Episode 140 – Locality Spotlight: Karompa with Jon Edwards In this episode of The Retic Lounge, Lucas and Nathan are joined by longtime locality keeper and enthusiast Jon Edwards to shine a light on one of the most obscure and intriguing island forms in the Retic world: Karompa. Tucked away in the Sulawesi region of Indonesia, the Karompa Retic has sparked curiosity and debate for years—but few have worked with them as extensively as Jon. Together, they dive into what sets this locality apart: f...
Jun 20, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 138
In this episode of The Retic Lounge, Lucas and Nathan crack open pages 267 to 314 of The Complete Reticulated Python to uncover the wild roots of some of the rarest and most misunderstood morphs in the hobby. From jungles in Sumatra, Java, and Borneo to remote islands in the Philippines, this chapter explores the natural origins of morphs like Black Stripe, Harlequin, Lemon Glow, and Tribal—many of which were discovered by chance through the skin trade or field collection. This episode breaks do...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 137
In this episode of The Retic Lounge, Lucas and Nathan sit down with Nathan Hess of [@nathan\_hess\_retics](https://www.instagram.com/nathan_hess_retics) to dive into one of the most exciting first-time breedings in recent memory. Nathan shares the story behind his debut clutch of Reticulated Pythons, the meticulous husbandry practices that got him there, and the custom enclosures he built to provide optimal care for his animals. What makes this clutch so special? Nathan jumped in with both feet,...
May 16, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 136
In this installment of The Complete Reticulated Python Book Club, we dive into one of the most iconic and complex morph categories in the hobby: Albinos. In part two of Chapter 11, Nathan and Lucas break down the origins, genetic relationships, and controversies surrounding the different Albino morphs in the Retic world. We trace the roots of the Clark Strain Albino, first imported by Bob Clark in 1994 via the infamous Anson Wong, and discuss how this single morph led to the emergence of the Whi...
Apr 25, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 135
Retic VS Black Dragon | Jong Chiu of JC Reptiles | The Retic Lounge #136 In this episode, Nathan sits down with Jong Chiu of [@jc_reptiles](https://www.instagram.com/jc_reptiles) for a deep dive into Jong's reptile journey. After moving from the Philippines to the United States, Jong found his way back into the reptile hobby, eventually specializing in two powerhouse species: Reticulated Pythons and Black Dragons (Melanistic Water Monitors). Nathan and Jong break down the care requirements, chal...
Apr 18, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 134
UK vs. US Retic Keeping | Lounge Logic | The Retic Lounge #135 In this episode, Nathan brings on a panel of returning guests and new voices to talk all things retics and reptiles. Joining the Lounge are Luke of [@dagobah_exotics](https://www.instagram.com/dagobah_exotics), Jacob St. John of [@st.serpents](https://www.instagram.com/st.serpents), and Jacob Smith of [@wapiti.exotics](https://www.instagram.com/wapiti.exotics). Luke and Jacob St. John give us updates since their last appearances on t...
Apr 11, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 133
Jampea Specialist with Chris Schar | The Retic Lounge #134 In this episode, Nathan sits down with longtime reptile keeper and first-time breeder Chris Schar to talk about his journey in the reptile hobby, his impressive collection, and his first successful clutch of Dwarf Reticulated Pythons. Chris paired his 68.75% Jampea Het Anery female with his Pure Anery Jampea male, producing an exciting clutch of 84.375% Jampea Reticulated Pythons. Topics Covered: - Chris’s background in reptile keeping -...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 132
Collection Update with Spencer Vance of Coiled Retics | The Retic Lounge #133 In this episode, Nathan sits down solo with Spencer Vance of Coiled Retics for an official update—two years after his first appearance on The Retic Lounge. Spencer shares how his journey with Reticulated Pythons has evolved, from changes in his collection to new keeping and breeding practices. Topics Covered: - Growth and changes in Spencer’s collection - How his approach to keeping and breeding Retics has developed - ...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 131
A Tropical Paradise: South American-Themed Greenhouse w/ Zach Porritt | The Retic Lounge #131 In this episode of The Retic Lounge, we sit down with Zach Porritt of @a.life.exotic to explore his incredible South American-themed greenhouse. Zach has created a stunning, self-sustaining ecosystem filled with tropical plants, fish, and reptiles, bringing a slice of the jungle into his own backyard. Topics Covered: - The vision behind a South American-inspired reptile greenhouse - The challenges and r...
Mar 07, 2025•1 hr 45 min•Ep. 130
Free Roaming Retics?! | Out-of-the-Box Keeping w/ Nikki of Ladytis Exotics | The Retic Lounge #130 In this episode of The Retic Lounge, we sit down with Nikki of @ladytis_exotics to explore her unique and unconventional approach to keeping Reticulated Pythons. Nikki is known for thinking outside the box when it comes to husbandry, and she shares her experiences with free-roaming retics, creating a more interactive and enriching environment, and treating these incredible animals as true pets rath...
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 56 min•Ep. 129
Reticulated Python Nutrition | TRL Book Club: The Complete Reticulated Python Chapter 10 | The Retic Lounge #129 In this episode of The Retic Lounge Book Club, Lucas and Nathan break down Chapter 10 of *The Complete Reticulated Python*, diving deep into the nutrition and feeding habits of these incredible animals. They discuss how Reticulated Pythons hunt and consume prey in the wild, the importance of proper diet selection in captivity, and best practices for maintaining a healthy feeding regim...
Feb 22, 2025•1 hr 41 min•Ep. 128
The Resurgence of Bali Locality Reticulated Pythons w/ MayRay Exotics | The Retic Lounge #128 In this episode of The Retic Lounge, Lucas holds down the fort solo while Nathan attends a funeral, sitting down with MayRay Exotics for a deep dive into the resurgence of Bali Locality Reticulated Pythons. This conversation highlights the importance of preserving locality-specific genetics, the unique benefits of working with pure localities, and why Bali Reticulated Pythons are making a strong comebac...
Feb 14, 2025•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 127
Episode 127: Species Spotlight – Peacock Monitors w/ Ryan McVeigh This week on The Retic Lounge, Lucas takes the helm solo to bring you a special Species Spotlight on Peacock Monitors with guest Ryan McVeigh! These stunning, arboreal monitors are as fascinating as they are elusive, and Ryan breaks down everything from their natural history and husbandry requirements to the challenges and rewards of keeping them in captivity. This episode is especially exciting because Lucas will soon be welcomin...
Feb 10, 2025•2 hr 1 min•Ep. 126
Episode 126: The Ins and Outs of Breeder Loans w/ Eric Lee | The Snow King Returns In this episode of The Retic Lounge, we welcome back Eric Lee, the Snow King of Super Dwarfs, to break down the ins and outs of breeder loans. After first appearing on Episode 9, Eric returns to share his expertise on what makes a successful and appealing breeder loan, how he decides who to collaborate with, and the key logistics involved in structuring a mutually beneficial partnership. We also dive into how bree...
Jan 31, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 125
Episode 124: Troubleshooting Reticulated Python Behavior w/ Alex Carr of Carr Reptiles In this episode of The Retic Lounge, we sit down with Alex Carr of Carr Reptiles to discuss his journey into the world of Reticulated Pythons. As a new keeper, Alex has embraced the challenge of working with two very different snakes: a confident and curious female and a flighty, defensive male. Alex shares his proactive approach to addressing behavioral challenges, including reaching out to experienced leader...
Jan 17, 2025•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 124
Episode 123: New Breeder Spotlight | MOD Exotics w/ Jennifer Jean In this exciting episode of The Retic Lounge, we shine the spotlight on Jennifer Jean of MOD Exotics, a passionate new breeder making waves in the Super Dwarf Reticulated Python community. Jennifer shares her journey into the world of reticulated pythons, from her first experiences with these majestic animals to curating an incredible collection of Super Dwarf Retics. We delve into her daily husbandry practices, the challenges and...
Jan 10, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 123
Episode 122: Make Retics Great Again | The Retic Market and Will It Stabilize? After a month-long break, The Retic Lounge is back and kicking off 2025 with a thought-provoking discussion on the future of the reticulated python market! We start by reflecting on the highlights and achievements of 2024 for The Retic Lounge—what a year it’s been! From groundbreaking interviews to our TRL Book Club series, we celebrate the moments that made an impact. Then, we dive into the current state of the retic...
Jan 03, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 122
Episode 121: Captive Husbandry of Reticulated Pythons | TRL Book Club Chapter 8 Lucas and Nathan close out 2024 with a bang in the final episode of the year! Join us for another insightful installment of The Retic Lounge Book Club as we dive into Chapter 8 of *The Complete Reticulated Python by Glen McClellan: *Captive Husbandry. This chapter is a treasure trove of knowledge, covering every aspect of keeping Reticulated Pythons in captivity, with a focus on elevating our care standards. From cag...
Nov 29, 2024•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 121
Episode 120: Acquiring Adult Reticulated Pythons – With Alex Koppa In this episode, we sit down with our friend Alex Koppa to dive into his unique journey in the reptile hobby. From his early experiences with wildlife to his growing passion for reptiles, Alex shares the story of what led him to work with large adult reticulated pythons. We explore the challenges and rewards of acquiring mature retics, including the adjustments required in husbandry, handling, and building trust with these powerf...
Nov 23, 2024•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 120
Episode 119: Sponsorship Spotlight – Desiree Monnot of Cold Blooded Cafe In this episode, we talk with Desiree Monnot, the powerhouse behind Cold Blooded Cafe, to explore what it takes to be a leader in the reptile feeder industry. Known for providing some of the cleanest and best-quality feeders, Cold Blooded Cafe offers mice, rats, rabbits, quail, chicks, crawfish, quail eggs, and more—making it a go-to for keepers seeking a varied diet for their reptiles. Beyond feeders, Desiree dives into he...
Nov 15, 2024•1 hr 54 min•Ep. 119
Episode 118: TRL Book Club – The Complete Reticulated Python* Chapter 7, The Importation Process This week, Lucas and Nathan return to the TRL Book Club series, diving into Chapter 7 of *The Complete Reticulated Python* by Glen McClellan. In this episode, they explore the fascinating and complex history of legally importing Reticulated Pythons into the United States, leading up to the eventual Lacey Act ban on importation. Chapter 7 details what it took for passionate keepers and importers to br...
Nov 09, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 118
Episode 117: Colorado Legislation Awareness with Aaron Lee Ingalls of DNA Slithers and Critters In this episode of *The Retic Lounge*, Lucas and Nathan sit down with Aaron Lee Ingalls of DNA Slithers and Critters to discuss a critical topic impacting the reptile community: upcoming legislation in Colorado that could significantly change the standards for reptile keeping and breeding in the state. Aaron has been working tirelessly to educate local legislators on the unique requirements of reptile...
Nov 03, 2024•1 hr 41 min•Ep. 117
Episode 116: Species Spotlight – Dwarf Burmese Pythons (Progschai) with Michael Pennell of Python in a Pear Tree In this exciting episode of The Retic Lounge, Lucas and Nathan are joined by Michael Pennell of Python in a Pear Tree to spotlight the unique and fascinating world of Dwarf Burmese Pythons, also known as Progschai. Michael, a passionate breeder and keeper, shares his extensive knowledge and experiences working with these stunning, smaller variants of the iconic Burmese Python species....
Oct 25, 2024•1 hr 54 min•Ep. 116
Episode 115: The Complete Reticulated Python Book Club – Chapter 5: Morphology In this episode of *The Retic Lounge*, Lucas and Nathan continue their deep dive into Glen McClellan’s *The Complete Reticulated Python* with Chapter 5: Morphology. This chapter explores the intricate details of reticulated python morphology, from their physical traits to the variations observed across different subspecies and localities. Lucas and Nathan delve into how these differences manifest in scale counts, body...
Oct 18, 2024•1 hr 51 min•Ep. 115
From Novice to Python Pro: James Garrett's Wild Journey Under LAB Exotics! | THE RETIC LOUNGE #113 In this episode of *The Retic Lounge*, Lucas and Nathan sit down with James Garrett, Lucas's helper at LAB Exotics, to discuss how mentorship has shaped his love and understanding of reticulated pythons. James reflects on his journey from having little experience with these incredible animals to becoming fully immersed in their care, thanks to Lucas's guidance. Throughout the episode, James highlig...
Oct 04, 2024•1 hr 58 min•Ep. 113
Episode 112: Book Club - *The Complete Reticulated Python* Chapters 3 & 4 In Episode 112 of The Retic Lounge, Lucas and Nathan continue their deep dive into *The Complete Reticulated Python* by Glen McClellan with the next installment of our book club series. This time, we’re breaking down chapters 3 and 4, which explore fascinating topics related to the origins and evolution of reticulated pythons. - Chapter 3: Origins of M. R. Jampeanus and M. R. Saputrai– We dive into the evolutionary his...
Sep 27, 2024•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 112
Episode 111: Book Club - The Complete Reticulated Python Chapters 1 & 2 In this exciting new episode of The Retic Lounge, Lucas and Nathan kick off a brand-new book club series, diving into the long-anticipated release of *The Complete Reticulated Python* by our good friend Glen McClellan. This comprehensive guide to the natural history, captive care, and breeding of the world’s largest snake is the most extensive work ever published on these fascinating animals, and we’re here to break it d...
Sep 20, 2024•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 111
Episode 110: Reverse Interview with Joan Fernandez of Blackfish Herpetoculture In Episode 110 of The Retic Lounge, Lucas and Nathan welcome Joan Fernandez of Blackfish Herpetoculture for a unique reverse interview, diving deep into the world of herpetoculture from multiple perspectives. With a rich background in keeping both Reticulated Pythons and Morelia species, Joan guides us through a fascinating discussion on how different areas of the reptile hobby can influence one another. We start by e...
Sep 13, 2024•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 110
Sep 06, 2024•1 hr 51 min•Ep. 109
Episode 108: How To Vend a Reptile Expo Like a Pro with David Levinson of Custom Scales In Episode 108 of The Retic Lounge, Lucas and Nathan are joined by David Levinson of Custom Scales for an inside look at what it takes to vend a reptile expo like a pro. With years of experience and countless expos under his belt, Dave shares his expert advice on everything from setting up an eye-catching booth to engaging with customers and maximizing sales. Dave delves into the preparation and strategy need...
Aug 30, 2024•2 hr 11 min•Ep. 108
