In part two of Tristan and Connor’s conversation with Benny, the trio dives deeper into the reptile community — discussing its growth, challenges, and the bonds that keep it strong. They open up about the importance of having a solid support system within the hobby, especially when working with high-risk animals. Benny also shares stories and insights from his hands-on experience with venomous species, offering a candid look at the respect and responsibility that comes with it.

📸 @rootedreptile

📸 @camocages

🔵 Ben Saldivar

🕒 rootedreptile

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📸 @thehobbyhangarpodcast

🔵 The Hobby Hangar Podcast

📸 @sweet_tea480

In this episode, Tristan and Conner sit down with Benny to dive into the fascinating world of reptile expos and auctions. They discuss what really goes on behind the tables, share stories from past events, and explore the importance of responsible keeping within the hobby.

This is the first of a two-part series, offering a genuine look at the people, animals, and passion that make the reptile community thrive.

📸 @rootedreptile

📸 @thehobbyhangarpodcast

🔵 The Hobby Hangar Podcast

In this second part of The Hobby Hangar’s Warhammer series, Tristan and guest host Matt continue their conversation with Mark—but this time the focus shifts from tabletop battles to real-life struggles. Matt opens up about his journey through mental health challenges, addiction, and recovery, and how the Magic: The Gathering community has played a role in his healing process. It’s a powerful and heartfelt discussion about resilience, connection, and finding strength in unexpected places.

For Mark-

🎙️ Lorehammer - A Warhammer 40k Podcast

🎙️ Lorehammer Listener Lore

📸 @lorehammerpodcast

🔴 LorehammerTV

For Matt-

🎙️ Not Another Reptile Podcast

📸@not_another_reptile_podcast

For The Pod:

🔵 The Hobby Hangar Podcast

📸 @thehobbyhangarpodcast

📸 @sweet_tea480

In this episode of The Hobby Hangar, Tristan is joined by guest host Matt as they sit down with Mark to dive into the expansive world of Warhammer. From its deep lore and iconic figurines to the wide variety of factions, they explore what makes this universe so captivating.

This is the first part of a two-part series, with more Warhammer discussion coming next week!

For Mark-

🎙️ Lorehammer - A Warhammer 40k Podcast

🎙️ Lorehammer Listener Lore

📸 @lorehammerpodcast

🔴 LorehammerTV

For Matt-

🎙️ Not Another Reptile Podcast

📸@not_another_reptile_podcast

For The Pod:

🔵 The Hobby Hangar Podcast

📸 @thehobbyhangarpodcast

📸 @sweet_tea480

In this episode, Tristan sits down with Linnea to explore her work with savannah monitors. They dive into best practices for feeding and husbandry, share experiences with incubating reptile eggs, and talk about Linnea’s incredible journey to Ghana, where she studied savannah monitors in their natural habitat. From care tips to field research, this conversation offers a rare look at these remarkable reptiles both in captivity and in the wild.

In the final part of their conversation with Gin Black, the hosts dive deep into the misunderstood world of monitor lizards. Gin shares her insights on breaking the stigma these incredible reptiles face, the importance of reading body language, and her personal experiences cohabitating with her large monitors. The discussion wraps up with a fascinating look at Gin’s unique experiment—teaching her monitors to recognize and respond to commands in High Valyrian.

📷 @xginblackx

🎙️Trap Talk Reptile Network

🔵 Gin Black

🔵 The Legend Lizards

🔵 SOAR Magazines

🔵 Monitor Lizards and All Things Reptiles / SOAR

📷@thehobbyhangarpodcast

📷@sweet_tea480

🔵 the hobby hangar podcast

This week, Tristan and Connor continue their conversation with Gin in part two of last week’s episode. Together, they explore the role of an effective emotional support animal, what it takes to build trust with your monitor, and why responsible ownership is so important. Whether you’re a seasoned reptile keeper or just curious about the bond between humans and animals, this episode dives deep into the connections that shape both our lives and theirs.

📷 @xginblackx

📷@thehobbyhangarpodcast

In this episode, Tristan and Connor sit down with Gin, the founder of S.O.A.R. (Support Of All Reptiles), an online magazine dedicated to amplifying voices within the reptile community. Gin shares the inspiration behind S.O.A.R. and the importance of building connections through shared passion for reptiles. The conversation also takes a deeply personal turn as Gin reflects on her experience as a survivor of the second World Trade Center tower on 9/11, and how navigating life after such a tragedy has shaped her outlook, resilience, and the work she does today.

🔗 SOAR Magazine Third Edition

📷 @xginblackx

In this continuation from last week’s conversation, Tristan and guest host Phil sit down with Rachel to dive deeper into the world of conservation, reptiles, and community. They swap stories from conventions, reflect on the destruction of rattlesnake den sites, and explore the beginnings of Phil's podcasting career. Along the way, Phil and Rachel share a wild (and slightly nerve-wracking) tale about a mishap while cleaning the enclosure of a black and white spitting cobra. Through it all, the episode highlights the power of community in protecting wildlife and supporting one another.

For Rachel:

⚫piksteinlab.org

🔵Rachel Pikstein on Facebook

🟠Pikstein Laboratory on Patreon

For Phil:

🎙️Venom Exchange Radio

📸@knobtails.ig

📸@venomexchangeradio

📸@Herpetoculture Network

For Tristan

📸@thehobbyhangarpodcast

📸@sweet_tea480

Don't forget to check out the 50th anniversary of the National Herpetological Symposium at the Chiricahua Desert Museum in Rodeo, New Mexico taking place Early August of 2026!

Tristan sits down with Rachel, joined by guest host Phil, to explore Rachel’s work with Pikstein Lab, a nonprofit dedicated to conservation and ecological stewardship. They chat about the unique challenges of living in Florida, encounters with venomous critters, and even share a few thoughts on the legendary Sir Patrick Stewart.

Rachel will have a booth at the upcoming reptile and amphibian show in Tuscon, AZ on October 4th & 5th.

piksteinlab.org

tucsonreptileshow.com