AmphibiCast

In this episode I am joined by Julio Rodriguez and Braxton Griffith. We discuss their observations of wild dart frogs during a recent trip to Colombia, the logistics of navigating the different wild habitats, finding frogs in fragmented forest patches, and staying hydrated in the field.  We go on to discuss common sense frog room safety topics, dealing with stressed frogs, and much more.  This epi...

In order to become better stewards of the natural world, it's vital that we understand how important data from the amphibian hobby can be. As amphibian keepers, we can play an important role in conservation and resource management. By interpreting and understanding trade patterns, we can engage stakeholders and policy makers and make decisions based in science and facts. This week I am joined...

Have you ever been to a zoo or aquarium and marveled at the artfully crafted rocks and water features in the enclosures? Chances are, you may have seen the work of Stuart Dunne. Stuart is the founder of Universal Rocks and in this episode we discuss his beginnings as a landscaper in Australia, his move the the USA, and how he builds ornate (and often massive) rock walls and water features for zoos...

It’s that time of year again. Join me and Mike Tytula for a fireside chat about responsibly managing a large herp collection, in situ observations from his trip to Costa Rica, upcoming projects for 2026, and much more. Broaden your knowledge of herpetology online or in person at the Amphibian Foundation. Register now at www.amphibianfoundation.org and use code AMPHIBICAST at checkout for 10% off ...

We've all heard the tales of witches using "eye of newt" in their potions, but did you know that amphibians (frogs in particular) were actually a common ingredient in medieval curatives? Medieval medicine was in fact rife with recipes that used frogs (in part or whole) as cures, charms, and treatments for a long list of ailments.  And, in addition to their medical usage, frogs were...

This week I’m joined by Jack Small. Jack had traveled quite extensively and he has countless hours in the field observing and photographing dart frogs and other wildlife. In this episode, we discuss Jack’s field expeditions, wildlife photography techniques and equipment, and guiding groups through the rainforest. We also talk about yellow fever and the effects of other tropical diseases  Broaden y...

This week I'm joined by Jodi Rowley. Jodi is a leading amphibian expert with over 100 publications to her name,  years of field research in South East Asia and Australia, and she has identified and described several new frog species. In this episode, we discuss Jodi's career researching frogs, we compare amphibian disease dynamics in different corners of the globe, never before seen frog...

This week Alex Menke, Mike Novy, and I answer listener questions about dart frogs and tree frogs. We discuss husbandry, breeding, ethical topics, and we have more than a few laughs. Thanks to all the listeners who submitted questions.  Be sure to follow @amphibicast https://www.facebook.com/frogdaddyllc/ https://www.facebook.com/p/Rainforestjunkys-100078666645717/ https://frogdaddy.net/ http://www...

Are you interested in keeping dart frogs for the first time? In this episode I cover what you need to know before getting your first frog. I cover basic husbandry, feeding, supplementation, lighting, live plants, some natural history and much more. Broaden your knowledge of herpetology online or in person at the Amphibian Foundation. Register now at www.amphibianfoundation.org and use code AMPHIBI...

Vivarium Backgrounds are an integral part of dart frog vivarium builds. They can be simple or complex, but in the right hands they can become true works of art. This week Im joined by @mikegravia and we discuss his methods for building show room quality vivarium backgrounds. We cover materials, methods, and the learning curve,  as well as how to scale a build properly to recreate a slice of nature...

This week I'm joined by Braxton of Frog House Tropics. In this episode we discuss Braxton's barn sized  frog room(yes its an actual barn!), some new trends in the dart frog hobby, the importance that meetups have for the community, and much more. be sure to visit https://froghousetropics.com and follow @froghousetropics Broaden your knowledge of herpetology online or in person at the Amp...

This week I am joined by Tim Herman. Tim is well known for his specialized vivarium and marine aquarium brand -Indoor Ecosystems-, as well as for his accomplishments as an academic, and zoo professional. In this episode, Tim and I discuss how to bring high quality vivariums and aquariums to life. We also talk about his close work with caudates, the background behind the salamander ban from a few y...

Amphibian conservation, education, and appreciation, are the three ingredients that bind the amphibian community together. And, for almost a decade now, The Amphibian Foundation has dedicated its time and resources to provide both a brick and mortar facility, as well as an online presence,  that allows the amphibian community to learn, share, and grow.... And now is the time for the community to g...

This week I chat with Aaron Capouellez and we discuss what's going on with native Pennsylvania amphibians for Frog Week 2025. We talk about amphibian road crossings and the issues they present, how a group of young students became involved in wood frog conservation, is the northern green frog a threat to other native species??? and much more! To learn more visit: https://woodsandforestsmedia....

One of the most enigmatic extinction events in history took place only a few decades ago in a tiny section of pristine habitat near Monte Verde Costa Rica. Shorty after its discovery, the Golden Toad (Incilius periglenes) suddenly disappeared without a trace. Leaving many to wonder what happened and why. This week I am joined by Kyle and Trevor Ritland. Enamored by the mysterious and sudden disapp...

This week I am joined by fellow podcaster, Matt Wayne. Matt hosts the 'Not Another Reptile Podcast' and in this episode we discuss his venture into podcasting as well as his passion for fire salamanders. We discuss the care, breeding, and the hobby history of Salamandra salamandra, and we also talk about the value that the herp hobby has when we need help overcoming difficult times.  Be...

Zoos often play an integral part in amphibian conservation. This week I am joined by Audrey and Chris courtesy of Houston Zoo, and we discuss their work with the critically endangered Houston Toad.  Exo Terra is our sponsor this week. For all your amphibian needs visit: Exo-terra.com or visit your local dealer and follow @exoterrausa on social media.  To Support the Podcast, for merch, and vivariu...

EPISODE 200!  This week I am joined by Julio Rodriguez, Troy Goldberg and Mike Tytula. We have a full blown dart frog round table discussion covering tips, observations, breeding, supplementation, zoopoxy, mystery locales, social media posts gone rogue, and oh so much more.  Broaden your knowledge of herpetology online or in person at the Amphibian Foundation. Register now at www.amphibianfoundati...

This week I am joined by Ivan Lozano. In this episode, we discuss sustainable Colombian bio-commerce, the introduction of the first legally imported andinobates into the US amphibian community, and a new partnership between coffee farmers and conservationist aimed at saving precious frog habitat. Exo Terra is our sponsor this week. For all your amphibian needs visit: Exo-terra.com or visit your lo...

Social Media has become an important facet of our ever evolving society. We find news, opinions, and information at an ever increasing pace. But how do social media posts affect our perception of extinct animals? And, are posts about extinct amphibians unique in their retention? Do posts about frogs illicit a different response than mammals? (You may be surprised!) In this episode I am joined by S...

This week I am joined by Nathan Hall. Nathan has decades of experience keeping and breeding herps, and in this episode, we discuss his decision to focus on dart frogs. We also take a deep dive into the last 35 years of the herp hobby, the early days of the internet, Nathan's involvement with numerous gecko projects, and his experiences as a photographer. Be sure to check out https://www.austi...

This week I am joined by Rob Mohr. Rob recently traveled to Borneo, and in this episode we discuss the incredible amphibian species he encountered, and what makes Borneo unique as an island biome. Exo Terra is our sponsor this week. For all your amphibian needs visit: Exo-terra.com or visit your local dealer and follow @exoterrausa on social media.  To Support the Podcast, for merch, and vivarium...

This week I am joined by veterinarian, Brad Wilson DVM. In addition to working with companion animals and livestock, Brad is also an accomplished amphibian vet. In this episode, we take a comprehensive deep dive into amphibian medicine from a holistic perspective. We discuss the concepts of infection vs disease, the important roles that husbandry plays, nutritional disorders, and the importance th...

This week I am joined by Roland Knapp. Roland has studied Mountain yellow legged frogs in the Sierra Nevada for three decades. During the earliest days of his research, he witnessed the first massive amphibian die-offs in the US as a result of a new and lethal pathogen. That pathogen would come to be known as Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis or Bd for short. Moving forward, Roland's subsequent...

For decades, the reptile and amphibian hobbies have formed a sort of synergy. Collectively they constitute what many call the "Herp" hobby. However, as time passes, the communities have become more divergent- almost to the point of being mutually exclusive. But how much do we really have in common? In this episode I am joined by Phil Lietz (co-host of the Project Herpetoculture Podcast),...