Repticon Denver July 5th and 6th

Lisa McLisa

Alright, Denver! We are back with another Repticon Reptile Show episode, and this time, we're in the shadow of the Rockies. I'm Lisa McLisa, and with me is the one and only Michael Arnold. Michael, you ready to scale up your curiosity?

Michael Arnold

Always, Lisa. I mean, Denver's got this energy, right? Like, you walk in and it's not just the altitude making you lightheaded—it's the sheer number of vendors and critters. I barely made it past the entrance before I got sidetracked by Rocky Mountain Reptiles LLC. Their display was wild.

Lisa McLisa

Yeah, Rocky Mountain Reptiles always brings their A-game. And then you’ve got Red Rocks Exotic Reptiles—did you see their setup? It was like a mini rainforest, but with more signage. I love how they lean into the Colorado vibe, too. It’s not just about the animals, it’s the whole experience.

Michael Arnold

Totally. And Mystic Labyrinth—okay, I gotta admit, I got lost in their booth for, like, twenty minutes. They had these enclosures that looked like something out of a fantasy novel. I almost expected a tiny dragon to pop out.

Lisa McLisa

You know, that reminds me—Field Flashback time! So, a few years back, I was at an expo, not Denver, but similar vibe. I’m wandering the vendor aisles, and I spot this gecko—tiny, leaf-tailed, just blending in with a mossy branch. Turns out, it was a species I’d only ever seen in Madagascar. The breeder was so proud to point out how rare it was in the U.S. That’s the thrill, right? You never know what you’ll stumble on at these shows. It’s like a treasure hunt for herpers.

Michael Arnold

That’s the best part. And then you get these themed specialists—Classic Jurassic, for example. Their whole booth is, like, dino nostalgia meets modern herpetology. And Queso’s Spoods? I mean, who names their business after cheese and spiders? But it works. Their tarantulas were a hit with the kids.

Lisa McLisa

I love that. It’s not just reptiles, it’s personality. Every vendor’s got a story, and you can feel it in the way they set up their tables, the way they talk about their animals. It’s infectious. And, honestly, it makes the whole expo feel like a living, breathing ecosystem.

Michael Arnold

Speaking of stories, let’s talk breeders. Limited Edition Geckos—those folks are on another level. I chatted with them about their latest projects, and they’re so dialed in on genetics. Golden Hour Geckos, too. Their collection is, I mean, it’s like a living color wheel. And Feeder Frenzy Reptiles—if you need feeders, they’ve got you covered, but they also had some really cool colubrids this year.

Lisa McLisa

And it’s not just about breeding for looks, right? There’s a lot of care that goes into making sure these animals are healthy, ethically sourced, and, you know, not just churned out for the sake of novelty. We talked about this back in the Dallas episode—how passion and responsibility go hand in hand in this hobby.

Michael Arnold

Exactly. And then you’ve got the rescue and conservation groups. Reptile Rescue was there, and so was Colorado Parks and Reps. Their missions are all about education and giving animals a second chance. I actually had a flashback to a previous Repticon—remember in Asheville, Lisa, when that family brought in a surrendered iguana? The rescue team just swooped in, set up a little info station, and suddenly half the crowd was learning about proper iguana care. It was one of those moments where you see the impact firsthand.

Lisa McLisa

Yeah, and it’s powerful. Sometimes people come in thinking they’ll just browse, and then they end up learning about conservation or even adopting a rescue. It’s not just about buying—it’s about connecting, and sometimes, about giving back. I love that Repticon makes space for those groups. It’s a reminder that this hobby is bigger than just the animals on display.

Michael Arnold

And honestly, the rescue folks are some of the most passionate people you’ll meet. They’re not in it for the money. They’re in it for the animals, and for the people who want to do right by them. That’s what keeps the community strong.

Lisa McLisa

Alright, let’s talk accessories and the oddball side of the expo. Moxie Plants had these bioactive setups that were just—chef’s kiss. And K and M Designs? I mean, if you want a custom hide that looks like a piece of art, that’s your stop. Cuddly Critter Creations had plushies that, I swear, even the most hardcore herpers were eyeing for their desks.

Michael Arnold

And then you get to the real curveballs—Rubber Ducky Isopods, Floating Frogs, Colorado Isopod Emporium. I don’t know when isopods became the rockstars of the hobby, but people are obsessed. I saw a kid trading Pokémon cards for a starter colony. No joke.

Lisa McLisa

It’s wild, right? I think it’s because they’re approachable—low maintenance, fun to watch, and, let’s be honest, they’ve got that cute factor. Plus, they’re a gateway for families who might be a little nervous about snakes or tarantulas. You start with isopods, and next thing you know, you’re researching dart frogs.

Michael Arnold

And the community vibe is just—well, it’s what keeps people coming back. You’ve got families, first-timers, hardcore collectors, and everyone’s mingling. The scavenger hunts, the vendor maps, the polls—it’s all about getting people to interact, not just shop. It’s like what we saw in Chattanooga, right? The event becomes more than a marketplace. It’s a gathering.

Lisa McLisa

Exactly. And I love seeing the kids running around with their little checklists, or the parents asking questions they were too shy to ask online. It’s a space where curiosity is celebrated, and everyone’s welcome—whether you’re a veteran keeper or just thinking about your first pet gecko. That’s the magic of Repticon, and honestly, it’s why I keep coming back. If you’re not dirt-stained, you’re not there yet.

Michael Arnold

Couldn’t have said it better. Denver brought the energy, the critters, and the community. And I’m already looking forward to the next stop. Lisa, you ready for the next adventure?

Lisa McLisa

Always, Michael. Thanks for tuning in, everyone. Keep scaling up your curiosity, and we’ll see you at Repticon Denver this weekend. Bye, Michael!

Michael Arnold

See ya, Lisa. Bye, everyone!