Let's Talk Turtles: Recent Episodes
Ryan and Rebecca
Ryan and Rebecca are a dynamic duo who love turtles and tortoises. Realizing there was a lack of podcasts for our shelled friends, "Let's Talk Turtles" was hatched!
Ryan is a long time zookeeper who has specialized in working with Reptiles and Amphibians. His wife, Rebecca, is a water quality super genius who has analyzed water chemistry for a wide range of animals and even built her own lab! Together they offer unique perspectives on every topic, whether a guest is present or not! Their goal is to promote positive, accurate information about turtles and tortoises that everybody can enjoy!
Episode 36! Tom and I are here with Aaron Johnson as we celebrate his accomplishments with a difficult Hinge-back species, Kinixys belliana! We’ll talk about how he treated his animals, persevered and produced young!
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
Episode 35! Tom and I are here with Anthony Pierlioni talking about the Turtle Room and so much more. Take some time out of your day to listen! We hope you enjoy!
theturtleroom.org
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
Episode 34! In this episode Tom and I welcome Turtle Survival Alliance veteran, Jordan Gray. We discuss The TSA annual symposium, spotted turtles and even some conservation/preservation talk… Who’d have guessed!? Enjoy the show!
https://turtlesurvival.org/annual-symposium/
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
Episode 33! In this episode Tom and I discuss giving back to offset the pet trade and many other interesting topics. We ask you to listen and be open to understanding various perspectives and take action in the conservation of our favorite taxa!
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
Episode 32! In this episode we welcome Nathan Haislip to the show! Nathan has a plethora of Chelonian care experience from a zoo perspective, an NGO perspective and as a private keeper! Join us as we talk Manouria and more!
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
Episode 31! In this episode we welcome Brian Horne to the show! Brian is a Turtle Conservationist who has been working with in situ programs all over the globe. Get to know Brian with us and follow along as he shares his unique perspective of the perils of turtles and how we can contribute to in situ conservation.
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
Episode 30! Tom and I catch up after a less than stellar February off. We talk electric fences and ex-situ conservation. Tune in!
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
Episode 29! Tom and I welcome James Terelle of James Terelle Turtles. James keeps a lot of unique and interesting species including Twist-neck Turtles and Snail-eating Turtles. Chill out and listen as he tells us all about them.
Gopher Tortoise Plates: https://wildlandsconservation.org/gopher-tortoise-license-plate/
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
Episode 28! Tom and I sit down, catch up and discuss the Endangered Species Act, species misrepresentation and of course, light bulbs! Download and listen to this one!
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
Episode 27! Tom and I sat down with Damon Barnes and had a great conversation! We discussed Kinixys, cypress substrate, duck eggs and more! Tune in and check it out!
Damon Barnes
IG: @knobcreeknaturalist
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
Episode 26! For those of you who keep turtles and tortoises, do you have a plan for them when you are gone? In this episode we talk to Shawn Fleming who has some experiences helping disseminate collections in an unfortunate event mentioned above. He shares his thoughts with us and we have a great conversation. Shawn is a great guy and I’m sure you will enjoy the chat!
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
Episode 25! How do people and turtle ownership intertwine? PhD student Zoie McMillian is studying this very question and it’s far more complex and fascinating than that single question would lead you to believe. She is really interested in learning more about what turtle owners have in common and what likely drives turtle consumption for those in the U.S. Hang out with Tom and Ryan as they get into the weeds with Zoie in Part 1 of this interview!
Zoie McMillian
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
In Episode 24 we’re talking with Ryan Young of Molecular Reptiles. Ryan is mostly known for his work with pythons, but he’s always had an interest in reptiles of the shelled-kind. He’s been building his collection of cool species and most recently hatched some Spotted Turtles! Tune in and listen to an excellent conversation!
Ryan Young
http://www.molecularreptile.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/molecularreptile
IG: @molecularreptile
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
In Episode 23 we’re celebrating Desert Tortoise Week! Luke Basulto has a lot of experience working with Desert Tortoises and the dangers that threaten their survival. He’s also one of the board members on the Desert Tortoise Council. This was a great episode and Luke shared a TON of information and knowledge that not many can. Listen up!
Luke BasultoDesert Tortoise Council: https://deserttortoise.org/
Saving Slowpoke: https://www.savingslowpoke.org/
IG: @luke_basulto
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
In Episode 22 Tom and Ryan welcome Vanessa Costanzo! Vanessa is a herper of many talents as she is the Director of Marketing and Advertising at TTPG, the Administrative Director for USARK and more all while running her own Pet Shop out in sunny Arizona. Please give it a listen and get to know Vanessa like Tom and I did!
Vanessa Costanzo:TTPG: https://www.ttpg.org/conferences.php
USARK: https://usark.org/memberships/
The Pet Shop: https://thepetshopaz.com/
IG: @vcostanzo6
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
In Episode 21 Ryan and Tom catch up again! Tom talks about the TSA conference and Ryan discusses a big life decision, plus more!
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
In Episode 20 Chad Brown of All Pro Shipping (Ship Your Reptiles) joins Tom and I as we discuss shipping chelonians and other transport talk. SYR was launched in 2009 and since has helped ship over half a million packages, on time and live arrivals! I, Ryan, have had an account and used SYR for nearly 10 years and will attest to the customer service and ease of use with SYR!
Instagram: @shipyourreptiles_official
https://www.facebook.com/SYReptiles
https://shipyourreptiles.com/
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
In Episode 19 Tom and Ryan catch up and discuss a few things. But we primarily focus on reptile veterinary care. Bot Tom and Ryan have had issues with their chelonian friends and share their thoughts with everyone that includes private vet care, zoo vet care and how to interact with your preferred veterinarian, or really any veterinarian! You will learn something from this one! Be sure to listen!
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
In Episode 18 Tom and I are joined by Jordan Donini of Florida Southwest State College! We talk about a LOT of turtles in this one from Florida, Costa Rica and Ghana. We may have set a record for most species discussed! Hang with us as we do what we do best and talk turtles!
Instagram: @swfl_turtle_project
Herpeton Conference! https://www.fsw.edu/herpetonconference/
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
In Episode 17 Tom and Ryan are joined by Zac Louhgman of West Liberty University! Zac has built an incredible Zoo Science program (among others) with a strong base in Herpetoculture. Join us as he talks about his upcoming challenge of establishing more chelonians into the program amongst other aspects of his work with herps! He is also a co-host for the popular podcast, Colubrid and Colubroid Radio!
West Liberty Zoo Science FB
https://www.facebook.com/WLUZooSci
Instagram: @dr_crawdad
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
In Episode 16 Tom and Ryan are joined by Chris Manis from Dalton State College! Chris manages the Turtle Assurance Colony (TAC) at Dalton State which houses nearly 20 chelonian species with over 100 individuals. Download or stream to listen to him explain how he’s able to accomplish this while doing so much more as a professor! We had a great conversation and I’m sure you’ll enjoy listening!
Dalton State TAC Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/DSCTAC
Instagram: @christopher.manis1
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
In Episode 15 hang out with Ryan and Tom as we catch up with our guest Matthew Hills! Matthew is a consistent, positive presence in any legitimate tortoise group and has a lot of great information to share. We talk about the FIVE different subspecies of Russian Tortoise (and a sixth that’s extinct(OR IS IT)), browse, outdoor diets and much more.
So download and hang out with us and get to know Matthew!
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
In Episode 14 hang out with Ryan and Tom as we catch up a little after a lot of traveling. We talk about an emerging turtle disease, natural pond amoebas and of course we talk about our love for this wonderful time of year where warmth returns to our lives and turtles can go outside! So catch up with us and listen up!
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
In Episode 13 Tom and I welcome back Ralph Till. A lot has happened regarding Egyptian Tortoises and Ralph joins us to discuss that. We spend time focusing on the positive strides we can make in the community and getting ahead of the game. Please give us a listen and give us some feedback!
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
In Episode 12 of Let’s Talk Turtles you are in for a treat as Tom and I catch up and have some great conversations about vacation coverage, the Egyptian Tortoise ESA listing, TMNT and more. Hang out with us and enjoy the conversation!
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
In Episode 11 of Let’s Talk Turtles, Tom and I have a wonderful conversation with Kimberly Vanous of the Big and Small Tortoise Rescue and Sanctuary. Since establishing in 2017, Kim’s dedication has grown this non-profit into an incredibly well run facility driven by passion for our shelled friends. Forget what you know about reptile rescues and sanctuaries and learn from Kim how to make an impact!
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
In Episode 10 of Let’s Talk Turtles, Two Turtle Tom and I sit down with David Kelley to discuss initiating and growing a collection of tortoises! David is an Ohio native transplanted in Kansas and keeps a wide variety of herpetofauna. We touch on salamanders for a while in this one as well. We had a great time and I think you will enjoy the conversation, so check it out! You can find David at Kelly Herpetological on Facebook and Kelley_Herpetological on Instagram!
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
In Episode 9 of Let’s Talk Turtles, have a listen with Tom and I as we discuss the many variables to consider before keeping your Tortles (IYKYK) outside. We talk about where to build pens, how to build pens, what to build pens with, how to keep them secure and so much more! Have a listen and relax with Tom and I!
Fire Belly Toad Documentary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDtYf_uYSB0
TwoTurtleTom’s YouTube Video
Building a Box Turtle Enclosure. Is it our Best Ever?
Ryan’s YouTube Video
8. Reptiles Outside - Florida Box Turtles!
Little Blue Stem, the plant of the year that Tom mentioned!
https://www.nurserymag.com/article/2022-perennial-plant-of-the-year/?fbclid=IwAR1M4KPe_4fpzfZNuVTu_MTItVqBhRaMlsRByLE0YN5GzQHClbdG-6_zRgw#:~:text=Little%20bluestem,%2C%20coneflowers%2C%20and%20other%20grasses
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
In Episode 8 of Let’s Talk Turtles, Tom and I have a conversation with Will Espenshade of Kapidolo Farms! Will is an encyclopedia of information with years of work as a zookeeper in the zoo world and now in the field of biopharma. He owns and operates Kapidolo Farms, specializing in nutritional products for your tortoises, turtles and many other creatures, great and small. Add some fiber to your animals’ diet and enjoy a host of other benefits!
Chicken Layer Crumbles Blog
KapidoloFarms.com
Ryan:
IG: @RAD_Reptiles82
YT: @Rad_reptiles
Rad-reptiles.com
Tom
IG: @twoturtletom
YT: @twoturtletom
Intro Music: Mr. Smith - Poor Man’s Groove
Outro Music: tomorrow-is-today - 5282
Hello again! Join Tom and Ryan and they have conversation with Ralph Till, THE person to talk to when it comes to Egyptian Tortoises. Ralph is a great human with lots to share. There's a lot to learn from someone who is dedicated, extremely thorough and has done everything the right way. Enjoy the conversation and be sure to follow the podcast and watch for new episodes!
Ryan
rad-reptiles.com
IG: rad_reptiles82
YouTube: RAD Reptiles
Tom
IG: TwoTurtleTom
YouTube: TwoTurtleTom
Rebecca is back in this episode along with Ryan to talk a little bit about Christmas and to share some interesting things about turtles. Maybe you know these things, maybe you don't! Anyway, join us for the next half hour and let's hang out! Also, there's a new facebook group you should consider joining, it's called 'Let's Talk Turtles PODCAST'. We'll share ideas and turtles on the page that focuses on the episodes in the podcast. Please join!
rad-reptiles.com
IG: rad_reptiles82
YouTube: RAD Reptiles
And we're back! In this episode Ryan, Tom and guest Anthony Pierlioni discuss the recent Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group (TTPG) Conference from different perspectives. SPOILER ALERT: You should go!
https://ttpg.org/
After a hiatus, Let's Talk Turtles is back with a fresh episode that includes our first interview! Today we're talking with Tom Arbor, a chelonian enthusiast and Kinixys aficionado! So sit back and enjoy our conversation and WELCOME BACK!
Tom's YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMkL5log3H9fyqWOUD7NAqw
Rebecca and Ryan scratch the surface about Turtles and their relevance in other cultures. In part 1 of a series, they talk about turtles controlling the weather, a bones/no bones analogy to Feng Shui and whether or not Ryan should set an initial goal of 82 pet turtles and tortoises (among many other things). An update on Grimm, their loveable dog, helps explain a little about the delay in the show and why socks are a "keep out of the dog's sight" item in the household! Thanks again for checking us out!
Life comes at you fast, but podcast recording doesn't sometimes! We'll have a fresh episode next week, but in the meantime take a couple minutes and listen to what we're going to talk about next week!
Welcome back! Rebecca and Ryan discuss maybe the most identifiable characteristic of a turtle, its shell! Along the way we talk about cool subjects like Pancake Tortoise odor, epiplastra and Rebecca's extensive past clubbing experiences. And of course, what decent chelonian podcast doesn't touch on popular films?! Find out how Moana, Tremors, Beetlejuice Sandworms and Peewee's Big Adventure relate to Rebecca and Ryan's conversation! Enjoy this very "scute-y" episode!
Butt-breathing, upside-down swimming turtles, guard tortoises, the Neverending Story, meat-eating tortoises (we were way ahead of the latest video...) and Ryan discovers that Rebecca doesn’t like a certain death-feigning animal! Join Rebecca and Ryan on their inaugural full episode of Let’s Talk Turtles!
News article:
https://globegazette.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/watch-now-north-iowa-kids-take-charge-at-ventura-turtle-crossing/article_4d03827c-04a3-5998-937b-cd1aacb255fc.html?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter_
References:https://news.yale.edu/2014/05/05/study-finds-turtles-are-closer-kin-birds-crocodiles-lizards-snakes
https://www.fws.gov/international/pdf/archive/workshop-terrestrial-turtles-presentation-abstracts.pdf
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/cryptodira
https://doi.org/10.1007%2Fs00114-016-1375-y
Pérez-García, Adán (4 June 2016). "A new turtle confirms the presence of Bothremydidae (Pleurodira) in the Cenozoic of Europe and expands the biostratigraphic range of Foxemydina". The Science of Nature.103(7–8): 50.
Joyce, Walter G.; Anquetin, Jérémy; Cadena, Edwin-Alberto; Claude, Julien; Danilov, Igor G.; Evers, Serjoscha W.; Ferreira, Gabriel S.; Gentry, Andrew D.; Georgalis, Georgios L.; Lyson, Tyler R.; Pérez-García, Adán (2021-02-09). "A nomenclature for fossil and living turtles using phylogenetically defined clade names". Swiss Journal of Palaeontology. 140 (1): 5. doi:10.1186/s13358-020-00211-x. ISSN 1664-2384.
Welcome! This is an introduction of Rebecca and Ryan as they describe what you can expect from the Let's Talk Turtles podcast! There are very few podcasts with a focus on our shelled friends, that's where Let's Talk Turtles comes in. We begin with some basic information about turtles and slowly introduce new and more complex topics. Your time would be appreciated as you give this intro a listen!
IG: rad_reptiles82
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RADReptiles25