The Pondcast, Episode 24

John is the Creator and original Co-Host of The Pondcast, theTurtleRoom's monthly video podcast. He has been a reptile enthusiast for his entire life, starting with Sunday trips to reptile shows with his father as a boy. John has worked with various species of reptiles throughout his life including many species of snake, gecko and turtles. Most recently he has worked with the Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin), Mata Mata (Chelus fimbriata) and Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Epicrates cenchria). Throughout life John has been very passionate about raising awareness for issues related to human interaction with all types of fauna, especially our little coldblooded friends. John's other passion is basketball, and most times you run into him, you can be sure reptiles or a basketball court are nearby.

Anthony was the "Best of 2017" Editor's Choice for "Chelonia Personality of the Year" by The Reptile Report. As the Senior Director of theTurtleRoom, Anthony oversees the Animal Husbandry Department and all captive conservation programs. Anthony has also written a book on the Geoemyda genus, published by Living Art Publishing as part of their “Turtles of the World” series, and several articles in magazines such as including REPTILES, The BATAGUR, Testudo (Italian), and RADIATA (German). Anthony has a B.A. from Rhode Island College and works in management for VCA Animal Hospitals. He lives in the Northeast with his wife, Shannon, and daughters, Cambria and Maddalena. He and his family are often on the move, giving turtle presentations at schools, nature and science centers, herpetological societies and conferences.

Amanda is the Social Media Coordinator and works primarily on connecting the public and theTurtleRoom through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Amanda has been obsessed with reptiles since she found her first garter snake outside as a curious five year old, and still hasn’t been able to get enough of finding any type of reptile outside. She loves to keep a large collection of reptiles, and her first pet reptile was a Russian tortoise. Since then, Amanda has kept a wide variety of snakes, lizards, and amphibians but her favorites to work with remain turtles and tortoises. Her favorite species currently is the Diamondback Terrapin, and has 4 of them that she loves to share with the public during educational events. Amanda has a background in environmental biology and has had many unique experiences working in the field with chelonians; most notably, sea turtles. For nearly two years at New England Aquarium, Amanda worked to rescue, rehabilitate, and educate the public about them. Aside from working with theTurtleRoom, Amanda is also a leader for the Georgia Reptile Society’s Greater Atlanta area chapter and does whatever she can to work or volunteer in the conservation of reptiles and amphibians. She lives in Atlanta with her boyfriend, their two dogs, and a colorful crew of herps! She hopes to grow her experience in conservation by not only working in the field and with captive breeding/husbandry, but also in pursuit of her passion – educating the public and sharing her love for turtles and tortoises with the world!

Steve is the President, Executive Director, and Founder of theTurtleRoom (tTR), a husband, teacher, athlete, and musician. He has over a decade and a half of experience with turtle husbandry and has worked with more than 50 different species. As President and Executive Director, Steve has overall strategic and operational responsibility for tTR’s staff, programs, finances, expansion, and execution/achievement of its mission and goals. He also takes on leadership and assistant roles on individual projects within the four departments of tTR. Steve completed his Master of Education Degree in Mathematics in 2018 and holds two Bachelor of Art Degrees in Music and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (the equivalent of a third Bachelor’s degree). When Steve is not working on projects for tTR, he can be found teaching, relaxing with his wife Lisa, watching sports, playing music, or building LEGO Star Wars.