Dr. A. Z. Andis Arietta is a scientist whose work spans the intersection of AI, conservation, and herpetoculture (azandisresearch.com). He earned his PhD from Yale School of the Environment, where his research areas included ecological genomics, amphibian ecophysiology and development, and the ethics of conservation. That scientific and philosophical grounding now informs how he thinks about evidence-based animal care, conservation policy, and the impacts of data infrastructure.
Professionally, Andis is a Senior Data Scientist working in machine learning, causal inference, and applied AI. He also teaches graduate courses on Practical AI, research methods, and data visualization, with an emphasis on application in the environmental field.
Andis is an active herpetoculturist who runs Holotypica (holotypica.com), a small husbandry-focused venture centered on ethically bred amphibians and reptiles, primarily focused on dart frogs and emerald tree skinks. His work in the hobby prioritizes animal welfare, transparent methods, and helping keepers succeed through education and evidence-based guidance.
Across all of his work, Andis is interested in how AI can support conservation and environmental outcomes, including improving decision systems, extracting insight from unstructured data, and strengthening science communication, while remaining clear-eyed about the limitations and risks of these tools.
Rain joins me to dive deep into one of the most unique reptile projects you’ll ever hear about — keeping snail-eating snakes and the unexpected adventure that came with it. We discuss everything from how to care for snail-eating snakes, their specialized diet, and how to breed and collect snails as feeders… all the way to the hilarious twist that turned Rain into one of eBay’s top snail sellers. SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/241-snail-eaters/SPONSORS: Visit Fauna-Lux Here: https://fauna-lux.com/Visit The BioDude: https://www.thebiodude.com/ JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomePhotos and Video in Episode:Provided by Rain0:00 Intro1:48 Welcome Rain, Discovering Snail-Eaters14:35 Starting with the Snails16:45 TrueChroma by Fauna Lux18:20 Finding Wild Snails23:20 Buying & Selling Snails on eBay31:28 Parasites on Snails & Snail Worms33:25 Selling & Collecting Millipedes 36:08 How Many Snails each Snail-eater needs43:25 BioDude44:26 Raising Snails vs Raising Crickets47:34 The Benefits of Keeping & Breeding Snails55:53 The Species of Snail-Eaters Rain Keeps & Their Characteristics 1:14:54 How they eat1:28:56 A look at Rain's Snail-Eaters1:46:37 What size snail to feed?1:48:56 Feeder variety?1:51:50 Structure for Captive Keeping1:56:28 Setting up the Snail Tubs & Feeding2:02:38 Semi-Slugs2:06:28 Closing Thoughts
Phil has a conversation with Nick Sloan, owner of Sloan's Reptiles and the All American Plant and Reptile Expo. Great conversation!
Phil interivews the legendary Randy Gray. This is one you wont want to miss!
Greg Bartucca of The Reptile Studio discusses the dedicated room in his house for his Carpet Python, Daria, as well as all of the ins and outs surrounding how he made the room work. Greg dives into topics surrounding proper husbandry of snakes, offering them more space and enrichment opportunities, and his overall thoughts about advancing basic reptile care. Greg talks about how he “snake-proofed” the room, ensuring that Daria does not injure herself while free-roaming the room, as well as tidbits about surveillance, lighting setups, and tips for digestion. We also discuss in-depth about Greg’s recent mite problem in his reptile room and the very interesting method for combating it.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/240-reptile-studio/SPONSORS:Visit Fauna-Lux Here: https://fauna-lux.com/Visit The BioDude: https://www.thebiodude.com/ JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:Link to Snake Mite Info: https://tomaskas.co.uk/snakemitetreatment/Greg’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereptilestudiohttps://www.youtube.com/@UCbckZXUp2OXClUHEI1_l5rA Photos and Video in Episode:Provided by Greg0:00 Introducing Greg Bartucca 1:55 The Bio Dude2:30 Welcome Greg + Getting Into The Hobby6:16 Greg’s Species Currently7:31 All About The Snake Room + Snake Proofing15:50 Daria’s Behavior + Eating Habits19:24 Dealing With Snake Poop21:10 Digestion After Feeding22:56 Losing Daria in The Room?25:31 True Chroma by Faunalux27:05 Surveillance For The Room28:08 Recommendations For Replication of Free Range Snakes36:14 The Bio Dude Substrates + Bug Grub37:15 All About Greg’s Mite Problem57:06 Enclosure Inspiration For His Other Reptiles1:01:00 Enrichment Talks in Round Table Episode1:05:00 Closing Thoughts
In this episode, I break down the spiciest debates in the reptile-keeping world — the topics that always light up comment sections and split the hobby right down the middle.
We dig into:
Rack & tub keeping — outdated or perfectly functional?
“Old school” husbandry advice — why some keepers are still spreading bad info.
Morph breeding — ethical concerns, genetic bottlenecks, and what the future looks like.
Venomous and giant species — who should be keeping them (if anyone)?
…and several more hot-button issues that the reptile community can’t stop arguing about.
Whether you’re a keeper, breeder, or brand-new hobbyist, this video will challenge the norms and get you thinking about where our community is headed.
👇 Comment your most controversial reptile opinion — I might feature it in a future video!
👍 Like the video to support the channel
🔔 Subscribe for more deep-dives on reptile care, ethics, and conservation
#Reptiles #ControversialOpinions #Herpetology #ReptileKeeping #AnimalsAtHome
JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathome
LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:
https://youtu.be/7b5QAkPq80c?si=zBWZ8eMv3Fw7xPrQ
https://www.instagram.com/neversvn/
https://www.instagram.com/aridsonly/
https://www.instagram.com/thereptilestudio_/
https://www.instagram.com/gekkotaculture/
0:00 Intro
00:37 Don't Dim Heat Lamps
2:05 The OG's are ruining the hobby
3:34 Not all racks are bad
4:37 No Co-habbing
5:48 Most keepers lose interest
7:36 It's not possible to keep ethically
9:17 No need for new species
10:49 "free rehomes"
12:25 Venomous and XL species should be banned
13:58 There is no one way to keep a species
15:26 Almost all care info is parroted without knowledge
17:46 Reptile Licenses
18:56 Captive Conservation is a Scam
20:49 Vertical Branches
21:39 Tubs mean you don't care
23:22 Most breeders are bad
24:25 Nobody respects life
25:34 If you don't love the wild-type, you don't love the animal
27:08 Lack of Height Causes obesity
29:26 It's a Privilege, not a Right
30:12 Baby Snakes don't need tubs
A bonus PH episode. I sat down with the fellas at Reptile Rejects to have a conversation. Hope yall enjoy!
A Deep dive on Uromastyx. Phil covers as much as possible in this special episode. Natural History, Care, Breeding, Listener questions, Species specifics, Morphs and the Future, and more!
This episode of PH is a little different, Phil is the interviewee in this plot twist. Talia K. interviewed Phil for her research and agreed to share the interview here. Her questions were very good!
In this episode I have a fun and wide ranging conversation with Dan the host of Amphibicast. He's an OG in Herp Podcasting and is a great guy with interesting ideas! Enjoy!
Phil was a guest on Trap Talk, he and MJ discuss a great deal!
Phillip Lietz of Arids Only and Project Herpetoculture discusses a wide scope of topics regarding the reptile keeping hobby, from the species of reptile that he breeds, domestication of reptiles, a little about aquaculture, and some double standards you see in various pet keeping communities. Phil talks about some of the science revolving around domestication of various reptile species, the advances that we would like to see regarding lighting, and some details of how invasive/native species interact in our world. Philip offers extremely well-thought out viewpoints on herpetoculture that every reptile keeper should keep in mind as we all progress in our hobby.
SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/239-phil-lietz/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:Arids Only IG: https://www.instagram.com/aridsonly/Arids Only FB: https://www.facebook.com/aridsonly/Arids Only Website: http://www.aridsonly.com/Philip’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/plietz/Project Herpetoculture YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0UCdymrooiNVloQlxrW1FAProject Herpetoculture IG: https://www.instagram.com/projectherpetoculture/
0:00 Introducing Phillip Lietz of Arids Only
2:23 True Fauna by Faunalux
3:24 Welcome Philip + Moving Updates With Arids Only
13:37 New Projects and Species
17:33 All About The Chuckwalla
23:04 Thoughts on Herpetoculture + Reptile Keeping
36:18 Domestication Of Reptiles + The Future
44:50 Aquaculture vs Herpetoculture
45:07 Animals At Home Patreon
45:27 Aquaculture vs Herpetoculture
49:43 The Link Between Animals + Parenting
53:47 Double Standards in Reptiles vs Dogs/Cats
59:25 The Criminal Behavior in The Hobby
1:04:57 Discussion on Native Species + Advances in Science
1:15:05 History of Feeder Insects + Bees in Herpetoculture
1:26:50 Herpetoculture Consulting
1:32:04 Closing Thoughts
Phil re-launches PH with a conversation with Ron St. Pierre!
Please like, subscribe, and share this episode, if you feel so inclined. To offer direct support to the show with a tip or donation, consider subscribing to our Patreon (https://patreon.com/projectherpetoculture) and have a look at our generous sponsors at the affiliate links below!
SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/69-ron-st-pierre/
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Liam Sinclair of Reptiles & Research joins today’s episode to discuss hybridization and domestication in captive reptiles in herpetoculture. Liam shares details of the breeding process, going in depth on genetics, lineage, breeding for certain traits, and much more. He even discusses more controversial topics such as inbreeding, overall domestication for captive reptiles, and culling species in different ways. He also touches on husbandry as it relates to hybrid species. If you’re interested in the ins and outs of breeding and the science behind it, this episode is a great watch!SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/238-liam-sinclair/SPONSORS: Visit Fauna-Lux Here: https://fauna-lux.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:Thumbnail pictures from: https://www.facebook.com/MilksnakeMutations/Reptiles & Research YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReptilesandResearchReptiles & Research Website: https://reptilesandresearch.org/aboutTime Stamps:
0:00 Introducing Liam Sinclair of Reptiles & Research
1:46 True Chroma by Faunalux
2:46 Welcome Liam + All About The New Hybrid
7:40 Selection Processes + Domestication
17:40 Localities + The Road to Domestication
23:07 Criticism of Morph Trade
27:35 Inbreeding Can Produce Healthier Animals
31:18 Culling Breeding Animals
33:45 Breeding Program Goals
34:14 Animals At Home Patreon
34:35 Breeding Program Goals + Conversation About Breeds
39:25 Hobby Species + Wild Types
42:50 Purpose of Domestication
45:24 This Week’s Hatching Result + Breeding Desire
49:14 Hybrid Species Explanation
53:20 MH Complex in Breeding
55:20 Corn Snakes Are Hybrids + “Pure” Lines
1:06:00 How To Keep “Pure” Species
1:09:10 Hybridization Boundaries + Ethics
1:13:10 Ellie’s New Clutch + Health Priorities
1:19:15 More On Domestication
1:24:14 Hybrid Species In Future Plans
1:26:40 Approaching Hybrid Husbandry
1:28:23 Adapting Liam’s Viewpoint To What It Is Today
1:34:48 Closing Thoughts
Ed Taoka of “Sonny and Cher Reticulated Pythons” joins today’s episode to discuss his experience with Reticulated Pythons, and more specifically, in handling and socializing with them and his daughter. We discuss how he began his journey in keeping retics, feeding moments vs handling, their high level of intelligence, and more! Ed shares his knowledge of snake body language, being in tune with animals, and the process of taming an animal, leading to how he keeps retics around his child.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/237-ed-taoka/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:Ed’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonny_cher_retics
Ed’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SonnyandCherReticulatedPythonsWe Discuss:
0:00 Introducing Ed Taoka
2:27 Welcome Ed + How Did He Start Keeping Reticulated Pythons
10:27 Worries In Starting With Retics
12:42 Socializing + Interacting With Ed’s Snakes
18:39 Feeding vs Moments of Handling?
21:55 How Intelligent Are Reticulated Pythons + Body Language
27:28 Beginnings In Interactions With Snakes and His Daughter
34:45 His Daughter’s Reaction to Snakes
35:45 Animals At Home Patreon
36:06 Snake Precautions Around Children
38:22 Social Media Perceptions
41:03 Retic With His Cat?
42:36 Inspiration To Start Social Media + More Perceptions
55:10 How Has Internet Fame Affected Ed?
59:22 Ed’s Daughter’s Relationship with Snakes Now
1:02:51 Future Enclosure Plans
1:06:16 Closing Thoughts
Josh Halter of The Bio Dude discusses all about the recent challenging situations that The Bio Dude has been facing in recent times: from how Covid affected the business, the new tariff situation, and more. He talks in depth about the business practices that he has set in place in order for The Bio Dude to remain a productive business for himself and the staff, as well as some changes he has made to ensure he is a good owner of the business. Josh also discusses future plans for The Bio Dude, including isopod consumables from ethically sourced fish. This episode is great for people who want to learn more about The Bio Dude’s message, goals, and the behind the scenes struggles of a small business.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/236-the-bio-dude/SPONSORS: Visit The BioDude: https://www.thebiodude.com/ Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:The Bio Dude Website: https://www.thebiodude.com/The Bio Dude Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiodudeThe Bio Dude YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thebiodudejoshhalterTIME STAMPS:
0:00 Introducing Josh Halter from The Bio Dude
2:35 Coming Up: Zoo Med University
3:05 Coming Up: The Bio Dude
3:40 Welcome Josh Halter + Recent Trip to Costa Rica
9:22 The Business Model of The Bio Dude
14:58 Recent Challenging Situations for Josh + Growth Process
29:27 Josh As The Owner of The Bio Dude
31:36 Zoo Med University
32:47 Working Through Corona Virus
35:27 The New Tariff Situation
51:01 The Bio Dude Substrates + Bug Grub
52:02 More Changes Made Due To Extenuating Circumstances
57:37 New Plans For The Bio Dude: Consumables, Drainage Layers + More
1:11:11 The Bio Dude Storefront
1:18:48 Closing Thoughts
Dr. Zac Loughman joins today’s episode to discuss the creation of Colubrid Fest, a colubrid only reptile show filled with insightful speakers, engaging panels, with proceeds going directly back into funding research for the reptiles most commonly kept in the hobby. Zac shares details about how Colubrid Fest came to be, as well as the overall purpose behind its creation. We also talk about Zac’s personal reptile collection, husbandry research at West Liberty University, conservation efforts vs preservation, and much more! Don’t forget to purchase your tickets for the show on September 13th & 14th.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/235-dr-zac-loughman/SPONSORS: Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/#235 #animalsathomepodcastJOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:Purchase Tickets to Colubrid Fest: https://showmereptileshow.com/indianapolis-indiana-colubrid-festHusbandry in Natural History Episode w/ Zac: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCV5tKf9EmYFalse Water Cobra Care Episode w/ Zac: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pftnr4tCxl4Zac’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zacloughman/Dr. Zac at West Liberty University: https://westliberty.edu/biology/faculty/zachary-j-loughman/Zac’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zac.loughman/Photos and Video in Episode:https://www.facebook.com/zac.loughman/Timestamps:
0:00 Introducing Dr. Zac Loughman
2:06 Coming Up: Zoo Med Labs
2:36 Welcome Dr. Zac Loughman + New Books In Progress
5:45 Zac’s Personal Reptile Collection + Husbandry Research
19:56 Zoo Med Labs University
21:07 Colubrid Fest Origin + Creation
33:44 Animals At Home Patreon
34:04 The Purpose of Colubrid Fest
43:48 Conservation Efforts of Colubrid Fest
58:53 Replicating Ethical Improvements With Other Animals
1:01:43 Conservation vs Preservation
1:14:42 Goals In Purchasing Land for Conservation
1:19:10 Captive Breeding Release Projects
1:30:04 Closing Thoughts
In this episode, we sit down with reptile and amphibian photographer Zac Herr, the creative force behind the popular Instagram account @IAmMakingArt. Zac shares the story of how he got started photographing reptiles and amphibians, along with practical tips for capturing stunning shots—whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting into nature photography. We also dive into his brand-new photo book "What is that?", a beautifully curated look at some of the planet’s most fascinating (and often misunderstood) creatures. Whether you’re into animal photography, reptiles, or just love a good creative journey, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/234-zac-herr/SPONSORS: Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:Buy the Book: https://www.zthphotography.com/products/bookhttps://www.instagram.com/iammakingart/https://www.facebook.com/iammakingartPhotos and Video in Episode:https://www.instagram.com/iammakingart/0:00 Introducing Zac Herr
2:20 Coming Up Zoo Med
2:50 Welcome Zac - Getting Started in Photography
14:40 Favorite Animal Zac Has Shot
19:00 Isolating the Subject (Blank Background)
22:50 What Camera Equipment Zac Uses
24:58 Zoo Med University
26:08 How to Capture Animal Detail
29:20 Capturing Great Photos with an iPhone
32:10 Zac's Camera Settings
38:00 How to Direct and Shoot Animals
41:00 Shooting Venomous Animals
44:02 Editing the Photos & Color Correcting
52:33 What Is That? Zac's New Book!
1:05:40 Closing Thoughts
Christian Cave of Caveman Wildlife joins the podcast to chat about his new documentary filmed in the Amazon Rainforest, catching the world’s largest snake: The Green Anaconda. Christian tells the very detailed and interesting story of how he found, caught, measured, and captured all of the moments of the journey in finding the Green Anaconda. Christian discusses the documentary filming process from start to finish, including drone footage of the environment, some ending thoughts from commenters about the documentary, and a important conversation about sensationalism in the wildlife content creation genre. We also briefly discuss Genesis 1:26 and Christian’s interpretation of the meaning when it comes to treatment of wildlife and how it encourages him to continue education of animals. If you’re at all curious about the story of finding and capturing the world’s largest snake and the incredible moments that came along with it, this episode is a great one to tune into. SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/233-caveman-wildlife/SPONSORS: Visit The BioDude: https://www.thebiodude.com/ Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:Caveman Wildlife YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cavemanwildlifeCaveman Wildlife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cavemanwildlifeCaveman Wildlife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caveman_wildlife
0:00 Introducing Christian Cave
2:45 Coming Up: The Bio Dude
3:21 Coming Up: Zoo Med Labs
3:51 Welcome Christian - The Story of The Yacumama Documentary
10:52 The Environment in Peru + Where Anacondas Are Found
18:29 Fear In The Amazon + Catching Caimans
23:02 The Bio Dude Substrates and Bug Grub
24:03 Drone Shots of The Anaconda + Tracks
27:42 Importance of The Guide in The Amazon
29:06 The Moment Christian Spots The Anaconda + The Catch
35:09 Zoo Med Labs University
36:19 The Moment Of The Catch
39:17 The Anaconda Bite Experience
45:30 Sensationalism in Wildlife + Content Creation
50:43 The Measurement of The Anaconda
54:24 Opinions on Keeping Anacondas In Captivity
57:38 Genesis 1:26 Interpretation
1:02:39 Near Misses + More Bites
1:06:49 Content Created By Christian + Future Plans
1:15:20 “A Day In The Life Of Snakes” Children’s Book
1:18:02 Closing Thoughts
Jordan Lindon of Midland Reptile Rescue in Birmingham, UK discusses his experience in running his reptile rescue, the finances involved, the importance of a strong community, and the operations day-to-day. This episode is a great one to tune into if you are someone with aspirations to run a reptile rescue; this truly goes over Jordan’s experience and viewpoints in the function of a reptile rescue in the community. Jordan also talks about mistakes to avoid, legislation viewpoints, species he sees frequently surrendered, and his set-up from taking in surrenders to adopting out. SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/232-midlands-reptile-rescue/SPONSORS: Visit The BioDude: https://www.thebiodude.com/ Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:Midland Reptile Rescue Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birminghamreptilerescue/Midland Reptile Rescue TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midlandsreptilerescueMidland Reptile Rescue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlandsreptilerescue/Photos and Video in Episode:https://www.instagram.com/midlandsreptilerescue/
WE DISCUSS:
00:00 Introducing Jordan Lindon - Midland Reptile Rescue
2:38 Coming Up: Zoo Med ReptiTemp Dimming Thermometer
3:10 Coming Up: The Bio Dude Bioactive Substrates + Dietary Supplements
3:45 Welcome Jordan + Motivations To Start a Reptile Rescue and Expenses
8:27 Demand For The Reptile Rescue + Looking For Homes
12:25 Home Set-Up of The Rescue + Finances
15:24 The Wrong Side Of Rescues + Legislation
17:35 Memorable Surrenders
19:38 Legislation in Banning Reptiles + Large Snakes
21:26 How Many Species Does Jordan Have Now + First Aid in Reptiles
23:21 How Do Animals Get Adopted Out?
24:31 Zoo Med ReptiTemp Dimming Thermometer
26:02 Rescues Being a Safety Net
29:42 Tips in Starting a Reptile Rescue
32:08 Care Resources + Strange Species
34:28 The Bio Dude Bioactive Substrates + Dietary Supplements
35:28 Jordan’s Personal Animals
37:45 Transitioning Homes For Reptiles
40:44 Jordan’s Feelings On Pet Shops, Breeders, and Expos
46:24 Abandoned Reptiles Experiences
48:06 Commonly Surrendered Species
49:24 Plans For Youtube Channel/Social Media + Profits
53:16 Goals in Rescuing + Education Services
54:47 Major Mistakes to Avoid + Quarantining
57:18 The Importance of Rescues
59:19 Closing Thoughts