Reptile Room Confessions Podcast

Listen in this week as the crew, minus a sick Erica, discuss the ins and outs of keeping animals in the same habitat. Cohabitation is usually thought of when referring to different species in the same habitat, but even when it's the same species there is a lot to consider. Listen in for things to think about before keeping any of your pets in the same enclosure.

This week the crew discusses the vast variety of climates where reptiles exist and the microclimates within them. With so many important pieces to create a complete habitat it can be overwhelming. Don't worry, here are some great ways to increase your pet's usable space within it's terrarium.

We all remember the joy we had when we first fell in love with reptiles, but we don't always remember what it was like to try and find information and what drove us. This week we speak with a friend who first set foot in the hobby 9 months ago as he talks about the things that excite him. Your hosts discuss the hobby and the depths that each facet can go.

As reptiles grow in popularity as amazing pets for families, there is a growing need to help rescue and rehome animals in need. This episode discusses some of the daily grind of running a rescue and the emotional impact it can have, both positive and negative. Before diving into starting one yourself, listen in and learn what to be ready for!

In this episode we discuss a topic that's rarely discussed in general, but likely never been discussed on a podcast. We bring in our great friend, reptile enthusiast, and licensed therapist, Bill Stewart, to discuss how he uses reptiles in therapy with at risk youth and some of the correlations between a love of reptiles and mental health disorders. Another amazing episode and one of the best discussions we've had to date. Don't miss this one!

A quick rundown of some herpetocultural history and then a discussion on how breeding and diversity has changed over the years and what we as keepers and hobbyists need to do to conserve the diversity of species available to us in the hobby. Listen in and let us know what you think!

For this episode we dive back into the world of research and discuss what it takes to define a species or to break down a single species into more than one. This informative and entertaining conversation is with special guest, Sam Fellows, a doctorate student in California. Listen in to find out how researchers go about defining what species an animal is and the methods to do so.

In this episode, the crew talks about their journey to where they are in regard to what they keep and why. While the Bradley's keep a huge variety of species for education, the McVeigh's keep a smaller collection that is more focused on animal behaviors. Listen in for some of the lessons they learned and how you can skip the trials and tribulations and make your hobby what you want it to be sooner.

This week we talk with Bill's long time friend, Dr. Samantha Kahl, a herpetologist and professor at Blackburn College. If you've ever wondered where an academic career in herpetology could take you, this is a great start! Don't miss another amazing episode and make sure to subscribe so you don't miss any amazing content!

Conservation through captive breeding is a great thing! The problem is that as a hobby, we've misunderstood what conservation really is. On this episode the group speaks with Myke Clarkson of Herpetological Conservation International about wildlife conservation and herpetoculture. Listen in to see how we can make a true difference for the animals we love as the few and the proud that love them.

This time the crew has an open format episode! While they expected to talk about updates with their animals and lives, the conversation takes a ton or turns. This one is a long one, so buckle in!

Veterinary medicine for reptiles is a recently new sector in the field. This week, we speak with Dr. Michael Corcoran, President of the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians and ask some of the hard questions we all face when it's time to take our pets to the vet. An incredible conversation with so much information, even the hosts just sat there and soaked it in!

There is an extreme misunderstanding about reptiles and how amazing they are. It's up to us as keepers to help the public, our family, our friends, and anyone else around us, learn the truth. It can be done in amazing ways, and it can be done in ways that can destroy our hobby. This week, we discuss the ins and outs of reptile education.

This episode covers the world of laws and ordinances in the United States with special guest, President of the United States Association of Reptile Keepers, Phil Goss. Listen in to hear how these laws and bans come up, what you can do to get involved, and how you can stay informed. Our Freedom to keep reptiles is at risk every day! Listen in and get informed!

In this episode the group discusses different emergency scenarios and how to be best prepared for them. Severe weather, hospitalization, military deployment, even death, all have a lot of pieces to making sure your animals are well cared for when you're not around to do it. Make sure to listen, think, and make a plan to ensure the safety and health of your animals when you're unable to care for them.

Venomous snakes are often a debated topic for any herpetile lovers. Listen in as the crew speak with Megan Villand, Director of Operations for MToxins Venom Lab about keeping reptiles in captivity, what you need to know, and how to do it right.

This week, the group talks about the importance of quarantining your new animals away from the rest of your collection. They discuss the why, how, and where, along with other important views and insights you may not have thought about.

In this episode we discuss minimum husbandry requirements, how you can do better, and how analyzing the reasons you keep these amazing animals can help direct you to the best way to keep, manage, and enjoy them! This is a touchy and high tension topic that we bring some insight to.

In this episode, we discuss less known or thought about great starter species, and common species that all too often end in disaster!

For Episode 1 Erica, Ryan, Bill, and Teresa ask eachother questions to introduce themselves, what fuels their passion, and what they want to do with the future of this podcast!