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.
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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.
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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.
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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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140 | Inbreeding Impacts in Massasauga Populations
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Drs. Eric Hileman and Meaghan Clark for an in-depth look at the Eastern Massasauga. They begin with the species’ natural history and conservation status before diving into long-term research from Michigan populations. Their studies reveal concerning levels of inbreeding, which are linked to reduced survival and lower breeding rates. The episode closes with a discussion of recovery strategies and what the future may hold for this imperiled rattlesnake.Connect with Eric at West Virginia University, and Meaghan at Michigan State University.
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.
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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