Reptile Rendezvous Podcast

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

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.

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

Holidays & Wildlife: Keeping Them Safe
In this episode, Tallon shares tips on how to help and protect local wildlife during the festive season. From decorations that can be hazardous to animals, to ways you can look out for wildlife and avoid interrupting their hibernation. Listeners will learn practical ways to ensure their holiday celebrations don’t negatively impact the local ecosystem. Tallon also discusses common wildlife encounters during winter and how to handle them responsibly.
This episode will not only entertain but also educate listeners about the important work that Tallon and the Northern Colorado Wildlife Centre do for wildlife.

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.

(00:00) Start

(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

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.

(00:01) 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

(1:17:29) 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

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.