The Retic Lounge

Episode 143: Perseverance Through Tragedy w/SSD Retics

The Retic Lounge #143 – Perseverance Through Tragedy w/ Sam of SSD Retics In this heartfelt episode of The Retic Lounge, Nathan and Lucas sit down with Sam of SSD Retics to talk about his journey with Reticulated Pythons and reptiles, from the early days of keeping to where he is today. Sam shares the devastating story of a tragic fire that wiped out his collection and how he’s been able to persevere, rebuild, and continue his passion for these incredible snakes. The conversation also highlights the work Sam is putting into his YouTube channel, *SSD Retics and Reptiles*, where he offers a raw, real-life perspective on keeping and working with Reticulated Pythons. You can check out his channel here: [SSD Retics and Reptiles on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@ssdreticsandreptiles). Follow the Hosts & Guest: * Sam – [@ssd\_retics](https://www.instagram.com/ssd_retics) * Nathan – [@katz\_reptiles](https://www.instagram.com/katz_reptiles) * Lucas – [@lab\_exotics](https://www.instagram.com/lab_exotics) Thanks to Our Sponsors: * [Cold Blooded Cafe](https://coldbloodedcafe.com) – Best feeders in the game! (Code: REPTILELOUNGE20 for 20% off) * [AEstoney](https://aestoney.com) * [VivTech Products](https://vivtechproducts.com) (Code: RETICLOUNGE23) * [Heartland Reptiles](https://www.instagram.com/heartland_reptiles) Support USARK & USARK FL: * [USARK Membership](https://usark.org/memberships) * [USARK Florida](https://usarkfl.wildapricot.org/join-us)

Episode 142: TRL Book Club: The Complete Reticulated Python Chapters 12, 13, and 14

The Retic Lounge #142 – Book Club: The Complete Reticulated Python Chapters 12, 13 & 14 In this episode of The Retic Lounge Book Club, Lucas and Nathan dive deep into three packed chapters of The Complete Reticulated Python, covering Dwarf and Super Dwarf classifications, pure locality standards, size potential, and the realities of keeping these incredible snakes safely. They break down what truly qualifies a retic as a Dwarf or Super Dwarf, the seven Selayar Island Chain localities that define the term, and the controversies surrounding SD percentages used in the reptile trade. The discussion then moves into pure locality standards, why traceable lineage is critical, and the pitfalls of mislabeling in the hobby. From there, the hosts explore how genetics, diet, and breeding pair choices influence size potential, highlighting both the fascination and danger of keeping these snakes. They share real-world incidents—bites, feeding accidents, and fatalities—that underscore the importance of safety, even with smaller locality animals. It’s an honest, educational, and sometimes sobering look at some of the most misunderstood aspects of retic keeping. Follow the Hosts:     •    Nathan – @katz_reptiles (https://www.instagram.com/katz_reptiles [https://www.instagram.com/katz_reptiles])     •    Lucas – @lab_exotics (https://www.instagram.com/lab_exotics [https://www.instagram.com/lab_exotics]) Sponsored by:     •    Cold Blooded Cafe (https://coldbloodedcafe.com [https://coldbloodedcafe.com/]) (Code: REPTILELOUNGE20)     •    AEstoney (https://aestoney.com [https://aestoney.com/])     •    VivTech Products (https://vivtechproducts.com [https://vivtechproducts.com/]) (Code: RETICLOUNGE23)     •    Heartland Reptiles (https://www.instagram.com/heartland_reptiles [https://www.instagram.com/heartland_reptiles])     •    Reptile Husbandry Designs (https://www.instagram.com/reptilehusbandrydesigns [https://www.instagram.com/reptilehusbandrydesigns]) (Code: TRL10) Support USARK & USARK FL:     •    USARK Membership (https://usark.org/memberships [https://usark.org/memberships])     •    USARK Florida (https://usarkfl.wildapricot.org/join-us [https://usarkfl.wildapricot.org/join-us])

Episode 141: NIDO SCARE, CATCHING UP, AND LIFE UPDATES

The Retic Lounge #141 – Catching Up, Nido Scare, and Life Updates In this episode of The Retic Lounge, Lucas and Nathan finally sit down after a brief break to catch up on everything—life, snakes, and the podcast. From personal updates to collection changes, the hosts give listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what’s been going on and what’s coming next. Lucas also opens up about a recent scare with Nidovirus in his collection. He walks through the events that led up to it, the testing process, and most importantly, the biosecurity protocols and preventative measures he’s since put in place to protect his animals moving forward. It’s a raw, informative, and honest conversation that every serious reptile keeper will want to hear. Follow the Hosts: * Nathan – [@katz\_reptiles](https://www.instagram.com/katz_reptiles) * Lucas – [@lab\_exotics](https://www.instagram.com/lab_exotics) Sponsored by: * [Cold Blooded Cafe](https://coldbloodedcafe.com) (Code: REPTILELOUNGE20) * [AEstoney](https://aestoney.com) * [VivTech Products](https://vivtechproducts.com) (Code: RETICLOUNGE23) * [Heartland Reptiles](https://www.instagram.com/heartland_reptiles) * [Reptile Husbandry Designs](https://www.instagram.com/reptilehusbandrydesigns) (Code: TRL10) Support USARK & USARK FL: * [USARK Membership](https://usark.org/memberships) * [USARK Florida](https://usarkfl.wildapricot.org/join-us) Whether you’re here for education, transparency, or just to hear what's next—this is a can't-miss episode.

Episode 140: LOCALITY SPOTLIGHT: KAROMPA ISLAND

Episode 140 – Locality Spotlight: Karompa with Jon Edwards In this episode of The Retic Lounge, Lucas and Nathan are joined by longtime locality keeper and enthusiast Jon Edwards to shine a light on one of the most obscure and intriguing island forms in the Retic world: Karompa. Tucked away in the Sulawesi region of Indonesia, the Karompa Retic has sparked curiosity and debate for years—but few have worked with them as extensively as Jon. Together, they dive into what sets this locality apart: from its uniquely cryptic patterning and reduced size to the ongoing questions surrounding its origins and classification. Jon shares his firsthand experience working with these animals, breeding them, and navigating the myths that still surround this rare island population. This is a deep cut for the locality lovers, the lineage chasers, and anyone fascinated by the unexplored corners of the Retic map. Follow the Hosts: • Nathan – @katz_reptiles (https://www.instagram.com/katz_reptiles) • Lucas – @lab_exotics (https://www.instagram.com/lab_exotics) Sponsored by: • Cold Blooded Cafe (Code: REPTILELOUNGE20) • AEstoney • VivTech Products (Code: RETICLOUNGE23) • Heartland Reptiles • Reptile Husbandry Designs (Code: TRL10) Support USARK & USARK FL: • USARK Membership (https://usark.org/memberships/) • USARK Florida (https://usarkfl.org/) If you’re into island localities, rare Retics, or deep-dive reptile conversations—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Episode 139: TRL BOOK CLUB: Chapter 11 Morphs PART 3

In this episode of The Retic Lounge, Lucas and Nathan crack open pages 267 to 314 of The Complete Reticulated Python to uncover the wild roots of some of the rarest and most misunderstood morphs in the hobby. From jungles in Sumatra, Java, and Borneo to remote islands in the Philippines, this chapter explores the natural origins of morphs like Black Stripe, Harlequin, Lemon Glow, and Tribal—many of which were discovered by chance through the skin trade or field collection. This episode breaks down the genetics, import histories, and conservation context behind each of these wild-caught legends. Whether it’s the mystery of the Ivory/BEL complex, the naming confusion between Rainbow and Ocelot, or the rise of the Philippines as a morph hotspot, there’s something in here for everyone passionate about retics. Follow the Hosts:  • Nathan – @katz_reptiles  • Lucas – @lab_exotics Sponsored by:  • Cold Blooded Cafe (Code: REPTILELOUNGE20)  • AEstoney  • VivTech Products (Code: RETICLOUNGE23)  • Heartland Reptiles  • Reptile Husbandry Designs (Code: TRL10) Support USARK & USARK FL:  • USARK Membership  • USARK Florida If you’re into genetic rabbit holes, wild-caught retics, or understanding where our favorite morphs really come from—this one’s a must-listen.