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.