The Wild Type Podcast

In this episode, we start with a big life update—Lyssa gets a major haircut, and we talk about the emotions, second-guessing, and confidence shifts that come with making a bold hair change. Then we dive into a more honest conversation: do we ever regret being “reptile girlies”? We talk openly about the challenges that come with reptiles becoming part of your identity—from public perception to burn...

In this episode, we share our honest reactions and thoughts on Zootopia 2, breaking it down from both an entertainment perspective and through the lens of reptile keepers. We talk about what the movie gets right, what made us pause, and how films like this can influence public perception of animals and the hobby. Then we reflect back on our 2025 vision boards—what actually happened, what surprised...

It’s the last episode of the year! We’re wrapping things up by sharing our goals for 2026, both personally and for the podcast. Then we get honest about the reptile hobby trends we’re ready to see end in 2026, along with the things we hope to see more of as the community continues to grow. Get early access to episodes: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-wild-type-podcast/subscribe Follow...

This week we’re asking the big question: Should kids have reptiles? We dig into responsibility levels, beginner-friendly species, and what parents should know before saying yes. Then we dive into a hilarious round of deciding whether things guys do count as princess treatment or just the bare minimum — and trust us, some of these takes are bold. Finally, we wrap the episode with fun and practical...

It’s our Christmas episode! We’re getting into the holiday spirit by trying a variety of Christmas candies and sharing our honest reactions—from instant favorites to ones we may never eat again. Then we wrap up our Reptiles of the Rainbow series by spotlighting purple reptiles, from naturally violet species to stunning purple morphs. Get early access to episodes: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod...

It’s our 2-year anniversary episode! 🎉 We’re celebrating by looking back at all our favorite moments, milestones, and the top episodes from the past year. Then we’re putting ourselves to the test with a blind ranking of reptile chores — the ones we love, the ones we tolerate, and the ones we avoid at all costs. And to wrap things up, we’re hosting the very first Reptile Girlies Awards, honoring t...

We’re breaking down the real cost of keeping pet reptiles — from the basics to the hidden expenses you don’t realize until you’re deep in the hobby. Then we dive into a hilarious Reddit thread full of things guys have learned about dating women. Some are relatable, some are hilarious, and we want to share them with you. It’s part reptile budgeting guide, part internet-chaos reaction session. Get e...

In this episode, we’re catching up after a wild couple of weeks! Lyssa gives a full recap of her *epic* Halloween party — the costumes, the chaos, and everything in between. Neptune shares stories from her Caribbean cruise, including snorkeling with turtles and getting kissed by a dolphin. Then we dive into the world of blue reptiles, from electric-blue geckos to venomous vipers. It’s a mix of tra...

We’re kicking things off this week with some bug escapee horror stories—because no matter how careful you are, feeder insects always find a way out. Then we dive into pop culture chaos and ask the big question: how are there 22 seasons of Grey’s Anatomy?! After that, it’s time for some updates—Lyssa got her nails done, and Neptune’s baby chameleons are starting to find their new homes! We wrap up...

This week, we’re getting a little reflective—and a little brave. We start by talking about the emotional rollercoaster of cutting your hair shorter and why big changes can feel so personal. Then we switch gears to the reptile world to break down the differences between snakes and legless lizards—because yes, they’re not the same thing. Finally, we share some advice we’d give our 20-something selve...

This week we’re hopping into some amphibian trivia! We test each other with fun (and surprisingly tricky) frog vs. toad facts to see which ones apply to frogs, toads, or both. Then we switch gears as Neptune shows off her new festive nails and we dive into a little relationship talk—should couples celebrate both their dating and wedding anniversaries, and how do we like to celebrate? Get early acc...

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...