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.