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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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20 episodes
Avg 1 hr 6 min
English

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#160
July 10 · 1 hr 9 min
160 | Dr. Chris Jenkins: A Privilege to See One in the Wild
After more than 150 episodes of Snake Talk, Dr. Chris Jenkins takes a seat on the other side of the microphone for one final conversation. In this special farewell episode, Tracy Karplus, Director of Communication at The Orianne Society and longtime producer of the Snake Talk Podcast, asks the questions as Chris reflects on the journey that shaped his career and lifelong passion for reptile and amphibian conservation. From a childhood fascination with snakes to his education, early field experiences, and the path that led him to co-found The Orianne Society, Chris shares the stories behind a life dedicated to conservation. Whether you've been listening since the beginning or are discovering Snake Talk for the first time, this episode offers a fitting conclusion to Chris's remarkable journey, and a reminder of the message that has closed every episode: "Snakes are animals too, and it's a privilege to see one in the wild." 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.
#159
June 26 · 1 hr 23 min
159 | Snakes, Drugs, and Rock and Roll: the Life of Romulus Whitaker
In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with legendary herpetologist Romulus Whitaker to explore a life that has been anything but ordinary. Raised in the United States, educated in India, and mentored by famed snake handler Bill Haast, Rom followed his passion for reptiles across continents and cultures before returning to India to help transform wildlife conservation in the country. Over the past five decades, Rom has founded and helped build some of India’s most influential conservation organizations, including a snake park, a crocodile conservation center, and a pioneering venom extraction program operated by members of a local Indigenous community. Along the way, he has handled countless snakes and crocodiles, survived remarkable adventures, and played a central role in changing how people view and conserve reptiles. Read Rom’s biography, and be sure to check out The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, The Agumbe Rainforest Research Station, The King Cobra Conservancy, and the 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.
#158
June 12 · 1 hr 10 min
158 | A Big Herping Year in Texas
Romey Swanson spent his childhood bringing frogs and snakes home in his pockets. Years later, that fascination with wildlife led him on an ambitious quest across Texas: to find as many reptile and amphibian species as possible in a single “big year.” In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Romey, Executive Director of the Devils River Conservancy, to discuss his journey from wildlife-obsessed kid to conservation leader. Inspired by the birding world’s legendary “big year” competitions, Romey set out to document all 230-plus species of reptiles and amphibians in Texas, taking him deep into deserts, swamps, rivers, and backroads across the state. By the end of the effort, he had documented an astonishing 177 species, more than 30 above the previous known record! They also discuss the Devils River Conservancy and the effort to conserve hundreds of thousands of acres within one of Texas’s most ecologically important watersheds. Connect with Romey at the Devils River Conservancy. 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.
#157
May 29 · 1 hr
157 | Snake Tattoo Artist
In this episode of the Snake Talk Podcast, discover what happens when a lifelong love of art collides with a fascination for snakes. Dr. Chris Jenkins sits down with Samantha Mancino, a tattoo artist who has built an international reputation for her stunning snake-inspired work. Sam shares stories from her unconventional journey into tattooing, from growing up immersed in art to road-tripping across the country while learning the craft along the way. She also reflects on how encountering her first wild rattlesnake left a lasting impression that continues to shape her art today. Connect with Sam at Kingsnake Tattoo. 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.
#156
May 15 · 57 min
156 | From Rattlesnakes to Terrapins
In this episode Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Sarah Baker, who is an Assistant Professor of Biological Science at McNeese State University. They discuss her time studying Massasauga Rattlesnakes specifically their metabolic rate and various aspects of their reproductive biology. They then talk about her transition to working with turtles and the population ecology work her lab is engaged in with Diamondback Terrapins and Box Turtles. 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.
#155
May 1 · 1 hr
155 | Student Perspectives: Amphiumas and Sirens
What draws a researcher to the murky, hidden world of amphibians? In this episode of the Snake Talk Podcast, Dr. Chris Jenkins sits down with Maddie Zickgraf, a Master’s student at the University of Alabama and The Jones Center at Ichauway, to explore the winding path that led her into the world of amphibian ecology and the strange, secretive species that now define her work. Maddie’s passion for herps was sparked by childhood days exploring creeks in Pennsylvania. That curiosity grew into a focused academic pursuit, taking her across the country and into a range of field experiences from studying Pacific Giant Salamanders to Chiricahua Leopard Frogs. These experiences ultimately led her to a technician position at the Herpetology Lab at The Jones Center at Ichauway, where she worked with Gopher Tortoises and deepened her connection to southeastern ecosystems. It was during her time at Ichauway that Maddie became fascinated by the movement ecology of sirens and amphiumas, two large, cryptic amphibians that often coexist in ephemeral wetlands. While researching and trapping these elusive species, she began asking new questions about how they move through and persist in these dynamic environments, a curiosity that now shapes her Master’s research. Connect with Maddie at The Jones Center at Ichauway. . 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.
#154
April 17 · 1 hr 8 min
154 | Student Perspectives: Cape Cobra Ecology
In this episode, Dr. Chris Jenkins sits down with Dr. Thilo Beck, a recent graduate of the University of the Witwatersrand. Originally from Germany, Thilo moved to South Africa in pursuit of greater snake diversity, and found himself studying one of the continent’s most fascinating species, the Cape Cobra. Thilo dives into his research on the thermal ecology of Cape Cobras, exploring how these snakes interact with their environment and regulate their body temperature. He also unpacks what his findings reveal about the future—how shifting climates could influence behavior, distribution, and survival for snakes in a rapidly changing world. Connect with Thilo at the Tswalu Foundation. 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.
#153
April 3 · 1 hr 1 min
153 | Student Perspectives: Tropical Ecology
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Sam Schenker from North Carolina. Sam is a high school student who has already done an incredible amount of work to advance her career as a herpetologist. Multiple herp focused ecotourism trips led to interests in research and photography. Sam started by taking a Master Herpetologist class and then began working with a conservation organization in Ecuador. She also works with former Snake Talk guest, Dr. Reynolds, at University of North Carolina Asheville. They discuss Sam’s journey and where she hopes the future will take her. Connect with Sam at the Khamai Foundation, or on her website, Scale Snaps. 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.
#152
March 20 · 1 hr 12 min
152 | Student Perspectives: Rare Amphibians
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Jade Samples and Eva Kerr, recent graduate students from the University of Georgia (UGA) who both study rare amphibians that breed in isolated wetlands. During their time at UGA, Jade and Eva collaborated on statewide surveys to better understand where these elusive species occur and what environmental factors shape their distribution. Jade shares insights from her work on Striped Newt reintroductions, exploring the factors that influence whether restored populations succeed. Eva dives into her research on Gopher Frogs, examining gene flow in different landscapes and describing the ecological model she developed to simulate how disturbance can influence their populations and long-term persistence. Connect with Jade and Eva at Dr. Maerz’s Herpetology Laboratory at UGA. 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.
#151
March 6 · 51 min
151 | Student Perspectives: Antivenom
In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Cameron Ketchum and Ariana Coles, undergraduate researchers at the University of Northern Colorado, to discuss their undergraduate research on snake venom. The conversation focuses on efforts to characterize rattlesnake venom across the Americas and how this work can help make antivenom more efficient. Connect with Cameron and Ariana at the University of Northern Colorado. Looking to learn more about venom? Check out Snake Talk 117 | Snake Venom with Dr. Stephen Mackessy. 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.
#150
February 20 · 51 min
150 | Student Perspectives: Snake Fungal Disease and Indigo Snakes
How do weather, habitat, and season influence a snake’s ability to fight disease? In this episode, Chris Jenkins sits down with Catherine Hanks, a graduate student in ecology at the University of Georgia, to talk about her path into graduate school, from studying tropical ecology in Costa Rica to finding the right lab as an undergraduate. They also dive into her thesis research on the immune capacity of Eastern Indigo Snakes and what it may reveal about how these iconic snakes respond to Snake Fungal Disease in the wild. 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.
#149
February 6 · 1 hr 1 min
149 | Student Perspectives: Snake Research in South Africa
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Shane Ngwenya, an aspiring herpetologist beginning graduate studies in South Africa. Shane reflects on his childhood as a herder, where encounters with snakes were once rooted in fear and conflict, and how a growing fascination with the natural world ultimately reshaped his perspective. That turning point came during a formative field course in Kruger National Park led by faculty including Bryan Maritz, a previous Snake Talk Podcast guest, whose mentorship helped inspire Shane’s path into herpetology. Shane discusses his honors research examining gecko communities across diverse habitat types and offers insight into the rich reptile and snake communities of Kruger. The episode also looks ahead to his upcoming graduate work, which will explore how elephant exclusion fences influence reptile habitat and community structure in protected landscapes. Connect with Shane at the University of the Western Cape. Looking to learn more? Check out Snake Talk 19 | Snakes of Africa with Dr. Bryan Maritz. 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.
#148
January 23 · 1 hr 3 min
148 | Student Perspectives: Venom
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Samuel Kerwin, a PhD student at the University of Northern Colorado. Samuel shares how his fascination with snakes and venom evolved and led him to graduate school research. They dive into his master’s research on venom production in rattlesnakes, including how acidity plays a critical role in venom storage and safety, before exploring his PhD work on innovative snakebite treatments. This includes the potential development of an oral pill that could dramatically improve access to care and reduce morbidity from snakebite worldwide. Connect with Samuel at the University of Northern Colorado. Looking to learn more about venom? Check out Snake Talk 117 | Snake Venom with Dr. Stephen Mackessy. 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.
#147
January 9 · 59 min
147 | Student Perspectives: Gartersnake Physiology
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Stephanie Agnew, a graduate student at the University of Ottawa, to discuss her path into graduate school and the lessons she learned along the way, offering practical advice for others hoping to pursue a career in herpetology and wildlife research. The conversation also explores Stephanie’s research on gartersnake physiology and how animals respond along urban gradients (the gradual shift from natural and rural habitats to increasingly developed, human-dominated landscapes) revealing how urbanization can influence snake behavior and physiological responses. Connect with Stephanie at the University of Ottawa. Looking to learn more? Check out Snake Talk 125 | Black Ratsnake Ecology with Dr. Gabriel Blouin-Demers. 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.
#146
Dec 26, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
146 | Snake Community Changes Over 20 Years
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Kim Sash, Tall Timbers’ Biological Monitoring Coordinator, and Ashlynn Canode, 2024 Orianne Society grant recipient, to explore how Florida’s snake communities have changed over the past two decades. They revisit a large-scale snake inventory first conducted 20 years ago, now being repeated, to compare species presence, abundance, and ecological shifts. The discussion highlights notable trends, including apparent declines in coachwhips and banded watersnakes, alongside dramatic increases in cottonmouth populations. They conclude by examining ongoing efforts to monitor Snake Fungal Disease and invasive parasites and what these emerging threats mean for future snake conservation. Learn more about the research, land stewardship, and fire ecology work happening at Tall Timbers by visiting their website. 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.
#145
Dec 12, 2025 · 1 hr 18 min
145 | Weasels Eating Rattlesnakes
Dr. Jenkins sits down with photographer, filmmaker and field naturalist Mark Lotterhand to explore his astonishing discovery that weasels are dragging Timber Rattlesnakes out of their winter dens—and eating them. The conversation traces Mark’s early fascination with snakes and how it grew into a passion for photography, eventually leading him to experiment with drones and remote cameras to capture elusive behaviors in the wild. They also dive into Mark’s new book, In Search of New England’s Pit Vipers, a collection of thrilling field stories featuring Timber Rattlesnakes and Copperheads and the adventures behind documenting these remarkable species. Watch Mark’s weasel video. 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.
#144
Nov 28, 2025 · 1 hr 35 min
144 | Timber Rattlesnakes with Dr. Steven Beaupre (Rewind)
Originally released in 2020. Revisited for 2025 as one of our most downloaded episodes, and just as fascinating and relevant today as when it first aired. Dr. Steven Beaupre has dedicated his career to studying one of North America’s most iconic species, the Timber Rattlesnake. In this episode, Dr. Beaupre joins Dr. Jenkins to share his journey to becoming a leading expert in rattlesnake physiology and ecology. Together, they explore what makes Timber Rattlesnakes so remarkable, from the function of their heat-sensing loreal pits to the complex ways physiology shapes their behavior and survival. The conversation highlights how decades of research are helping inform conservation for this misunderstood predator. Connect with Steven at Arkansas State University's Graduate School. 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.
#143
Nov 14, 2025 · 56 min
143 | Toad in a Glass Jar by Stan Lake
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Stan Lake to discuss his new book, Toad in a Glass Jar. Their conversation follows two intertwining paths — Stan’s experiences serving in the Army in Iraq and his life as a naturalist and content creator passionate about reptiles and amphibians. Together, they explore how these threads weave through his journey and culminate in a deeply personal collection of reptile and amphibian poetry. The discussion also touches on Stan’s broader creative work, including Catching Creation, his books, and his music videos — and features a clip from his song “Ain’t No Copperhead.” Connect with Stan at www.stanlakecreates.com. 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.
#142
Oct 31, 2025 · 1 hr 20 min
142 | Bryan Fry, the Venom Doc
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Bryan Fry for a globe-spanning conversation about his adventures working with some of the world’s most venomous snakes. Bryan dives into his studies on venom, from how it evolved, to why it varies across a species’ range, to the medical challenges posed by these differences. Along the way, he shares unforgettable stories from the field, including surviving 28 venomous snake bites from species across multiple continents. From science to sheer adventure, this episode is packed with jaw-dropping moments. Listen in to find out what happened! Connect with Bryan on his website. 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.
#141
Oct 17, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
141 | Everything Mohave Rattlesnakes
Dr. Jenkins sits down with rattlesnake expert Mike Cardwell for a deep dive into one of North America’s most fascinating and misunderstood species—the Mohave Rattlesnake. Mike’s path is anything but ordinary: a childhood passion for snakes led to a 30-year career in law enforcement, before he returned to science to study rattlesnakes full-time. Together, they explore the natural history of the Mohave Rattlesnake—where they live, what they eat, how they move, and how they reproduce. The conversation then turns to one of the most intriguing aspects of the species: venom. Mike explains how venom characteristics vary across their range and shares key findings from his own studies on populations with dramatically different venom types. They wrap up by diving into his book on Mohave Rattlesnakes as well as what new discoveries will appear in the upcoming second edition. This episode blends science, storytelling, and personal journey—you won’t want to miss it! Connect with Mike on his website. 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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