Animals at Home Network

Latest Episodes:

236: The Reptile Industry Is About to Collapse — Trump’s Tariffs Explained Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

Josh Halter of The Bio Dude discusses all about the recent challenging situations that The Bio Dude has been facing in recent times: from how Covid affected the business, the new tariff situation, and more. He talks in depth about the business practices that he has set in place in order for The Bio Dude to remain a productive business for himself and the staff, as well as some changes he has made to ensure he is a good owner of the business. Josh also discusses future plans for The Bio Dude, including isopod consumables from ethically sourced fish. This episode is great for people who want to learn more about The Bio Dude’s message, goals, and the behind the scenes struggles of a small business.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/236-the-bio-dude/SPONSORS: Visit The BioDude: https://www.thebiodude.com/ Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:The Bio Dude Website: https://www.thebiodude.com/The Bio Dude Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiodudeThe Bio Dude YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thebiodudejoshhalterTIME STAMPS:

0:00 Introducing Josh Halter from The Bio Dude

2:35 Coming Up: Zoo Med University

3:05 Coming Up: The Bio Dude

3:40 Welcome Josh Halter + Recent Trip to Costa Rica

9:22 The Business Model of The Bio Dude

14:58 Recent Challenging Situations for Josh + Growth Process

29:27 Josh As The Owner of The Bio Dude

31:36 Zoo Med University

32:47 Working Through Corona Virus

35:27 The New Tariff Situation

51:01 The Bio Dude Substrates + Bug Grub

52:02 More Changes Made Due To Extenuating Circumstances

57:37 New Plans For The Bio Dude: Consumables, Drainage Layers + More

1:11:11 The Bio Dude Storefront

1:18:48 Closing Thoughts

235: This Is the Future of Reptile Expos — and It's Not What You Think | Dr. Zac Loughman - AAH Aug 08, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Zac Loughman joins today’s episode to discuss the creation of Colubrid Fest, a colubrid only reptile show filled with insightful speakers, engaging panels, with proceeds going directly back into funding research for the reptiles most commonly kept in the hobby. Zac shares details about how Colubrid Fest came to be, as well as the overall purpose behind its creation. We also talk about Zac’s personal reptile collection, husbandry research at West Liberty University, conservation efforts vs preservation, and much more! Don’t forget to purchase your tickets for the show on September 13th & 14th.

SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/235-dr-zac-loughman/

SPONSORS: Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/

JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathome

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

Purchase Tickets to Colubrid Fest: https://showmereptileshow.com/indianapolis-indiana-colubrid-fest

CCR Conservation Fund: https://www.colubridandcolubroidradio.com/conservation

Husbandry in Natural History Episode w/ Zac: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCV5tKf9EmY

False Water Cobra Care Episode w/ Zac: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pftnr4tCxl4

Zac’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zacloughman/

Dr. Zac at West Liberty University: https://westliberty.edu/biology/faculty/zachary-j-loughman/

Zac’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zac.loughman/

Photos and Video in Episode:https://www.facebook.com/zac.loughman/

Timestamps:

0:00 Introducing Dr. Zac Loughman

2:06 Coming Up: Zoo Med Labs

2:36 Welcome Dr. Zac Loughman + New Books In Progress

5:45 Zac’s Personal Reptile Collection + Husbandry Research

19:56 Zoo Med Labs University

21:07 Colubrid Fest Origin + Creation

33:44 Animals At Home Patreon

34:04 The Purpose of Colubrid Fest

43:48 Conservation Efforts of Colubrid Fest

58:53 Replicating Ethical Improvements With Other Animals

1:01:43 Conservation vs Preservation

1:14:42 Goals In Purchasing Land for Conservation

1:19:10 Captive Breeding Release Projects

1:30:04 Closing Thoughts

234: Mastering Reptile and Amphibian Photography | Zac Herr - AAH Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we sit down with reptile and amphibian photographer Zac Herr, the creative force behind the popular Instagram account @IAmMakingArt. Zac shares the story of how he got started photographing reptiles and amphibians, along with practical tips for capturing stunning shots—whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting into nature photography. We also dive into his brand-new photo book "What is that?", a beautifully curated look at some of the planet’s most fascinating (and often misunderstood) creatures. Whether you’re into animal photography, reptiles, or just love a good creative journey, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/234-zac-herr/SPONSORS: Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:Buy the Book: https://www.zthphotography.com/products/bookhttps://www.instagram.com/iammakingart/https://www.facebook.com/iammakingartPhotos and Video in Episode:https://www.instagram.com/iammakingart/0:00 Introducing Zac Herr

2:20 Coming Up Zoo Med

2:50 Welcome Zac - Getting Started in Photography

14:40 Favorite Animal Zac Has Shot

19:00 Isolating the Subject (Blank Background)

22:50 What Camera Equipment Zac Uses

24:58 Zoo Med University

26:08 How to Capture Animal Detail

29:20 Capturing Great Photos with an iPhone

32:10 Zac's Camera Settings

38:00 How to Direct and Shoot Animals

41:00 Shooting Venomous Animals

44:02 Editing the Photos & Color Correcting

52:33 What Is That? Zac's New Book!

1:05:40 Closing Thoughts

233: Finding the MONSTER of the AMAZON, A HUGE Green Anaconda - Caveman Wildlife - AAH Jul 20, 2025

Show notes

Christian Cave of Caveman Wildlife joins the podcast to chat about his new documentary filmed in the Amazon Rainforest, catching the world’s largest snake: The Green Anaconda. Christian tells the very detailed and interesting story of how he found, caught, measured, and captured all of the moments of the journey in finding the Green Anaconda. Christian discusses the documentary filming process from start to finish, including drone footage of the environment, some ending thoughts from commenters about the documentary, and a important conversation about sensationalism in the wildlife content creation genre. We also briefly discuss Genesis 1:26 and Christian’s interpretation of the meaning when it comes to treatment of wildlife and how it encourages him to continue education of animals. If you’re at all curious about the story of finding and capturing the world’s largest snake and the incredible moments that came along with it, this episode is a great one to tune into. SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/233-caveman-wildlife/SPONSORS: Visit The BioDude: https://www.thebiodude.com/ Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:Caveman Wildlife YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cavemanwildlifeCaveman Wildlife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cavemanwildlifeCaveman Wildlife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caveman_wildlife

0:00 Introducing Christian Cave

2:45 Coming Up: The Bio Dude

3:21 Coming Up: Zoo Med Labs

3:51 Welcome Christian - The Story of The Yacumama Documentary

10:52 The Environment in Peru + Where Anacondas Are Found

18:29 Fear In The Amazon + Catching Caimans

23:02 The Bio Dude Substrates and Bug Grub

24:03 Drone Shots of The Anaconda + Tracks

27:42 Importance of The Guide in The Amazon

29:06 The Moment Christian Spots The Anaconda + The Catch

35:09 Zoo Med Labs University

36:19 The Moment Of The Catch

39:17 The Anaconda Bite Experience

45:30 Sensationalism in Wildlife + Content Creation

50:43 The Measurement of The Anaconda

54:24 Opinions on Keeping Anacondas In Captivity

57:38 Genesis 1:26 Interpretation

1:02:39 Near Misses + More Bites

1:06:49 Content Created By Christian + Future Plans

1:15:20 “A Day In The Life Of Snakes” Children’s Book

1:18:02 Closing Thoughts

232: Abandoned Pet Reptiles: A Hidden Crisis and How to Fix It | Jordan Lyndon - AAH Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

Jordan Lindon of Midland Reptile Rescue in Birmingham, UK discusses his experience in running his reptile rescue, the finances involved, the importance of a strong community, and the operations day-to-day. This episode is a great one to tune into if you are someone with aspirations to run a reptile rescue; this truly goes over Jordan’s experience and viewpoints in the function of a reptile rescue in the community. Jordan also talks about mistakes to avoid, legislation viewpoints, species he sees frequently surrendered, and his set-up from taking in surrenders to adopting out. SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/232-midlands-reptile-rescue/SPONSORS: Visit The BioDude: https://www.thebiodude.com/ Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:Midland Reptile Rescue Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birminghamreptilerescue/Midland Reptile Rescue TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midlandsreptilerescueMidland Reptile Rescue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlandsreptilerescue/Photos and Video in Episode:https://www.instagram.com/midlandsreptilerescue/

WE DISCUSS:

00:00 Introducing Jordan Lindon - Midland Reptile Rescue

2:38 Coming Up: Zoo Med ReptiTemp Dimming Thermometer

3:10 Coming Up: The Bio Dude Bioactive Substrates + Dietary Supplements

3:45 Welcome Jordan + Motivations To Start a Reptile Rescue and Expenses

8:27 Demand For The Reptile Rescue + Looking For Homes

12:25 Home Set-Up of The Rescue + Finances

15:24 The Wrong Side Of Rescues + Legislation

17:35 Memorable Surrenders

19:38 Legislation in Banning Reptiles + Large Snakes

21:26 How Many Species Does Jordan Have Now + First Aid in Reptiles

23:21 How Do Animals Get Adopted Out?

24:31 Zoo Med ReptiTemp Dimming Thermometer

26:02 Rescues Being a Safety Net

29:42 Tips in Starting a Reptile Rescue

32:08 Care Resources + Strange Species

34:28 The Bio Dude Bioactive Substrates + Dietary Supplements

35:28 Jordan’s Personal Animals

37:45 Transitioning Homes For Reptiles

40:44 Jordan’s Feelings On Pet Shops, Breeders, and Expos

46:24 Abandoned Reptiles Experiences

48:06 Commonly Surrendered Species

49:24 Plans For Youtube Channel/Social Media + Profits

53:16 Goals in Rescuing + Education Services

54:47 Major Mistakes to Avoid + Quarantining

57:18 The Importance of Rescues

59:19 Closing Thoughts

231: The Pet That Requires NOTHING to Survive | Rus Wilson - AAH Jun 19, 2025

Show notes

Rus of Aquarimax Pets discusses everything there is to know about this very small, low-maintenance pet shrimp called “Hawaiian Volcano Shrimp”, from their native environment, life span, size, and their husbandry in captivity. For anyone curious about keeping a species like this, Russ details the needs of the shrimps such as the tank size, water conditions, temperature, enrichment, decor, and more. Rus also discusses ways that these shrimp are kept in a less than ideal conditions and how that can be improved when keeping them in captivity. This episode is filled with information about the Hawaiian Volcano Shrimp, from a hobbyist who has been keeping them for over 20 years, being a perfect episode for anyone wanting to get started in a relatively easy aquatic pet species.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/231-volcano-shrimp/SPONSORS: Visit The BioDude: https://www.thebiodude.com/ Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:Aquarimax YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/aquarimax

Aquarimax Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aquarimaxpets/Photos and Video in Episode:B Roll provided by Rus WilsonThumbnail: "Halocaridina rubra" by Joel Carnat is licensed under CC BY 2.0, cropped from the original. https://www.flickr.com/photos/21708387@N02/14065984617https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

00:00 Introducing Russ of Aquarimax Pets

2:54 Coming Up: The Bio Dude Substrates + Bug Grub

3:29 Coming Up: Zoo Med Repti Temp Dimming Thermostat

4:01 Welcome Rus - What He Keeps Currently

7:20 About The Hawaiian Volcano Shrimp and Their Environment

19:17 Encountering The Shrimp In The Pet Trade

21:34 The Bio Dude Substrates + Bug Grub

22:35 Hardiness of Hawaiian Volcano Shrimp

23:51 Rus’s History With Hawaiian Volcano Shrimp

24:50 Keeping With Tank Mates

28:03 Life Span of Hawaiian Volcano Shrimp

29:38 Husbandry of The Shrimp (Size of Tank, Water Conditions, Salt, etc)

36:06 Zoo Med Repti Temp Dimming Thermostat

38:37 Husbandry of The Shrimp Continued (Water, Temperature, Decor, etc)

51:52 Maturing The Tank + Algae Growth

59:56 Feeding Options

1:05:14 Population Control of Hawaiian Volcano Shrimp

1:09:51 Egg To Hatched Shrimp

1:12:48 Plant Options for Hawaiian Volcano Shrimp Tanks

1:18:02 Feeding Options Continued

1:19:02 Logistics of The Start Of Keeping Shrimp + Recommendations

1:23:54 Common Mistakes

1:28:50 Closing Thoughts

230: Which is Better for Reptiles: Captivity or the Wild? | Dr. Billy Sveen - AAH Jun 06, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Billy Sveen discusses his new scientific paper, Captive Equivalence As A Minimum Welfare Standard For Captivity-Managed Herpetofauna, highlighting the ethics of keeping herps in captivity in comparison to the wild and all that goes into considering the lives of each counterpart. For anyone wanting to improve their care in captivity, or even those wanting to start thinking about the ethics of their care differently, this episode is a must-watch. Dr. Billy Sveen notes The Five Domains of care in captivity and compares them to how the wild counterparts live, with considerations of survival rates, habitat losses, suffering in animals, and more. Billy also demonstrates ways that we as captive keepers can improve our care in enclosures, diet, enrichment, and other aspects of care to ensure that we are keeping our herps responsibly and ethically.

SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/230-billy-sveen/

SPONSORS:

Visit The BioDude: https://www.thebiodude.com/

Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/

JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathome

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

Billy’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creepersherpetoculture/

Captive Equivalence As A Minimum Welfare Standard For Captivity-Managed Herpetofauna: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f99c047fa9ceb071696ee9a/t/67ec2f45295d144305dc58f1/1743531845626/V7.1_001_Opinion_Sveen.pdf

00:00 Introducing Dr. Billy Sveen

2:07 Coming Up: Zoo Med ReptiTemp Dimming Thermostat

2:39 Coming Up: The Bio Dude Substrates + Bug Grub

3:14 Welcome Billy - Reptile Keeping + Projects

8:23 Captive Equivalence As A Minimum Welfare Standard For Captivity-Managed Herpetofauna

26:32 Zoo Med ReptiTemp Dimming Thermostat

28:03 Applying Welfare Standards

36:41 The Bio Dude Substrates + Bug Grub

37:42 Updating Captive Care To Improve Welfare + Defining Suffering

54:11 Survival Rates + Wild Caught Animals

1:03:17 Habitat Loss of Wild Herps + Natural Fallacies

1:14:56 Ethics of Suffering in Animals

1:23:24 What Can I Improve + Meeting Standards

1:30:54 Closing Thoughts

229: Reticulated Pythons, Anacondas, Cribos Can We Keep Them Correctly? | Daniel Solis - AAH May 13, 2025

Show notes

Daniel Solis of Oropel Lodge discusses his experiences surrounding nature in South America, as well as reptile keeping and breeding in the past in this episode. Daniel thoroughly talks about his dilemma with keeping reptiles in captivity, whilst appreciating wildlife as they are in the wild. He also enjoys wildlife photography, outlining a couple experiences with capturing wild reptiles in their natural habitats. Daniel Solis also runs the Oropel Lodge, a destination to see and experience wildlife and tourist activities in Costa Rica. We discuss all of the possibilities that people can experience at his lodge, from photography excursions, night life tours, ziplining, birdwatching, and so much more. This episode is perfect for people who are curious to learn how their scaled companions live in the wild, as well as potentially learn about an experience to observe it for themselves.

SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/229-oropel/

SPONSORS: Visit The BioDude: https://www.thebiodude.com/ Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

Oropel Lodge Website: https://www.oropellodge.com/

Oropel Lodge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oropellodge/

WE DISCUSS:

00:00 Introducing Daniel Solis of Oropel Lodge

1:42 Coming Up: The Bio Dude

2:18 Coming Up: Zoo Med ReptiTemp

2:49 Welcome Daniel + His Relationship with Nature

7:56 Breeding and Keeping Reptiles

19:11 Daniel’s Wildlife Photography

19:25 The Bio Dude Substrates + Bug Grub

20:25 Daniel’s Wildlife Photography and Super Dwarf Reticulated Pythons

28:17 Expeditions in Costa Rica and Around The World

35:49 Keeping Large Reptiles in Captivity vs The Wild

43:34 ReptiTemp Dimming Thermostat

45:05 Species Well Suited For Captivity?

49:05 The Oropel Lodge in Costa Rica

59:44 The Controversy Of Reptile Keeping

1:02:33 Animal Experiences at Oropel Lodge + Rescue Dogs

1:11:18 How To Book With Oropel Lodge

1:13:07 Closing Thoughts

35: The Complete Guide to Anole Lizards - Everything You Need To Know | Herp Time - R&R May 06, 2025

Show notes

HerpTime joins us to talk all things anole, how to keep them, how to breed them, and his philosophies regarding line breeding them. JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ReptilesandResearchPRODUCTS TO USE: https://www.amazon.com/shop/reptilesandresearchPHAILOZOO 15% OFF DISCOUNT CODE: R&RPHAILOZOO ENCLOSURES: https://phailozoo.co?sca_ref=8248864.jO3NsidwAzTHE REPTILE KEEPER 15% OFF DISCOUNT CODE: RNR15THE REPTILE KEEPER: https://thereptilekeeper.com/?amc=TRK-7-5601fbEMAIL► reptilesandresearch@gmail.com

228: How to Build Cheap DIY Reptile Enclosures & Snake Racks | Reptiles & Oddities - AAH May 03, 2025

Show notes

Chris of Reptiles & Oddities discusses his extensive experience with reptiles in this episode, starting with his unfortunate experience at Rattlesnake roundups, then moving on to his more positive experiences with his personal species. Chris talks about the influence that these events brought to his personal reptile keeping, leading him to build his own DIY enclosures and focus on husbandry without a heavy financial burden. Chris discusses the building process of his DIY enclosures in great detail, allowing newer DIY builders to follow along and build their own. We also discuss his relationship with wildlife officials and law enforcement in his area, leading to details of his relocation jobs with various species of snake.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/228-reptiles-and-oddities/SPONSORS: Visit The BioDude: https://www.thebiodude.com/ Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:Reptiles & Oddities Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reptiles_and_oddities/

Reptiles & Oddities YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Reptiles_and_oddities/Reptiles & Oddities

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reptiles.and.oddi

00:00 Introducing Chris of Reptiles And Oddities

2:45 Upcoming: Zoo Med ReptiSun LED

3:04 Upcoming: The Bio Dude

3:40 Welcome Chris + Rattlesnake Roundups Experience

11:30 Influence of Reptiles on Chris

15:16 Species of Reptiles He Keeps

18:24 Building DIY Enclosures - Materials, Cost, Etc

25:12 Zoo Med ReptiSun LED

26:37 More Materials For Building DIY Enclosures

37:39 Chris’ Large Rack Systems