street in NYC.  https://www.talkaboutteddy.com/ 

Kurt and Larry discuss the book "Remembering Theodore Roosevelt: Reminiscences of his Contemporaries" with author Michael Patrick Cullinane  https://www.talkaboutteddy.com/  

Kurt and Larry talk with Sagamore Hill NHS park rangers Clare Connelly, Lindsay Davenport, and Bethany Cecere about Theodore Roosevelt's Long Island family home in Oyster Bay, NY. 

Larry and Kurt continue their discussion with Ed O'Keefe, author of "The Loves of Theodore Roosevelt: The Women Who Created A President."  https://www.talkaboutteddy.com/ 

Larry and Kurt speak with author Edward F. O'Keefe about his newly released book The Loves of Theodore Roosevelt: The Women Who Created a President https://www.talkaboutteddy.com/ 

Kurt and Larry speak with Professor Michael Patrick Cullinane about his 2017 book, Theodore Roosevelt's Ghost: The History and Memory of an American Icon.  

Kurt speaks with Thomas Bailey and Katherine Joslin, the authors of Theodore Roosevelt: A Literary Life.

Kurt and Larry discuss some "firsts" associated with Theodore Roosevelt's presidency  https://www.talkaboutteddy.com/ 

Kurt and Larry discuss the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site in Buffalo, New York, with Executive Director, Stanton Hudson.  https://www.talkaboutteddy.com/ 

Kurt and Larry talk with the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Community Relations Director, Amy McCann.  https://www.talkaboutteddy.com/ 

Kurt and Larry are again joined by Park Superintendent Valerie Naylor to discuss the 23 National Parks and Monuments established by Theodore Roosevelt, in addition to the sites honoring TR in the National Park Service.   https://www.talkaboutteddy.com/  

Larry and Kurt talk with Tom Peeling, the nation's leading collector of Theodore Roosevelt political items  https://www.talkaboutteddy.com/ 

Kurt and Larry talk with Valerie Naylor, Past Superintendent of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.   https://www.talkaboutteddy.com/episode-6-theodore-roosevelt-national-park/ 

Larry and Kurt are joined by author/historian Doug Ellison, to discuss the known historical record of TR’s experiences in the Badlands as documented in his 2017 book Theodore Roosevelt and Tales Told as Truth of his Time in the West.

Unlike modern presidents, Theodore Roosevelt does not yet have a presidential library. Instead, his personal and presidential papers are scattered in libraries and other sites across the United States. If only there was an institution whose mission was to gather together and digitize copies of all Roosevelt-related items, to make his legacy more readily accessible to scholars and schoolchildren, enthusiasts and interested citizens. We are fortunate there is such an institution, and that is the mission of the Theodore Roosevelt Center at Dickinson State University. Today we’ll be joined by the Director of the TR Center, Dr. Chris O’Brien.  https://www.talkaboutteddy.com/ 

Larry and Kurt are joined by author, Rolf Sletten, to discuss his book Roosevelt's Ranches: The Maltese Cross and the Elkhorn   *introductory music "For Her" courtesy of MusicByMisterbates at freesound.org 

Larry and Kurt are joined by acclaimed Western historian, Mark Lee Gardner, to discuss his 2016 book Rough Riders: Theodore Roosevelt, His Cowboy Regiment, and the Immortal Charge Up San Juan Hill. 

Introductory episode of Talk About Teddy - a weekly conversation exploring the world of Theodore Roosevelt

Introducing the Talk About Teddy podcast - your source for weekly conversations exploring the world of Theodore Roosevelt