Reptile Rendezvous Podcast

In this fun-filled episode, Alex and Greg debunk common myths about turtles while sharing fascinating truths. They’ll also discuss how these myths affect public perception and conservation efforts. Want more? Learn how leaving fishing hooks behind and not cleaning up affects wildlife. Ever wondered how you can protect turtle nests and eggs if one lays in your backyard? Tune in to find out these and much more, all while keeping the tone casual and entertaining. (00:00) Start (01:03) Introduction (02:45) What first sparked your interest in alligator snapping turtles and how did you end up focusing your career on them? (07:20) What are the different types of snapping turtles and the main differences between them? (8:33) How does the alligator snapping turtles unique hunting technique work and why is it so fascinating? (12:40) What are some common misconceptions people have about turtles and tortoises that you encounter in your work? (18:20) How does education factor into your conservation efforts and what initiatives are you currently involved in?(23:15) How adults can help reduce stigmas and teach future generations (25:09) How you can help care for turtles and their nests if they've laid in your yard (27:43) How fishing impacts turtles and other wildlife and ways to keep them safe (32:00) How to help turtles safely cross roads (33:11) What role do these turtles play in their ecosystem and why should we care about their conservation? (37:06) Turtles eat all the fish in ponds and lakes? (38:24) What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in wildlife conservation, particularly with reptiles and/or turtles? (46:24) Turtle eggs (48:49) What animals do you (Greg) currently have? (54:17) Dan The Turtle Man (54:56) Any there any research findings or exciting projects you're currently working on that you can share with us? (58:27) Going viral on Tiktok and Instagram (59:41) Hanging out with NKF Herping and Cavemanwildlife  (1:00:02) Going viral and talking about living with lots of notifications (1:03:32) Where to find Greg online (1:05:21) Thanks and closing (1:06:00) End

David shares insights of what it's like to be a croc tour guide in Australia. David recounts his typical day on the job and discusses the stigmas, hype and misconceptions surrounding crocodiles. Alex and David also discuss the challenges crocs face due to habitat loss, climate change, and human interaction. Highlighting what listeners can do to help protect these incredible animals. This episode is both informative and inspiring, showcasing how everyone can make a difference. (00:00) Start (00:10) Introductions & what David does (03:17) Saltwater crocodiles and their studies (09:50) ICUN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Conference (11:17) Behavioural studies of saltwater crocodiles (14:36) Mother and baby crocodiles & flooding (15:58) Crocodiles and their reputations (16:45) Representation of crocs in the media vs reality & human behaviours (20:20) David's visit to Cape York, Queensland, Australia (23:36) Media and newspapers scaremongering tactics & misconceptions (28:02) Peoples common views and reactions to crocodiles in their natural habitat (40:07) The most common misconceptions of crocodiles (46:59) Facts vs fiction (49:51) The Daintree locals (52:37) Visiting Australia and America (52:46) Favourite moments: Talking about baby crocs and Queen Lizzie (54:24) More about the Daintree locals (56:40) Closing talks (57:09) People changing perceptions and helping to education people (Damian 'Wildman' Duffy & Savannah Boan) (57:34) Thanks (59:56) End

In this episode, Alex and Alex team up to focus on what it means to be a responsible reptile owner, especially when it comes to venomous species. Whilst being interrupted by many different things.

Alex and Jack broaden the scope to discuss other wildlife that share our planet. From insects to reptiles, fish to mammals, they’ll highlight interesting species and their roles in the ecosystem. Listeners can expect engaging conversations about wildlife and debunking common myths and misconceptions about animals like sharks, crocodiles and venomous creatures.This episode promises a blend of humor, education, and a love for nature, perfect for anyone interested in wildlife, animals, or anyone looking to learn something new!

In this fun-filled episode, Dan tells us about some hilarious anecdotes from owning shrimp, his music video, his turtles and growing his own mangrove plants! These episodes aim to combine humor, casual conversation, and a love for turtles, making them entertaining and engaging for listeners. (00:00) Start (00:05) Opening (00:14) Intro (5:13) Lizards like vibrations (9:39) The story of the red foot tortoise (17:17) Dan's plans for a greenhouse, inspired by A Life Exotic (20:23) Dan's mangrove plants & diamondback terrapins (25:55) Inspirations from Kamp Kenan (26:38) There's no time like now - Tortoise talk (29:38) Making ponds, working with Nick the Pond King (33:08) Dan's main channel content (35:59) Justice for Pudding the Tortoise (37:44) Dressing at Batman and finding giant pythons in the Florida Everglades (38:07) Dan's second channel content (47:13) Dan turns into a shrimp (49:58) Dan's second channel content (52:15) Creative chaos as an outlet and "Dan-tism" (58:47) The story behind fly controlled taser (1:15:33) Turtle conservation (1:20:35) Using social media for good (1:23:57) Bubbles, the box turtle from Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons (1:25:05) Conservation work by Garden State Tortoise & Turtle Conservancy (1:25:41) Talking about Turtle Guardians (1:30:40) Where you can find Dan on social media (1:32:18) Closing (1:32:52) End

In this episode, we share exciting stories and experiences from Andrew's adventures in the wild. Whether you're a seasoned herper or just starting out, this episode is sure to pique your interest in the wonderful world of herping. (00:00) Start (00:22) What is herping? (02:04) Tips for safely handling bugs and insects whilst herping (03:43) Tips for safely handling snakes and other reptiles (15:39) How to balance the thrill of herping with respecting animals habitats (21:58) Best pieces of advice for someone who's interested in herping for the first time (33:50) Talking about turtles (38:00) Animals on social media and the importance of understanding them (46:11) Andrew's favourite reptiles to observe whilst herping (48:57) Andrew's favourite species found whilst herping & talking about snakes (51:15) The stigma around creepy crawlies and snakes (59:08) How cats affect the ecosystem (1:04:59) Andrew's funny/memorable stories from his herping expeditions (1:15:53) Andrew's favourite herping spots and recommended herping spots (1:19:14) How Florida's natural land is being turned into commercial land etc (1:20:49) Where you can find Andrew on social media (1:21:56) Closing (1:22:17) End

Building a strong bond with your reptile takes time and patience. Tune in as we discuss the importance of handling, socialization, and enrichment activities to strengthen your relationship with your scaly companion. (00:00) Start (00:10) Intro (00:27) Tell us about the animals you currently have (02:20) Kronk, the uromastyx and bonding with him (04:47) What's your favourite thing about bonding with your reptiles? (06:15) What's the most interesting reptile behaviour you've seen? (08:52) Do you have any funny or memorable stories about bonding with your reptile(s) that you'd like to share? (19:27) Talk to us about your enclosures (20:46) Changes and upgrades to Ada's enclosures (21:21) Do you have any tips for creating reptile enclosures? (22:45) Ada's art and creations (25:55) Life and social media (27:18) Ada's first reptile show (28:50) Talking about herping (31:50) Have you ever owned amphibians? & Talking about frogs (36:18) Where you can find Ada on social media (36:30) Close (36:45) End

Join Dillon from The Animals at Home Podcast and I as we dive into the world of reptile care, discussing everything from the proper tank setup for your scaly friend to their unique feeding habits. We'll also touch on the importance of providing a stimulating environment for your reptile to thrive in and discuss how animals affects our mental health. So, grab a cup of coffee and let's chat about how to keep your reptile happy and healthy! (00:00) Start (00:05) Intro (1:30) Dillon's Introduction (2:37) Talking about animal education and why it's important to us (4:23) Talking about hermit crabs (6:00) Impulse buying reptiles and not getting proper care information from the sellers (7:02) How can we ensure that our reptiles living environment is both comfortable and stimulating? (11:37) How much it costs to keep reptiles and all the things involved (12:24) What are some ways to enrich our reptiles lives and provide mental stimulation? (13:59) What are some common mistakes reptile owners make when it comes to their care? (21:15) Sulcata tortoises, their size and lifespans (21:16) What are some common health issues that reptiles face and how can we prevent them? (22:45) Planning for your reptiles lifespan and the future (24:10) Can you explain the importance of proper nutrition for reptiles and how to ensure they are getting the right diet? (26:05) The importance of supplements and using Arcadia Reptile Earth Pro (27:54) What are some resources or organisations that can help us to become better reptile keepers? (30:08) How can we stay informed and educated about best practices for reptile care and husbandry? (31:40) The European Turtle Alliance Conference 2024 (32:54) People who own reptiles being "different" (34:16) What are some signs to look out for that may indicate our reptile is not thriving in it's living environment? (39:57) Talking about podcasting and mental health (52:03) What are some ethical considerations to keep in mind when choosing a reptile as a pet? (54:47) Keeping reptiles and what they do for our mental health (1:08:28) Where you can find Dillon online (1:09:53) Closing (1:10:23) End

Get ready for a fun-filled episode as we share some hilarious turtle facts and stories. From quirky behaviors to silly antics, we'll have you laughing out loud while learning more about these fascinating creatures. (00:00) Start (00:28) Anthony reads the intro in a British accent (1:21) Intro (2:10) Talking about the podcast, Anthony's podcast and podcasting (4:43) Building a community in podcasting and passing the torch (5:50) Turtle nerds going around Florida (6:48) General chat about life and (8:09) European Turtle Alliance & Meeting Garden State Tortoise (9:33) Anthony's friendship with Chris and Casey Leone (11:31) Anthony is starting a YouTube channel JustTurtles/theTurtleRoom and general chat (13:24) Talking about tattoos (13:38) Anthony's opinion on the podcast (14:18) Talking about being in animal rescue and Anthony's career being a vet and the reality of both (15:10) Talking about the importance of helping educate people about reptiles and animals (18:55) Talking nonsense and Alex is tired (surprise, surprise!) (26:23) Don't take yourself too seriously in life and have fun (27:27) You don't have to have a degree to make a difference in this world (27:58) Books that Anthony has written (29:16) Alex talks about softshells...Again (30:58) Talking about wild animals and their behaviours (37:37) Talking about life and having a laugh (40:04) Anthony talking about his work in turtle conservation/preservation (42:08) How can people help native turtles and wildlife in their area? (43:22) Do you need a degree to get into species conservation? (44:53) How did you reach out to your current network of species conservationists? (49:00) How do help local reptile zoos, educational centres and non-profits around you? (50:37) Why tortoises and turtles? (55:25) Tell us about your most recent achievement/breeding turtles (1:03:50) Anthony's history with breeding bearded dragons (1:05:06) Planning Alex's trip to the USA (1:05:44) Intro to talking about Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons and Turtle Guardians (1:06:20) Talking about Turtle Guardians (1:10:44) Talking about Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons (1:15:30) Being a non-profit vs doing field work vs hatching (1:20:00) Talking about embarrassing moments on live television (1:21:35) Talking about Anthony's book that he wrote with his wife, about living with your other half who's also obsessed with turtles (1:23:26) Talking about being a vet tech and how it affects mental health (1:24:45) Offering emotional support to those who need it (1:25:15) Building a community and helping each other (1:27:27) What is your favourite species to work with? (1:30:15) Talking about Europe and how easy it is to go to other European countries and Alex wanting a Vietnamese Black Breasted Leaf Turtle (1:33:05) Alex talking about the turtles she's personally owned/fostered (1:33:50) Keeping tortoises and turtles & tips (1:41:33) Talking about theTurtleRoom Pondcast (1:41:56) Understanding limitations with keeping animals (1:47:48) Where to find Anthony on social media (1:49:43) Closing (1:50:32) End

In this episode, we share some hilarious and heartwarming stories of monitor lizards and tortoises. We'll dive into the world of tortoises and their unique characteristics. From their slow and steady pace to their impressive longevity. We'll explore handling monitors, getting them used to you and so much more. Tune in for a shell of a good time! (00:00) Start (00:15) Intro to Terence (1:18) Can you take us back to the beginning? How did your journey start? (3:12) What are some common misconceptions about owning a tortoise as a pet? (6:51) Talk to us about monitor training and the ethics of keeping a large monitor (11:53) Sulcata tortoises and their size (13:42) Aldabra tortoises (15:02) What are the most significant challenges of keeping these types of reptiles in a domestic setting? (17:48) If you weren't in your current profession, what do you think you'd be doing? (21:19) Have you ever had any funny or interesting experiences with one of your pets? (27:38) Looking back, what's one lesson you've learned that you wish you knew earlier? (29:51) Where to find Terence online (31:56) Closing (32:11) End