This week on The Backyard Naturalists, we’re welcoming a cold-blooded guest — and we mean that in the best way possible.

Reptile educator Jay Bell joins Debbie and Laurie in the studio, bringing along his unforgettable companion: Norm, a Burmese python who stretches over 6 feet long (and still growing!). Together, they unpack a fascinating (and often misunderstood) corner of the natural world: snakes.

Whether you're a snake lover or snake skeptic, this episode has something for you:

• 🐍 Snake bite safety 101 – What to do and what NOT to do if you're ever bitten by a venomous snake

• 🌴 Florida’s reptile invasion – Jay shares stories from the field about curly-tailed lizards, green iguanas, and how invasive species are reshaping ecosystems

• 🐢 Life with a python – Hear what it takes to care for a massive snake like Norm, from housing and feeding to enrichment and education

• 🎓 Snake smarts – Think snakes aren’t intelligent? Think again. Jay shares insights into their surprising capacity for learning and interaction

• 💬 Overcoming fear – Learn how Jay gently helps people move from panic to curiosity, one scaled step at a time

It’s a winding, warm, and often humorous conversation about education, conservation, and connecting people to wildlife — even the slithery kind. And yes, you’ll hear Norm moving around the mic more than once!

🎧 Tune in now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this vibrant episode, hosts Debbie and Laurie take us on-location to one of North Carolina’s most cherished local gems: the Matthews Farmers Market. With the sun just rising and vendors setting up, they capture the buzz and beauty of the market firsthand — and share conversations with the passionate people who make it all happen.

You’ll hear from:

• 🎙️ Jessica Thomas, Market Manager, who shares the market’s 34-year journey and recent growth to over 58 local vendors.

• 🥕 Farmers from Wild Hope Farm, Heaven’s Dew Farm, and others, diving into organic, sustainable, and transparent growing practices.

• 🍯 Local makers offering everything from honey and pasture-raised meats to jams, pierogis, and fresh produce.

• ❤️ Stories of community connection, food access (including SNAP benefits), and a special peach fundraiser that keeps this thriving hub affordable for vendors and inclusive for all.

Debbie and Laurie bring their signature warmth and curiosity as they walk listeners through the sights, sounds, and flavors of this bustling Saturday tradition. It’s not just a place to shop — it’s a place to connect, learn, and support the folks who grow and make your food.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, or wherever you tune in. And if you’re near Matthews, NC — maybe we’ll see you there next Saturday!

🎧 If you love supporting local, this episode is for you. Be sure to follow, share, and leave a review to help others discover the beauty in their own backyards. 🌻

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature.

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists. We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to info@downtownpodcasting.com.