Reptile Room Confessions Podcast

Feb 16 2021 19

Reptile Room Confessions Podcast artwork

Welcome to Reptile Room Confessions. Join your hosts Ryan and Erica McVeigh and Bill and Teresa Bradley as they tackle the conversations we all have when the reptile room door is closed. Together and with their guests, they openly discuss the challenges faced in the reptile hobby, herpetological conservation, veterinary medicine, and zoological institutions. By shining a light on these topics, we can improve our knowledge and understanding of these awesome creatures and the world surrounding them. Time to get real.

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Episode 21 - Cohabitation

Feb 16 2021 86 mins

Listen in this week as the crew, minus a sick Erica, discuss the ins and outs of keeping animals in the same habitat. Cohabitation is usually thought of when referring to different species in the same habitat, but even when it's the same species there is a lot to consider. Listen in for things to think about before keeping any of your pets in the same enclosure.

Epsode 19 - A Climate Within A Climate

Jan 11 2021 105 mins

This week the crew discusses the vast variety of climates where reptiles exist and the microclimates within them. With so many important pieces to create a complete habitat it can be overwhelming. Don't worry, here are some great ways to increase your pet's usable space within it's terrarium.

Episode 18 - How Beginners See the Hobby Today

Dec 12 2020 103 mins

We all remember the joy we had when we first fell in love with reptiles, but we don't always remember what it was like to try and find information and what drove us. This week we speak with a friend who first set foot in the hobby 9 months ago as he talks about the things that excite him. Your hosts discuss the hobby and the depths that each facet can go.

Episode 17 - Reptile Rescue Realities

Nov 27 2020 118 mins

As reptiles grow in popularity as amazing pets for families, there is a growing need to help rescue and rehome animals in need. This episode discusses some of the daily grind of running a rescue and the emotional impact it can have, both positive and negative. Before diving into starting one yourself, listen in and learn what to be ready for!

Episode 16 - Bill Stewart, Reptiles, and Mental Health

Nov 13 2020 117 mins

In this episode we discuss a topic that's rarely discussed in general, but likely never been discussed on a podcast. We bring in our great friend, reptile enthusiast, and licensed therapist, Bill Stewart, to discuss how he uses reptiles in therapy with at risk youth and some of the correlations between a love of reptiles and mental health disorders. Another amazing episode and one

Episode 15 - Trends in Herpetoculture and Conserving Diversity

Oct 29 2020 128 mins

A quick rundown of some herpetocultural history and then a discussion on how breeding and diversity has changed over the years and what we as keepers and hobbyists need to do to conserve the diversity of species available to us in the hobby. Listen in and let us know what you think!

Episode 14 - The Keys to Differentiating Species

Oct 14 2020 85 mins

For this episode we dive back into the world of research and discuss what it takes to define a species or to break down a single species into more than one. This informative and entertaining conversation is with special guest, Sam Fellows, a doctorate student in California. Listen in to find out how researchers go about defining what species an animal is and the methods to do so.

Episode 13 - Focused vs Broad in Collection Diversity

Oct 01 2020 110 mins

In this episode, the crew talks about their journey to where they are in regard to what they keep and why. While the Bradley's keep a huge variety of species for education, the McVeigh's keep a smaller collection that is more focused on animal behaviors. Listen in for some of the lessons they learned and how you can skip the trials and tribulations and make your hobby what you want

Episode 12 - Reptiles in Academia

Sep 13 2020 113 mins

This week we talk with Bill's long time friend, Dr. Samantha Kahl, a herpetologist and professor at Blackburn College. If you've ever wondered where an academic career in herpetology could take you, this is a great start! Don't miss another amazing episode and make sure to subscribe so you don't miss any amazing content!

Episode 11 - Conservation Confusion

Aug 27 2020 90 mins

Conservation through captive breeding is a great thing! The problem is that as a hobby, we've misunderstood what conservation really is. On this episode the group speaks with Myke Clarkson of Herpetological Conservation International about wildlife conservation and herpetoculture. Listen in to see how we can make a true difference for the animals we love as the few and the proud th