Animals at Home Network

Nate Hawks is a scientific illustrator and zoo exhibit designer. In this episode, we discuss animal-related career options that fall outside of the typical science-related choices (biologist, zoo keeper, vet, etc.). Nate tells us how he successfully combined his love for creative art with his love for animals to pursue a career that allows him to do both. Nate not only helps design exhibits but is...

In this episode, Roy welcomes Summer Winston of The SHäP to the show! We hear about their origins in herpetoculture, what inspired them to open a reptile store and how it's different from the rest, what motivates and inspires them to improve, and a whole lot more. Summer is a truly passionate keeper with a thoughtful, soulful approach to the craft. This episode is not one to be missed! Please...

Benjamin Fabian is a German herpetoculturist and the owner of Dragantha's Dragon's, a breeding project focused on producing Phrynosoma (Horned Lizards). In the episode, Benjamin discusses what motivates him to work with such a specialized group of lizards and why he chooses to keep with "minimal interaction" between himself and his lizards. Benjamin also covers the dietary requir...

After a week away, we are back with a banger! In this episode, Phil and Roy welcome Mike Lardis of The Slithering Salamander to the show! We hear about his origins in herpetoculture, what his collection currently consists of, what motivates and inspires him to improve, how he constructs such stunning vivaria, and a whole lot more. Mike is an absolute wealth of knowledge and an inspiring keeper to...

Dylan LeVan is the owner and founder of Exotic Enrichment, a company that designs, produces and sells enrichment for reptiles. In the episode, Dylan explains how he fell into this business, the types of products he currently sells and the feedback he has received from the community so far. We also discuss the importance of adding enrichment into our reptile enclosures and Dylan also lets us in on...

In this episode, Phil and Roy welcome Joe DeStefano of Meteoric Serpents to the show! We hear about his origins in herpetoculture, what his collection currently consists of, what motivates and inspires him to improve, whether or not morphs are prone to pyramid schemes, and a whole lot more. This conversation gets into some friendly debate, and we hope you enjoy it! Please like, subscribe, and shar...

In this episode, we are joined by Ryan of Marshall Arachnids. Ryan and his partner Jess run Marshall Arachnids, and they are focused on promoting a natural history-based captive husbandry for tarantulas. Ryan and Jess are focused on adding the elements of husbandry back into tarantula care that we find in the wild, such as heating, lighting, photo periods, misting and rain cycles, and humidity/tem...

In this episode, Phil and Roy welcome Steven Kush to the show! We hear about his origins in herpetoculture, how he transitioned to breeding herps full time, what motivates and inspires him to do better, why scrub pythons have captured his focus, and a whole lot more. This conversation is full of the granular ranting and rambling for which this show is known, and we hope you enjoy it! Please like,...

Deanna is a reptile keeper out of Louisiana and in this episode, we discuss the human side of reptile-keeping. We discuss the challenges of navigating new friendships and relationships as someone who keeps reptiles and how to deal with the rejection that it may generate. Deanna gives some great dating advice for reptile keepers and we also discuss the importance of establishing good relationships...

In this episode, Phil and Roy welcome Eddie Soto back to the show! We catch up on what's changed since he last visited the show, why he's drawn to Lacertidae, how he was the catalyst behind starting P:H podcast, and a whole lot more. This conversation is full of the granular ranting and rambling for which this show is known, and we hope you enjoy it! Please like, subscribe, and share this...

In this episode, Roy welcomes Kori Martin to the show! We hear about her origins in herpetoculture, how she transitioned to breeding reptiles full time, why her collection has shifted away from snakes and toward lizards, and a whole lot more. Kori is full of passion and enthusiasm, and this is not an episode to be missed! Please like, subscribe, and share this episode, if you feel so inclined. To...

Jamie Woods returns to the Animals at Home Network to continue a discussion on applying tried and true aquarium concepts to herpetoculture. In the episode, Jamie discusses the current lack of biofeedback within reptile enclosures and how mixed-species enclosures may fix that. We cover the lack of hunting opportunities we give snakes in captivity and how live-feeding may be the key to triggering br...

Rebecca Hassler is the owner of Dragoon Gecko, an EU-based leopard gecko morph breeding facility. In this episode, Rebecca discusses the use of the term "pure", and if it is appropriate to use in relation to morphs. We cover some of the differences between leopard gecko and ball python breeding, specifically highlighting the difference between working with simple vs. complex genetic trai...

In this episode, Phil and Roy welcome John Scarbrough of Geckoboa to the show! We hear about his origins in herpetoculture, how he transitioned to breeding geckos full time, how he built a private facility for his projects, and a whole lot more. John is a class act and an absolute wealth of knowledge - this is NOT an episode to be missed! Please like, subscribe, and share this episode, if you feel...

Marie Lavigne is a Canadian reptile breeder and the owner of Konoha Reptiles. Konoha Reptiles is mainly focused on breeding geckos including Phelsuma, Strophurus, Nephrurus, Oedura, and more. Marie also works at Exotics Addicts, a reptile shop owned by her boyfriend Jo in Blainville, Quebec. In this episode, Marie gives some valuable insight into how she sets up her baby snake breeding racks to en...

In this episode, Phil and Roy welcome the legend himself, Ron St. Pierre, back to the show! We hear about what's changed since Ron joined us last (on Episode No. 3), talk about the current state of herpetoculture and the market, discuss the legacy of Brian Barczyk, talk about the value of consistency versus adaptability, and a whole lot more. As with every conversation with Ron, this episode h...

Ashley Norman and Jake Rutherford are the creators of the Exotics of the World TV YouTube Channel. Ashley is a long-time reptile keeper and owner of the UK-based reptile shop, Exotics of the World, and Jake is a relative newcomer to herpetoculture which the duo a great balance between novice and experienced keeping. In the episode, we discuss the importance of sacrificing animal sales to ensure an...

In this episode, Phil and Roy recap the Pomona Reptile Super Show! They also offer some teasers of what's to come for P:H. Have a listen and let us know what you think! Please like, subscribe, and share this episode, if you feel so inclined. To offer direct support to the show with a tip or donation, consider subscribing to our Patreon ( https://patreon.com/projectherpetoculture ) and have a l...

Paul Barclay is the owner and founder of Custom Reptile Habitats. In the episode, Paul discusses his background in the pet industry and the inspiration behind starting his own business. He talks about the lack of quality reptile enclosures and how he saw an opportunity to create something better. Paul also emphasizes the importance of big box pet stores in the industry and the need for better unde...

In this episode, Phil and Roy welcome Hannes Driemer to the show! We discuss the origins of his interest in herpetoculture and invertebrate keeping, the similarities and differences between the two disciplines, his studies in biology and how they have influenced his keeping, and a whole lot more! Don't miss this episode! Please like, subscribe, and share this episode, if you feel so inclined....

In this episode, Phil and Roy welcome Chris Sharp back to the show! We discuss what's changed in his collection since we spoke last, hear about his experience being bitten by a rattlesnake, talk about the Reptile Super Show we'll be vending at together, and a whole lot more! This is a seriously fascinating one, with a truly harrowing account from Chris. Don't miss this episode! Please...

Damian Mckay is a long-time reptile keeper out of Australia and the owner of Copperhead Customs, which is an enclosure design company that specializes in custom-built backgrounds and decor that not only look amazing but are functional and specific to the animal they are made for. In this episode, we cover the fundamentals of building reptile habitats, including enclosure size, basking and heat, hy...

In this episode, Phil and Roy have a conversation with Jay Sommers! We discuss how he got started in herpetoculture, some of his early influences, some things he would like to see change in the industry, his upcoming Reptile Talks event, and a whole lot more! Jay has a range of experience within herpetoculture that very few can match. Don't miss this episode! Please like, subscribe, and share...

Harvey Tweats and Tom Whitehurst are the founders of Celtic Rewilding (formally known as Celtic Reptile & Amphibian). In this episode, we are joined by Harvey to discuss the prospect of rewilding in the English landscape with a focus on their current project aimed at reintroducing the European Pond Turtle to the wild after being locally extinct over 2000 years ago. Harvey walks us through thou...

In this episode, Phil and Roy have a conversation with Alex Myers of Alex's Agamids! We discuss how he got started in herpetoculture, the value of mentorship, what draws him to agamids specifically, and a whole lot more! Alex is already a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm at a young age, and he's well on his way to contributing a lot to herpetoculture already. Don't miss this episode!...