Hey everyone, welcome back to Repticon Reptile Shows! I’m Lisa, and I’m here with Michael Arnold, ready to scale up your curiosity for Repticon Atlanta, coming up July 12th and 13th. Michael, you feeling the Atlanta energy yet?Oh, absolutely, Lisa. Atlanta’s always got this buzz, you know? And this year, the vendor lineup is wild. I mean, you’ve got your big breeders, but also these artisan folks—like, have you seen what Yay Studio’s bringing?Yay Studio is such a standout. I love when expos have those creative artisan vendors. Their handcrafted reptile gear isn’t just pretty—it’s actually functional. I remember last year, I picked up this hand-painted hide that my gecko still refuses to leave. There’s something about gear made by people who really get reptiles, right?Yeah, it’s not just mass-produced plastic. It’s like, you can feel the care in every piece. And it’s not just Yay Studio—World Wide Reptiles is back, Southern Raised Exotics, Mohawk Morphs… these are the folks who set the bar for quality and ethics. You walk by their tables and you just know you’re seeing years of experience in every enclosure.Totally. And speaking of experience, I gotta do my “Field Flashback” here. Years ago, I was in Madagascar—chasing leaf-tailed geckos, as you do—and I met this legendary breeder, local guy, who’d been working with Uroplatus for decades. He told me, “If you want to understand reptiles, you have to respect the people who raise them.” That stuck with me. It’s why I love meeting breeders at shows like Repticon Atlanta. You’re not just buying an animal, you’re learning from someone’s life’s work.That’s the magic, right? It’s not just a transaction. It’s a connection. And Atlanta’s got some of the best for that.So, let’s talk about the regional stars. North Georgia Exotics, OBX Exotics, One Reptile Beyond—these guys are bringing some serious heat. I mean, North Georgia Exotics is basically a household name around here. They always have something you didn’t know you needed.And OBX Exotics, too. Karen and her crew are all about quality captive-bred reptiles. I love that they’re focused on healthy, well-started animals. One Reptile Beyond is coming up from Florida, and they’ve got a reputation for some really unique species. It’s like a mini world tour, just walking the vendor aisles.And you can’t forget the supply side. ReptileTubs—25 years in the business, they know how to make a tub that actually works for your animal. And, uh, I gotta plug ReptilesExpress LLC here. That’s my home turf. We specialize in shipping reptiles safely, which is a whole science in itself. If you’re buying or selling, you want your animals to arrive healthy and stress-free. That’s what we do.And Premium Crickets! Michael, you’re everywhere. But seriously, feeder quality makes or breaks your animal’s health. I always tell folks, don’t skimp on the bugs. Premium Crickets is a staple for a reason.Yeah, and for anyone coming to Repticon Atlanta, here’s my two cents: when you’re choosing a breeder or supplier, look for transparency. Ask questions. Good vendors love to talk about their animals and their process. If someone’s cagey, that’s a red flag. And check out their setups—clean, organized, healthy animals, that’s what you want to see.Exactly. And don’t be shy! The best connections I’ve made started with a simple, “Hey, can you tell me about this morph?”Alright, let’s get into what’s new and exciting for Repticon Atlanta this year. Endless Scales is coming, and they always have a jaw-dropping display. Georgia Jumper Dude—if you’re into jumping spiders, you can’t miss his table. Cinderella Dragons, Roly Bois Isopods… it’s like a greatest hits of the Southeast herp scene.Yeah, and Roly Bois isopods are wild. I mean, I never thought I’d get excited about isopods, but their setups are like little living art pieces. And One Reptile Beyond, like we mentioned, they’re bringing some rare stuff you just don’t see at your average pet store.And let’s not forget the educational side. There’s always seminars, Q&As, and hands-on stuff for kids and adults. Plus, a lot of vendors bring exclusive morphs or products you literally can’t get anywhere else. If you’re a collector, this is your chance to snag something special.You know, this takes me back to my first Repticon. I walked in, and it was just this wall of sound—kids laughing, people geeking out over snakes, vendors talking shop. I remember thinking, “This is it. This is my tribe.” The energy, the diversity, it’s what hooked me for life. And Atlanta’s got that vibe in spades.It’s contagious, isn’t it? You walk in for a look, and you leave with a new obsession—or three.So, for anyone planning to hit Repticon Atlanta, here’s my best advice: engage with the vendors and breeders. Ask questions, swap stories, build those relationships. It’s not just about what you buy—it’s about who you meet. Those connections can open doors, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned keeper.And get there early! Seriously, the best stuff goes fast. If you want that one-of-a-kind enclosure or a rare morph, you gotta be at the front of the line. And don’t skip the seminars—there’s always something new to learn, even if you think you’ve heard it all before.I’ve heard so many stories from past attendees who found their dream animal or met a mentor at Repticon Atlanta. One guy told me he came for a gecko and left with a whole new friend group. That’s the magic of these shows—it’s a community, not just a marketplace.Yeah, and if you’re shy, just remember—everyone’s there because they love reptiles. That’s your icebreaker right there. And hey, if you see us, come say hi! We love meeting listeners.Alright, that’s a wrap for today’s episode. We’ll be back soon with more stories and tips from the world of Repticon. Michael, always a pleasure geeking out with you.Right back at you, Lisa. See you all in Atlanta—and don’t forget, scale up your curiosity!Bye everyone, and happy herping!

Episodes

Atlanta Repticon July 12-13