Snake Talk

Latest Episodes:

130 | Snakes in Chinese Folklore May 16, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Liang Luo, Professor at the University of Kentucky and an expert in Chinese folklore, to explore the rich cultural history of snakes in Chinese tradition. The conversation begins with the Legend of the White Snake—one of the four most iconic stories in Chinese folklore—and delves into Dr. Luo’s book on the topic. They also discuss the significance of the snake in the Chinese Lunar Calendar, with a special focus on the Year of the Snake. This episode offers a fascinating blend of mythology, history, and cultural insight.

Connect with Liang Luo at the University of Kentucky.

Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.

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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

129 | Snake Veterinary Science May 02, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Stephen Barten, a veterinarian with decades of experience working with reptiles. They begin by discussing the unique challenges and rewards of being a reptile veterinarian, before diving into a series of fascinating case stories—ranging from routine treatments to rare and unusual medical situations. The conversation then shifts to Dr. Barten’s work with Veterinary Expeditions, highlighting the remarkable places he’s traveled and the diverse reptile species he’s encountered around the world.

Connect with Stephen on his website, Instagram or Bluesky.

Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.

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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

128 | Ornate Black-tailed Rattlesnake Apr 18, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Jenkins sits down for part two of his conversation with Dr. James Emerson of Texas State University. In this episode, they dive into James’ research on Crotalus ornatus, the recently reclassified eastern species of Black-tailed Rattlesnake found in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas. Despite its unique status, C. ornatus remains largely understudied. James shares insights from his fieldwork, including movement patterns, habitat use, diet, and more.

Connect with James at Texas State University.

Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.

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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

127 | Serpentine Expeditions Apr 04, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Ian Breland to explore the world of ecotourism with snakes. Growing up with a passion for reptiles and adventure, Ian channeled these interests into founding Serpentine Expeditions, a company that takes travelers around the world in search of snakes, and other reptiles and amphibians. They discuss the incredible destinations, what travelers can expect, accommodations, local cuisine, and much more. If you have a love for snakes and a thirst for adventure, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Connect with Ian at Serpentine Expeditions.

Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.

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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

126 | Global Snakebite Initiative Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Jenkins sits down with James Reid, Executive Director of the Global Snakebite Initiative, to discuss his journey from TV producer to global snakebite advocate. James’ documentary, Minutes to Die, was a turning point in his career, leading him to focus on addressing the critical issue of snakebite envenoming worldwide. They explore the Global Snakebite Initiative’s efforts to support countries around the world by educating communities on snakebite prevention and first aid, training rural healthcare providers in effective treatment, and advancing technologies to improve snakebite care.

Connect with James, and watch Minutes to Die, at Global Snakebite Initiative.

Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.

Shop Snake Talk merch.

If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

125 | Black Ratsnake Ecology Mar 07, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Gabriel Blouin-Demers, a professor at the University of Ottawa’s Department of Biology, to explore the fascinating world of the Black Ratsnake (Pantherophis obsoletus), one of the most commonly encountered snake species in eastern North America. Drawing from Gabriel’s extensive research at the northern edge of the species’ range in Ontario, they begin by discussing the unique landscape where these snakes thrive. The conversation then delves into the Black Ratsnake’s natural history before focusing on Gabriel’s research, which highlights the critical role edge habitats play in various aspects of the species’ ecology.

Connect with Gabriel at the University of Ottawa.

Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.

Shop Snake Talk merch.

If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

124 | Long-term Massasauga Studies in Illinois Feb 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Snake Talk, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Michael Dreslik from the Illinois Natural History Survey. With a career dedicated to wildlife research in Illinois, Mike has led several long-term studies, including one focused on the Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus), one of the most threatened rattlesnake species in the state. Together, they explore the ecology of these fascinating snakes, ongoing conservation efforts, and the challenges they face for survival.

Connect with Mike at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.

Shop Snake Talk merch.

If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

123 | Snake Detection Theory Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Lynne Isbell from the Anthropology Department at UC Davis to discuss primate vision and the role snakes have played in its evolution. They cover a range of topics, including how primates' eyes work and how venomous and predatory snakes have driven the ability of primates to quickly identify these threats.

Connect with Lynne at UC Davis, and check out her book, The Fruit, the Tree, and the Serpent: Why We See So Well.

Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.

Shop Snake Talk merch.

If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

122 | Gray-banded Kingsnake Ecology Jan 24, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. James Emerson from Texas State University to discuss the fascinating ecology of Gray-banded Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis alterna). Their conversation begins with an exploration of the Trans-Pecos region, celebrated for its remarkable snake diversity. They delve into the first telemetry study on Gray-banded Kingsnakes, sharing insights into their movements, habitat preferences, and the factors that shape their behavior.

Connect with James on LinkedIn.

Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.

Shop Snake Talk merch.

If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

121 | Reticulated Pythons in the Wild Jan 10, 2025

Show notes

Join Dr. Jenkins as he sits down with Dr. Rich Burger to talk about the ecology of Reticulated Pythons. Known for their massive size and their roles in the pet and skin trades, little is known about these pythons and their biology in the wild. Rich shares insights from his work at the Danau Girang Field Centre in Borneo, where he studied these snakes in palm oil plantations and remnant patches of forest. From their diet (including humans!), to their movement, habitat use, and predators, this episode uncovers the mystery of one of nature’s most awe-inspiring reptiles.

Connect with Rich on LinkedIn.

Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.

Shop Snake Talk merch.

If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

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