Alright, welcome back to Repticon Reptile Shows! I'm Jay Tacey, and today we're shining the spotlight on Repticon Johnson City—coming up August 16th and 17th, 2025, at the Holiday Inn Johnson City. This is one of those shows that, honestly, just has that perfect family-friendly vibe. You get the excitement of live animals, the buzz of the crowd, and, well, a little bit of everything for everyone.And you know, Jay, I always say Johnson City is one of those hidden gems on the Repticon circuit. The venue's easy to find, parking's a breeze, and the energy is just... contagious. We see everyone from little kids dragging their parents in, to seasoned herpers who know exactly which vendor table they're making a beeline for.Yeah, and speaking of kids—this takes me back to my very first reptile show. I must've been, what, maybe ten? I showed up with this battered old book about spiders, hoping to get autographs from the breeders. I was so nervous, but the folks there were just so welcoming. That thrill, that sense of discovery, it never really goes away, does it?No, it really doesn't. I mean, even now, I get a kick out of seeing people light up when they hold a snake for the first time or ask a question about, like, what do I feed this gecko? And the best part is, these shows aren't just for the hardcore collectors. They're for families, for people who are just curious, or maybe thinking about their first pet.Absolutely, Michael. And, you know, the hands-on displays are a big part of that. You can actually see the animals up close, talk to the breeders, and get real advice—not just what you read online. It's a safe space to ask questions, and, honestly, that's how you build confidence as a new keeper.And let's not forget, it's not just about the animals. It's about the community. You meet people who share your passion, you swap stories, and sometimes you walk away with a new friend—or a new pet, if you're lucky!Exactly. So whether you're a first-timer or a veteran, Repticon Johnson City is the place to be. And, uh, if you see a kid with a spider book, give 'em a high five for me, alright?Alright, let's talk vendors—because, honestly, that's where the magic happens. First up, Dreamz Pet and Exotics. These folks have been in the game for over twenty years. I mean, that's some serious staying power. They bring everything from dart frogs and pacman frogs to hognose, king snakes, and, of course, ball pythons. Their booth is always packed, and for good reason.Yeah, Dreamz is one of those vendors you see at every big Southeast show. What I love is how approachable they are. You can walk up, ask about care, and they’ll walk you through it—no judgment, no pressure. They really want you to succeed, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned keeper.And they’re not just about selling animals. They’re about education. I’ve seen them spend twenty minutes with a family, just talking through what it means to own a dart frog, or how to set up a habitat. That’s the kind of support that keeps people coming back.Speaking of education, let’s talk about The Bug Queen. Now, if you’re into invertebrates—like isopods, tarantulas, millipedes—this is your stop. But what really sets The Bug Queen apart is their focus on bioactive setups. They don’t just sell bugs; they sell the whole ecosystem. Leaf litter, moss, cork bark, substrate blends—you name it. And they’re always happy to explain why bioactive is so important for animal health. It’s not just about looking pretty; it’s about creating a balanced, self-sustaining environment.Yeah, and their booth is always so organized. You can actually see the different isopods, check out the supplies, and get real advice. Plus, that heart-and-pillbug logo? You can’t miss it. It’s like a little badge of honor for bug lovers.And then there’s YetiGex. If you’re into crested geckos, you probably already know Brianna and her team. They’re based right here in Tennessee, and they’ve built a reputation for quality. Every gecko comes with a free success kit—care guides, feeding tools, the works. It’s perfect for beginners, and honestly, it takes a lot of the guesswork out of getting started.And their reviews are stellar. I mean, 5.0 on MorphMarket, all positive. People rave about the healthy animals, the communication, the shipping—Brianna really goes the extra mile. She even ships hub-to-hub, checks the weather, and makes sure every gecko arrives safe and sound.Plus, YetiGex is all about community. They’ve got a Gecko Club, they’re active on social media, and they’re always sharing tips and behind-the-scenes content. It’s not just about selling geckos; it’s about building a network of responsible, informed keepers.So, what makes these vendors really stand out? For me, it’s the little things. Dreamz Pet and Exotics, for example—their setups are so beginner-friendly. I remember this one time, a family came in, super nervous about picking out their first dart frog. One of the Dreamz staff just sat down with them, answered every question, and by the end, the kids were grinning ear to ear. That family’s been coming back ever since. It’s those moments that spark lifelong hobbies.Yeah, and The Bug Queen—besides having one of the coolest logos in the room—really takes the time to walk you through bioactive setups. I’ve seen them hand out care sheets, show people how to use leaf litter, and even let kids hold a millipede or two. It’s hands-on, it’s educational, and it’s just plain fun.And with YetiGex, it’s the attention to detail. The free success kits, the careful shipping, the follow-up support—it all adds up. Plus, their focus on quality and temperament means you’re getting an animal that’s not just beautiful, but also well-socialized and healthy. That’s huge, especially for first-time keepers.And I think that’s what makes Repticon Johnson City so special. You’ve got this mix of diverse, ethical breeders and interactive booths. It’s not just a marketplace—it’s an experience. You learn, you connect, and you walk away with more than just a new pet. You get knowledge, support, and a sense of community. That’s what keeps people coming back, year after year.Couldn’t have said it better, Jay. So if you’re anywhere near Johnson City on August 16th or 17th, come check it out. Bring your questions, bring your curiosity, and maybe bring a little extra space at home—just in case you find a new scaly or slimy friend.And hey, if you see us wandering the show floor, don’t be shy—say hi! We love meeting listeners and hearing your stories.Absolutely. And remember, these events are about more than just animals—they’re about building a community that cares about welfare, education, and, well, having a good time together.Alright, that’s a wrap for today’s episode. Thanks for joining us for this Repticon Johnson City preview. We’ll be back soon with more vendor spotlights and show highlights. Until then, take care of your critters—and each other. See you at the show!Bye everyone! Can’t wait to see you in Johnson City!See ya, folks. Don’t forget to check out those geckos!Goodbye, everyone. Looking forward to meeting you all at the expo!

Episodes

Spotlight on Repticon Johnson City