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PODCAST

Snake Talk

Dr. Chris Jenkins

Faced with a world that instinctually persecutes snakes, Dr. Jenkins talks with the foremost experts on snake biology and conservation. The discussions range widely including topics such as snake ecology, snakebites, and captive breeding. All of the conversations have the same goal, to help the listener increase their knowledge and leave behind any irrational fears of snakes.

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All Episodes

01:15:01

127 | Serpentine Expeditions

Snake Talk ·

2025/04/04

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

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01:01:07

126 | Global Snakebite Initiative

Snake Talk ·

2025/03/21

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

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01:01:35

125 | Black Ratsnake Ecology

Snake Talk ·

2025/03/07

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

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01:08:22

124 | Long-term Massasauga Studies in Illinois

Snake Talk ·

2025/02/21

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

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01:00:28

123 | Snake Detection Theory

Snake Talk ·

2025/02/07

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

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01:20:16

122 | Gray-banded Kingsnake Ecology

Snake Talk ·

2025/01/24

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

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01:14:44

121 | Reticulated Pythons in the Wild

Snake Talk ·

2025/01/10

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

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01:12:58

Pursuing Snake Ecology in the Shadow of the Yugoslav...

Snake Talk ·

2024/12/27

In this episode, Dr. Chris Jenkins sits down with Dr. Jelka Crnobrnja-Isailović, a snake biologist from Serbia, to share her extraordinary journey. Jelka recounts her early fascination with amphibians and reptiles, research on newts and lizards, and a strong desire for working with snakes. Against the backdrop of her PhD studies, Jelka faced the upheaval of the Yugoslav Wars, navigating the challenges of pursuing science in a nation fractured into new borders. Despite these hardships, she built an

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01:01:41

Microbiomes and Snake Fungal Disease

Snake Talk ·

2024/12/13

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Lauren Fuchs, a Ph.D. candidate and recipient of an Orianne Society research grant, to explore her unique journey into snake research. Lauren transitioned into herpetology after earning a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and working in that field for years. In this episode, they delve into Lauren’s fascinating research on how landscape disturbances impact the skin microbiomes of snakes and their susceptibility to Snake Fungal Disease. The conversation begins with an

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00:56:59

118 | New Orianne Society Staff Member

Snake Talk ·

2024/11/29

In this episode, Dr. Chris Jenkins welcomes Andrea Colton, the newest member of The Orianne Society team. Andrea, an Associate Conservation Scientist specializing in turtle conservation biology, shares her journey into the world of herpetology. From her childhood fascination with zoos to gaining hands-on experience through a variety of field technician roles, Andrea reflects on the experiences that led her to pursue a master’s degree in herpetology. The conversation wraps up with an exploration of

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01:09:54

117 | Snake Venom with Dr. Stephen Mackessy

Snake Talk ·

2024/11/15

Dr. Jenkins dives deep into the world of snake venom with renowned expert Dr. Stephen Mackessy. They begin with Steve’s early experiences working with venomous snakes, including a memorable bite from a Southern Pacific Rattlesnake. The conversation then explores the complexities of venom: what it is, its composition, how it varies across a species’ range, and how it changes throughout a snake's life. They also discuss the remarkable medical and practical applications of snake venom, including its

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01:01:25

116 | The Rattlesnake Conservancy

Snake Talk ·

2024/11/01

In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Tony Daly-Crews, the founding Executive Director of The Rattlesnake Conservancy. They explore the origins of the Conservancy and the journey that inspired Tony to establish it. The discussion dives deep into the organization's impactful research and educational programs, including the assisted migration of Ridge-nosed Rattlesnakes as a response to climate change and the development of standardized venomous snake-handling training. This is an episode you

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01:11:22

115 | Everything Ridge-nosed Rattlesnakes

Snake Talk ·

2024/10/18

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Andrew Holycross to discuss one of the rarest rattlesnakes in the United States. They start by talking about the species' distribution, which is primarily in Mexico, and focus on the two subspecies found in the United States: the Arizona and New Mexico Ridge-nosed Rattlesnakes. The beginning of the podcast covers the natural history and ecology of the species, including movement, habitat use, genetics, and diet. They then discuss the various threats that have led to

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01:18:24

114 | Rattlesnakes in Great Basin National Park

Snake Talk ·

2024/10/04

In this episode, Dr. Chris Jenkins sits down with Dr. Bryan Hamilton and Colton Irons to explore one of his favorite species—the Great Basin Rattlesnake. Dr. Jenkins spent nearly a decade studying this species in the Upper Snake River Plain of Idaho, while Bryan and Colton focus on the same species in a vastly different environment—high-altitude mountain regions reaching up to 13,000 feet in elevation. Tune in as they dive into the ecology of the Great Basin Rattlesnake and compare how the species

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01:06:26

113 | Dr. Rich Seigel and Long-term Research with Snakes

Snake Talk ·

2024/09/20

In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Rich Seigel of Towson University, a leading figure in reptile ecology. Rich's work, including books that greatly influenced Chris' path as a snake ecologist, is explored along with his journey from New York City to the swamps of the South and Midwest, and finally to Towson. The discussion highlights the critical value of long-term research, focusing on projects involving species like massasaugas and terrapins. With Rich's vast experience in snake

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01:09:04

112 | Paleontology and the Origin of Snakes

Snake Talk ·

2024/09/06

Join Dr. Jenkins as he sits down with Dr. Michael Caldwell, a professor at the University of Alberta, to discuss their recent media-highlighted discovery of 38-million-year-old snake fossils in Wyoming. Their in-depth conversation starts with the surprising discovery of an early snake fossil in an Israeli museum, challenging our understanding of snake origins. They delve into various taxonomic groups, exploring the relationships between lizards and snakes, possible scenarios for snake evolution, and

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01:04:00

Growing from a Herpetologist into a Conservation...

Snake Talk ·

2024/08/23

In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Henry Mushinsky, Professor Emeritus at the University of South Florida, for a deep dive into his career. They explore his early passion for herpetology, shaped by his childhood adventures catching watersnakes in the bayous of Louisiana. However, a move to Florida and the region's development pressures shifted his focus toward conservation biology. Dr. Mushinsky shares compelling stories from his time in Florida, including his efforts to conserve gopher

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01:09:13

110 | Kingsnakes and Milksnakes with Noah Fields

Snake Talk ·

2024/08/09

Dr. Jenkins sits down with returning guest Noah Fields to talk about “flashy” colubrids. They start by discussing the colorful, large, and awe-inspiring characteristics that draw people to some of these snakes. Then, they delve into both kingsnakes and milksnakes, including their distribution, species vs. subspecies, and natural history. The conversation transitions from Scarlet Kingsnakes in unusual places to milk snakes living in the North. They finish the episode by focusing on Eastern

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01:07:24

Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary

Snake Talk ·

2024/07/26

Join Dr. Jenkins as he sits down with Michael Ring from the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary. Discover the inspiring journey from their humble beginnings as the Phoenix Herpetological Society to their growth into a renowned sanctuary. Learn about their core mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming reptiles, and explore their extensive animal collection, including one of the world’s most comprehensive crocodilian collections and a large population of Sulcata Tortoises.This episode delves

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01:05:09

108 | Chocoan Bushmasters

Snake Talk ·

2024/07/12

Join Dr. Jenkins as he sits down with María Elena Barragán-Paladines from the Quito Vivarium to explore the remarkable work being done in education, outreach, and conservation. Dive into the world of one of the planet's most fascinating creatures, the Chocoan Bushmaster, as María Elena provides an in-depth look at the Choco region and the distribution of these elusive snakes.Learn about the challenges facing the bushmaster and the broader natural environment in the region, particularly in Ecuador

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148 results

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