The Exotic Pet Collective (Richard)
Explore every episode of The Exotic Pet Collective
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Mar 2022 | Lacey Act Update w/ Phil Goss President of USARK | 01:32:49 | |
I sit down with Phil Goss who is the President of the United States Association of Reptile Keepers, also know as USARK. We discuss the new Lacey Act Amendment in the America Competes Act and how it will impact the Exotic Pet Hobby as a whole. He also gives us updates on new developments and how best to move forward as a hobby. Yes. We know that aquatic invertebrates are included. While the legislation does not mention terrestrial invertebrates, FWS can regulate terrestrial invertebrates (i.e., Endangered Species Act), and terrestrial invertebrates are included in the FWS definition of wildlife: “Wildlife is any living or dead wild animal, its parts, and products made from it. Wildlife not only includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, but also invertebrates such as insects, crustaceans, arthropods, molluscs and coelenterates.” – FWS Also, within the Lacey Act the term “fish or wildlife” means: any wild animal, whether alive or dead, including without limitation any wild mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, fish, mollusk, crustacean, arthropod, coelenterate, or other invertebrate, whether or not bred, hatched, or born in captivity, and includes any part, product, egg, or offspring thereof. | |||
| 19 May 2022 | Crested Geckos w/ Gecko Galaxy | 02:07:22 | |
This week I am talking to Nick who owns Gecko Galaxy based out of Huntington, WV. He is a crested gecko breeder and dealer and gives some insight into how he found himself on this path and what it is like to breed and sell crested geckos. | |||
| 26 May 2022 | Animal Con USA w/ Brian Barczyk | 01:37:29 | |
This week I am talking to Brian Barczyk about the NEW Animal Con USA event that is happening in Orlando, FL August 26th - 28th, 2022. This event will host all of the TOP animal content creators from YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, FaceBook, Snapchat, & Television. AnimalConUSA is the only event of its kind and will give animal lovers a chance to meet their favorite animal personalities all in one place. The event takes place at the amazing Caribe Royal Resort, and all attendees will have access to their facilities including the outdoor fun and their sprawling pool and waterfalls. I am going to be there and I hope I will get to meet you there as well! Start for FREE Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| 02 Jun 2022 | Queer Eye For The Exotic Pet Guy w/ Jai Rodriguez | 02:01:21 | |
Todays guest is an actor, musician, Broadway star and maybe best known for being an original member of Bravo network's Emmy award winning TV Show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. But he is on the podcast today because he is also an exotic pet keeper and enthusiast that shares his love and appreciation for these animals with his massive audience! So welcome to the show, Jai Rodriguez! We discuss how he got started keeping exotic pets, what it is like being a tarantula keeper in Hollywood, and much more! Start for FREE Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| 09 Jun 2022 | The Spare Room - Keeping Tarantulas in the UK | 02:16:11 | |
I reached out on social media and ask you all for suggestions for guests in upcoming podcast. I got a lot of great suggestions, but one person was OVERWHELMINGLY requested and that is who is on the podcast today. We discuss keeping tarantulas in the UK, conservation, making YouTube videos and a lot more. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this conversation with Fiona from The Spare Room. | |||
| 23 Jun 2022 | Breeding and Selling Tokay Geckos, Day Geckos and MORE w/ DB CB Exotics | 01:50:21 | |
Today I am talking Tokay Geckos, Day Geckos, Crested Geckos and MORE with DB CB Exotics. If you have ever been curious about starting your own exotic pet business, then you will enjoy this discussion where we talk about how he launched and maintains his business breeding and selling reptiles and the upsides and pitfalls that come along with running your own exotic pet business. | |||
| 08 Jul 2022 | Venomous Words w/ Venom Macro | 02:14:33 | |
ENTER TO WIN A COPY OF VENOMOUS WORDS: | |||
| 14 Jul 2022 | Breeding & Selling Tarantulas w/ Microwilderness | 02:03:32 | |
Today I am talking to Wilderness Nate from Microwilderness.com about his experiences breeding and selling tarantulas online. He is based out of Los Angeles, CA and is a tarantula dealer to the stars. He has an interesting story on how he became a tarantula breeder and works on some cool Aphonopelma projects that not only gets some cool species into the hobby, but also helps bolster the numbers of species in the wild. | |||
| 21 Jul 2022 | Slightly Venomous Talks About Her AMERICAS GOT TALENT Audition | 02:18:36 | |
Today I talk to Shenay aka Slightly Venomous about her appearance on America's Got Talent. She gives us some insight into that experience, what led her down that path, as well as how she started keeping inverts and other exotic pets and making content for TikTok and YouTube. | |||
| 12 Aug 2022 | Tarantulas, Tattoos, and TikTok w/ Rachell Mvriee | 02:20:27 | |
This week I sit down with Rachell Marie aka @rachellmvriee, or Tarantula Creep Show on TikTok. She is a tattoo artist in Akron, Oh that is very talented tattooing spiders. She is also a tarantula and exotic pet keeper that has a TikTok about her unique pets that has over 200k followers, with millions and millions of views! This was a fun conversation and I hope you enjoy! | |||
| 18 Aug 2022 | Debra Wilson - Hollywood's Coolest Tarantula Keeper | 02:28:14 | |
Todays guest is the AMAZING Debra Wilson. You probably know her as the longest-serving original cast member on the sketch comedy series Mad TV. She has also had voice roles in video games such as Rebecca Thane in Mirror's Edge Catalyst, Grace Walker in the Wolfenstein series, Amanda Waller in Batman: The Enemy Within and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Renata Glasc in League of Legends, General Lyons in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Cere Junda in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Kit in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Sophia Akande in The Outer Worlds, Savathûn in Destiny 2, and Harbinger in Halo Infinite. She is also known for her roles in Over the Hedge, Batman: The Enemy Within and Scary Movie 4, just to name a few, but her list of credits is MASSIVE! | |||
| 25 Aug 2022 | What Happened with Eresus Spider Shop? | 02:33:22 | |
So what REALLY happened with Eresus Spider Shop? They came on the scene hot with a lot of awesome species and then had a MASSIVE sale! But somewhere around a few months ago things seemed to quickly fall apart leaving many customers upset and waiting for weeks for their orders to ship. Some people called it a scam, some people blamed me, but sometimes the truth is a lot more complicated than a buzz word. So let's take a deep dive with the guy that took over the business and get to the bottom of what happened, what going on now, and what the future holds for Eresus Spider Shop! | |||
| 21 Oct 2022 | They're Selling TARANTULAS at Josh's Frogs? | 01:56:43 | |
I sit down with Sheanna, Austin and Jayzun from the Pet Bug's Department of Josh's Frogs and discuss feeding, breeding, and packaging spiders as well as what it is like working at Josh's Frogs. It was a great conversation where we really get a peek behind the curtain as to what exactly is going on at Josh's Frogs. | |||
| 23 Sep 2023 | Tarantula's Can LEARN!? Tarantula Memory & Behavior | 01:51:14 | |
| 09 Oct 2023 | Is It Time to EVOLVE TARANTULA HUSBANDRY? w/ Ryan Marshall | 02:14:22 | |
This week I sat down with Ryan from Marshall Arachnids to discuss his background in zoology and animal husbandry and how it impacts his tarantula husbandry. We discuss the controversial issues of tarantula care and husbandry and why the bare minimum basic husbandry might no longer be sufficient as we learn more about these arachnids in the wild and in captivity. This episode is sure to open some minds and ruffle a few feathers. | |||
| 15 Sep 2020 | The Tarantula Hobby is Changing | 00:42:43 | |
As time goes on, it is becoming more and more evident that the tarantula and invert hobby is changing. As keeping tarantulas and scorpions grows in popularity, we are seeing a lot of YouTube channels, Instagram accounts, Dealers, Breeders and Podcasts. Some of it is very beneficial for the hobby in general, though it seems to be upsetting those that have been around for a while. In this episode I discuss the changes we are seeing, why they are good or detrimental and what we can do to grow as hobbyists and grow the hobby in general. | |||
| 23 Sep 2020 | Talking Tarantulas and Inverts with Alex from Tarantula Haven | 01:58:23 | |
This week I sit down (virtually) with Alex Gastelum. He is a teacher from Central Florida that you may know from his YouTube channel or Instagram as Tarantula Haven. We discuss buying and keeping tarantulas, husbandry, enclosures, and breeding. How he got started in the hobby and making YouTube videos. We also talk about other inverts and reptiles he has in his collection. So join us and sit in on our in depth conversation and get to know Alex a little better. | |||
| 06 Oct 2020 | the Zen of Tarantula Keeping | 00:44:35 | |
This week I talk about the lesson I have learned while caring for a large collection of pet tarantulas, scorpions, snakes, and other reptiles and inverts. Not just lessons on care and husbandry, but lessons that have applied to other areas of my life as well. I also talk about how keeping exotic pets has helped me through some of the toughest moments of my life and how it has taken me to places in life I never considered were possible. | |||
| 12 Oct 2020 | Leave Your Tarantulas Alone & Other Controversial Topics w/ Gar from Arachnotube | 01:57:36 | |
This week I sit down with Gar Rees from Arachnotube and discuss tarantula husbandry, breeding, myths, imports and the pet trade. We also seemed to stumble on every controversial issue in the tarantula hobby. Get to know Gar with me as we take a deep dive into is thoughts, opinions and experiences on every aspect of the tarantula and invert hobby! | |||
| 22 Oct 2020 | Tarantula Cribs & The Story Behind Making Tarantula Enclosures | 01:24:09 | |
This week I talk with Mo and Alina from Tarantula Cribs and they tell me the story about how they got their start making tarantula enclosures, what all went into the design and construction, and their experiences with keeping exotic pets. | |||
| 29 Oct 2020 | Secrets of Selling Tarantulas Online Revealed | 02:09:58 | |
This week I sit down and talk to tarantula breeder and dealer Dustin Blevins from Simply Spiders. He gives us some insight into what it is like to take care of thousands of tarantulas on a daily basis. The ins and outs, frustrations and joys of being a tarantula dealer. As well as how his path in life led him to the point of breeding and selling tarantulas as a full time job. | |||
| 05 Nov 2020 | Mental Health & Tarantulas with Patricia from the Spinerette & Tarantula Heaven | 02:04:32 | |
This week I have an in depth conversation with Patricia Colli from Tarantula Heaven and Creator and Editor of the Spinerette Magazine. She is also a therapist so we discuss a lot of ways tarantulas and the hobby can be therapeutic and how to handle feeling overwhelmed and avoid pitfalls sometimes present while keeping exotic pets. | |||
| 12 Nov 2020 | The Story Behind Keeper Cards, Tarantulas, Scorpions and more! | 02:11:25 | |
I sit down with Danny Daemon from Keeper Cards and we talk about how he came up with the idea for Keeper Cards, where he gets his information, and all kinds of other background information. We also discuss owning and selling hot scorpions, tarantula care, and many other topics. | |||
| 18 Nov 2020 | Isopods & Bioactive Enclosures w/ Aquarimax Pets | 01:34:12 | |
This week I had the pleasure of sitting down and discussing bioactive enclosures, isopods and reptiles and amphibians with Rus from Aquarimax Pets. We discuss setups, species, care and husbandry and many other topics. We also talk about his YouTube channel and more! | |||
| 03 Dec 2020 | Mantis Talk with Arthropod Ambassadors | 02:06:34 | |
This week I sit down with Erin from Arthropod Ambassadors and we discuss Mantises, Roaches, Isopods, Scorpions, Centipedes and Tarantulas! We also talk about education, conservations and care sheets. Pour some coffee, kick back and relax, and enjoy the listen. | |||
| 10 Dec 2020 | Conservation, Bugs, Tarantulas and More w/ Shapes In Nature | 03:38:13 | |
This week I talk with Jesse from Shapes In Nature. He tells me about his art work, conservation efforts, and bug collecting. We also discuss tarantulas and other arthropods from keeping, regulations, habitat destruction and more! | |||
| 13 Jan 2021 | Fatal Fangs, Tarantulas, & Ball Pythons w/ Petrock 'N'Roll | 02:24:06 | |
This week I am chatting with Amy from @Petrock'N'Roll. She is the host of Season 3 of Fatal Fangs Tarantula Feeding Competition and one of my favorite Tarantula Youtubers! We dicuss ball python breeding, tarantula breeding, youtube and more! | |||
| 28 Jan 2021 | Differences, Similarities, & Ethics of the Invert & Reptile Hobbies w/ Animals At Home | 01:59:12 | |
This week I discuss the differences and similarities of the tarantula and reptile hobbies with podcaster and youtuber Dillon from Animals At Home. We also talk about the ethics of keeping and breeding inverts, snakes and reptiles in captivity as well as conservations efforts and how we can contribute as a hobby. From Ball Pythons and Boas to Geckos and Tarantulas, we talk about our expereince and growth as keepers. As well as our expereinces creating exotic pet content and becoming full time content creators during these voliatle times. | |||
| 04 Feb 2021 | What To Do When Your Tarantula Escapes! | 00:55:18 | |
This week I am flying solo and talk about what to do if and when a tarantula escapes from it's enclosure. Whether it is due to human error or faulty enclosures, I go over what I do and have done to track down and find a lost tarantula. | |||
| 25 Feb 2021 | Avicularia, Tarantulas, and a Little Magic | 02:00:33 | |
This week I sit down with Jade Skye Walker from Skye Spiders to discuss Avicularia species, researching and naming species, and all things tarantula and invert related! Join us as we discuss the tarantula hobby, keeping Avics and other exotic animals, and much more. | |||
| 04 Mar 2021 | Poison Dart Frogs, Tarantulas, & Bioactives w/ AmphibiCast | 02:05:10 | |
Today I am talking with Dan, the host of the popular podcast Amphibicast. We discuss keeping Poison Dart Frogs, bioactive enclosures, tarantulas, conservation efforts, and many other aspects of our respective hobbies. Settle in for an intersting conversation on amphibians and invertebrates and be sure to check out Dan's podcast Amphibicast anywhere you listen to podcasts! | |||
| 11 Mar 2021 | Couples Keeping Exotic Pets | 02:33:09 | |
Today I am talking to Kieran and Rachael from Alternative Inverts about to pros and cons of being a couple that keeps exotic pets. We discuss how they split up tasks like feeding and rehousing, how they keep each other in check when it comes to purchasing new species, and their youtube channel that chronicles their expereinces keeping snakes, reptiles, amphibians, tarantulas, and other inverts. | |||
| 18 Mar 2021 | Tarantula Keeping Around the World - South Africa w/ Mike's Exotics | 02:15:21 | |
This podcast is the first podcast ina new series I think I am calling Tarantula Keeping Around the World. The goal is to talk to exotic pet keepers frommany different countries to compare and contrast some of the differences and similarities in the hobby. Starting off I am talking to Mike from the YouTube channel Mikes Exotics. He is a tarantula and exoitc pet keeper that lives in South Africa. We talk about regulations, availability, prices and many more aspects of tarantula, scorpion, snake, and other exotic pet keeping. | |||
| 25 Mar 2021 | Venom, Bites & Stings w/ Coyote Peterson & Dr. Dalal | 02:09:54 | |
In todays episode we are talking about Venom, Bites, and Stings with Coyote Peterson from Brave Wilderness as well as Wilderness Medicine and ER Physician Dr. Dalal. We get some interesting insight and first hand knowledge from Coyote about the effects of venom on the human body. Dr. Dalal shares his knowledge and expereince on how to treat venemous bites and stings. As well as some cool behind the scene stories from Coyote Peterson about filming some of his most iconic episodes from his YouTube channel and Television series on Animal Planet! This is a VERY EXCITING episode, so don't miss out! | |||
| 22 Apr 2021 | Banned Sri Lankan Poecilotheria - Simply Spiders Responds | 02:11:45 | |
Today I am spilling the tea! There has been a lot of drama this past week in the tarantula hobby. Lines have been drawn in the sand, people are taking sides, mob mentality and cancel culture is taking over, and ALL of this could be avoided with a simple conversation. For those that don't know whats happened, a US Tarantula Dealer briefly listed some species of Poecilotheria that are protected by the ESA (Endangered Species Act) for sale on his website with the caveat that they are "hobby form" or "hybrids" thinking it may be a loop hole to avoid federal regulation that prohibits them to be sold across state lines. I won't mince words, that was reckless, stupid and illegal. There have been some very brutal posts on social media and a podcast that, in my opinion, crossed the line between holding someone accountable and character assassination. Personally I wanted the entire story, I wanted to hear both sides and get to the truth of the issue and I figured if I wanted to hear that, you all may want to hear about that as well! So today I am talking to Dustin from Simply Spiders on why in the world he would have done something so irresponsible, what he is going to do to rectify it, and how he will conduct himself moving forward. | |||
| 20 May 2021 | Don't Be a Tarantula Karen - Ordering Spiders Online | 01:01:33 | |
Today we are talking about reasonable expectations when ordering tarantulas or other invertebrates online. What to expect as far as shipping and time frames, but more importantly why it is paramount to make sure you read the shipping policy, terms of service, and Live Arrival Guarantees so you aren't caught off guard, lose your temper on line, and become a TARANTULA KAREN! | |||
| 27 May 2021 | A Conversation w/ Wickens Wicked Reptiles | 02:41:46 | |
This week I sit down and talk with Adam from Wickens Wicked Reptiles. We discuss scammers in the exotic pet hobby, government regulations, being an exotic pet youtuber and more! | |||
| 17 Jun 2021 | How To Help Others in the Hobby Without Running Them Off and More w/ Reptiliatus | 02:02:40 | |
This week we are talking to Dayyan from Reptiliatus about How To educate new keepers in the exotic pet hobby without scaring them away, the balance between making content and giving your exotic pets the best possible care, and how he began his journey keeping reptiles and inverts and making YouTube videos! | |||
| 24 Jun 2021 | Tarantula Scientific Research, Medicinal Studies, Conservation and More! | 02:26:33 | |
Todays guest is Jackie Billotte, M.S. who is currently working on her PHD in the entomology department at Colorado State and received her Masters in Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology from the University of Colorado. We have an in depth conversation about the current research into mapping the genetic sequences of tarantulas for many different applications in research, the possible medicinal value of tarantula venom and the disease it could treat or prevent, and how all this research is used to further the conservation of tarantulas in the wild. We also discuss what we can do as tarantula keepers to get involved in conservation and bridge the gap between the tarantula hobby, tarantula research, and tarantula conservation! It sounds very technical, but it was actually a very fun and interesting conversation I am sure you will enjoy listening to! | |||
| 10 Jul 2021 | TTC Meet Up LIVE Podcast w/ Dr. Rayor, Frank Somma, Tom Patterson, Jeremy Huff & Cobweb Castles | 01:57:34 | |
This podcast was recorded LIVE and streamed on my main channel while I was at the Tarantula Collective Meet Up at the Fear Not Tarantulas Grand Opening in Virginia Beach, VA. I talk with Dr. Rayor from Cornell University, Frank Somma of the NY Insect Zoo, Tom Patterson the famed tarantula and arachnid breeder, tarantula and arachnid researcher Jeremy Huff & Cobweb Castles! | |||
| 11 Aug 2021 | Saving Snakes & MORE - Herps Alive Exotic Pet Rescue | 01:12:09 | |
Did you know there are snake and exotic pet rescues out there that take in animals that are surrendered, captured, confiscated, abandoned or neglected? Then rehabilitate them and find them new homes to adopt them? I am talking about snakes, geckos, tarantulas, bearded dragons, boas, ball pythons, scorpions, and MORE! Listen to this conversation I had with Keith from Herps Alive where he tells us all about his non-profit rescue, how they came to be, what they do, and how we can all help with their worthy cause! Below I have some information linked if you would like to contact them and learn EVEN MORE! | |||
| 26 Aug 2021 | Tarantulas, Frogs, & Toadstools w/ Tarantula Kat | 02:27:33 | |
Tarantula Kat drops by the podcast this week to talk about how she began keeping tarantulas and spiders and the origin story behind starting her YouTube channel. We also discuss her her love for frogs and toadstools as well as toxic comments on social media and misogyny and sexism in the exotic pet hobby. Mainly we just laugh a lot at each other. | |||
| 16 Sep 2021 | Tarantula & Unique Wildlife Art w/ Gray Ghost Creations | 01:45:11 | |
This week I sit down with Laura Airey Le the artist of Gray Ghost Creations to talk about her tarantula art as well as the other unique wildlife she illustrates. Of course the conversation also strays into what species of tarantula and other exotic pets she keeps, where she draws inspiration, what art supplies she uses, and even a little sci fi love is shared. I had a great time having this interesting conversation and I hope you enjoy listening. | |||
| 23 Sep 2021 | Social Spiders & Communal Tarantulas w/ Dr/ Linda Rayor | 01:55:47 | |
Today we are talking to Dr. Linda Rayor from the Entemology Department at Cornell University who has spent most of her career studying Social Behavior in spiders like the Huntsman Spider. She also studies communal tarantula species like the Monocentropus balfouri, Neoholothele incei and Hysterocrates gigas. We even discuss Amblypygi like the Tailless Whip Scorpion and how someone becomes an arachnologist! | |||
| 13 Jan 2022 | How-To Turn Your Exotic Pet Hobby Into A Business | 01:26:52 | |
This week I am talking to Bill Strand who is the host of the Reptile Entrepreneur and Chameleon Academy Podcasts., founder of the Dragon Strand chameleon caging company and headmaster at Chameleonacademy.com. We discuss how you can turn your hobby and passion for exotic pets (like reptiles, tarantulas, etc) into a full time career and how the courses he offers on Instagram, as well as on his website, can help you build a social media following all the way up to launching your online businesses. Whether it is breeding, making enclosures, creating content, or any aspect or niche where you find a need....he can help you and show you how to turn your exotic pet hobby into a business! | |||