Reptile Guild

About Reptile Guild

Welcome to the Reptile Guild Podcast, where reptile keepers, breeders, and enthusiasts come together to share knowledge, build community, and grow the hobby. Hosted by Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics and Josh & Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins, The Reptile Guild is dedicated to honest conversations about reptile breeding, husbandry, genetics, business, conservation, and the realities of life in the reptile world. Whether you keep ball pythons, western hognose snakes, boas, kingsnakes, geckos, or simply have a passion for reptiles, you’ll find valuable insights, practical experience, and authentic discussions from people actively involved in the hobby. Each episode may feature: • Interviews with breeders, keepers, and industry leaders • Breeding strategies and project planning • Reptile husbandry and care discussions • Genetics and morph-focused conversations • Reptile business and marketing topics • Community events and industry trends • Q&A sessions and listener discussions • Honest perspectives on the challenges and successes of reptile keeping The Reptile Guild was founded on a simple belief: the reptile hobby is stronger when knowledge is shared, friendships are built, and the community supports one another. Our goal is to create a welcoming place where newcomers can learn, experienced keepers can share their expertise, and everyone can enjoy meaningful conversations about the animals we love. Whether you’re working toward your first clutch, growing a collection, or simply looking to connect with other reptile enthusiasts, you’re welcome here. Building Knowledge. Growing Community. Hosted by: Shane Kelley – Small Town Xotics & Josh & Alisha Harbin – Herpin Harbins Technical Producer: Jay Kaps (Greenline Morphs) Listen, learn, and join the Guild. https://www.patreon.com/SmallTownXotics (https://www.patreon.com/SmallTownXotics?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator)

Publisher

Shane Kelley, Josh Harbin, Alisha Harbin

Category

leisure

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

26 Jun 2026

Latest episode

29 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   29 Oct 2026

   The Noodle Group: Building Dreams & Grinding on YouTube | Reptile Guild Podcast

   Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/reptile-guild/voicemail) Join the Reptile Guild on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild (https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild) Dr. Tom Harbin Reptiles Memorial Endowed Scholarship in the College of Veterinary Medicine: https://give.auburn.edu/campaigns/dr-tom-harbin-reptiles-memorial-endowed-scholarship-in-the-college-of-veterinary-medicine-1 (https://give.auburn.edu/campaigns/dr-tom-harbin-reptiles-memorial-endowed-scholarship-in-the-college-of-veterinary-medicine-1) This week on the Reptile Guild Podcast, we’re hanging out with Daniel and Felicia of The Noodle Group! We’re catching up with The Noodle Group to see what they’ve been working on, how their reptile facility build turned out, and what exciting projects they have in the works. We’ll also dive into their journey of building a YouTube channel, the grind of creating consistent content, and the challenges of growing a brand in the reptile community. What does it really take to balance breeding reptiles, building a business, creating content, and everything else life throws your way? We’re talking about the wins, the struggles, the lessons learned, and what’s next for The Noodle Group! Whether you’re a reptile breeder, content creator, or just someone who loves seeing passionate people chase their goals, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Reptile Guild Podcast Building Knowledge. Growing Community. Hosts: Shane Kelley | Small Town Xotics Josh & Alisha Harbin | Herpin Harbins Technical Producer: Jay Kaps | Green Line Morphs Guest: Daniel & Felicia | The Noodle Group #ReptileGuild #TheNoodleGroup #ReptilePodcast KEYWORDS Reptile Guild Podcast, The Noodle Group, Daniel and Felicia, reptile breeding, reptile breeders, reptile facility build, reptile room, reptile business, reptile industry, reptile content creators, reptile YouTube channel, growing a YouTube channel, reptile projects, reptile community, snake breeding, ball python breeding, reptile keeping, reptile husbandry, Small Town Xotics, Herpin Harbins, Green Line Morphs, reptile podcast 2026

2. 

   22 Oct 2026

   When NOT to Ship Reptiles! Winter Shipping Do's and Don'ts | Reptile Guild Podcast

   Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/reptile-guild/voicemail) Join the Reptile Guild on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild (https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild) Dr. Tom Harbin Reptiles Memorial Endowed Scholarship in the College of Veterinary Medicine: https://give.auburn.edu/campaigns/dr-tom-harbin-reptiles-memorial-endowed-scholarship-in-the-college-of-veterinary-medicine-1 (https://give.auburn.edu/campaigns/dr-tom-harbin-reptiles-memorial-endowed-scholarship-in-the-college-of-veterinary-medicine-1) Winter is coming, and reptile shipping is about to get complicated! When is it too cold to ship reptiles? What temperatures are safe? Should you use heat packs? And when is the smartest decision simply to WAIT? This week on The Reptile Guild Podcast, we’re diving into one of the most important seasonal topics for reptile breeders, sellers, and buyers: SHIPPING LIVE REPTILES DURING WINTER! We’ll discuss the risks, the preparation, and the decisions every responsible reptile keeper should consider before putting an animal in a box and sending it across the country. Topics we’ll cover: When is it safe to ship reptiles during winter? What temperatures are too cold for shipping? How to properly pack reptiles for cold-weather shipping Heat packs: when to use them and common mistakes Shipping to FedEx hubs vs. residential delivery Why checking weather at both locations AND shipping hubs matters How holiday shipping delays affect live animals When breeders should hold animals until conditions improve * The responsibilities of both buyers and sellers Whether you’re an experienced breeder shipping hundreds of animals or a hobbyist purchasing your first snake online, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. The bottom line: Getting the animal there alive isn’t enough. Getting it there safely and healthy is what matters. YOUR HOSTS: Shane Kelley, Small Town Xotics Josh & Alisha Harbin, Herpin Harbins Technical Producer: Jay Kaps, Green Line Morphs JOIN THE CONVERSATION! What’s the coldest weather you’ve ever shipped reptiles in? Have you experienced shipping delays or winter shipping disasters? Share your experiences in the comments! LIKE | COMMENT | SUBSCRIBE #ReptileGuild #ReptileShipping #WinterShipping KEYWORDS: Reptile Guild Podcast, winter reptile shipping, shipping reptiles in cold weather, how to ship snakes, when to ship reptiles, safe reptile shipping temperatures, reptile shipping guidelines, shipping live reptiles, winter snake shipping, reptile shipping heat packs, insulated reptile shipping boxes, FedEx reptile shipping, reptile shipping delays, reptile shipping safety, reptile shipping supplies, reptile breeders, snake breeders, reptile husbandry, reptile industry, buying reptiles online, selling reptiles online, responsible reptile breeding, Small Town Xotics, Herpin Harbins, Green Line Morphs

3. 

   15 Oct 2026

   Chris Eaton: Life After The Fatman Nation | Reptile Guild Podcast

   Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/reptile-guild/voicemail) Join the Reptile Guild on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild (https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild) Dr. Tom Harbin Reptiles Memorial Endowed Scholarship in the College of Veterinary Medicine: https://give.auburn.edu/campaigns/dr-tom-harbin-reptiles-memorial-endowed-scholarship-in-the-college-of-veterinary-medicine-1 (https://give.auburn.edu/campaigns/dr-tom-harbin-reptiles-memorial-endowed-scholarship-in-the-college-of-veterinary-medicine-1) Chris Eaton announced his retirement from The Fatman Nation earlier this year. So what’s next? This week on the Reptile Guild Podcast, we’re sitting down with our longtime friend Chris Eaton to catch up, reflect on his journey with The Fatman Nation, and talk about what life looks like after stepping away from the channel. Chris has been a familiar face in the reptile community for years, and we’ve all shared plenty of memories, conversations, and laughs along the way. We’ll be talking about his decision to retire from The Fatman Nation, some of his favorite memories, how the reptile industry has changed, and what the future might hold. Is this the end of an era or simply the beginning of a new chapter? No scripted interviews, no corporate nonsense. Just old friends catching up and having an open conversation about reptiles, life, and everything in between. Meet Your Hosts: Shane Kelley | Small Town Xotics Josh Harbin | Herpin Harbins Alisha Harbin | Herpin Harbins Technical Producer: Jay Kaps | Green Line Morphs Reptile Guild: Building Knowledge, Growing Community. Subscribe to the channel, join us live, and bring your questions for Chris! #ReptileGuild #ChrisEaton #FatmanNation #ReptilePodcast Keywords Chris Eaton, Fatman Nation, Fatman Nation retirement, Chris Eaton retirement, Life After Fatman Nation, Why Chris Eaton Retired, Fatman Nation YouTube Channel, Reptile Guild Podcast, Reptile Guild, Reptile Podcast, Reptile Community, Reptile Industry, Reptile Content Creators, Reptile Breeders, Snake Breeding, Ball Python Breeding, Reptile Keeping, Reptile Hobby, Reptile YouTubers, Reptile Industry Discussion, Small Town Xotics, Herpin Harbins, Reptile Podcast 2026

4. 

   8 Oct 2026

   Buying & Selling Reptiles: What Nobody Tells You | Reptile Guild Podcast

   Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/reptile-guild/voicemail) Join the Reptile Guild on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild (https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild) Dr. Tom Harbin Reptiles Memorial Endowed Scholarship in the College of Veterinary Medicine: https://give.auburn.edu/campaigns/dr-tom-harbin-reptiles-memorial-endowed-scholarship-in-the-college-of-veterinary-medicine-1 (https://give.auburn.edu/campaigns/dr-tom-harbin-reptiles-memorial-endowed-scholarship-in-the-college-of-veterinary-medicine-1) Buying the right reptile is about a lot more than finding an animal you like. And breeding a great animal doesn’t automatically mean somebody is going to buy it. This week on Reptile Guild, we’re tackling topics requested directly by our Patreon community. What are the TOP 5 questions you should ask before buying an animal? How should breeders determine what their snakes are actually worth? What happens when you produce a high-end animal with a very small pool of potential buyers? And when it comes time to sell, what actually works: expos, RADS, MorphMarket, social media, networking, or some combination of all of them? We’ll discuss: • The 5 questions every buyer should ask • How we determine a fair price for an animal • Market price vs actual value • Pricing rare and high-end reptiles • When lowering your price makes sense and when it doesn’t • Strategies for selling expensive animals • Building trust before asking someone to spend thousands of dollars • Online sales vs reptile expos • Why some incredible animals sit while average animals sell • Whether breeders should produce animals before there’s an established market for them • The mistakes buyers AND sellers continue to make If you’re buying, breeding, or trying to sell reptiles, this is going to be a good one. Building Knowledge. Growing Community. HOSTS Shane Kelley | Small Town Xotics Josh & Alisha Harbin | Herpin Harbins TECHNICAL PRODUCER Jay Kaps | Green Line Morphs Keywords reptile guild, reptile podcast, reptile business, selling reptiles, selling snakes, buying snakes, buying reptiles, snake prices, reptile pricing, ball python prices, hognose prices, high end ball pythons, high end reptiles, reptile expos, reptile shows, MorphMarket, reptile breeder, snake breeder, breeding ball pythons, reptile market, reptile industry, reptile sales, how to sell reptiles, Small Town Xotics, Herpin Harbins, Reptile Ads, Greenline Morphs

5. 

   1 Oct 2026

   Is AI Building Better Software? | Robert of Husbandry Pro | Reptile Guild Podcast

   Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/reptile-guild/voicemail) Join the Reptile Guild on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild (https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild) Dr. Tom Harbin Reptiles Memorial Endowed Scholarship in the College of Veterinary Medicine: https://give.auburn.edu/campaigns/dr-tom-harbin-reptiles-memorial-endowed-scholarship-in-the-college-of-veterinary-medicine-1 (https://give.auburn.edu/campaigns/dr-tom-harbin-reptiles-memorial-endowed-scholarship-in-the-college-of-veterinary-medicine-1) The Reptile Guild went international. What happens when artificial intelligence starts changing not just how we use software, but how that software is actually built? This week on the Reptile Guild Podcast, Robert, owner of Husbandry Pro, joins us for a conversation that goes well beyond reptile record keeping. We’re digging into the technology behind Husbandry Pro and how software development itself is changing. We’ll talk about: • Encryption, security, and protecting user data • Traditional human engineers and programmers vs AI development • Claude and the rise of AI coding agents • What “vibe coding” actually means • Where AI excels and where human oversight still matters • How AI could change the speed and cost of software development • What all of this means for Husbandry Pro • New Husbandry Pro features and updates • What Robert has planned next for the platform AI assisted development is moving incredibly fast, but speed doesn’t automatically mean security or quality. That makes Robert’s perspective especially interesting because Husbandry Pro deals with real-world husbandry records and data while evolving alongside this new generation of development tools. Whether you use Husbandry Pro, breed reptiles, or you’re simply curious about where AI is taking technology, there should be plenty to unpack in this one. REPTILE GUILD PODCAST Hosts: Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics Josh & Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins Technical Producer: Jay Kaps of Green Line Morphs Building Knowledge. Growing Community. Keywords: Reptile Guild Podcast, Husbandry Pro, Husbandry Pro app, Husbandry Pro Next, reptile husbandry, reptile husbandry software, reptile record keeping, reptile breeding software, reptile breeder, reptile keeping, reptile technology, reptile industry, reptile podcast, Claude AI, Claude Code, Anthropic Claude, vibe coding, AI coding, artificial intelligence, AI software development, AI vs programmers, AI vs coders, software engineering, data encryption, cybersecurity, reptile data, Small Town Xotics, Herpin Harbins, Greenline Morphs

6. 

   27 Sept 2026

   LIVE From Canada’s BIGGEST Reptile Expo! | 15 MOL Announcement | Reptile Guild

   Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/reptile-guild/voicemail) Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild (https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild) THE REPTILE GUILD HAS GONE INTERNATIONAL! We’re LIVE on location from the Canadian Reptile Breeders Expo in Toronto, Ontario! The CRBE is one of the biggest reptile events we’ve experienced, and instead of just telling you about it when we get home, we’re bringing you right onto the show floor with us. We’ll be talking about what makes the Canadian reptile scene different, checking out vendors and animals, catching up with people in the industry, and giving you our impressions of the CRBE experience firsthand. Josh and Alisha are experiencing the CRBE for the first time, so we’ll also get their perspective on the show, the vendors, the Canadian reptile community, and how it compares to the expos we regularly attend back home. BIG REPTILE GUILD ANNOUNCEMENT! Starting in 2027, the Reptile Guild will officially be taking over the Fatman's 15 Minutes of Lame contest! We’re excited to carry the contest forward, put the Reptile Guild spin on it, and continue giving members of the reptile community a chance to step into the spotlight. We’ll be talking about what’s coming, how the contest will evolve, and what you can expect when 15 Minutes of Lame returns in 2027. Expect some familiar faces, some new ones, some big news, and probably a little chaos. We are live from a reptile expo, after all. REPTILE GUILD PODCAST Hosts: Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics, Josh & Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins Technical Producer: Jay Kaps of Green Line Morphs Building Knowledge. Growing Community. KEYWORDS: CRBE, CRBE Toronto, Canadian Reptile Breeders Expo, Canadian Reptile Expo, Toronto reptile show, Toronto reptile expo, Canada reptile expo, Canadian reptiles, 15 Minutes of Lame, 15 Minutes of Lame 2027, Reptile Guild 15 Minutes of Lame, reptile contest, reptile expo, reptile show, reptile breeders, reptile breeding, reptile community, reptile industry, reptile podcast, Reptile Guild Podcast, Reptile Guild, Small Town Xotics, Herpin Harbins, Green Line Morphs, ball pythons, western hognose, exotic pets, reptile vendors

7. 

   24 Sept 2026

   Our Canada Reptile Trip | CRBE, Niagara Falls & Toronto | Reptile Guild Podcast

   Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/reptile-guild/voicemail) Join the Reptile Guild on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild (https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild) Dr. Tom Harbin Reptiles Memorial Endowed Scholarship in the College of Veterinary Medicine: https://give.auburn.edu/campaigns/dr-tom-harbin-reptiles-memorial-endowed-scholarship-in-the-college-of-veterinary-medicine-1 (https://give.auburn.edu/campaigns/dr-tom-harbin-reptiles-memorial-endowed-scholarship-in-the-college-of-veterinary-medicine-1) The Reptile Guild went international. In this episode of The Reptile Guild Podcast, Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics joins Josh and Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins to recap our recent trip to Canada for the Canadian Reptile Breeders Expo, better known as CRBE. This was Josh and Alisha’s first time experiencing the show, so we’re talking about their first impressions, how CRBE compares to reptile expos in the United States, the vendors, the crowds, the atmosphere, and whether a show of this size is worth traveling for. But this trip was about more than reptiles. We stayed in Niagara Falls, explored the area, took in the falls, visited Toronto, went up the CN Tower, spent time with friends in the reptile community, and got another reminder that some of the best parts of this industry happen outside the show itself. One of the biggest takeaways from this trip had nothing to do with buying or selling reptiles. Traveling together, meeting people, building relationships, and spending time with friends reminded us why the community side of the reptile industry matters so much. Building Knowledge. Growing Community. Hosts Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics Josh and Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins Technical Producer Jay Kaps of Greenline Morphs Episode Talking Points 1. Why did we decide to make the Canada trip? 2. What was the drive from Tennessee actually like? 3. Crossing the Canadian border with reptile people. Any surprises? 4. First reaction when we finally saw Niagara Falls. 5. Was Niagara as impressive as we expected? 6. Journey Behind the Falls. Worth doing? 7. The boat ride and getting that close to the falls. 8. Our overall impression of Niagara Falls as a destination. 9. The good and bad parts of staying in such a tourist-heavy area. 10. The drive from Niagara into the Toronto area. 11. Helping with CRBE setup before the show opened. 12. Josh and Alisha: what did you think when you first walked into the venue? 13. Did CRBE feel more like a reptile expo or a complete pet expo? 14. How did the reptile section compare to major U.S. shows? 15. What stood out about the vendor booths? 16. Did you see species or products you don’t normally see at home? 17. What did you notice about Canadian reptile buyers and keepers? 18. How was the crowd compared to U.S. expos? 19. Did the show live up to the hype? 20. What could American reptile expos learn from CRBE? 21. Was there anything U.S. shows do better? 22. The networking and social side of the weekend. 23. Spending time with friends outside of the convention. 24. Why trips like this can be valuable even if you never sell an animal. 25. Going into Toronto and visiting the CN Tower. 26. Favorite meal or food discovery from the trip. 27. Favorite non-reptile experience. 28. Favorite reptile-related moment. 29. Biggest surprise of the entire trip. 30. If we went back next year, what would we change? Keywords CRBE Canadian Reptile Breeders Expo Canada reptile show Toronto reptile show reptile expo Canada Canadian reptile expo reptile show review Niagara Falls Canada Toronto Canada CN Tower reptile road trip reptile community reptile breeders Reptile Guild Podcast Small Town Xotics Herpin Harbins Greenline Morphs

8. 

   10 Sept 2026

   What’s New With Reptile Ads? | RADS Growth, Traffic & New Features | Reptile Guild Podcast

   Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/reptile-guild/voicemail) Join the Reptile Guild on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild (https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild) Dr. Tom Harbin Reptiles Memorial Endowed Scholarship in the College of Veterinary Medicine: https://give.auburn.edu/campaigns/dr-tom-harbin-reptiles-memorial-endowed-scholarship-in-the-college-of-veterinary-medicine-1 (https://give.auburn.edu/campaigns/dr-tom-harbin-reptiles-memorial-endowed-scholarship-in-the-college-of-veterinary-medicine-1) Reptile Ads, better known as RADS, launched with the goal of giving reptile keepers and breeders another modern marketplace for buying, selling, and connecting within the hobby. Now Zac Parpart is back to give us an update. In this episode of The Reptile Guild Podcast, Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics joins Josh and Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins for a conversation with Zac Parpart, Founder and CEO of ReptileAds.com (http://ReptileAds.com). We first talked with Zac when RADS was still a brand-new platform. This time, we want to know what has happened since launch. How much has the marketplace grown? What does the site traffic look like? What are users actually doing on the platform? Which features have worked, which ones have changed, and what does Zac have planned next? RADS now operates as a reptile and exotic animal marketplace, has a mobile app available, and has continued rolling out navigation and performance improvements while building integrations and partnerships within the reptile industry. (Google Play⁠) Topics include: • How RADS has performed since launch • Current website traffic and user growth • Number of buyers, sellers, and active listings • Which reptile categories are seeing the most activity • What Zac has learned from real-world marketplace usage • New features added since launch • The RADS mobile app • Website and app performance improvements • Husbandry.Pro (http://Husbandry.Pro) integration • Seller tools and marketplace functionality • User feedback and feature requests • What has worked better than expected • What has been harder than expected • How RADS plans to differentiate itself long term • Competition within the online reptile marketplace space • International growth opportunities • Upcoming features • What is on the RADS roadmap for 2027 and beyond • Zac’s long-term vision for the platform Whether you are a breeder trying to sell animals online, a buyer looking for your next reptile, or simply interested in where the reptile marketplace is headed, this episode gives us a look behind the curtain at one of the newest platforms in the industry. Building Knowledge. Growing Community. Guest: Zac Parpart Founder & CEO of ReptileAds.com (http://ReptileAds.com) / RADS Hosts: Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics Josh and Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins Technical Producer: Jay Kaps of Green Line Morphs Keywords Reptile Ads RADS Zac Parpart ReptileAds reptile marketplace reptile classifieds sell reptiles online buy reptiles online ball python marketplace reptile breeder marketplace reptile app reptile business reptile industry Reptile Guild Podcast Small Town Xotics Herpin Harbins

9. 

   3 Sept 2026

   We Vended These Reptile Shows in 2026… Here’s the Truth | Reptile Guild Podcast

   Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/reptile-guild/voicemail) Join the Reptile Guild on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild (https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild) Dr. Tom Harbin Reptiles Memorial Endowed Scholarship in the College of Veterinary Medicine: https://give.auburn.edu/campaigns/dr-tom-harbin-reptiles-memorial-endowed-scholarship-in-the-college-of-veterinary-medicine-1 (https://give.auburn.edu/campaigns/dr-tom-harbin-reptiles-memorial-endowed-scholarship-in-the-college-of-veterinary-medicine-1) We’ve spent a LOT of weekends behind reptile show tables in 2026, and now it’s time to compare notes. In this episode of the Reptile Guild Podcast, we’re looking back at the reptile expos we’ve vended so far this year and breaking down our experiences at each one. Which shows had the best crowds? Which were organized well? Where did vendors actually make money? Which shows had the strongest reptile community? And most importantly… which ones would we go back to? We may even rank them. We’ll talk about the shows from a vendor’s perspective, including: • Attendance and customer traffic • Quality of buyers • Vendor experience • Show organization and communication • Venue and location • Species diversity • Community and atmosphere • Sales potential • Whether we’d vend the show again • Our overall rankings This isn’t about trashing shows. Every expo is different, and what works for one breeder may not work for another. We’re sharing our experiences and what we’ve learned from spending weekend after weekend on the vendor side of the table. What reptile show do YOU think deserves the #1 spot? Hosted by: Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics Josh & Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins Technical Producer: Jay Kaps of Green Line Morphs The Reptile Guild is about Building Knowledge, Growing Community through honest conversations about reptile keeping, breeding, business, and the community surrounding it. Keywords reptile shows 2026, reptile expo, reptile expos, reptile show review, best reptile shows, reptile expo ranking, reptile vendor, vending reptile shows, reptile breeder, reptile business, selling reptiles, reptile convention, snake breeder, ball python breeder, hognose breeder, reptile community, reptile podcast, Reptile Guild Podcast, Small Town Xotics, Herpin Harbins

10. 

    27 Aug 2026

    Nixon Reptiles | Ball Pythons & Building a Diverse Collection | Reptile Guild Podcast

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/reptile-guild/voicemail) Join the Reptile Guild on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild (https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild) In this episode of The Reptile Guild Podcast, Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics joins Josh and Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins for a conversation with Brandon Nixon of Nixon Reptiles. Brandon works with multiple reptile species while continuing to build and develop his ball python projects, giving him a unique perspective on what it means to maintain a diversified reptile collection. We talk about why some breeders choose to specialize while others work with several species, how diversification can affect breeding goals, space, workload, risk, and long-term sustainability, and what Brandon has learned from balancing multiple projects at once. Topics include: • Brandon’s background in reptiles • His current ball python projects • How he chooses which projects to pursue • Why he works with multiple species • The advantages of keeping a diversified collection • The challenges of managing different species and husbandry needs • Balancing space, time, feeders, and breeding seasons • Avoiding becoming too dependent on one species or one segment of the reptile market • Deciding when to add a new species • Knowing when a collection is becoming too large • Holdbacks and long-term breeding goals • How market changes influence breeding decisions • Staying interested and motivated by working with different animals • Advice for breeders considering expanding beyond one species Whether you are focused entirely on ball pythons or considering branching into other reptiles, this episode is about building a collection with purpose and thinking beyond the next breeding season. Building Knowledge. Growing Community. Guest Brandon Nixon of Nixon Reptiles Hosts Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics Josh and Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins Technical Producer Jay Kaps of Green Line Morphs Keywords Brandon Nixon Nixon Reptiles ball python breeding ball python projects reptile breeder multi species reptile breeder diversified reptile collection reptile collection management reptile breeding projects snake breeding reptile market reptile business The Reptile Guild Reptile Guild Podcast Small Town Xotics Herpin Harbins

11. 

    20 Aug 2026

    What Makes Someone a Responsible Reptile Breeder? | Reptile Guild Podcast

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/reptile-guild/voicemail) Join the Reptile Guild on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild (https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild) What actually makes someone a responsible reptile breeder? Producing healthy babies is only one part of the job. In this episode of The Reptile Guild Podcast, Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics joins Josh and Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins for an honest discussion about the responsibilities that come with breeding reptiles. We dig into the areas breeders sometimes overlook, including genetics, animal health, veterinary care, accurate record keeping, customer service, honesty in advertising, overproduction, pricing, and responsibility to the reptile market as a whole. Topics include: • Knowing the genetics behind the animals you produce • Being honest about possible genes, hets, lineage, and identification • Breeding only healthy and appropriately conditioned animals • Knowing when an animal should not be bred • Veterinary care and recognizing when professional treatment is needed • Quarantine, disease prevention, and protecting your collection • Keeping accurate breeding, feeding, shedding, and health records • Supporting customers after the sale • Being honest when something goes wrong • Producing animals you realistically have the ability to house and sell • Overproduction and its effect on the reptile market • Pricing animals responsibly • Avoiding the temptation to breed simply because you can • Taking responsibility for the animals you produce • The difference between being a reptile breeder and simply producing reptiles • Ethics, reputation, and building trust within the reptile community There probably isn’t one perfect definition of a responsible breeder, but there are standards all of us should be willing to discuss. Whether you’re considering your first breeding project or have been producing reptiles for decades, this conversation is about taking a closer look at the responsibility that comes with bringing more animals into the hobby. Building Knowledge. Growing Community. Hosts Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics Josh and Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins Technical Producer Jay Kaps of Greenline Morphs Keywords responsible reptile breeder reptile breeding ethics ethical reptile breeding reptile breeder responsibility ball python breeding reptile genetics reptile health reptile veterinary care reptile breeder customer service reptile record keeping reptile market reptile overproduction reptile community The Reptile Guild Reptile Guild Podcast Small Town Xotics Herpin Harbins

12. 

    13 Aug 2026

    The Hardest Season of John’s Life | Black Rock Balls | Reptile Guild Podcast

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/reptile-guild/voicemail) Join the Reptile Guild on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild (https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild) Everyone sees the snakes, the success, and the social media posts, but very few people see the struggles happening behind the scenes. In this episode of the Reptile Guild Podcast, Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics sits down with John from Black Rock Balls to have an honest conversation about the challenges he’s faced, how those struggles have affected both his personal life and reptile business, and what has helped him keep moving forward. This episode isn’t just about reptiles. It’s about perseverance, mental resilience, community, and finding purpose during difficult seasons of life. Whether you’re a breeder, keeper, business owner, or simply someone facing your own challenges, we hope this conversation reminds you that you’re not alone. Hosted by: Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics Josh & Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins Technical Producer: Jay Kaps of Green Line Morphs The Reptile Guild exists to bring reptile keepers together through honest conversations, education, and shared experiences. Building Knowledge. Growing Community. Keywords Reptile Guild Podcast, Black Rock Balls, John Aji, reptile breeder, ball python breeder, mental health, overcoming adversity, resilience, reptile community, reptile podcast, snake breeder, reptile industry, Small Town Xotics, Herpin Harbins, ball pythons, breeder burnout, motivation, entrepreneurship, keeping reptiles, reptile education

13. 

    6 Aug 2026

    What Makes a Great Reptile Vendor? | Reptile Guild Podcast

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/reptile-guild/voicemail) Join the Reptile Guild on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild (https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild) What separates a great reptile vendor from an average one? Is it the animals they produce, the prices they offer, or something much more important? In this episode of the Reptile Guild Podcast, Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics joins Josh and Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins to discuss the qualities that build trust, create loyal customers, and strengthen the reptile community. From customer service and honest communication to display setup, ethics, and supporting keepers long after the sale, we explore what it really means to be a professional reptile vendor. Whether you are vending your first reptile expo, considering becoming a breeder, or simply want to know what to look for when buying your next reptile, this conversation is packed with practical advice that applies to every level of the hobby. Hosted by: Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics Josh & Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins Technical Producer: Jay Kaps of Green Line Morphs LIKE If you enjoy honest conversations about reptile keeping, breeding, and the future of the hobby, be sure to like, subscribe, and share the episode. ⸻ Keywords: reptile vendor, reptile expo, reptile breeder, reptile business, reptile community, reptile podcast, reptile guild, reptile sales, snake breeder, ball python breeder, western hognose breeder, reptile customer service, vending reptile shows, reptile ethics, reptile education, reptile husbandry, responsible reptile breeding, buying reptiles, reptile expo tips, reptile keeping

14. 

    30 Jul 2026

    Cryptosporidium in Reptiles | Symptoms, Testing, Prevention & Treatment | Reptile Guild Podcast

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/reptile-guild/voicemail) Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild (https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild) Cryptosporidium is one of the most concerning diseases reptile keepers and breeders may encounter, but misinformation and fear can make it difficult to understand what it actually is and how it should be handled. In this episode of The Reptile Guild Podcast, Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins is joined by special guest Jessica Hare of Hare Hollow Farms to educate us about Cryptosporidium in reptiles. We discuss what Cryptosporidium is, how it spreads, which symptoms reptile keepers should watch for, how veterinarians test for it, whether an infected reptile can appear healthy, and what steps keepers can take to reduce the risk of introducing it into a collection. Topics include: • What Cryptosporidium is • The difference between Cryptosporidium species • How Crypto spreads through a reptile collection • Regurgitation, weight loss and other possible symptoms • Whether infected reptiles can remain asymptomatic • How fecal testing, PCR testing and veterinary examinations are used • Why one negative test may not always provide a complete answer • Quarantine procedures for newly acquired reptiles • Cleaning, disinfection and cross-contamination prevention • What to do when Crypto is suspected • Whether effective treatment options currently exist • Protecting the rest of a reptile collection • When euthanasia may become part of the veterinary discussion In snakes, reptile-associated cryptosporidiosis is commonly linked with recurring regurgitation, weight loss, chronic weakness and changes involving the stomach lining and digestive function. Diagnosis requires veterinary evaluation and appropriate laboratory testing because these symptoms may also be caused by other medical or husbandry problems. (Merck Veterinary Manual) Treatment remains difficult, and supportive veterinary care may help stabilize an affected reptile, but no consistently reliable cure is currently recognized. Any suspected case should be handled with the guidance of an experienced reptile veterinarian. (Merck Veterinary Manual) This episode is intended for education and should not replace diagnosis or treatment from a qualified reptile veterinarian. Building Knowledge. Growing Community. Guest Jessica Hare of Hare Hollow Farms Hosts Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics Josh and Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins Technical Producer Jay Kaps of Green Line Morphs Keywords Cryptosporidium in reptiles reptile Crypto snake Cryptosporidium Cryptosporidium symptoms reptile disease prevention reptile quarantine reptile PCR testing reptile fecal testing snake regurgitation reptile veterinary care Jessica Hare Hare Hollow Farms Alisha Harbin Herpin Harbins Small Town Xotics Reptile Guild Podcast

15. 

    26 Jul 2026

    Reptile Thermostats Explained | Which One Should You Buy? | Reptile Guild Podcast

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/reptile-guild/voicemail) Join The Reptile Guild on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild (https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild) Thermostats are one of the most important—and often misunderstood—pieces of reptile equipment. In this episode of The Reptile Guild Podcast, Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics joins Josh & Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins to break down what reptile thermostats do, why every heated enclosure should have one, and how to choose the right thermostat for your setup. We discuss the differences between on/off, pulse proportional, and dimming thermostats, whether premium brands are worth the investment, common mistakes reptile keepers make, and how proper temperature control can protect both your reptiles and your equipment. Whether you’re setting up your first enclosure or managing an entire reptile room, understanding thermostats is essential for safe and successful reptile keeping. Building Knowledge. Growing Community. ⸻ Hosts Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics Josh & Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins Technical Producer Jay Kaps of Green Line Morphs ⸻ Talking Points What is a reptile thermostat? Why every heat source should be controlled. Thermostat vs thermometer. Why heat mats should never run without one. On/Off thermostats explained. Pulse proportional thermostats explained. Dimming thermostats explained. Which heat sources work best with each type. Single-zone vs multi-zone thermostats. Does accuracy really matter? Probe placement mistakes. How to prevent dangerous hot spots. Can thermostats fail? Should you have backup equipment? Are expensive thermostats worth the money? Brand comparisons. Features to look for. Budget recommendations. Best thermostat for beginners. Best thermostat for breeders with multiple racks. ⸻ Reptile thermostat, reptile thermostats explained, reptile heating, reptile temperature control, reptile heat mat, ball python thermostat, snake thermostat, reptile husbandry, reptile care, reptile heating equipment, thermostat comparison, pulse proportional thermostat, dimming thermostat, on off thermostat, reptile podcast, Reptile Guild Podcast, Small Town Xotics, Herpin Harbins

16. 

    16 Jul 2026

    Lace White Interview | From 15 Minutes of Lame to Lace Balls | Reptile Guild Podcast

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/reptile-guild/voicemail) Join The Reptile Guild on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild (https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild) In this episode of The Reptile Guild Podcast, Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics joins Josh & Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins to welcome Lace White of Lace Balls. Lace is the 2025 15 Minutes of Lame winner, cohost of Show Me Your Rack, and an active ball python breeder with a passion for the reptile community. We discuss: • How Lace got started with ball pythons • Building the Lace Balls brand • Winning the 2025 15 Minutes of Lame competition • Behind the scenes of Show Me Your Rack • Current breeding projects and future goals • Lessons learned as a breeder and content creator • Growing within today’s reptile community Whether you’re a new keeper or a longtime breeder, this episode is full of insight, stories, and plenty of laughs. Building Knowledge. Growing Community. ⸻ Hosts Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics Josh & Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins Technical Producer Jay Kaps of Green Line Morphs ⸻ Keywords The Reptile Guild Reptile Guild Podcast Lace White Lace Balls Show Me Your Rack ball python podcast ball python breeder reptile breeder interview Small Town Xotics Herpin Harbins

17. 

    9 Jul 2026

    Emergency or Not? Knowing When Your Reptile Needs a Vet | Reptile Guild Podcast

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/reptile-guild/voicemail) Finding a qualified reptile veterinarian before an emergency happens can make all the difference. In this episode of the Reptile Guild Podcast, Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics joins Josh and Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins to discuss how to choose a reptile veterinarian, what questions to ask before your first visit, and how to recognize when it’s time to seek professional medical care. Whether you keep your first ball python, breed western hognose snakes, work with boas, or maintain a large reptile collection, understanding when to involve a veterinarian is an essential part of responsible reptile keeping. Hosted by Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics and Josh and Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins. Technical Producer: Jay Kaps of Greenline Morphs The Reptile Guild is dedicated to building knowledge, growing community, and strengthening the reptile hobby through honest conversations, education, and practical experience. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild (https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild) Like, subscribe, and share if you enjoy educational reptile content. Find a reptile vet here ARAV: https://members.arav.org/search/custom.asp?id=3661 (https://members.arav.org/search/custom.asp?id=3661) reptile guild podcast frameshift reptiles ball python podcast western hognose podcast ball python breeding western hognose breeding reptile breeder interview reptile community reptile genetics small town xotics

18. 

    2 Jul 2026

    Frameshift Reptiles | Ball Pythons, Hognoses & Beyond | Reptile Guild Podcast

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/reptile-guild/voicemail) In this episode of The Reptile Guild Podcast, Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics joins Josh & Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins to sit down with the team from Frameshift Reptiles for a conversation about their vision for the future of their breeding program. We discuss their passion for ball pythons, western hognose snakes, and the other reptile species they work with, along with the projects that excite them the most and the goals they’re pursuing for the years ahead. Topics include: • Why they chose their focus species • Ball python breeding projects • Western hognose projects and genetics • Expanding into other reptile species • Long-term breeding goals • Building a sustainable reptile business • The importance of community in the reptile hobby If you enjoy conversations about reptile breeding, genetics, husbandry, and the people building the future of the hobby, you’ll enjoy this episode. Building Knowledge. Growing Community. Hosts Shane Kelley (Small Town Xotics, Knoxville, Tennessee) Josh & Alisha Harbin (Herpin Harbins, Knoxville, Tennessee) Technical Producer: Jay Kaps (Greenline Morphs) Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ReptileGuild (https://www.patreon.com/ReptileGuild) reptile guild podcast frameshift reptiles ball python podcast western hognose podcast ball python breeding western hognose breeding reptile breeder interview reptile community reptile genetics small town xotics

19. 

    26 Jun 2026

    Welcome to The Reptile Guild | Why We Left Reptiles Unplugged

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/reptile-guild/voicemail) Welcome to the very first episode of The Reptile Guild. In this inaugural episode, Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics joins Josh & Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins to explain what The Reptile Guild is, why we created it, and what you can expect moving forward. We discuss: • Why we decided to move on from Reptiles Unplugged • The meaning behind The Reptile Guild name • Our vision for the future of the show • Community, education, and mentorship • The format of future episodes • What listeners and viewers can expect going forward • Our goals for bringing reptile keepers and breeders together The Reptile Guild was built around the idea that the reptile hobby is strongest when knowledge is shared, relationships are formed, and the community grows together. Whether you keep ball pythons, western hognose snakes, boas, kingsnakes, or simply love reptiles, we hope you’ll join us as we build something special. Building Knowledge. Growing Community. Patreon: https://patreon.com/ReptileGuild (https://patreon.com/SmallTownXotics) Hosts Shane Kelley (Small Town Xotics, Knoxville, Tennessee) Josh & Alisha Harbin (Herpin Harbins, Knoxville, Tennessee) Technical Wizardry: Jay Kaps (Greenline Morphs) reptile guild patreon reptile guild podcast reptile guild small town xotics herpin harbins reptile podcast ball python podcast western hognose podcast reptile community reptile education reptile breeders

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Contact Reptile Guild

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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