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Becoming JFK: Scott Badler on the Making of a Leader (Ep. 195)
Episode 195
In this Halloween live episode from Eagle Pass, I kick things off with some seasonal memories and safety reminders before settling into a conversation with author and historian Scott Badler about his new book, Becoming JFK: John F. Kennedy’s Early Path to Leadership. We dig into the lesser-known, formative years of JFK—from his health struggles and family dynamics with his brother Joe Jr., to the “Muckers” episode at Choate, his pre–World War II travels through Europe, and the harrowing PT-109 incident. Scott shares why this 11-year span shaped Kennedy’s persistence, worldview, and leadership style, and how fresh archives and research challenge long-held myths about the Kennedy brothers. We wrap with takeaways for young readers, the value of curiosity and grit, and where to find Scott and his work.
Plus, I lay out what’s ahead for the show this weekend—including an in-studio chat with local host Ruben Camarillo and our recurring crypto segment with Marissa Lee—and how to stay connected via our website and socials. Thanks for spending part of your Halloween with us—see you tomorrow at 11 AM CT.
Joe's GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/raise-funds-to-cover-mortgage-escrow-shortage
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Special thanks to:
Executive Producer Wayne Rankin
Executive Producer Rosanna Rankin
Executive Producer Carolina Jimenez
Executive Producer Marisa Lee
Executive Producer Angela Wetuski
Sponsored by:
Podhome https://Podhome.fm
TNE Energy
(01:35) Cold open: spooky soundboard and eerie lines
(04:05) Live from Eagle Pass: the Joe Roos(e) Show kicks off
(04:55) Its Friday and Halloween: safety, kids, and candy bag checks
(06:35) Horror night plans: Terrifier, All Hallowsa0Eve, and Art the Clown
(08:02) Host ramble, feeling sick, guest shuffle, and housekeeping
(15:02) Introducing guest historian Scott Badler and his JFK book
(17:17) Audio fix, politics preamble, and icebreakers with Scott
(19:14) From martinis to bourbons: unwinding talk and weekend vibes
(19:24) Why Kennedy? Launching into JFKs early years research
(21:48) Do we need another JFK book? What makes this one different
(23:58) Brothers in contrast: Joe vs. Jack and the Edgartown episode
(27:03) The Muckers at Choate: mini insurrection and rescinded expulsions
(28:33) Writing style: novelistic nonfiction and balancing accuracy
(28:48) PTa0109 deep dive: patrols, missteps, and the Amagiri collision
(35:43) Challenging myths: was Joe truly the heir apparent
(37:44) Illness and endurance: Addisons, Mayo Clinic, and the bad back
(39:57) From frailty to leader: war lessons and perseverance
(43:07) Contemporary reflections: who inspires today
(45:38) Is another Kennedy possible? On inspiration vs. imitation
(46:16) Where to find Scott Badler and Becoming JFK
(47:19) Wrap with guest and host sign-off into show business
(49:22) Announcements: mailing list, veterans food drive details
(50:23) Weekend programming notes
Published on 2 days, 4 hours ago