Josh's Frogs Podcast

Kevin Lux built Heket, an open-source AI tool that listens to his backyard pond all night and identifies frog and toad calls. His microphone is actually just a security camera aimed at the pond. Josh and Kevin get into how Heket learns to tell a bullfrog from an airplane, why BirdNET inspired it, his plan for one-click sharing of verified calls to iNaturalist, and what season-long listening could...

Mark and Crystal Mandica started the Amphibian Foundation ten years ago with one goal: keep the frosted flatwoods salamander from disappearing. This year their building was demolished, and they had to rebuild every lab at once across two new locations. Josh sits down with both co-founders to talk about what bringing a species back actually requires, why successful captive breeding is only the firs...

Thinking about a frog as a first pet? Curator of Tree Frogs and Toads Austin Rea is back to walk through everything a brand new keeper needs to sort out before buying an animal, whether you're a parent whose kid just discovered amphibians or you're finally setting up that tank yourself. We get into the two household deal-breakers that should stop you cold, how much space a frog actually ne...

In late 2024, a single loaned-out pixie frog came back to our facility chytrid positive, and got loose in receiving. What followed: six months with no amphibian production, over 10,000 animals heat treated, thousands of swabs, $70,000+ in testing, roughly $1.25 million in lost revenue, and a phone call from the state suggesting we euthanize everything in the building. Josh sits down with Zach Brin...

They're called viper geckos, they're roughly the size of your thumb, and they are not venomous in the slightest. Josh talks with Lori from the reptile department about one of the more underrated species we breed here! Lori covers the full setup, why these are a communal species,, what a proper enclosure looks like, basking and ambient temps, humidity, and where she lands on the ongoing UVB...

Triangle tree frogs (Dendropsophus triangulum) used to be lumped in with clown tree frogs, and about half of them don't even have the triangle they're named for. Josh sits down with Austin, who oversees tree frog and toad production at Josh's Frogs, to break down what these frogs actually are and how to keep and breed them. Bioactive setups nearly identical to red eyes, sexing by body...

How big does the world's largest tarantula actually get? Josh sits down with Jayzun, the Curator of Arachnids at Josh's Frogs, to meet five giant tarantulas! Including a Goliath birdeater, (Theraphosa blondi), with a leg span pushing 10 inches. Jayzun has kept tarantulas for 26 years and has never once been bitten. In this episode he pulls the lids off some of the biggest spiders in the co...

Dial in your reptile care routine with expert advice from Josh's Frogs keeper Lori. This episode covers the essentials of Eublepharis macularis care, including ambient temperatures, basking spots, and humidity levels. We dive into preventing eye health issues, setting up bioactive enclosures, and solitary housing requirements. We also compare standard leopard geckos to the wild-type traits and...

In this episode of The Josh’s Frogs Podcast, Josh talks with Aaron Capouellez from PA Woods & Forests, a traveling nonprofit conservation organization and media brand dedicated to reptile and amphibian ecology in Pennsylvania. Aaron shares the inspiring story behind Frog Week, and breaks down how he’s using media, bioacoustics, and community engagement to protect native species. From educating...

Ever wondered how a live frog safely makes its way from a warehouse to your living room terrarium? Spoiler alert: It’s definitely not like shipping socks or underwear! In this episode of the Josh's Frogs Podcast, we sit down with Simone from our vertebrate shipping team to show us the layers of the intricate, weather-dependent science of live animal transport. Simone shares an insider look at...

Josh is joined by Notre Dame PhD candidate Gracie to look at the cutting edge of amphibian disease prevention. Gracie’s research focuses on utilizing fungal enzymes and metabolites to create a water-soluble preventative treatment for chytrid. Discover how this treatment works, its potential applications for both wild wetlands and zoo populations, and how public engagement events like Frog Fest are...

John Moyles, founder of J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue, joins Josh to tell the story of how J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue grew into Wisconsin’s largest exotic pet rescue. From a lifelong career in the pet industry to creating a statewide surrender network, John walks us through the challenges of taking in more than 11,000 animals since 2020, the logistics of moving from home tanks to a staffed faci...

This episode explores the rise of captive-bred Malaysian dwarf toads as a pet choice. We talk about the basics and move into practical, keeper-focused information as well as breeding. The episode emphasizes buying captive-bred, working to maintain biosecurity, and more!

A deep dive into these tiny tarantulas! Their surprising colors, secretive burrows, and more! Join us as Josh and Jayzun explore Dolichothele and the world of dwarf tarantulas.

An episode for enthusiasts who love the beauty of day geckos! We dive into everything you need to know to keep day geckos, from housing, to breeding! Perfect for new keepers and seasoned hobbyists who want to level up their knowledge. :)

Austin and Josh dive into the world of Stubfoot Toads! what makes them special, how to keep them healthy in captivity, and more. Whether you’re curious about starting with amphibians or looking to improve your care routine, this episode delivers it all! :) - https://www.amphibians.org/ - https://www.amphibianark.org/ - https://joshsfrogs.com/sp/rio-pescado-stubfoot-toad---atelopus-balios--captive-...

Josh and Jayzun dive into the fascinating world of Avicularia Tarantulas! They talk about how to take care of them, their naming classification, and so many other things!!

Join Josh and Bruce as they dive into hognose snakes! Whether you’re a first‑time snake owner or an experienced keeper, it's time to learn all about their upturned‑snout charm.

In this episode Jacob and Josh talk about Variabilis Dart Frogs. We discuss breeding, how to set variabilis up in a terrarium, and we talk about what makes these dart frogs unique.

Josh and Jacob talk all about hissing cockroaches, why dubia roaches might be better than crickets, and more!

Join Josh and Rick as they dive into the world of tadpoles! They explain how to care for them, what they need to thrive, and how to raise them into healthy, happy frogs. Whether you’re a first time keeper or an expert, this podcast breaks down everything in a fun, easy‑to-follow way.

In this podcast, Max tells us all about Springtails and Isopods! How to take care of them and how to use them properly in a bioactive enclosure. :)Mentioned in the podcast:https://joshsfrogs.com/sp/cubaris-sp---salmon--isopods--10-count--jfpodcsalmonhttps://joshsfrogs.com/c/live_insects/feeders/isopodshttps://joshsfrogs.com/c/live_insects/feeders/springtailsMax's favorite Isopods:https://joshs...

Josh and Thomas talk all about moss! Everything from how to take care of it, to how to use it in a terrarium! As well as explaining different types of moss and what we have at Josh's Frogs.

Learn all about Midwife Toads and the interesting features they have that makes them different from other amphibians!

HTI is helping to build a future where pets and wildlife are treated with respect, transparency, and care. Their programs help reduce harmful trade practices, support conservation, and empower both businesses and pet owners to make informed, ethical decisions. Explore HTI’s mission, programs, and membership opportunities at: https://healthytrade.org/Also mentioned in the podcast:Redline Shipping:...