Alright, so before we dive in, I figure we should set the scene for anyone tuning in for the first time—or if you just haven’t made it out to a Bessemer show yet. This year’s Repticon in Bessemer is happening at the Civic Center—1130 9th Avenue Southwest, right in the heart of Bessemer, Alabama. Mark your calendars for October 25th and 26th: on Saturday, the doors swing open at 9am and go till 4, and Sunday’s a bit of a sleep-in, starting at 10am.And you know, Lisa, Bessemer has really turned into one of those spots people drive in for from all over. You’ll see license plates from across the Southeast—sometimes further. It’s… honestly, it surprises me every year just how many folks make it a family tradition. Live reptiles, amphibians, inverts, and of course, all the gear. It’s just such a high-energy expo.For sure. Actually, my first time running the Bessemer show, I was not prepared for the sheer curiosity coming off those kids and families. I remember seeing whole classrooms coming in—and you could tell by lunchtime, teachers were in over their heads wrangling a bunch of third graders who’d each fallen in love with, like, eight new animals apiece. The whole weekend just buzzes. Every time someone discovers their first tarantula or blue-tongued skink, it’s contagious.Absolutely, Lisa. And for anyone on the fence—look, these expos are built for all ages. You don’t have to be a hardcore reptile nerd, but you might leave as one. Kids are picking up safe handling tips, learning about habitats. There’s stuff there for the super-educated herper and for folks who’ve never even held a gecko. Bessemer’s got this spirit of, let’s just go learn and explore. If you attended Charleston or Charlotte shows, you know what I mean—each city has its own energy. But Bessemer always brings out those “aha” moments where someone walks out wanting to create a little ecosystem at home.I have to say, as someone who’s spent a big part of my career moving between continents and wildlife centers, there’s something special in the way these community expos bring conservation and curiosity together. Plus, that sense of discovery makes Bessemer’s show… it just has its own heartbeat.And for anyone listening who’s never been—seriously, come ready with questions. It’s not just a “walk through and take a look.” Vendors, breeders, the staff—they want you to poke around, to ask, and honestly, those casual conversations are where the magic happens.Let’s dig into the vendor lineup, because this year really brings out some special folks. We’re starting with Anakin’s Exotics—family operation over in Pelzer, South Carolina. They’re ball python specialists, but their story’s what grabs you: it’s named after their late son, Anakin, who used to help care for the snakes. There’s just… heart behind everything they do. You can tell from their early perfect 5-star ratings, but you see it most in how they emphasize animal health. Payment flexibility too—if you’ve ever worried about affordability, they offer shipping included and thirty-day plans for critters over 500 bucks. That transparency around genetics and their ethos, it stands out.That customer-first feel is so important—especially if you’re buying your first animal or you’re new to reptile care. Anakin’s Exotics is upfront when it comes to genetic uncertainties, too. They’ll tell you what is definitive and what’s a “best guess” from the clutch and traits, which… honestly, that kind of honesty is something I wish more breeders would prioritize. And flexible payment plans just make the hobby more accessible.Yeah, you just don’t see that level of transparent guarantee everywhere. Okay, so let’s talk BashCoder Reptiles—Craig Hansen, Trussville, Alabama. I met Craig at an expo a few years back—he had this, I dunno, encyclopedic recall for ball and short-tail python morphs, and it totally derailed my Saturday afternoon. But BashCoder’s bigger than just snakes; Craig’s making time for community. He’s always out there—podcasts, interviews, just sharing knowledge. Even if their MorphMarket store isn’t super active right now, you still see Craig at shows, talking people through business and breeding basics.That’s valuable, Jay. Too often, the focus in this field stays on the “what,” not the “how.” When you have breeders like Craig demystifying husbandry and encouraging educational outreach, the next wave of responsible animal keepers gets inspired. Also, the local aspect—Trussville’s right in the community, so you can keep those relationships going after the show ends.And then, for all my tarantula and invert lovers—Classic Jurassic Exotics from Maryland. Classic Jurassic’s got that reputation that honestly precedes them at every show. If you do any reading on Arachnoboards, you’ll find people raving about their honesty, aftercare, and willingness to sex tiny slings correctly. If you’ve been wanting your first scorpion or rare tarantula, they’re the ones.And, you know, variety matters—a family breeder beside an educator beside an invert specialist. It helps keep the expo from feeling one note. There’s always this sense that you’ll find something—or someone—who just sparks that interest you didn’t know you had when you walked in.Classic Jurassic is one of those vendors you see pop up show after show, which says a lot about trust. And I’ll say, sometimes it’s the unexpected vendor conversation that genuinely sticks with you. Like, you go looking for a snake and leave with questions about scorpion husbandry. That overlap is what makes expos dynamic.So, if you’re planning to attend—and I’m gonna echo what we said in Atlanta and Hickory shows—make the most of your time. The single best way to learn is to just… well, ask. Vendors live for your questions: husbandry, genetics, you name it. I still remember one year at a previous show, a shy ten-year-old asked a breeder if his snake “dreamed at night.” He got a science answer, and then a story about animal care routines. Don’t be shy! You’ll honestly end up leaving with way more knowledge than you bargained for.Exactly, Michael. Every vendor brings their own flavor—Anakin's with payment plans that are all about accessibility, BashCoder’s podcast brain dump, Classic Jurassic’s honest invert advice. Don’t stick to just what you know. Try out a few new vendors. Sometimes your next favorite animal is two tables down from what you planned, and a good question leads to a whole new hobby.That resonates a lot with me. Back when I was attending expos in South Africa—before I jumped fully into conservation—I’d show up just to talk. There was a herp vendor, I think from the Cape, who spent twenty minutes showing me a species I’d never heard of. That interaction honestly nudged me toward my career in preservation and project management. Never underestimate the impact of a casual, passionate conversation.Oh, for sure. And keep in mind that variety isn’t just about animals—it’s approaches, philosophies, even the way they handle customer questions. If you’re buying, ask about their care standards or get specifics like health guarantees. Even if you walk out empty handed, just engaging with these experts can shape your outlook as a keeper—or even as a future breeder or conservationist.And for anyone coming out to Bessemer this October, we really hope you don’t just window shop. Dive in, make connections, and get a little bit inspired—again, that’s what makes the Repticon community so unique.Well, that about sums it up—curiosity and connection are the real takeaways, whether you leave with a new pet, new knowledge, or just a cool story for the ride home.Couldn’t agree more. Let’s keep the curiosity rolling—and I’m sure we’ll see everyone back next episode with even more vendor spotlights and maybe a few more behind-the-scenes stories.Lisa, Guy, Michael—always good catching up. See you all at Bessemer, or maybe the next city down the line. Take care, everyone.Always a pleasure, you three! Thanks for joining us, and see you at the expo!Cheers, everyone. Stay curious and catch you next time.Bye for now, folks!

Episodes

Spotlight on Repticon Bessemer Vendors