CrocKast Podcast: Recent Episodes
Nathanael Truax
In this podcast series, Nate and Matt interview the leading figures in field herping, reptile research, zoo work and captive reptile husbandry. Join us as we explore and learn from the best in the world!
In this episode Nate and Bryant (@goldenhipsterjourneys6728 ) are joined by Jacob Bratz of Long Leaf Reptilia and the Herpetoculture Network to talk about his experiences keeping various snake species, and some of his adventures herping around the United States, especially in South Carolina.
Check out Serpentine Expeditions and use code CK25 when booking for $100 off of your next herping adventure!
https://www.serpentineexpeditions.com/
In this episode Nate and Bryant are joined by Blaine Mazzetti ( @Mazzettis.find.snakes ) to talk all about his adventures herping in the southwestern United States and Mexico. This will also be our last livestream for some time. We will be switching over to prerecorded episodes for the foreseeable future.
Check out Serpentine Expeditions and use code CK25 when booking for $100 off of your next herping adventure!
https://www.serpentineexpeditions.com/
In this episode Nate and Bryant are joined by Rob Alleva (IG @cavemanrob) to talk about his many adventures herping around the world. From the depths of the #amazon to the foot of the pyramids join us as we talk about some of the incredible wildlife Rob has seen Please subscribe to Rob's channel @Snakesandsafaris for more herping content!
Check out Serpentine Expeditions and use code CK25 when booking for $100 off of your next herping adventure!
https://www.serpentineexpeditions.com/
In this episode Nate and Bryant are joined by Michael Taylor (IG @michael.taylor.photography) to talk about his #herping experiences in Indiana and the rest of the Midwest, along with his adventures out west. We'll also talk a bit about the differences and contrasts between these two regions on North America.
Check out our sponsor Serpentine Expeditions and use code CK25 at checkout for $100 off of your next booking with them! https://www.serpentineexpeditions.com/
In this episode the guys are joined by Chas (IG: @More_than_morelia ) and Zach (IG: @nonesoherpetological) to talk about Chinese King Rat snakes!
Check out our sponsor Serpentine Expeditions and use code CK25 at checkout for $100 off of your next booking with them!
https://www.serpentineexpeditions.com/
In this episode Nate is joined by Rupert to talk all about his many adventures herping around south-east Asia, some of the most memorable species he's found, the importance of specimen collection, and so much more! Also make sure to check out his Instagram and YouTube pages (linked below).
IG: https://www.instagram.com/rupertsreptiles?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@rupertsreptiles?si=9BF-aabTFS_iBm3W
Be sure to check out the channel's sponsor Serpentine Expeditions! Use code CK25 at checkout for $100 off for booking your next herping adventure!
https://www.serpentineexpeditions.com/
Nate and Bryant are joined by Aaron Capouellez to talk about Frog Week 2025! We'll be discussing amphibian conservation, citizen science, and why and how Woods and Forest Media was founded, and what his documentaries cover. Check out Frog Week 2025 using the link below. https://www.pawoodsandforests.com/
Check out Serpentine Expeditions and use code CK25 at checkout for $100 off of your next herping tour booking! https://www.serpentineexpeditions.com/
In this episode Nate and Bryant sit down to go over how they would build their ideal reptile zoo. We go over everything from location, to size, to exhibit themes, to dream species! If you love herps and zoos, then this is the one for you!
Check out Serpentine Expeditions and use code CK25 at checkout for $100 off of your next booking!
https://www.serpentineexpeditions.com/
In this episode Mark Perpetua (IG @gator_perp) comes on to talk about his experiences working with reptiles in a zoo setting, how he runs a reptile outreach program, and keeping crocodilians in a northern state. Please check out his website in the link below!
https://www.reptileprograms.com/
Check out the channel's sponsor Serpentine Expeditions and use code CK25 at checkout for $100 off your next herping adventure!
https://www.serpentineexpeditions.com/
In this episode Nate and Bryant are joined by Samuel Kossl (IG @samuelkosslv3) to talk about his experiences herping across the United States, especially in the San Antonio area of Texas.
Check out Serpentine Expeditions and use code CK25 at check out for $100 of off your next herping trip!
https://www.serpentineexpeditions.com/
In this episode Nate and Bryant are joined by Eric Rosenthal to talk about his experience herping in Texas and his work as an interpretive park ranger.
Check out Serpentine Expeditions and use code CK25 at checkout for $100 off your next herping trip!
https://www.serpentineexpeditions.com/
Enjoy this live recording from CrocFest with Nate, Bryant, and co.
Check out our sponsor Serpentine Expeditions and use code CK25 at checkout for $100 off your next booking!
https://www.serpentineexpeditions.com/
In this episode Nate and Bryant sit down and rehash their experiences and adventures in east Texas while attending CrocFest
This episode is sponsored by Serpentine Expeditions. Use code CK25 at checkout for $100 off your booking
https://www.serpentineexpeditions.com/
In the first part of the special coverage from CrocFest, Nate and Bryant are joined by Andrew Austin (IG @texasnaturalist) and Matt Freelon to talk about their experiences working at Crocodile Encounter and herping in Texas. Enjoy!
In this episode James Watson comes on to talk about his work with Tomistoma (i.e. the Sunda Gharial). We talk about his research work, some of the interesting aspects of Tomistoma natural history, what threats Tomistoma face going into the future, and palm oil plantations. Bryant also joins us as a co-host, and we do briefly touch on herping in Sarawak. Enjoy!
In this episode Ian Breland (IG @life.of.ian) of Serpentine Expeditions comes on to talk all about his adventures herping across the globe, how he set up a herping tour company, wildlife videography, and much more. Enjoy!
Check out Serpentine Expeditions with the link below:
https://www.serpentineexpeditions.com/
In this episode Zach Bell of the Okinawa Kame Centre (IG @okinawakamecentre) comes on to talk all about his experience working with reptiles, how he came to found the Okinawa Kame Centre, and the Centre's focus species, the Ryukyu Black-breasted Leaf Turtle (Geoemyda japonica). We deep dive into the biology and natural history of this fascinating little turtle and discuss some of the threats that face this species. If you want to know more about this turtle and how you can contribute to its conservation, please follow the link below. Enjoy!
https://www.okinawa-kame.org/en-home
In this episode Dr. Christina Zdenek comes on to talk about her work at the Australian Reptile Academy, Death Adder venom research, and snake's ability to detect sound. Enjoy!
In this Episode Bryant and Nate chat with Emilio Pazmino about all his adventures herping throughout Latin America and the southeastern United States. We especially focus on his experiences in Panama and Ecuador.
In this episode Nate and Bryant hangout with Jack (@roadtripmonster) and talk all about herping, herping gear, and camera gear. If you want the know how to get great herp photos, then this is the episode for you!
In this episode Nate and Bryant sit down with Kay of Darker Scales to talk about her work with large colubrids, especially Indigos and Cribos. We talk about captive care, breeding, and the culture and laws that surround keeping these magnificent snakes. Enjoy!
In this episode Steve of Steve's Snaketuary comes on to talk about his work caring for abandoned and surrendered animals. We also talk about herping in Louisiana and his hot sauce. Enjoy!
In this episode Matt Minio returns to talk all about his adventures since he was last on the pod. We talk about his time in the everglades, his survey work in California, and his month long adventure through Indonesia. Enjoy!
In this episode Bryant and Nate sit down with Connor (@ohio.herps) to talk about herping in Ohio, Florida, and the southeast. We also talk about the reptiles and amphibians of Ohio and the greater Midwest, and what makes them so great. Enjoy!
In this episode Warren Schmidt of Biodiversity & Environment Africa comes on to talk about his adventures with herps in South Africa, his career working with herps, and African biodiversity. Be sure to check out his website at www.bioenviroafrica.com
Nate and Bryant sit down to talk about some of the places in the United States and around the globe that they would like to visit. It's a Top 10 list you won't want to miss!
In this episode Dr. Steven Allain (IG @stevoallain) joins me to talk about his work with the conservation and research of the herps of Great Britain. We talk about his research with infectious fungi (i.e. chytrid), invasive species, and other things. Hope y'all enjoy
Also, be sure to check out the Okinawa Kame Centre (IG @okinawakamecentre) to learn more about the Ryukyu Black-Breasted Leaf Turtle. Enjoy!
In this episode Mike Pingleton of the So Much Pingle podcast comes on to talk about his experience producing a podcast and his adventures herping across the globe. Enjoy!
In this episode we dive into the world famous Snake Road and talk all about the herps we saw there as well as some of the other places around southern Illinois where reptiles and amphibians can be found. Enjoy!
In this episode we go over all the different Dipsadid snakes that Nate saw in Costa Rica, from many different species of Sibon, the two species of Geophis, Cat-eyed snakes, among others. Enjoy!
In this episode Tim Crowther comes on to talk about his work at the Natural Toxin Research Center looking at some of the more obscure elements in snake venom (especially Red Spitting Cobra venom), and we also talk about his personal collection and experience breeding many different sorts of herps. Enjoy!
In this episode Dr. Zach Whitman (IG @conservation_herp) comes on to talk about his experience as a veterinarian that specializes in reptiles, how he got into herp focused veterinary care, steps people can take to prevent common maladies in their collections, and his conservation work. Enjoy!
In this episode Bryant and Nate do a recap of Nate's recent herping trip across Costa Rica, including pictures of some of the highlight species from the trip. Enjoy!
In this episode Robert Hansen joins me to talk about his work at UC Berkley's Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, and his 20 years of work as the editor for Herpetological Review. We also talk about his work with Mexican King Snake species and his upcoming book. Enjoy!
In this episode Joe (@meteoricserpents) of the Colubrid Corruption Podcast comes on to talk about Texas rat snakes, morph breeding, and his podcast. Enjoy
We talk all about Colubrid Fest, including what we picked up, what we found herping, and the content of the Saturday panels. Enjoy
We talk all about Colubrid Fest, including what we hope to get there, the different speakers and panels, and potentially doing some side herping in the Indianapolis area. We also talk about everything new with us, and potential future trips.
In this episode Jeff Beane of North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences about his role as the museum's herpetology collections manager, what roles museums play in research and conservation, and what threats face North Carolina's native reptiles and amphibians.
In the first episode of this new podcast series, Nate and Bryant lay out the groundworks, goals, and format of the podcast. We also talk about Colubrid Fest and get prepared for that. Hope y'all enjoy!
In this episode Dr. Steve Salisbury talks with me about extinct Australian crocodilian species, including the interesting extinct croc family of Mekosuchidae. He also talks about the role that osteoderms play in crocodilian spinal stability. Enjoy!
In this episode I talk with researcher and author Vladimir Dinets about his work researching crocodilian social behavior and some of his adventures across the globe. Enjoy.
In this episode Chad Keates (IG @chadkeates) talks about his work with snakes, lizards, and amphibians across Africa, specifically his genetic work as an evolutionary biologist. Enjoy!
In this episode Rachel Pikstein of Pikstein Labs comes on to talk all about Tegus! We talk about her work looking into the genetics of invasive tegu populations in Florida and in captivity, how frequently red tegus hybridize with black and white tegus, and we also talk about tegu intelligence. Enjoy!
In this episode I talk with Jack (@roadtripmonster) about his adventures herping all across Texas and in the greater Las Vegas area. We also talk about his personal collection, and his experience with getting bitten by a rattlesnake.
In this episode Dr. Mark O'shea talks about his adventures across the globe, especially in New Guinea, his work with the University of Wolverhampton, conservation, nature documentary production, books, and snake bite treatment. Enjoy!
In this episode I interview Dr. Hilevski about his research work with crocodilian farming (specifically with broad snouted caiman) and captive breeding for conservation with Orinoco Crocodiles. Enjoy!
In this episode wildlife film maker Robert Wedderburn comes on to talk about his work, his history with herping and captive keeping, his series Snake Heroes, and much more. Dive on in!
(18) Robert Wedderburn - YouTube
In this episode Jake Bratz (@longleafreptilia) of the Herpetoculture Podcast and the Flipping Tin podcast joins me to talk about his personal collection, podcasting, and herping. Enjoy!
In this episode Andrew Austin (@thetexasnaturalist) comes back on to talk about his recent herping trip to Suriname, his experience with using social media for nature education, and some of the other stuff he's been up to lately. We also talk a lot about South American snake taxonomy. Enjoy!
In this episode Bruce Eilerts talks about his work as a biologist for the DOD, whether that be sea turtles in Hawaii or rattlesnakes on Arizona golf courses. We talk about Gila Monsters, Desert Tortoises, rattlesnakes, and how people can be citizen scientists.
In this episode Clint Bartley of Metazotics and Colubrid and Colubroid Radio comes on to talk about Asiatic rat snakes, North American colubrids, the economy of herpetoculture, and the CCR podcast. Enjoy!
In this episode I talk with Lance Paden about his work with the Turtle Survival Alliance, along with his other conservation experiences. We talk about his work Indigo snakes in the southern US and Radiated Tortoises in Madagascar, among other things. Enjoy!
If you want to support the Turtle Survival Alliance follow the link below
Turtle Survival Alliance | We Protect Turtles
https://turtlesurvival.org/
In this episode Dr. Stan Trauth of Arkansas State University talks all about reptile and amphibian histology, ranging from lizards to turtles to amphiumas. Enjoy!
In this episode Dr. Kurt Schwenk of the University of Connecticut comes on to talk about tongues! We talk about lizard tongues ranging from the projectile like chameleons, to the forked-tongued monitors, and everything in between. We also discuss snake tongues, and even a some amphibian anatomy as well. Enjoy!
In this episode Bryant McDowell (@don_bon_jr) comes on to talk about his herping experiences in Illinois, across the Midwest, down in Panama, and across the USA. We also talk about some of the stuff he keeps, and herping dreams for the both of use.
In this episode Dr. Brochu talks about the evolution and fossil record of crocodilians and their extinct relatives. We talk about the amazing diversity that crocodilians up until very recently (ranging from terrestrial predators to finned and fluked marine reptiles) and the origins of many of the species still alive today.
In this episode Zane Shapiro talks about his work at the Dragonwoods Conservancy and all they do to protect endangered reptiles, including the largest collection of Cuban Crocodiles in the United States. Enjoy!
In this JD McClain of Slithering Oddities (@slitheringoddities) talks about his experience keeping and breeding a variety of snakes, especially Australian pythons.
In this episode Nile Crocodile researcher Xander Combrink talks about his research with these iconic apex predators. We talk about his research with lead and heavy metal poisoning, nesting habits, and social behaviors in Nile crocs, among other things. Enjoy!
In this episode James Nifong talks about his research with alligators, their ecology, and their role in salt water environments. Enjoy!
In this episode Brandon Sideleau of the Crocodile Attack Database (@crocattackdatabase) talks about croc attacks around the world, the difference in attacks between different species, and how to be safe in and around crocodilian habitat.
In this episode Roy Blodgett of @wellspringherp and @rattlesnakerelations talks about his career in herpetoculture, Amazon puffing snakes, and his experiece providing rattlesnake services.
In this episode Adeline Robinson talks about her reptile artwork. From personal portraits of animals to pieces made for charity auctions. Enjoy!
In this episode Daffy (@daffysreptiles) about his collection, Canadian herpetoculture, and his podcast, Daffy's Round Table. Check it out.
In this episode I interview Will Hicks (@ ) of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center (@georgiaseaturtlecenter) about the work and research he and the center as a whole does. We talk about sea turtle biology, their natural history, what threats they face, and how people back home can help. Enjoy!
In this episode I interview Grahame Webb about his research with crocodiles in Australia, his work with Crocodylus Park, and some of his adventures throughout the year. Enjoy!
In this episode I interview Nipper Read (@nipperread). We talk about his experiences herping all over Europe and the world, the differences between European and American herpetoculture, what all he keeps, and how he keeps them. Check it out!
In this episode Ron St. Pierre (@ron_stpierre) talks about his experiences breeding a multitude of lizard species, the proposed Florida exotic law changes, and his work producing morphs of the Cuban Knight Anole.
In this episode I interview Jimmy Riffle, costar of the Animal Planet show Gator Boys. We talk about what it's like to have a TV show, his soon to be opened wildlife park, and his career as a whole. Hope y'all enjoy!
In this episode I interview David Kirshner, the curator of reptiles at the Sydney Zoo. We talk about his research with crocodilian buoyancy and locomotion, his experience keeping and breeding Lace monitors, his work at several different zoos, and some of his favorite herping experiences. Enjoy!
In this episode I interview Justin Smith (@palmettocoastexotics) about his experience in herpetoculture, his collection, and his podcast network: The Herpetoculture Network. Check it out!
In this episode Nik Whitaker of the Madras Crocodile Bank goes over the history of the bank, its various research outposts, and some of their current conservation projects. These range from the Snake Bite project to monitoring Gharial populations. Check it out!
In this episode we interview Frank Robb (@alligatorrobb). Frank is an alligator researcher and professional nuisance alligator remover. He is also a founder of the EEARSS research organization, cohost of the EEARSS Podcast, and Chance the Snapper catcher.
In this episode we bring Dr. Marisa Tellez back on to talk about her research with crocodilian parasitology, and all the remarkable roles that parasites play in crocodilian biology.
In this episode we interview Mike Easter, the cofounder and co-owner of a SATOO, a specialty exotic reptile store in Cleveland. We discuss how and why he started up his business, what it's like to run a reptile shop, some of the most unique animals he has worked with through his business, and his work with American Crocodile research.
In this episode we interview Viviana Ricardez (@first_lady_of_texasturtles) about her research with turtle populations throughout the state of Texas. We discuss what kinds of threats certain species are facing, along with just a bunch of turtle facts. Check it out!
In this episode Nate and guest host Andrew (@thetexasnaturalist) interview Ricky Mack (@rickymack_) about his experience herping across Australia. In this episode we go over his experiences interacting with freshwater crocodiles, herping in the Pilbara, what some of his favorite Aussie herps are, and so much more. Hope you enjoy!
In this episode we interview venom researcher and collector Nathaniel Fränk about his work with his many different species of venomous snakes and arthropods. Things ranging from Malaysian Blue Coral Snakes to giant centipedes, and everything in-between. Hope you enjoy!
In this episode we interview Matt Metcalf about his research with Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes and his adventures in the Peruvian Amazon. Check it out
In this episode we interview Dr. Mark Merchant of McNeese State University about his research with alligator immunology. Along the way we learned about his research with the immune systems of other reptiles such as cottonmouths, turtles, and other crocodilians. We also discuss his research with crocodilian color changing abilities.
In this episode Micah (@varanidking) and Josiah Mould talk about their experience in herpetoculture, some of their adventures growing up as missionary kids in west Africa, the US Competes Bill, and their herpetoculture business: Serpents & Salamanders (@serpents_and_salamanders).
In this episode we interview Emma Browning (@herpetologistemma) of the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory about her research with Box Turtles and if recovered animals from the illegal pet trade are viable in the wild
In this episode, Dr. Elliot Jacobson of the University of Florida goes over his career researching reptile veterinary science, from how he started out his career, to some of the diseases that he has helped describe, to veterinary resources available for every day reptile keepers. Check it out!
In this episode we PhD student and Rattlesnake researcher Saunders Drukker about his research with the various species of rattlesnakes in New Mexico and Arizona. We also talk about his views of herping and collecting. Check it out!
In this episode Jeff Holmes of the Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy (@conserveherps) talks about his and the Conservancy's work with researching habitats, finding endangered species, and conserving and improving habitats. We also talk about some of the threats facing herps today. Check it out!
In this episode we interview Rich Crowley. We talk about his work in breeding Short-Tail & Blood Pythons, his work with other species of reptiles, his work with the Chicago Herpetological Society, and his newest book.
In this episode we interview @doc.merten about enclosure design, Mertens Water Monitors, and keeping reptiles in Australia.
In this episode we interview National Geographic explorer and Gharial researcher Phoebe Griffith. We discuss what separates gharials from other crocodilians, what they face in terms of conservation, and some of their unique and amazing behaviors.
In this episode we interview Dr. Kevin Messenger (@chinaherper) of Nanjing Forestry University. We talk about herping in China, how southern China and the southeastern US are ecologically incredibly similar, and some of the new species of herps he has discovered over there.
In this episode we talk with Jari Cornelis (@jari_cornelis) about his graduate research with Tiger Snakes in and around Perth. We discuss how human changes to the environment, like urbanization and invasive species, have on Tiger Snakes and their ecology. We also discuss his experience herping across Australia.
In this episode we interview Luke Harding, the project manager at Blue Iguana Conservation. We discuss with him topics ranging from Blue Iguana (Cyclura lewsii) natural history, the threats posed to them by invasive species and human development, and why the Blue Iguana conservation story is one of hope for both the species and conservation as a whole.
In this episode we interview Brandon Boyle, the host of the Venomman20 YouTube channel. In this episode we dive into his work with Bushmasters, all the medical potential of venomous snakes, and the philosophy of balancing entertainment with education when it involves reptiles
In this episode we interview Dr. Zac Loughman of West Liberty University. We discuss his work running the schools Zoo Science program, his work with his favorite species of snake (False Water Cobras), and in general any and all things Colubrid. Check out his podcast: Colubrid and Colubroid Radio, and his instagram @dr_crawdad.
In this episode we interview Andy Vick about his extensive experience in herpetoculture, his research with Gila Monster venom for diabetic treatment, and his current projects.
In this episode we interview Dr. Vliet about his career researching crocodilians, some of the newest discoveries in the immune system peptides in crocodilians, and his research with crocodilian social behavior.
In this episode we interview the curator of the St. Augustine Alligator Farm & Zoological Park: John Brueggen. In this episode we learn about his career in the zoo world, what makes St. Augustine such a special place, and some of the unique and extraordinary behaviors he's witnessed in his career.
In this episode we shoot the breeze with our friend and future co-host Andrew Austin about his work with Environmental Consulting, his experience working with reptiles, herping, and all thing reptiles
In this episode we interview Tom Crutchfield about his incredible career with reptiles, from his many firsts in herpetoculture, his many adventures looking for wild reptiles, to some of his current projects.
In this episode we interview Dr. Marisa Tellez of the Crocodilian Research Coalition (CRC) about her ongoing work with crocodilian research and conservation. Some of the things we discuss include her research with naturally occurring hybridization between wild crocodiles, wild Iguana conservation, and Manatee research.
In this episode we interview Chris Dieter of Crocodile Encounter. We discuss the insides of running a crocodile zoo, his support of conservation efforts, and his past experience breeding monitor lizards.
In this episode we interview Cary Howe about his experience herping across the United States and North America.
In this episode we interview Flavo Morrissiey about his work with the conservation of the American Crocodile and his groundbreaking advancements in crocodilian training at GatorLand
In this episode we interview Mr. Paul Bodnar. Paul tells us about the history of Herpetoculture (i.e. NOAH) in the United States, his work with American Crocodile research, and renewable industries in the Solomon Islands, among many other things
In this episode we go over our personal backgrounds in the reptile field and the goals of the podcast. We also interview our very first guest Dr. Chris Carmichael. Dr. Carmichael teaches Ecology, Animal Behavior, and Vertebrate Zoology among other things at Bob Jones University. He is also the curator for the school's serpentarium. We discuss his research with Gila Monster venom for cancer treatment and Tuatara ecology and biology.