The Wild Type Podcast

It’s our Halloween special! We’re dressed up in inflatable dinosaur costumes and diving into all things spooky, scaly, and slightly chaotic. First, we talk about how to preserve a deceased pet reptile and the meaningful ways keepers can honor their beloved animals. Then it’s time for Smash or Pass: Halloween Movie Edition—from cult classics to modern horror, we’re sharing our hot takes. And of cou...

We’re going green this week—literally! From green tree boas to green mambas and veiled chameleons, we’re talking about some of the most stunning emerald-toned reptiles out there and what makes each species so special. Then things take a turn for the personal: would we date a guy who owns reptiles? We break down the pros, cons, and potential red flags. And since spooky season is right around the co...

It’s our 100th episode—can you believe it?! Join us as we celebrate this milestone by reminiscing on our favorite moments, the funniest behind-the-scenes stories, and everything we’ve learned along the way. We’re also hosting some special giveaways and sharing your favorite highlights from the show. It’s a big thank-you to everyone who’s been part of the Reptile Girlies community from episode one...

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to NARBC Dallas and stopped to say hi—we loved meeting and catching up with all the Reptile Girlies! In this episode, Lyssa shares a full-on horror story that involves way too many tiny spiders (seriously, prepare yourself). And Neptune brings her boyfriend along to his very first reptile expo—hear what he thought, what surprised him, and how he handled be...

This week we’re joined by Vanessa Costanzo—owner of The Pet Shop in Mesa, Arizona, Administrative Director for USARK, and coordinator for NARBC. Vanessa shares what it’s really like to open and run an exotic pet shop, the challenges and rewards that come with it, and how she balances so many roles in the reptile community. She also gives advice for women looking to find their place in the hobby an...

We’re back with another colorful episode—literally. This week we’re talking about reptiles that shine in shades of yellow, including the bold yellow anaconda, the striking yellow sea snake, and even the vibrant Italian fire salamander. Then we shift into setup talk with our honest opinions on grow tents—are they a clever solution for certain reptile keepers, or more hassle than they’re worth? And...

In this episode, we’re covering it all. First up: we talk bug diets and the best things to gutload your feeders with so your reptiles get top-notch nutrition. Then how to convince your parents to let you keep reptiles—yes, we’ve got tips that actually work. To wrap it up, we switch gears to the dating world: how late is too late to cancel on a date? We’ve got thoughts… Get early access to episodes...

This week starts with an update on Neptune’s baby chameleons (spoiler: they’re keeping her busy!). From there, it’s time to get practical: how do you pick the right reptile enclosure for your pet and your environment? We break down the pros and cons of glass, PVC, wood, and screen setups so you can give your reptiles the best home possible. Then we dive into the all-important question: which Power...

We’ve got a packed episode this week, starting with an exciting announcement—come hang out with us at NARBC Dallas, September 6–7! Lyssa shares big life updates, including her new job and what it’s really like juggling office life versus running your own business. Then we dive into a spicy debate: Should reptiles be classroom pets, or is that a hard no? And because we can’t resist a little weirdne...

We’ve got a little bit of everything this week—starting with updates on our latest tattoos and nail designs (because we know you’re here for the glam). Then we’re sharing our best tips for growing your reptile social media account—what works, what doesn’t, and how to actually get people to care about your scaly stars. Next, we answer the all-important question: if you could be any reptile for a da...

We’re turning up the heat this week—starting with a spotlight on reptiles that rock the color orange. Then it’s time for another chaotic round of Smash or Pass: Animal Excursion Adventures—from swimming with sharks to cave crawling with bats, we’re deciding what’s a dream and what’s a definite nope. And big news for Lyssa—she’s officially gearing up for her first tattoo! We talk design ideas, pre-...

We’re back from vacation and so much has happened! Lyssa shares all about her sunny Florida family trip, while Neptune gives us the scoop on her very first couple’s cruise (cue the romantic awws). While Neptune was sailing the seas, her baby chameleons hatched—yes, really—and Lyssa has big news too: she’s getting her first tattoo soon! Catch up with us for all the lizards, love, and life updates y...

This week, we’re serving up girl dinner—and all the chaotic energy that comes with it. Lyssa spills all the glittery details from the Kesha concert (spoiler: it was iconic), and we break down the key signs of a sick reptile—because it's important every reptile keeper knows what to look for. Then it’s time for a beauty breakdown: powder vs. liquid blush and contour—what’s the move? We’ve got opinio...

We’re back with a fresh update on our newest nail designs—because you know we’ve got to share with you. Plus, Neptune drops a surprise… what could it be?! Then things get real: what’s it actually like to ship a chameleon? Neptune walks us through the nerve-wracking (and surprisingly simple) process. We also chat about the not-so-glamorous side of reptile care—like trying to take care of everyone w...

Ever wondered what it’s like to babysit a bunch of baby chameleons? (Hint: it’s adorable and chaotic.) Lyssa shares what it was like to take care of the little lizards. Then, we get into the nitty-gritty of reptile shops—what makes a good one, and the major red flags to watch for before buying your next scaly friend. To wrap things up, it’s another round of Are You the Type of Girl?—this time we’r...

This week, Neptune recounts the chaotic tale of getting locked out by none other than a mischievous dog they were pet sitting—yes, the dog did it. Then we dive into the world of red reptiles—yep, there are species that naturally sport that fiery color, let's see if any surprise you! And finally, we wrap up with a sizzling round of Smash or Pass: Nail Design Trends—from crazy cateye to milky nails,...

In this delightfully chaotic episode, we dive deep into the very real struggle of finding the perfect pair of jean shorts — you know, the ones that don’t ride up, cut off circulation, or make you question every decision you’ve ever made in a fitting room. Then, we wade into the slimy (but fascinating) world of amphibians for a segment we’re calling “Facts and Phibs” — separating truth from toadall...

This week, we’re not holding back. First up: zoos — conservation havens or outdated institutions? We dive into the hot debate over whether zoos should still exist, the ethics behind animal captivity, and what it really means to protect wildlife in 2025. Then, we get a little spooky with a segment on reptile keeper nightmares — from escaped snakes to dog-sized salamanders! And to round it all out: ...

We’re taking you on a wild ride—literally and metaphorically for this episode. First, we soar through the treetops of Colorado with a firsthand account of an unforgettable ziplining adventure. Then, we make a surprising pivot to aisle 7 at Home Depot, where a casual plant run turned into a showdown with—wait for it—mealybugs. Next, things get real. We dive into the complex terrain of ending friend...

We kick things off with a major milestone—Voldy gets a brand new enclosure! We walk you through the setup process and how our favorite noodle boy is settling into his new space. Then, we chat about Neptune's adventure with mealybugs and adding live plants to her chameleon enclosure. Later in the episode, we recap our wild weekend at the Oddities & Curiosities Expo, where we saw everything...

We’re starting off with some exciting news — Neptune’s baby chameleon hatchlings have arrived! Tune in to hear updates on their health, behavior, and what Neptune has learned from this clutch so far. Next, we’re diving into some hands-on tips for building custom enclosure backgrounds. Whether you’re going for bioactive beauty or budget-friendly function, we’ll walk you through materials, technique...

This week, we’re recapping our magical weekend at the Renaissance Fair. Then, we pivot from turkey legs to tiny dragons as we celebrate the hatching of Neptune's very first clutch of chameleon babies! But not everything is fun and fairy dust—what happens when a few eggs aren’t hatching? We dive into the controversial world of cutting reptile eggs early: the risks, the ethics, and how breeders navi...

This week, we explore why reptiles need supplements to stay healthy, from calcium to vitamin D3. Then, we blindly rank popular (and questionable) proposal ideas, followed by a showdown between Google Maps and Apple Maps to see which one really gets you there best. It’s a mix of science, romance, and tech—with plenty of hot takes along the way. Get early access to episodes: https://podcasters.spoti...

In this sizzling summer episode, we share their favorite warm-weather activities! Then we talk about safe ways to take reptiles outside, how to create the perfect sunbathing setup, and why your neighbors might think you're training tiny dragons. Plus, we're getting a little sentimental and celebrating reptile keeper wins—the big & the small! Whether you’re new to the hobby or 10 years deep, th...

Planning a getaway but stressing about your pet reptiles? We’ve got you covered! In this episode, we’re sharing our top tips and tricks for making sure your reptiles are safe and comfy while you’re on vacation. Plus, we reveal some of our favorite vacation spots—whether you're into beach bumming, mountain climbing, or city hopping. And of course, we wrap it all up with a hilarious round of “Ar...