Fear of Snakes to 75+ Reptiles: Crystal's Exotics Rescue Stories & Reptile Myths | Along the Rock

🐍 Are snakes really slimy? Do they actually try to "size up" their owners? And can reptiles become therapy animals?

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Christal and Dustin Rascoe of Christal’s Exotics during the Dixon Petunia Festival at Sweetland Studios. The couple shares how a fear of snakes turned into a family passion for reptiles, rescue work, and education.

Meet Peanut, the ball python that started it all, along with several other exotic friends, including Wilbur the crested gecko, Phoenix the rescue ball python, and some incredible future breeding projects. The Rascoes discuss common misconceptions about snakes, responsible reptile ownership, rescue efforts, and the importance of education when it comes to exotic animals.

They also share how reptiles can provide comfort, reduce stress, and even help children overcome fears.

Whether you're a lifelong reptile enthusiast or someone who has always been nervous around snakes, this conversation offers a fascinating look into the world of exotic pets.

🐍 Topics in this episode:
• Reptile rescue and rehabilitation
• Ball python breeding projects
• Common snake myths and misconceptions
• Therapy benefits of reptiles
• Responsible exotic pet ownership
• Crested geckos, leopard geckos, and more
• The local reptile community and reptile show

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online

🎤 Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

00:23 Meet Crystal and Dustin from Crystal's Exotics

00:48 How a fear of snakes turned into a reptile obsession

01:52 Growing from one snake to nearly 75 reptiles

02:30 Reptile housing, breeding, and care practices

02:59 Rescue reptiles and responsible rehoming

04:10 Phoenix's incredible rescue and recovery story

05:14 How long it took Phoenix to regain her health

06:15 Common snake myths and misconceptions debunked

07:39 Are snakes really aggressive?

08:20 Teaching children about reptiles and reading body language

09:21 Meet Peanut, the snake that started it all

10:30 Introducing Beulah and unique ball python genetics

11:37 Breeding goals and future reptile projects

13:09 Meet Poppy and other favorite ball pythons

14:43 The influence of Brian Barczyk and Dave Kaufman

17:24 Dixon Petunia Festival 2026 promo

18:04 Reptiles as therapy animals and classroom companions

19:20 Why Crystal's Exotics stays small and hobby-focused

20:54 Meet Wilbur the rescued crested gecko

22:20 Kirsten holds Wilbur for the first time

24:08 Introducing Ivy the leopard gecko

25:09 Leopard gecko care, feeding, and personality quirks

26:10 Building community within the reptile world

28:18 Upcoming reptile shows and breeder recommendations

28:41 From fear of snakes to tarantulas and jumping spiders

30:35 Western hognose snakes and Illinois regulations

31:12 Helping children overcome fears through reptile education

32:11 Why Crystal and Dustin would make great educators

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