Advertise on podcast: Tom's Big Spiders - Tarantulas and Inverts

Rating

4.9

from

188 reviews

Description

A podcast devoted to the proper care and upkeep of tarantulas and other inverts. After keeping a G. porteri for over 16 years, I decided that I wanted to add another tarantula to my collection. Several years later, I now keep over 100 specimens and 90+ different species. It’s safe to say that I am now completely addicted to the hobby.I’m NOT an expert, and I’m currently still learning about keeping these fascinating creatures. In fact, there are so many species, that I suspect that I’ll still be learning years from now. This blog is a bit of a journal to track my interest in the hobby and to share some of the information I’ve learned. A teacher by trade, I enjoy passing along what I’ve information and techniques I’ve discovered and helping others in their successful pursuit of this hobby. I enjoy hearing from folks, whether through comments on the blog or email.I have done and continue to do a lot of research, and I will only be discussing animals I personally keep, so the information I present should be current and accurate. I also regularly update older posts with current photos, observations, and information. However, this is an ever-evolving hobby, so I implore anyone interested in keeping these animals to use whatever they find here as a springboard for further research on techniques or species-specific care.

Podcast episodes

Check latest episodes from Tom's Big Spiders - Tarantulas and Inverts podcast

Tarantula Substrate - Some Inexpensive Mixes

2024/02/25

Over the years, I've continued to constantly switch up what I use for substrate when it comes to housing my tarantulas. In this episode, I review what I've used in the past and share an inexpensive "recipe" I'm currently using that yields a LOT of substrate for very little money.

Tarantula Collection Killers

2024/02/19

In this episode, we discuss some instances where folks have lost large parts or all of their collection due to mishap or an overlooked environmental hazard.

I Want a Tarantula - Where Do I Start?

2024/02/11

Within the past couple weeks, I spoke with two teenagers who were interested in getting their first tarantula. Both had many questions about where they should start and what they should prepare for. In this episode, I lay out several things anyone thinking about getting a tarantula should do...and some things that they shouldn't.

How I've Tweaked My Fossorial Tarantula Setups

2024/02/04

First, we discuss the "controversy" a recent episode caused. Then, I field a question from a long-time YouTube subscriber about changes that I've made in how I set up fossorial tarantula enclosures.

Pamphobeteus vs. Phormictopus! The Battle of Two Giant Tarantula Genera

2024/01/28

Well, it had to be done! In this episode, two popular genera of giant tarantulas will duke it out for hobby superiority! Okay, that's a bit dramatic; in reality, we will compare the two genera and talk about the similarities and differences.

The One Issue in the Tarantula Hobby I Will Never Overcome

2024/01/14

To start this one off, we'll discuss some feedback to last week's episode. Then, after reflecting on 10 years of doing the TBS stuff, I realized that there is one major issue that I will never overcome.

Tarantula Feeding Schedules and Fat Ts

2024/01/07

Recently, I've received some comments on my YouTube videos with folks saying that my tarantulas are "skinny" or "underfed", which left me a bit confused. However, after speaking with a hobby friend, I realized that, through social media, many folks new to the hobby may be exposed to photos of chubby Ts. For many, a spider with a bloated abdomen is the norm. In this episode, we'll discuss overfeeding tarantulas and feeding schedules. A huge thank you to Charlotte for the awesome topic idea!

Do Tarantulas Have "Personalities"?

2023/12/31

Happy New Year! In this episode, I give my take on whether or not it's appropriate to say that tarantulas have "personalities." We will also discuss whether tarantulas need enrichment to avoid boredom.

The A. geniculata vs. The N. chromatus - Two Classic Tarantulas

2023/12/17

In this episode, we compare two very similar species: the A. geniculata or "Brazilian Black and White" and the N. chromatus or "Brazilian Red and White." Both are awesome species and, in my opinion, hobby staples. But which has more to offer?

The GBB vs. The Brazilian Blue Beauty

2023/12/10

First, I have an important message from the US Tarantula Sustainment Project. Then, we're going to have a little fun. In this episode, we'll compare and break down two species that are often confused for each other, the C. cyaneopubescens (GBB) and the D. diamantinensis (Brazilian Blue Beauty). Which spider is the "best"? Who knows! But we will attempt to find out! Be sure to chime in with your vote on either Spotify or tomsbigspiderspodcast.com!

Tarantula Species That Need it Drier As Slings

2023/12/03

In this episode, I'll talk a bit about the tarantula species that I've raised that buck the old "keep 'em moist" rule for slings.

Eresus walckenaeri Care and the Velvet/Jumping Spider "Fad"

2023/11/26

Having just rehoused my juvenile Eresus walckenaeri (Velvet Spider), I figured that it was time to talk a bit about how I care for it. Also in this episode, is the current Jumping Spider and Velvet Spider social media fad and rampant anthropomorphization leading to decline in overall appropriate husbandry in the spider hobby? I'll discuss what I feel are the realistic pros and cons of the attention these "cute" spiders are currently receiving.

Read Tom's Big Spiders - Tarantulas and Inverts podcast reviews

4.9 out of 5

188 reviews

Chett Manly 2022/12/15

A must listen if you’re even remotely interested in the hobby

Tom is a wonderful source of knowledge about Tarantulas and true spiders. I love that he does this as a passion instead of monetizing everything. Ever...

Clnfreak 2023/08/02

I watch the YouTube videos and just got into listening to podcasts

I have watched almost every youtube video from Tom I always go to Tom to learn about a new species thst I’m interested in before I get them. Tom had ...

mb3513 2022/08/04

Love

Really enjoy having a tarantula podcast to listen to. I especially loved the one with your wife and the one with Luis. I hope you’ll have more guests ...

VileSatanist 2022/07/17

Great for everyone!

Up to date, easily digestible information on the tarantula hobby. I also enjoy hearing Tom’s perspective. A couple more guests would be nice, but not ...

ChandlerH66 2022/07/05

Awesome podcast!

Easy to listen to and very informative.

Weirdo Taba 2022/06/01

Thank you!!!!!

Tom’s Big Spiders is amazing!!! Tom is so wonderfully helpful, considerate & knowledgeable. I’m new to the hobby, thanks to my 13 year old daughter be...

Holycrisp 2022/02/20

As professional as ever

Tom has been one of my most respected content creators on Tarantula’s for years now and gets a large majority of the credit for me getting into the ho...

VoodooSweet 2021/12/28

Love It!

This is the only Podcast I wait every Sunday for! I love listening to Tom and have learned so much here and every Podcast gives me something to think ...

A guuuuy 2021/07/23

Essential for all hobbyists.

When it comes for clear, concise and entertaining husbandry information, Tom is the best in the business. He breaks down pertinent topics in a digesti...

Joelle70406 2021/02/03

Great Podcast

The Queen is gone :( I actually cried. I’m sorry for your loss Tom & family. Keep doing what you’re doing! Much love to you & your family.

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