The Snakeman's Lair

The New Canon of Medicine- with Dr. Elodie Freymann

God, where do I even start. It's been so long that you have probably forgotten all about this podcast by now, but hope always dies last. I do realize that I have a lot of radio silence to make up for, so I brought in a guest that is guaranteed to catch your attention. Dr. Elodie Freymann @elodiefreymann is a primatologist, filmmaker, illustrator, and a whole list of other things I can't even fit here. Her work has taken her to the jungles of Central Africa and then the Amazon, where she has documented the use of makeshift medicines by apes and monkeys- yes, you read that right. They can cure themselves. Hell, we might even have taught and learned from them. Need I say more? This is an episode you don't want to miss. Away with the dust and cobwebs- The Snakeman's Lair awaits you once again.

We Don't Deserve It- with Harrison Carter

A rocky start of the year, but The Snakeman's Lair is never truly closed. This time, the gates are wide open to welcome the wisdom and energy of an amazing guest. Harrison Carter is... Well, a lot of things really- investment management consultant, conservationist, herpetologist, advocate, PhD candidate, and the list goes on. Believe me, it was hard to keep track of it all when I had the pleasure to listen to him. From venomous snake relocations in Sri Lanka to building lion-proof fences in Kenya and restoring temperate rainforest in Cornwall, Harrison has experienced all sides and aspects of wildlife conservation at such a young age. And rest assured, he does not shy away from strong takes on what is needed for it all to work. I know you are dying to hear more, so come on in and meet us in the lounge of The Snakeman's Lair!

Beyond the Spotlight- with Amalia Espinoza Regalado

Did you miss The Snakeman's Lair? Fret not, because we are back! People far and wide, meet Amalia Espinoza Regalado , a rising star in herpetology and conservation now busy researching wildlife in her native Ecuador. Snakes, spiders, scorpions, lush rainforests and arcane caves- Amalia's passion has taken her a long way in such a short career so far. Growing up in a science-minded household, the constant fight against mining companies in the Ecuadorian Amazon, and filming a documentary with Will Smith are just some highlights of her interview here on The Snakeman's Lair. You don't want to miss it. We will be here waiting for you!

The Dead Ride Fast- with Dr. Gino Caspari

Bottom of the sea? Check. Scorching desert? Check. Frosted Steppe? Check. Afterlife? You could say, check. This seemingly nonsensical list is actually a summary of the life of Dr. Gino Caspari, whom I have welcomed into The Snakeman's Lair as this episode's guest. Dr. Caspari is an archaeologist whose quest towards understanding how ancient people lived and believed led him on several expeditions around the globe. One constant of his work has been the awareness that civilizations have always been constrained and shaped by the environment while also heavily modifying and exploiting it for their own benefit. As a case in point, Dr. Caspari and colleagues recently published the sensational discovery of a burial mound in Siberia where a clan of ancient Scythians (nomadic horsemen from the steppes of central Asia) showed the unbreakable bond they shared with their horses in a most spectacular way. To hear all about this and much more, all you have to do is join us in The Snakeman's Lair!

Between croissant and pizza- with Dr. Martina Panisi

Now that the holidays are finally here, what better way to relax than listening to incredible stories from trailblazers in science and conservation? For our Season 2 premiere, The Snakeman's Lair welcomes a visionary biologist who just can't seem to ever have a bad idea. From humble beginnings in northern Italy (relatable), Dr. Martina Panisi moved abroad after high school (also relatable) and went on to win grants from The Explorers Club and National Geographic (unfortunately not relatable). Always passionate about invertebrates, Dr. Panisi worked on the conservation of giant snails in the island of São Tomé off the coast of west Africa before switching to biodiversity monitoring in the Arabian peninsula. To hear all about this and much more, all you have to do is tune in. Welcome back to The Snakeman's Lair!