Snake Talk

What can tiny island lizards teach us about surviving a changing world? Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Christian Cox, Associate Professor at Florida International University, to explore the surprising answers. Christian’s research spans the colorful world of reptile evolution—why some snakes and lizards look and behave the way they do, how size and shape vary between the sexes, and what feeding habits reveal about survival. But at the heart of this conversation is his decades-long study of Anole lizards living on hundreds of islands in a massive lake linked to the Panama Canal. These natural experiments reveal how reptiles respond to sudden environmental shifts, offering clues to how wildlife may adapt in the face of climate change.Connect with Christian at FIU. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

Alabama is a hotspot for snake diversity—and Jimmy Stiles knows it better than almost anyone. In this episode, Dr. Jenkins talks with his friend and colleague, a PhD candidate at Auburn University, about the state’s rich ecosystems, legendary herpetologists, and the incredible snakes that call Alabama home. They go deep into Eastern Indigo Snake reintroductions, venomous snake trainings, and how education and outreach are shaping the future of conservation.Connect with Jimmy at the Wetland and Riparian Ecology Lab at Auburn University. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Hiral Naik, Research and Conservation Manager for Save the Snakes, for a fascinating discussion on venomous snakes and human-wildlife conflict in South Africa. Based in South Africa, Hiral recently completed her PhD on the ecology of venomous snakes and the dynamics of human snakebite incidents. The conversation begins with an overview of South Africa’s geography, climate, and the resulting distribution of its diverse venomous snake species. Hiral shares insights into the natural history and behavior of species like the Puff Adder and Mozambique Spitting Cobra, before diving into the complex issue of snakebite and how species ecology affects its prevalence and severity.Connect with Hiral at Save the Snakes. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Laurie Vitt, Emeritus Curator at the Sam Noble Museum, for a fascinating journey through a career spent exploring some of the most remote and biodiverse regions on Earth. Their conversation traces Laurie’s path from his early days in the mountains of Montana to years of fieldwork in the rainforests of South America. Along the way, they recount stories of months-long expeditions, living in tents in remote places while documenting tropical biodiversity. From encounters with Alligator Lizards and Bushmasters to the striking Emerald Tree Boa, this episode is full of adventure, discovery, and herpetological insight.Connect with Laurie at the Sam Noble Museum. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Graham Reynolds to explore the fascinating trajectory of his career—from a childhood fascination with nature to a professional focus on reptiles, tropical ecosystems, and island biodiversity. They dive into what makes islands such unique and important places for biodiversity, and why island species are among the most threatened in the world. Dr. Reynolds shares stories from his work on Caribbean boas, including the discovery of new species and insights into their ecology and conservation. The episode concludes with a discussion on the role of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and its efforts to protect snake species globally.Connect with Dr. Reynolds at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, and be sure to check out his books, Boas of the West Indies, and Boas of the World. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Randy Babb, a lifelong wildlife enthusiast from Arizona with a passion for reptiles and amphibians. Randy spent his career with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, but his adventures have taken him far beyond the American Southwest. Since 2006, he has made annual trips to Vietnam, surveying national parks across the country in search of herpetofauna. He has also worked with National Geographic on projects throughout Latin America and taught in Panama. Together, they dive into Randy’s global field experiences, with a special focus on the remarkable snakes and varied landscapes of Vietnam. Check out Randy’s books: Snakes of Arizona, and A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians in Arizona. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with herpetologist Samantha Dillon to talk all things Indigo Snakes. A Florida native, Samantha has a deep-rooted passion for these iconic reptiles and a long-standing involvement in habitat restoration efforts. Now a master’s student at Texas A&M University, she’s focused on studying Texas Indigo Snakes and Texas Tortoises. Together, they explore the ecology of Texas Indigos—covering their distribution, movement patterns, habitat preferences, fascinating ties to tortoises, and reproduction. If you're a fan of Eastern Indigo Snakes, you won’t want to miss this deep dive into their western cousins.Connect with Samantha at Texas A&M University. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Neil Ford, Professor Emeritus at the University of Texas at Tyler, about his lifelong passion for snakes and his impactful career in herpetology. The conversation begins with Neil’s childhood discovery of his first snake and follows his journey through decades of research and teaching. They dive into his work on pheromone trailing, the effects of diet on snake reproduction, and other fascinating studies. The episode also highlights the origins of the Snake Ecology Group meetings and Neil’s recent book on life as a field biologist. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the science—and stories—behind snake ecology.Dr. Neil Ford's Book – https://www.amazon.com/Journeys-Field-Biologist-Adventures-Critters/dp/1733329935 Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Liang Luo, Professor at the University of Kentucky and an expert in Chinese folklore, to explore the rich cultural history of snakes in Chinese tradition. The conversation begins with the Legend of the White Snake—one of the four most iconic stories in Chinese folklore—and delves into Dr. Luo’s book on the topic. They also discuss the significance of the snake in the Chinese Lunar Calendar, with a special focus on the Year of the Snake. This episode offers a fascinating blend of mythology, history, and cultural insight.Connect with Liang Luo at the University of Kentucky. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Stephen Barten, a veterinarian with decades of experience working with reptiles. They begin by discussing the unique challenges and rewards of being a reptile veterinarian, before diving into a series of fascinating case stories—ranging from routine treatments to rare and unusual medical situations. The conversation then shifts to Dr. Barten’s work with Veterinary Expeditions, highlighting the remarkable places he’s traveled and the diverse reptile species he’s encountered around the world.Connect with Stephen on his website, Instagram or Bluesky. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

Dr. Jenkins sits down for part two of his conversation with Dr. James Emerson of Texas State University. In this episode, they dive into James’ research on Crotalus ornatus, the recently reclassified eastern species of Black-tailed Rattlesnake found in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas. Despite its unique status, C. ornatus remains largely understudied. James shares insights from his fieldwork, including movement patterns, habitat use, diet, and more.Connect with James at Texas State University. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Ian Breland to explore the world of ecotourism with snakes. Growing up with a passion for reptiles and adventure, Ian channeled these interests into founding Serpentine Expeditions, a company that takes travelers around the world in search of snakes, and other reptiles and amphibians. They discuss the incredible destinations, what travelers can expect, accommodations, local cuisine, and much more. If you have a love for snakes and a thirst for adventure, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!Connect with Ian at Serpentine Expeditions. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

Dr. Jenkins sits down with James Reid, Executive Director of the Global Snakebite Initiative, to discuss his journey from TV producer to global snakebite advocate. James’ documentary, Minutes to Die, was a turning point in his career, leading him to focus on addressing the critical issue of snakebite envenoming worldwide. They explore the Global Snakebite Initiative’s efforts to support countries around the world by educating communities on snakebite prevention and first aid, training rural healthcare providers in effective treatment, and advancing technologies to improve snakebite care.Connect with James, and watch Minutes to Die, at Global Snakebite Initiative. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Gabriel Blouin-Demers, a professor at the University of Ottawa’s Department of Biology, to explore the fascinating world of the Black Ratsnake (Pantherophis obsoletus), one of the most commonly encountered snake species in eastern North America. Drawing from Gabriel’s extensive research at the northern edge of the species’ range in Ontario, they begin by discussing the unique landscape where these snakes thrive. The conversation then delves into the Black Ratsnake’s natural history before focusing on Gabriel’s research, which highlights the critical role edge habitats play in various aspects of the species’ ecology.Connect with Gabriel at the University of Ottawa. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

In this episode of Snake Talk, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Michael Dreslik from the Illinois Natural History Survey. With a career dedicated to wildlife research in Illinois, Mike has led several long-term studies, including one focused on the Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus), one of the most threatened rattlesnake species in the state. Together, they explore the ecology of these fascinating snakes, ongoing conservation efforts, and the challenges they face for survival. Connect with Mike at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Lynne Isbell from the Anthropology Department at UC Davis to discuss primate vision and the role snakes have played in its evolution. They cover a range of topics, including how primates' eyes work and how venomous and predatory snakes have driven the ability of primates to quickly identify these threats.Connect with Lynne at UC Davis, and check out her book, The Fruit, the Tree, and the Serpent: Why We See So Well. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. James Emerson from Texas State University to discuss the fascinating ecology of Gray-banded Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis alterna). Their conversation begins with an exploration of the Trans-Pecos region, celebrated for its remarkable snake diversity. They delve into the first telemetry study on Gray-banded Kingsnakes, sharing insights into their movements, habitat preferences, and the factors that shape their behavior.Connect with James on LinkedIn. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

Join Dr. Jenkins as he sits down with Dr. Rich Burger to talk about the ecology of Reticulated Pythons. Known for their massive size and their roles in the pet and skin trades, little is known about these pythons and their biology in the wild. Rich shares insights from his work at the Danau Girang Field Centre in Borneo, where he studied these snakes in palm oil plantations and remnant patches of forest. From their diet (including humans!), to their movement, habitat use, and predators, this episode uncovers the mystery of one of nature’s most awe-inspiring reptiles. Connect with Rich on LinkedIn. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

In this episode, Dr. Chris Jenkins sits down with Dr. Jelka Crnobrnja-Isailović, a snake biologist from Serbia, to share her extraordinary journey. Jelka recounts her early fascination with amphibians and reptiles, research on newts and lizards, and a strong desire for working with snakes. Against the backdrop of her PhD studies, Jelka faced the upheaval of the Yugoslav Wars, navigating the challenges of pursuing science in a nation fractured into new borders. Despite these hardships, she built an inspiring career as a researcher and professor in Serbia, dedicating her work to the conservation and study of vipers in the Balkans.Connect with Jelka on LinkedIn. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Lauren Fuchs, a Ph.D. candidate and recipient of an Orianne Society research grant, to explore her unique journey into snake research. Lauren transitioned into herpetology after earning a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and working in that field for years. In this episode, they delve into Lauren’s fascinating research on how landscape disturbances impact the skin microbiomes of snakes and their susceptibility to Snake Fungal Disease. The conversation begins with an overview of microbiomes and Snake Fungal Disease, examining their intricate relationship, before transitioning to how changes in the environment may influence this dynamic.Read more about Lauren’s research. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.