In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with herpetologist Samantha Dillon to talk all things Indigo Snakes. A Florida native, Samantha has a deep-rooted passion for these iconic reptiles and a long-standing involvement in habitat restoration efforts. Now a master’s student at Texas A&M University, she’s focused on studying Texas Indigo Snakes and Texas Tortoises. Together, they explore the ecology of Texas Indigos—covering their distribution, movement patterns, habitat preferences, fascinating ties to tortoises, and reproduction. If you're a fan of Eastern Indigo Snakes, you won’t want to miss this deep dive into their western cousins.

Connect with Samantha at Texas A&M University.

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In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Neil Ford, Professor Emeritus at the University of Texas at Tyler, about his lifelong passion for snakes and his impactful career in herpetology. The conversation begins with Neil’s childhood discovery of his first snake and follows his journey through decades of research and teaching. They dive into his work on pheromone trailing, the effects of diet on snake reproduction, and other fascinating studies. The episode also highlights the origins of the Snake Ecology Group meetings and Neil’s recent book on life as a field biologist. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the science—and stories—behind snake ecology.

Dr. Neil Ford's Book – https://www.amazon.com/Journeys-Field-Biologist-Adventures-Critters/dp/1733329935

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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Liang Luo, Professor at the University of Kentucky and an expert in Chinese folklore, to explore the rich cultural history of snakes in Chinese tradition. The conversation begins with the Legend of the White Snake—one of the four most iconic stories in Chinese folklore—and delves into Dr. Luo’s book on the topic. They also discuss the significance of the snake in the Chinese Lunar Calendar, with a special focus on the Year of the Snake. This episode offers a fascinating blend of mythology, history, and cultural insight.

Connect with Liang Luo at the University of Kentucky.

Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.

Shop Snake Talk merch.

If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.