Meet the World of Repticon

Lisa McLisa

Hey everyone, welcome to the very first episode of the Repticon Reptile Show Podcast! I’m Lisa McLisa, and I’m here with my co-host, James Walker. James, are you ready to scale up some curiosity today?

19f406e5

Oh, you know it, Lisa! I’ve been looking forward to this. There’s just something about the energy at a Repticon show—so many reptiles, so many people geeking out over geckos and snakes. It’s like a herpetology family reunion, but with more crickets.

Lisa McLisa

Exactly! And for folks tuning in who might be new, Repticon is actually the largest reptile show organizer in the U.S. We’re talking events all over—Florida, Texas, Alabama, you name it. If you’re in the States, there’s probably a Repticon coming to a city near you. And it’s not just about shopping for reptiles. You get live animal encounters, seminars every hour, and a chance to meet breeders and vendors who are just as passionate as you are—or maybe even more.

19f406e5

Yeah, and I mean, the first time I walked into a Repticon, I was blown away. There’s this buzz—kids holding snakes for the first time, folks swapping husbandry tips, and, uh, the occasional tarantula escapee. Not that I’m naming names, Lisa.

Lisa McLisa

Hey, that was one time! But, you know, speaking of firsts, I’ll never forget my first Repticon in Orlando. I was just wandering the aisles, and this little girl—maybe seven or eight—comes up to me, holding this tiny, speckled gecko. She goes, “Excuse me, is this a leopard gecko or a gargoyle gecko?” And, I mean, she was so serious. We ended up chatting for half an hour, and, well, she’s now in college and still messages me about her geckos. That’s the kind of community you find at these shows.

19f406e5

That’s awesome. It’s those connections that make Repticon more than just a marketplace. It’s a place where lifelong friendships start—sometimes over a mystery gecko.

19f406e5

And speaking of connections, let’s talk about the folks who make these shows possible—the breeders and vendors. We’ve got some heavy hitters sponsoring and attending, like Zoo Med Laboratories and Exo Terra. If you’ve ever set up a terrarium, you’ve probably used their stuff. They’re always pushing the envelope on reptile care.

Lisa McLisa

Oh, totally. And then you’ve got Family Reptiles—those folks are ball python wizards. I mean, the morphs they bring to the table? It’s like a living color wheel. And don’t forget Premium Crickets and Feeder Source. If you’ve ever run out of dubia roaches at 10 p.m., you know how important a good feeder supplier is.

19f406e5

Absolutely. And Guardians of the Geckos—now there’s a group that’s all about quality genetics and lineage. I actually met one of their breeders at a show, and, uh, what started as a quick chat about gecko diets turned into a two-hour deep dive on ball python genetics. I left with a notebook full of scribbles and a new appreciation for how much science goes into breeding.

Lisa McLisa

That’s the thing—these breeders aren’t just selling animals. They’re educators, conservationists, and, honestly, some of the most ethical folks I’ve met in the hobby. They care about where their animals come from, how they’re raised, and who takes them home. And the diversity! You’ll see everything from dart frogs to blue-tongue skinks, plus all the gear and food you could ever need.

19f406e5

Yeah, and if you’re new, don’t be shy about asking questions. These vendors love to talk shop. I mean, sometimes you can’t get them to stop, but that’s part of the fun, right?

Lisa McLisa

Oh, for sure. And if you’re a veteran, you’ll still find something new—maybe a rare morph, or a trick for keeping your humidity just right. There’s always something to geek out about. And if you are up for a challenging adventure, try out the Scavenger Hunt Repticon has at most shows. It puts you in front of the breeders and gives you the opportunity to win a really cool medallion as a memento.

Lisa McLisa

So, if you’re listening and thinking, “Okay, how do I get in on this?”—it’s super easy. You can buy tickets online, book a vendor table if you’re looking to sell, or just sign up for updates on the Repticon website or their Facebook page. They make it pretty painless, honestly.

19f406e5

And there’s a packed schedule coming up. We’re talking Atlanta, Dallas, Asheville—plus a ton of other cities. If you’re anywhere near the Southeast, or, well, most of the country, there’s probably a show within driving distance. And every show’s got its own flavor, you know?

Lisa McLisa

Yeah, and that reminds me—time for a quick “Field Flashback.” My first Alabama Repticon, I was so nervous I packed three field notebooks and, uh, forgot my lunch. Rookie move. But here’s my favorite field tip for new show-goers: bring a reusable water bottle and a notepad. You’ll want to jot down breeder names, animal care tips, and, trust me, you’ll get thirsty. Oh, and wear comfy shoes. If you’re not dirt-stained, you’re not there yet.

19f406e5

That’s classic Lisa. And honestly, just show up with an open mind. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned herper, there’s always something to learn, someone to meet, or a new species to fall in love with.

Lisa McLisa

Alright, that’s a wrap for our first episode! Thanks for joining us as we kicked off the Repticon Reptile Show Podcast. We’ll be back next week with more stories, more breeders, and maybe a few more field mishaps. James, you ready for round two?

19f406e5

Always, Lisa. Thanks for listening, everyone. Don’t forget to scale up your curiosity—and we’ll see you at the next Repticon!

Lisa McLisa

Take care, everybody. Bye, James!

19f406e5

Bye, Lisa! See you all soon.