Richard takes a deep dive into the basics of tarantula care. He'll share tips on habitat setup, feeding, and even handling This episode is perfect for anyone curious about getting started with tarantulas, providing practical advice in a friendly, approachable way. These episodes not only highlight Richard's expertise but also create a warm, inviting atmosphere for listeners to learn and engage with the fascinating world of these wonderful arachnids! 00:00 Start 00:01 Intro 00:40 Stigmas surrounding spiders 03:24 What is The Tarantula Collective and how did it all begin? 13:41 Social media and the kind of thing Richard posts 21:55 Amazon expeditions and filming tarantulas in their native environments 24:39 What are some common misconceptions about spiders that you'd love to clear up? 27:45 How can we help educate kids about spiders so they grow up appreciating them rather than fearing them? 36:28 Are tarantulas good to handle? Top tips for beginners? 50:14 Sexing tarantulas and the differences between males and females 55:15 Mutual friends and enclosures 1:00:00 Tarantula Cribs x The Tarantula Collective enclosures 1:02:52 The Tarantula Collective Coffee 1:11:48 Alex shows Richard pictures of her Goliath Bird Eater sling and they discuss their love for spiders "cute" faces 1:15:10 Where can we find you online? 1:15:59 End Date filmed: 24th of October 2024…

Bioactive Enclosures: Making Nature Work for You With Josh The Bio Dude Join the conversation as Josh breaks down the concept of bioactive enclosures. What’s that, you ask? It’s like creating a little slice of nature in your home! Alex and Josh will chat about the benefits of having live plants, clean-up crews, and how this setup can improve the quality of life for your reptiles and amphibians. Plus, they’ll share some tips to get you started! 00:00 Start 00:01 Intro 00:48 Can you give us a quick rundown of who you are and what led you to become the Bio Dude? 06:00 Common reptile misconceptions 06:55 Talking about plants, keeping them alive and how The Bio Dude help make plant keeping for everyone 10:57 Why are bioactive enclosures good for reptiles and other animals? 18:09 Pacman frogs, instagram vs reality 21:20 Cane toads, frogs and amphibians 23:54 Why are bioactive enclosures good for reptiles and other animals? 30:36 The benefit of tunnels in reptile enclosures. What are the risks? 35:30 What does Bio Dude sell? (USA) 40:04 How can someone who's thinking of starting their own bioactive enclosure start? 47:47 Where can we find you online? 50:22 Closing 50:49 End Date recorded: 22nd of October 2024…

In this episode, Alex sits down with Justin to explore the fascinating world of tortoises. They’ll discuss the various species Justin has in his garden, highlighting unique traits and characteristics. Listeners will learn about the differences between popular species like the Sulcata and the Russian tortoise, as well as less popular species and what it takes to care for each one. 00:00 Start 00:01 Why I started the Reptile Rendezvous podcast 02:20 UK nature 03:36 Florida's climate, how (almost) everything thrives there and keeping reptiles outside in Florida 04:32 Why it's important to help each other learn and 05:57 Dillon Perron from the Animals at Home Podcast 07:47 Different elements and topics in/of the Reptile Rendezvous podcast 11:04 Podcast guests and making them feel comfortable during recording. Being neurodivergent in the reptile community 12:35 **TW: Talking about addiction** Sobriety, mental health issues and how animals help 15:29 Getting new animals/reptiles/pets, things to think about beforehand 17:37 Anthony Pierlioni 18:52 Intro 19:26 Tell us a bit about yourself. How did you get into tortoise keeping? 19:50 Burmese Star Tortoises 21:30 What's your favourite tortoise species and what makes them stand out to you? 22:03 If someone wanted to keep a tortoise as a pet, what essential tips would you give them? 22:59 What animals do you currently have? 23:52 Justin's black breasted leaf turtle 26:46 Tell us about keeping reptiles outside 31:00 What are your dream species? 32:03 Where can people find you online? 32:26 Closing 33:11 End…

In this episode, we sit down with Eddie Soto from Soto Exotics, who shares his insights on ethical reptile breeding. We dive into what it means to breed responsibly, the importance of ethical practices and researching your breeder is before you get an animal from them.

(00:00) Start (00:03) Intro (00:56) Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do (02:05) Hurricane Milton (03:35) What sparked your interest in marine biology? Was there a moment that made you say, "this is what I want to do"? (05:33) What's a syngnathidae? (06:49) (Story 1) Can you share one of your most memorable underwater experiences while scuba diving? (09:36) (Story 2) Can you share one of your most memorable underwater experiences while scuba diving? (13:27) If you could dive anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why? (15:31) What's the most surprising thing you've learned about seahorses that you think most people don't know? (19:52) Nick's social media content & Puffer fish (20:36) If you could study any marina species without limitations, which one would it be and why? (23:00) What's the coolest marine creature you've encountered while diving, and what made is special? (26:42) Justice for blobfish (29:14) Fishing and how we can fish sustainably (32:47) Are there any ways that people can help support sustainable sustainable fishing? (36:27) What's a common misconception people have about the ocean or marine wildlife that you'd like to clear up? (43:22) Alex gets distracted by the dog she's babysitting (43:43) What role do seahorses and pipefish play in their ecosystems and why are they so important to marine biodiversity? (50:53) Dog needs a toilet break! (51:02) What causes the 'super blooms'? (52:38) The moral, ethical and humane ways to study seahorses and pipefish (58:40) How do you think social media has changed the way we communicate science, especially in fields like marine biology? (1:00:00) How do you balance your passion for marine science with the demands of communicating that knowledge to a broader audience? (1:06:09) Dog tries to chew everything in sight (1:08:07) What are your opinions on films like Shark Tale and Finding Nemo? Are they accurate? (1:10:21) Impressions of Shark Tale characters (sorry) (1:11:41) Where can people find resources if they would like to learn more about marine biology and how to make it into a career? (1:13:41) Do you have any tips for aspiring underwater photographers looking to capture stunning images of marine life? (1:17:15) Why not to geotag your photos in areas where poaching might be/are an issue (1:20:27) What animals do you currently have? (1:22:31) Meeting Lana, the chinchilla (1:25:15) Owning chinchillas, instagram vs reality (1:28:11) Any tips for anyone thinking of starting an aquarium? Beginner knowledge? Do's and don'ts? (1:28:36) WiFi crashes - Cue tangen about piercings chewing (1:29:20) Any tips for anyone thinking of starting an aquarium? Beginner knowledge? Do's and don'ts? (1:33:09) Best types of starter fish? (1:36:10) Recommended photography equipment (1:37:12) Water changes - Be aware (1:39:15) Fish to avoid and why? (1:39:43) Where can we find you on social media? (1:40:26) Closing (1:42:56) Outro (1:43:20) End…

Join Alex and Dillon, our wildlife biologist guest! We’ll dive into his journey into wildlife biology, what it means to be a wildlife biologist, (in his words) the fascinating creatures he's encountered, and what inspired him to dedicate his life to protecting nature and animals. As well as making fun, educational content to help others learn using his own unique style.…

In this episode, Tommy and Alex delve into the unique characteristics and behaviors of frilly neck lizards. Listeners will learn about their natural habitat, natural and social behaviors. Tommy will also share tips on how to care for these captivating reptiles in a home environment, making it an informative session for both enthusiasts and potential owners. In this episode, Tommy and Alex delve into the unique characteristics and behaviors of frilly neck lizards. Listeners will learn about their natural habitat, natural and social behaviors. Tommy will also share tips on how to care for these captivating reptiles in a home environment, making it an informative session for both enthusiasts and potential owners. @JacksWorldofWildlife @jusTURTLES @Boelizard @fryziesreptiles575 @spacecoasttortoise @Semaskovish @PondKingWaterGardensMN @ALifeExotic @theTurtleRoom (00:00) Start (00:02) Intro (07:16) Tell us about yourself and your background (11:50) What animals do you currently have? (13:24) What's the story behind your five frilly necks? How did this all start? (28:39) General chat (38:49) What are some of the best reptile species to keep outdoors in Florida's climate, and why do they thrive there? (42:09) Frilly's and bearded dragons in their natural habitat 45:01 How natural sunlight affects reptiles (46:31) Walter the quince monitor (50:37) Can you share some tips on how to keep your reptiles secure from predators while they're outside? (55:30) What precautions should you take to protect your reptiles from Florida's extreme weather conditions, like hurricanes? (1:02:40) What got you into DIY cage building? Any fun stories behind your first project? (1:13:33) Are there any common misconceptions about reptiles that you wish people knew better? (1:28:49) Where can people find you on social media? (1:29:15) Closing (1:33:15) End…

Ever wondered what a typical day looks like for a snake wrangler? Bruce takes listeners behind the scenes of his daily routine, sharing stories from the field, the challenges he faces, and the rewarding moments that come with working closely with snakes. This episode offers a unique glimpse into the life of someone who has dedicated their career to these fascinating reptiles. Ever wondered what a typical day looks like for a snake wrangler? Bruce takes listeners behind the scenes of his daily routine, sharing stories from the field, the challenges he faces, and the rewarding moments that come with working closely with snakes. This episode offers a unique glimpse into the life of someone who has dedicated their career to these fascinating reptiles. (00:00) Start (00:01) Intro (06:50) What sparked your interest in this field? Was there a "lightbulb moment" for you? (14:30) Helping injured wild animals (16:11) You find a snake tangled up in your garden netting - What's the first thing you should do? (28:00) Let's talk about the dangers of glue traps and why people shouldn't use them (34:13) There's this idea that snakes chase people. Is there any truth to that, or is it just a scary movie trope? (38:08) Let's talk about the idea that snakes are aggressive and will attack humans. Is that really the case? (41:31) What myths and misconceptions do people have about rattlesnakes and their rattles that you'd like to clear up? (44:06) How do rattlesnakes actually make that iconic rattle sound? (51:01) Do rattlesnakes ever lose their rattles? If so, what happens then? (52:41) What are some common misconceptions about snake bites that people should know? (57:21) How can I tell if the snake that bit my pet was actually venomous or not? And what are the first signs to look for if you think your pet might have been bitten by a snake? (1:03:00) One of Bruce's team got bitten by a rattlesnake (1:03:52) How do you keep yourself, your family and colleagues safe around venomous snakes? (1:17:29) What inspired you to start accepting donations for your work instead of charging for it? (1:20:57) Can you share a moment when someone's donation really made a difference in what you do? (1:25:30) Viewer questions (1:53:10) Where can we find you on social media? (1:57:59) Closing/Bruce losing his father (2:04:29) End…

In this episode, we kick things off with a fun and casual chat with Michael Skibsted about the fascinating world of turtles. We'll explore the different species found across the US, their unique characteristics, and some surprising facts that even hardcore turtle fans might not know! Listeners will get to understand why these creatures are so special and what makes them a vital part of our ecosystem. Michael also shares his journey in conservation and the various initiatives aimed at protecting turtle and tortoise populations. This and so much more.…

Alex and Jack broaden the scope to discuss other wildlife that share our planet. From insects to reptiles, fish to mammals, they’ll highlight interesting species and their roles in the ecosystem. Listeners can expect engaging conversations about wildlife and debunking common myths and misconceptions about animals like sharks, crocodiles and venomous creatures.This episode promises a blend of humor, education, and a love for nature, perfect for anyone interested in wildlife, animals, or anyone looking to learn something new! (00:00) Start (03:25) Intro (09:57) What are some common misconceptions people have about certain animals behave, and where do you think these ideas come from? (18:38) How do you think media representations of animals influence public perception of their behaviour? (35:09) Being responsible and educating people (38:30) Handling venomous animals (47:07) How do you think media representations of animals influence public perception of their behaviour? (48:15) Why do you think insects get such a bad rap, and what can we do to change that perception? (1:04:42) What's one insect that everyone should appreciate more, and what makes it so special? (1:12:18) Arachnophobia is a real thing - How do you think we can help people overcome their fear of spiders? (1:25:24) Can you talk about the impact of anthropomorphism on how we view animal behavior? Does it help or harm our understanding? (1:39:12) Jack's ant colony (1:42:23) What is your earliest memory of being captivated by wildlife, and how did it shape your love for animals? (The story of Jeren the butterfly) (1:51:26) What advice would you give to someone who's looking to deepen their connection with nature and wildlife in their everyday life? (2:04:40) What animals do you currently have? (2:10:30) Where can we find you on social media? (2:11:37) Future plans (2:12:55) Closing (2:13:51) End…

In this fun-filled episode, Alex and Greg debunk common myths about turtles while sharing fascinating truths. They’ll also discuss how these myths affect public perception and conservation efforts. Want more? Learn how leaving fishing hooks behind and not cleaning up affects wildlife. Ever wondered how you can protect turtle nests and eggs if one lays in your backyard? Tune in to find out these and much more, all while keeping the tone casual and entertaining. (00:00) Start (01:03) Introduction (02:45) What first sparked your interest in alligator snapping turtles and how did you end up focusing your career on them? (07:20) What are the different types of snapping turtles and the main differences between them? (8:33) How does the alligator snapping turtles unique hunting technique work and why is it so fascinating? (12:40) What are some common misconceptions people have about turtles and tortoises that you encounter in your work? (18:20) How does education factor into your conservation efforts and what initiatives are you currently involved in?(23:15) How adults can help reduce stigmas and teach future generations (25:09) How you can help care for turtles and their nests if they've laid in your yard (27:43) How fishing impacts turtles and other wildlife and ways to keep them safe (32:00) How to help turtles safely cross roads (33:11) What role do these turtles play in their ecosystem and why should we care about their conservation? (37:06) Turtles eat all the fish in ponds and lakes? (38:24) What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in wildlife conservation, particularly with reptiles and/or turtles? (46:24) Turtle eggs (48:49) What animals do you (Greg) currently have? (54:17) Dan The Turtle Man (54:56) Any there any research findings or exciting projects you're currently working on that you can share with us? (58:27) Going viral on Tiktok and Instagram (59:41) Hanging out with NKF Herping and Cavemanwildlife (1:00:02) Going viral and talking about living with lots of notifications (1:03:32) Where to find Greg online (1:05:21) Thanks and closing (1:06:00) End…

David shares insights of what it's like to be a croc tour guide in Australia. David recounts his typical day on the job and discusses the stigmas, hype and misconceptions surrounding crocodiles. Alex and David also discuss the challenges crocs face due to habitat loss, climate change, and human interaction. Highlighting what listeners can do to help protect these incredible animals. This episode is both informative and inspiring, showcasing how everyone can make a difference. (00:00) Start (00:10) Introductions & what David does (03:17) Saltwater crocodiles and their studies (09:50) ICUN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Conference (11:17) Behavioural studies of saltwater crocodiles (14:36) Mother and baby crocodiles & flooding (15:58) Crocodiles and their reputations (16:45) Representation of crocs in the media vs reality & human behaviours (20:20) David's visit to Cape York, Queensland, Australia (23:36) Media and newspapers scaremongering tactics & misconceptions (28:02) Peoples common views and reactions to crocodiles in their natural habitat (40:07) The most common misconceptions of crocodiles (46:59) Facts vs fiction (49:51) The Daintree locals (52:37) Visiting Australia and America (52:46) Favourite moments: Talking about baby crocs and Queen Lizzie (54:24) More about the Daintree locals (56:40) Closing talks (57:09) People changing perceptions and helping to education people (Damian 'Wildman' Duffy & Savannah Boan) (57:34) Thanks (59:56) End…

In this episode, Alex and Alex team up to focus on what it means to be a responsible reptile owner, especially when it comes to venomous species. Whilst being interrupted by many different things.

Alex and Jack broaden the scope to discuss other wildlife that share our planet. From insects to reptiles, fish to mammals, they’ll highlight interesting species and their roles in the ecosystem. Listeners can expect engaging conversations about wildlife and debunking common myths and misconceptions about animals like sharks, crocodiles and venomous creatures.This episode promises a blend of humor, education, and a love for nature, perfect for anyone interested in wildlife, animals, or anyone looking to learn something new!…

In this fun-filled episode, Dan tells us about some hilarious anecdotes from owning shrimp, his music video, his turtles and growing his own mangrove plants! These episodes aim to combine humor, casual conversation, and a love for turtles, making them entertaining and engaging for listeners. (00:00) Start (00:05) Opening (00:14) Intro (5:13) Lizards like vibrations (9:39) The story of the red foot tortoise (17:17) Dan's plans for a greenhouse, inspired by A Life Exotic (20:23) Dan's mangrove plants & diamondback terrapins (25:55) Inspirations from Kamp Kenan (26:38) There's no time like now - Tortoise talk (29:38) Making ponds, working with Nick the Pond King (33:08) Dan's main channel content (35:59) Justice for Pudding the Tortoise (37:44) Dressing at Batman and finding giant pythons in the Florida Everglades (38:07) Dan's second channel content (47:13) Dan turns into a shrimp (49:58) Dan's second channel content (52:15) Creative chaos as an outlet and "Dan-tism" (58:47) The story behind fly controlled taser (1:15:33) Turtle conservation (1:20:35) Using social media for good (1:23:57) Bubbles, the box turtle from Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons (1:25:05) Conservation work by Garden State Tortoise & Turtle Conservancy (1:25:41) Talking about Turtle Guardians (1:30:40) Where you can find Dan on social media (1:32:18) Closing (1:32:52) End…

In this episode, we share exciting stories and experiences from Andrew's adventures in the wild. Whether you're a seasoned herper or just starting out, this episode is sure to pique your interest in the wonderful world of herping. (00:00) Start (00:22) What is herping? (02:04) Tips for safely handling bugs and insects whilst herping (03:43) Tips for safely handling snakes and other reptiles (15:39) How to balance the thrill of herping with respecting animals habitats (21:58) Best pieces of advice for someone who's interested in herping for the first time (33:50) Talking about turtles (38:00) Animals on social media and the importance of understanding them (46:11) Andrew's favourite reptiles to observe whilst herping (48:57) Andrew's favourite species found whilst herping & talking about snakes (51:15) The stigma around creepy crawlies and snakes (59:08) How cats affect the ecosystem (1:04:59) Andrew's funny/memorable stories from his herping expeditions (1:15:53) Andrew's favourite herping spots and recommended herping spots (1:19:14) How Florida's natural land is being turned into commercial land etc (1:20:49) Where you can find Andrew on social media (1:21:56) Closing (1:22:17) End…

Building a strong bond with your reptile takes time and patience. Tune in as we discuss the importance of handling, socialization, and enrichment activities to strengthen your relationship with your scaly companion. (00:00) Start (00:10) Intro (00:27) Tell us about the animals you currently have (02:20) Kronk, the uromastyx and bonding with him (04:47) What's your favourite thing about bonding with your reptiles? (06:15) What's the most interesting reptile behaviour you've seen? (08:52) Do you have any funny or memorable stories about bonding with your reptile(s) that you'd like to share? (19:27) Talk to us about your enclosures (20:46) Changes and upgrades to Ada's enclosures (21:21) Do you have any tips for creating reptile enclosures? (22:45) Ada's art and creations (25:55) Life and social media (27:18) Ada's first reptile show (28:50) Talking about herping (31:50) Have you ever owned amphibians? & Talking about frogs (36:18) Where you can find Ada on social media (36:30) Close (36:45) End…

Join Dillon from The Animals at Home Podcast and I as we dive into the world of reptile care, discussing everything from the proper tank setup for your scaly friend to their unique feeding habits. We'll also touch on the importance of providing a stimulating environment for your reptile to thrive in and discuss how animals affects our mental health. So, grab a cup of coffee and let's chat about how to keep your reptile happy and healthy! (00:00) Start (00:05) Intro (1:30) Dillon's Introduction (2:37) Talking about animal education and why it's important to us (4:23) Talking about hermit crabs (6:00) Impulse buying reptiles and not getting proper care information from the sellers (7:02) How can we ensure that our reptiles living environment is both comfortable and stimulating? (11:37) How much it costs to keep reptiles and all the things involved (12:24) What are some ways to enrich our reptiles lives and provide mental stimulation? (13:59) What are some common mistakes reptile owners make when it comes to their care? (21:15) Sulcata tortoises, their size and lifespans (21:16) What are some common health issues that reptiles face and how can we prevent them? (22:45) Planning for your reptiles lifespan and the future (24:10) Can you explain the importance of proper nutrition for reptiles and how to ensure they are getting the right diet? (26:05) The importance of supplements and using Arcadia Reptile Earth Pro (27:54) What are some resources or organisations that can help us to become better reptile keepers? (30:08) How can we stay informed and educated about best practices for reptile care and husbandry? (31:40) The European Turtle Alliance Conference 2024 (32:54) People who own reptiles being "different" (34:16) What are some signs to look out for that may indicate our reptile is not thriving in it's living environment? (39:57) Talking about podcasting and mental health (52:03) What are some ethical considerations to keep in mind when choosing a reptile as a pet? (54:47) Keeping reptiles and what they do for our mental health (1:08:28) Where you can find Dillon online (1:09:53) Closing (1:10:23) End…

Get ready for a fun-filled episode as we share some hilarious turtle facts and stories. From quirky behaviors to silly antics, we'll have you laughing out loud while learning more about these fascinating creatures. (00:00) Start (00:28) Anthony reads the intro in a British accent (1:21) Intro (2:10) Talking about the podcast, Anthony's podcast and podcasting (4:43) Building a community in podcasting and passing the torch (5:50) Turtle nerds going around Florida (6:48) General chat about life and (8:09) European Turtle Alliance & Meeting Garden State Tortoise (9:33) Anthony's friendship with Chris and Casey Leone (11:31) Anthony is starting a YouTube channel JustTurtles/theTurtleRoom and general chat (13:24) Talking about tattoos (13:38) Anthony's opinion on the podcast (14:18) Talking about being in animal rescue and Anthony's career being a vet and the reality of both (15:10) Talking about the importance of helping educate people about reptiles and animals (18:55) Talking nonsense and Alex is tired (surprise, surprise!) (26:23) Don't take yourself too seriously in life and have fun (27:27) You don't have to have a degree to make a difference in this world (27:58) Books that Anthony has written (29:16) Alex talks about softshells...Again (30:58) Talking about wild animals and their behaviours (37:37) Talking about life and having a laugh (40:04) Anthony talking about his work in turtle conservation/preservation (42:08) How can people help native turtles and wildlife in their area? (43:22) Do you need a degree to get into species conservation? (44:53) How did you reach out to your current network of species conservationists? (49:00) How do help local reptile zoos, educational centres and non-profits around you? (50:37) Why tortoises and turtles? (55:25) Tell us about your most recent achievement/breeding turtles (1:03:50) Anthony's history with breeding bearded dragons (1:05:06) Planning Alex's trip to the USA (1:05:44) Intro to talking about Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons and Turtle Guardians (1:06:20) Talking about Turtle Guardians (1:10:44) Talking about Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons (1:15:30) Being a non-profit vs doing field work vs hatching (1:20:00) Talking about embarrassing moments on live television (1:21:35) Talking about Anthony's book that he wrote with his wife, about living with your other half who's also obsessed with turtles (1:23:26) Talking about being a vet tech and how it affects mental health (1:24:45) Offering emotional support to those who need it (1:25:15) Building a community and helping each other (1:27:27) What is your favourite species to work with? (1:30:15) Talking about Europe and how easy it is to go to other European countries and Alex wanting a Vietnamese Black Breasted Leaf Turtle (1:33:05) Alex talking about the turtles she's personally owned/fostered (1:33:50) Keeping tortoises and turtles & tips (1:41:33) Talking about theTurtleRoom Pondcast (1:41:56) Understanding limitations with keeping animals (1:47:48) Where to find Anthony on social media (1:49:43) Closing (1:50:32) End…

In this episode, we share some hilarious and heartwarming stories of monitor lizards and tortoises. We'll dive into the world of tortoises and their unique characteristics. From their slow and steady pace to their impressive longevity. We'll explore handling monitors, getting them used to you and so much more. Tune in for a shell of a good time! (00:00) Start (00:15) Intro to Terence (1:18) Can you take us back to the beginning? How did your journey start? (3:12) What are some common misconceptions about owning a tortoise as a pet? (6:51) Talk to us about monitor training and the ethics of keeping a large monitor (11:53) Sulcata tortoises and their size (13:42) Aldabra tortoises (15:02) What are the most significant challenges of keeping these types of reptiles in a domestic setting? (17:48) If you weren't in your current profession, what do you think you'd be doing? (21:19) Have you ever had any funny or interesting experiences with one of your pets? (27:38) Looking back, what's one lesson you've learned that you wish you knew earlier? (29:51) Where to find Terence online (31:56) Closing (32:11) End…