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.
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139 | How Rattlesnakes Made Natural History
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Whitney Robles—author, historian, and curator—to explore her book Curious Species: How Animals Made Natural History. Rather than focusing solely on the work of famous natural historians, Robles highlights how animals themselves have shaped our knowledge of the natural world. Among the four species featured in her book are Timber Rattlesnakes, whose feared reputation has deeply influenced both scientific understanding and cultural attitudes. Together, they discuss how fear and fascination intertwine in shaping natural history, and Robles shares how her own field experiences, including encountering a gravid rattlesnake while pregnant, reshaped her perspective on these remarkable animals.Connect with Whitney on her website, and find her book, Curious Species: How Animals Made Natural History.
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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138 | Reptiles in Rapidly Changing Environments
What can tiny island lizards teach us about surviving a changing world? Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Christian Cox, Associate Professor at Florida International University, to explore the surprising answers. Christian’s research spans the colorful world of reptile evolution—why some snakes and lizards look and behave the way they do, how size and shape vary between the sexes, and what feeding habits reveal about survival. But at the heart of this conversation is his decades-long study of Anole lizards living on hundreds of islands in a massive lake linked to the Panama Canal. These natural experiments reveal how reptiles respond to sudden environmental shifts, offering clues to how wildlife may adapt in the face of climate change.Connect with Christian at FIU.
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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137 | Everything Snakes of Alabama
Alabama is a hotspot for snake diversity—and Jimmy Stiles knows it better than almost anyone. In this episode, Dr. Jenkins talks with his friend and colleague, a PhD candidate at Auburn University, about the state’s rich ecosystems, legendary herpetologists, and the incredible snakes that call Alabama home. They go deep into Eastern Indigo Snake reintroductions, venomous snake trainings, and how education and outreach are shaping the future of conservation.Connect with Jimmy at the Wetland and Riparian Ecology Lab at Auburn 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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