Advertise on podcast: Talk About Teddy - Theodore Roosevelt Podcast

Hosts Kurt Skinner and Larry Marple are joined by acclaimed Theodore Roosevelt reprisor, Joe Wiegand, to discuss his life's work "in the arena" performing as the 26th President.

On July 2-6, 2026, in conjunction with the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and America250 celebrations, the Dickinson State University Blue Hawk Theatre Guild in Dickinson, North Dakota is mounting a production of the 1987 Broadway musical Teddy and Alice! Producer Sarah Crossingham and Historical Consultant William Hansard join the podcast to discuss this special event.  Teddy & Alice is an original, family-friendly American musical that brings to life the relationship between President Theodore Roosevelt and his daughter, Alice Roosevelt—one of the most unconventional women of her era. Blending history, humor, and heart, the show explores leadership, legacy, family, and independence through an engaging and accessible theatrical experience. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/teddy-and-alice/

TRA Children's Book Prize Committee Chair, Duane Jundt, joins hosts Kurt Skinner & Larry Marple to discuss some favorite children's literature related to Theodore Roosevelt.

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.

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.