The Atlas Obscura Podcast The Mythical Panda with Nathalia Holt
9 snips
Nov 13, 2025 
Nathalia Holt, an author and historian, dives into the thrilling 1920s expedition of Theodore Roosevelt's sons, Ted and Kermit, in search of the elusive giant panda. She explores how early encounters shaped Western understanding of pandas and paints a vivid picture of the adventurous route they took through China and Tibet. Holt shares the brothers' emotional journey, from their excitement at discovering a panda to the regret that followed. Their quest not only documented new species but also highlighted shifts in conservation attitudes, making for an engaging tale of adventure and introspection.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Pandas Were Once Mythical To Western Science
- Pandas were unknown to Western science until the late 19th and early 20th centuries and were once considered almost mythical.
- Early museum specimens and failed expeditions kept pandas mysterious until renewed searches in the 1910s–1920s.
A Father's Adventurous Pressure
- Theodore Roosevelt was affectionate but demanding as a father, pushing his sons into rugged adventures.
- Ted and Kermit internalized this drive, which shaped their later expedition choices.
The Expedition As A Personal Reboot
- Both brothers left the U.S. amid personal and professional failures, treating the expedition as a life reset.
- The journey doubled as a means to reclaim purpose and their father's legacy.
