The Pondcast

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The Pondcast was created to tackle topics related to reptile conservation and the reptile trade. Hosted by our own crew of "turtle nerds", The Pondcast brings you its own brand of hilarity interspersed between the educational and informative discussions that are the centerpiece of each episode. In addition to audio-only versions available on your favorite podcast sites, The Pondcast is broadcast LIVE on YouTube each month. You can watch the video versions at https://youtube.com/theturtleroom.

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    • Aug 7, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 16m AVG DURATION
    • 102 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Pondcast

    Chelonian Propagation Program

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2023 76:21


    Cameron Lamb joins us in tonight's show to talk about his projects, including what he's doing with the TTPG and their Chelonian Propagation Program.

    Eating Ice Cream and Rambling

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2023 78:41


    Join the Pondcast team for another great show, this time full of random ramblings all about turtles!

    A Very Special Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2023 105:00


    Tune in for a very special episode as we celebrate the 100th episode of The Pondcast.

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    A Bonus Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2023 74:22


    Anthony, EmmaLee and Steve discuss their recent experiences almost dying during field research and swimming with Whale Sharks!

    Conscientious Herpetoculture

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2023 83:16


    Tom Arbour brings a wealth of diverse experiences to Episode 98 and we're super excited to have him join our team of hosts for what should be another great episode of The Pondcast.

    conscientious herpetoculture pondcast
    Animal Planet's Swamp Wars

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2023 78:07


    Jeffrey Fobb joins the show to talk about a wide variety of efforts during his career with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.

    wars swamp animal planet miami dade fire rescue
    The Many Talents of Miranda McCleaf

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2023 78:22


    Miranda McCleaf joins our hosts to talk about her day job, her art, her work with theTurtleRoom, and more!

    Ten Year Anniversary

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2023 71:33


    Join us as John Weir (Pondcast Creator) reunites with Anthony for a special 10th Anniversary episode!

    Riverside Reptiles

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2023 72:11


    Tonight's special guest is Brian Kleinman from Riverside Reptile and Education Center. Brian is EmmaLee's boss, but she is his better half at work, being sure to keep him in line all the time.

    The Turtle Lover's Guidebook

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2022 83:03


    Tonight's special guest is Dr. Tony Monahan, author of the highly anticipated "Turtle Lover's Guidebook." Tony has been traveling the entire country, tirelessly, in an effort to document every zoo with a worthwhile turtle collection.

    NyQuil Time

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2022 64:33


    Anthony forgot after work that he had a Pondcast that night. Kevin struggles with timeliness again. This episode will go down in history as the low point against which all other bad episodes will be measured.

    nyquil pondcast
    ESA... Oh My!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2022 84:32


    The guys discuss the fact that the Egyptian Tortoise has been petitioned to be added to the federal Endangered Species Act and what the implications of this fact might be.

    "Say 'Goodnight,' Kevin"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2022 74:24


    Join Anthony, Kevin, and Steve for another Pondcast! Well, maybe Kevin will be there. No promises.

    goodnight pondcast
    Just the Two of Us

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2022 95:31


    Join Anthony and Steve as they "talk turtles". Who knows where the show will go!

    Daniel Parker of USARK Florida

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2022 89:15


    This month, Daniel Parker joins The Pondcast to discuss one of the biggest issues of concern to private keepers and conservationists - potential legal changes in Florida and beyond.

    daniel parker pondcast usark
    Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group with Dr. Craig Stanford

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2022 81:38


    This month, we are joined by Dr. Craig Stanford. Craig is Professor of Biological Sciences and Anthropology at University of Southern California, studying both primates and chelonians.

    Ep. 86: The Best Listen in Reptile Podcasts - Dr. Zac Loughman

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2022 82:05


    Tonight, Anthony and Steve sit down with everyone's favorite reptile loving academic, Dr. Zac Loughman.

    Ep. 85: The Changing Times

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2022 79:06


    This month, your hosts discuss reptile hobbyists, legislation, and their impact on each other.

    Ep. 84: Those Who Wait

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2022 95:42


    This month, your hosts talk about an exciting first for Anthony and theTurtleRoom, following more than a decade of patience.

    Ep. 83: Mystery Guest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2022 95:42


    The Pondcast Hosts gather "around the fire" to share stories and celebrate.

    Ep. 82: Happy Holidays 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2021 90:10


    The Pondcast Hosts gather "around the fire" to share stories and celebrate.

    Ep. 81: Just Hanging Out

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2021 74:14


    Anthony and Steve go it on their own. There goes the neighborhood!

    Ep. 79: Captive Animal Welfare

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2021 87:51


    In this episode, we discuss what it means to be a zookeeper, keeping reptile species that are meaningful to the keeper, and an animal wellness rating system that Ryan uses to audit current setups and identify areas needing improvement.

    Ep. 78: Horses and Turtles

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2021 69:22


    Charlie is a great friend of theTurtleRoom and a well respected animal expert who made his name in the equestrian world. His passion is endangered species and education and he has a strong focus on turtles and tortoises. Using Charlie Moorcroft's own private collection of critically endangered and protected species of animals, along with other related exhibits, the Moorcroft Conservation Foundation provides an intimate, hands … The Pondcast, Episode 78 Read More »

    Ep. 77: Guestless in Seatlle

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2021 85:01


    Due to unforeseen circumstances, our intrepid turtle heroes find themselves guestless (though none of us are actually in Seattle). Join us for a fun night of sharing stories, updates, and silliness as we begin the crescendo towards celebrating theTurtleRoom's 10th anniversary!

    seattle guestless
    Ep. 76: The Next Generation

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2021 94:55


    A torch bearer for a younger generation, Jordan Donini is a turtle academic who is taking the world by storm. His work on reproductive biology in chelonians and tireless work in the field in South Florida make him a must follow on social media. The hosts sit down with him in this episode, to fawn over what a delight it must be to learn under … The Pondcast, Episode 76 Read More »

    Ep. 75: Turtles and Trash

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2021 83:28


    This month, we are joined by Tyler Brooks. Tyler is a husband, father of two daughters, founding member of the Kinixys Working Group and the owner/operator of a solid waste disposal facility. In addition to what is sure to be an enjoyable conversation centered around Tyler's favorite genera, Kinixys and Manouria, you just might learn more about waste management then you ever thought you would!

    trash turtles tyler brooks
    Ep. 74: The Pinnacle of Conservation and Work/Life Balance

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2021 73:30


    The crew speaks with a hero in the conservation world, Dr. Dante Fenolio. Dr. Fenolio is an extremely accomplished underwater photographer, PhD and educator. He is also the author of “Life in the Dark,” and runs the Department of Conservation & Research for the San Antonio Zoo. We are thrilled to hear from someone who has had such amazing experiences and has done such incredible … The Pondcast, Episode 74 Read More »

    Ep. 73: Film Director, Ari Taub

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2021 89:47


    In this exciting episode, your hosts are with a good friend of theirs, Ari Taub, an American film director and producer. The turtle related debates in this one get really lively, in a good way. Ari is perhaps best known for his movie, The Fallen, a 2004 war film about the perspectives of Italian, German, and American soldiers during World War II. His latest movie, … The Pondcast, Episode 73 Read More »

    Ep. 83: Mystery Guest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2021 95:42


    Kevin is a field biologist and naturalist who also breeds reptiles. He has herp experience on four continents and keeps some incredibly cool species.

    Ep. 72: Up for Air

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2020 92:26


    Christine Light is an experienced scuba diver, with around 500 dives under her belt, one of which saved someone's life! She has traveled to several points on the globe in her efforts with both wild and captive animals from whale sharks and mobula rays to rehabbing a Painted Terrapin at the Downtown Aquarium Denver where she was Assistant Curator to being one of the first … The Pondcast, Episode 72 Read More »

    Ep. 71: Research Scientist, Dr. Dave Hudson

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2020 86:44


    Tonight, Shannon joins the team as a special guest host to interview a college friend and very special guest, Dave Hudson, PhD. As a marine and aquatic biologist, researcher, and educator, Dr. Hudson aims to cultivate biological research, education, policy, and business interactions for marine and aquatic environments. To achieve that end, he works to empower people through collaborations with universities, non-profit organizations, and companies … The Pondcast, Episode 71 Read More »

    Ep. 70: The Stars at Night are Big and Bright

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2020 101:05


    Carl J. Franklin, the President of the non-profit research organization Texas Turtles, joins The Pondcast to talk about his myriad experiences in herpetology. Carl is one of the most interesting men in herpetology, having spent time under the stars in locations all across the Americas and southeast Asia. His adventures could fill several episodes of The Pondcast and include a run-in with the Venezuelan military, … The Pondcast, Episode 70 Read More »

    Ep. 69: Emzotic

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2020 79:14


    In this episode, the guys are joined by award winning animal educator and digital content creator, Emma Lock. Her YouTube channel, Emzotic, currently has over 690,000 subscribers, comprised of animal lovers and pet keepers seeking a place to learn about exotic animals and pet care. Her ‘Creature Feature' videos have been showcased by the BBC World Service and Blue Peter, as well as many digital … The Pondcast, Episode 69 Read More »

    Ep. 68: Deep in the Heart of Texas

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2020 86:49


    Viviana Ricardez is the Vice President of the non-profit research organization Texas Turtles. Viviana joins our hosts to talk about all the cool things Texas Turtles is doing to study turtles and her background going from “90s turtle nerd” to a leading expert on the turtles of Texas. The goal of Texas Turtles is to “fill a Texas-sized hole in our knowledge of Texas turtles … The Pondcast, Episode 68 Read More »

    Ep. 67: Veterinary Partnerships

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2020 93:11


    The Pondcast team speaks with Diva Green, DVM, a talented exotics veterinarian from Connecticut who has partnered with tTR on care of their animals. Dr. Green is the type of veterinarian you want caring for your animals and is someone young professionals can look up to and aspire to be. We'll talk about the importance of working as a team with your vet and the … The Pondcast, Episode 67 Read More »

    Ep. 66: Box Turtle Bonanza

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2020 97:10


    The boys sit down to talk with one of the best turtle people you've never heard of, Ken Sopher. Ken is a box turtle expert and a wealth of knowledge on many species. Tonight we pick his brain to gain as much insight into his observations as possible.

    Ep. 65: Husbandry Talk, Vol. 1: Playing Favorites

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2020 114:52


    The Pondcast crew introduces a new series within The Pondcast called “Husbandry Talk”. Husbandry Talk shows will be focused specifically on the husbandry of a few select turtle and tortoise species. On today's show, each host will talk about the husbandry of a species or group of species selected by the other hosts!

    Ep. 64: Swamp Monsters

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2020 105:54


    Photographer, videographer, naturalist, and reptile keeper Greg Brashear of Greg's Turtle Haven joins The Pondcast team to talk Alligator Snapping Turtles and other reptiles from the Southeast United States. Like theTurtleRoom, Greg is passionate about educating others about turtles, tortoises, their conservation, and their husbandry. Greg is one of the rare cases, where a turtle advocate walks the line between field herper and keeper. Greg … The Pondcast, Episode 64 Read More »

    Ep. 63: Reptile Podcasts

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2020 98:12


    The Pondcast's hosts talk about what makes a podcast a “reptile podcast” and banter about their favorite non-turtle reptile species. All of our hosts are reptile lovers, so why does our podcast always take a turn toward turtles, primarily? And why do snake lovers get to rule the world as reptile podcasters when turtle and lizard people are considered niche groups within a niche group? … The Pondcast, Episode 63 Read More »

    Ep. 60: Turtle Planet

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2020 104:06


    Daoist monk, Yun Rou, joins his friend Anthony and the rest of The Pondcast team to talk turtles, philosophy, writing, and anything else that comes to mind. His newest book – Turtle Planet: Conservation, Extinction, and What the Fate of Turtles May Say About the Future of Humanity and our World – released last week. Born Arthur Rosenfeld in America, Yun Rou (the name means … The Pondcast, Episode 60 Read More »

    Ep. 62: What is Going On?!?!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2020 90:03


    In this episode, Anthony, Kevin and new host Chris sit down for a chat with no guests. Believe it or not, this was not due to our overall lack of likability, but instead was a calculated decision to allow listeners a chance to get to know our hosts a bit better and to introduce exciting new monthly features. We are looking forward to bringing you … The Pondcast, Episode 62 Read More »

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    Ep. 61: Madagascar!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2020 81:22


    In this episode, Anthony, Kevin and new host Chris interview their fellow tTR volunteer, Zach Braswell. Zach, theTurtleRoom's own Social Media Educator, joins the show to talk about his upcoming trip to Madagascar to assist the Turtle Survival Alliance at their TCC facility. Many of the animals housed at the TCC are from the extremely large confiscation many of us remember from a few years … The Pondcast, Episode 61 Read More »

    Ep. 59: Terrapin Conservation Initiative

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2020 94:40


    Casey Leone, Field Project Manager of theTurtleRoom's Terrapin Conservation Initiative, joins the show to discuss exciting new things happening with the project formerly known as Terrapin Nesting Project: Leeds Point.

    Ep. 58: IguanaLand

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2019 70:35


    Ty Park, proprietor of the upcoming IguanaLand joins to the show to talk about turtles, iguanas, and facility construction. Ty is a wealth of knowledge on lizard breeding and has considerable experience in keeping and breeding other reptiles as well. In this episode, he sits with Anthony, Kevin and Steve to discuss his current efforts to transform his property in Florida into a premier reptile … The Pondcast, Episode 58 Read More »

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    Ep. 57: theTurtleRoom Talks TTPG

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2019 87:35


    theTurtleRoom discusses the upcoming Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group (TTPG) conference with the nicest guy in turtle nerd circles, Michael Thathuvaswamy. Michael is a keeper of turtles and tortoises from the West Coast, who is always willing to help others. He dedicates his time to help the TTPG achieve their important goals around the preservation of chelonian species through captive breeding. The conference takes place … The Pondcast, Episode 57 Read More »

    Ep. 56: Krazy for Kinixys

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2019 79:58


    We're getting Krazy for Kinixys with Jeremy Thompson! Jeremy is really turning heads with his Hingeback Tortoise focused work, and we are thrilled to have him on the show to discuss it. Be sure to check out his operation on FaceBook at facebook.com/kinixyscoop/ to learn more about his collection, his initiatives, and the genus that has completely captivated him to the point that he has … The Pondcast, Episode 56 Read More »

    Ep. 55: Ralph's on the Phone

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2019 63:37


    EDITOR'S NOTE: At some point, we made a mistake in the numbering sequence of episodes. The number that appears in text is the correct episode, not the one you hear during the show. In this video, the guys sit down with their friend Ralph Till, President of the Tampa Bay Turtle and Tortoise Society, to discuss how things are going. Ralph is one of the … The Pondcast, Episode 55 Read More »

    Ep. 54: Slop Sinks and Stuff

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2019 57:02


    It's just Anthony and Steve in this one. They discuss what it's like to move with a collection of animals under one's care. They also talk about the “must haves” they've identified in their time keeping and breeding turtles.

    Ep. 53: Moving with Turtles

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2019 101:27


    Just the boys in this episode. Anthony, Steve and Kevin talk about the difficulties of moving with a large animal collection, as Anthony is recorded live from his turtle room that has been turned into a play room in effort to sell his house.

    Ep. 52: Tort Stork

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2019 97:13


    Randy Betz is our guest in this edition of everyone's favorite reptile podcast. Randy runs Tort Stork, a newer business with the aim to provide healthy, captive bred tortoises to the public. There's more to it than this, however. Randy prefers to sell and ship eggs, a practice that has attracted much attention, both negative and positive. His early success is worth consideration, however, and … The Pondcast, Episode 52 Read More »

    stork tort pondcast

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