Animals at Home Network

The conversation centered on Jennie Erin Smith's book Stolen World and its exploration of the high-stakes reptile trade, illegal smuggling, and the complex personalities of key figures like Hank Molt and Tommy Crutchfield. Jennie shared insights into her extensive investigative research and discussed the psychological motivations driving exotic wildlife trafficking, from genuine passion to the quest for status. The discussion also covered her controversy with Eric Goode's HBO series Monsters of God, addressing allegations that her book was used as an uncredited template.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/259-jennie-erin-smith/SPONSORS: Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:
Jennie's Contact: Jennieerinsmith@gmail.comStolen World: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0307381471/Valley of Forgetting: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0525536078/

In this episode, Bruce from BMC Bioscience LLC breaks down the intersection of high-level Green Tree Python (Morelia viridis) breeding, laboratory-backed biosecurity, and reptile genetics.Bruce shares his journey from getting his first GTPs in 1997 to formally establishing BMC Bioscience in 2020 with a massive focus on disease screening, biosecurity protocols, and advancing keeper standards across the community. We dive deep into serpentovirus and cryptosporidium testing, the realities of polygenic versus simple recessive/dominant traits, the 2019 taxonomic shifts in GTPs, and Bruce’s ongoing research into how UV lighting impacts neonatal development.In This Episode, We Discuss:- The BMC Bioscience Story: Bruce’s keeping background (since 1991) and scaling a professional breeding program.- Biosecurity & Testing: Disease protocols, dedicated quarantine, and navigating serpentovirus/crypto screening.- GTP Taxonomy & Morphs: The split into two distinct species, working with subspecies-specific lines vs. designer chondros, and inheritance debates.- Genetics & Neonate Care: Polygenic traits, neonatal color changes, and the science behind captive bloodlines.- UV Lighting Research: Bruce’s findings on the role of artificial UV lighting in neonatal development.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/258-bmc-bioscience/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:https://www.bmcbioscience.com/https://www.facebook.com/bmcbioscience/https://www.instagram.com/bmc_bioscience_llc/Photos and Video in Episode:https://www.instagram.com/bmc_bioscience_llc/

In this episode, Nathan from Blue River Diets breaks down the science, formulation, and field research behind modern crested gecko nutrition. We explore why the brand was created to combat common captive issues like obesity through low-fat, high-fruit formulas, and how functional ingredients like bee pollen, coconut, and postbiotics support gut health and immunity.Nathan also shares how expeditions to New Caledonia revealed critical insights on seasonal feeding—from insect dominance in the wet season to fruit abundance in the dry season—and how keepers can use natural branches, habitat micro-structures, and rotational feeding to drastically improve crested gecko welfare.In This Episode, We Discuss:- The Blue River Story: Origins, name connection to New Caledonia, and filling market gaps.- Nutritional Formulation: Why low fat, medium-chain triglycerides (coconut), and high fruit (60–70%) matter.- Functional Ingredients: The role of bee pollen, postbiotics, and soy protein isolate vs. insect protein.- New Caledonia Field Research: Wet vs. dry season diet shifts and replicating seasonality at home.- Husbandry & Enclosure Design: Utilizing thin branch networks, natural foraging, and bioactive setups.- Live Insects & Enrichment: Why live feeders remain essential alongside powdered diets.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/257-blue-river-diets/SPONSORS: Visit The BioDude: https://www.thebiodude.com/ Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/#257 #animalsathomepodcastJOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:https://blueriverdiets.com/https://us.blueriverdiets.com/https://www.facebook.com/blueriverdietshttps://www.instagram.com/blue_river_diets/https://www.youtube.com/@UCxRxcgCvStPaXd82hGfxo5A https://www.tiktok.com/@blueriverdietsPhotos and Video in Episode:Blue River Diets Facebook

Greg Watkins-Colwell is Senior Collection Manager of Herpetology and Ichthyology at the Yale Peabody Museum, where his work spans natural history collections, systematics, biogeography, research, and public education. He also serves on the Board of Governors of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists and the Science Advisory Board of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo.

Phil and Andis chop it up.