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/