Kicking Off the Clutch Conversations Live Tour
This past weekend marked a significant milestone for Clutch Conversations as we kicked off the first stop of our five-show live tour at the Daytona National Reptile Breeders Expo (NRBE). What an adventure it was—from the pre-show jitters to the high-energy atmosphere of the expo, this experience was both a challenge and a triumph, and I'm excited to share the journey with you.
None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of my lovely wife, Toccara. She's not just behind the scenes of the show; she's in the snake rooms, the rodent room, and holding our family down every single day. Toccara, we’re movements by ourselves, but together, we are a FORCE. Your dedication, strength, and love fuel everything we do, and I couldn’t ask for a better partner in this journey. THANK YOU for being my rock and my inspiration!!!
Also, BIG THANKS to Charlie from Grey Rider Reptiles for sponsoring the live tour. His support has been instrumental in making this tour possible, allowing us to bring these live experiences to reptile enthusiasts across the country. It's partnerships like these that enable us to push the boundaries and deliver high-quality content directly from events like the NRBE. We're incredibly grateful to Charlie and Grey Rider Reptiles for believing in our vision and helping us make it a reality.
Pre-Show Jitters and Preparation Frenzy
After wrapping up Episode 131 of Clutch Conversations with Will Nussman of Nussman Reptiles, one of the top reptile industry experts, my mind quickly shifted gears to focus on the upcoming weekend. The Daytona National Reptile Breeders Expo is no small event; it's one of the most anticipated gatherings in the reptile community. Anyone familiar with the event knows that Daytona is a WHOLE VIBE! Knowing that this would be the first stop on our live tour only heightened the pressure.
Despite weeks of preparation—booking incredible guests, finalizing itineraries, securing all the necessary promotional items, and running countless tests on audio, video, and booth setups—there was still an undeniable sense of nervous anticipation. This was new territory for us. We had never set up a booth at a reptile expo, let alone broadcast live from one. Each element had been tested separately, but never in the live setting we were about to enter.
I got an early start on Friday morning, aiming to get on the road and reach Daytona with plenty of time to spare. But as these things go, I ended up leaving later than intended. The drive was tense—every mile on the one-lane madness of Florida’s E Highway 40 felt like an eternity. I knew I had a full day ahead, from setting up the booth to ensuring that every detail was perfect for the live show. Time was not on my side, and I was more than a little stressed as I pulled into the venue around 3:30 PM.
The setup was challenging, as expected. Finding parking, locating my table, and unloading all the equipment was just the beginning. And, as Murphy’s Law would have it, I realized I had forgotten the screws needed to secure the backdrop. Thankfully, Toccara, who was traveling separately, had not yet left town and was able to swing by the facility to pick up the missing screws. Crisis averted!
When I left the venue, I’d managed to get a basic setup in place before calling it a day. I decided to leave the final touches, including the audio and video setup, for the next morning. BIG SHOUTOUT to Craig from Bashcoder Reptiles and Will from Flawless for lending helping hands on the initial setup.
A Night of Reconnection and Reflection
After a day of stress and hustle, I finally made it to the Airbnb where I was staying with some close friends FAMILY — Matt & Kendra from Ebony and Ivory Reptiles, Stephen & Vivian (Aunt Viv) from Wetter Morph Constrictors, and Justin & Sonja from Armless Angels. We had pitched in for a beachside Airbnb in Flagler Beach, about 40 minutes from the expo venue. The house was incredible, with three floors and even an elevator—a far cry from where I usually stay during events.
It was great reconnecting with everyone. This was our first time meeting Matt & Kendra in person, despite having known them for several years online and chatting regularly. We’ve grown really close over the years, and it was Matt who introduced me to Justin, who then introduced me to Stephen. It felt like a reunion of sorts, bringing together a close-knit group. Salute to the homies Jaffy from Jaffy Exotics and Jason from Ancestral Royal Pythons – hopefully, Jaffy & Julia and Jason & Tacara can join us next time!
After a bit of catching up, we headed out for dinner. The timing was perfect, as Toccara arrived in town and was able to join us for a family dinner. It was a relaxing evening, full of laughter and good conversation, which was exactly what I needed after the hectic day. We capped off the night back at the beach house, where Toccara and I hung out on the balcony, watching the family play a few rounds of cornhole, while making plans for the next day. Before bed, Toccara and I went over everything one last time, charging all the electronics and mentally preparing for the big day ahead.
The Big Day: Showtime at Daytona
Saturday morning came quickly, and with it, the realization that the moment we had been preparing for was finally here. After a quick breakfast, we headed to the Ocean Center where the Reptile Expo was being held. As vendors and VIPs started arriving around 9 AM, the pressure was on. Our booth wasn’t fully set up, and with people walking around, the clock was ticking…
The setup process was intense, especially knowing that this was our first time going live from an event like this. We had a solid plan, great guests lined up, and a logistical strategy in place, but that didn’t make it any less nerve-wracking. One of the most crucial elements of our success was Toccara’s incredible logistical support. Armed with walkie-talkies, she kept everything running smoothly, reminding guests of their upcoming interviews and keeping me updated on any changes. Her communication was key, allowing me to adjust the flow of the show in real-time without breaking a sweat.
One of the highlights was having Barry Swope on the podcast, alongside Jason Kittinger from Kittinger Reptiles. Both Jason and Barry bring a wealth of knowledge, and having Barry on the show was a significant achievement, especially since he doesn't usually participate in podcasts. HUGE THANKS to Steven and Courtney from Leviathan Snakes, who provided us with professional headshots shortly after the event! Their support, along with everyone else who participated, was invaluable.
As the day went on, the nerves began to settle. After a few interviews, I found my rhythm, and everything started to fall into place. A special moment came when Nicole from LadyTis Exotics dropped by the set and video-bombed us with a hilarious and impromptu intro. It was exactly the icebreaker we needed, lightening the mood and reminding me to enjoy the experience.
Wrapping Up the First Day
Despite the smooth sailing, the day was exhausting. I was so focused on the show that I accidentally cut it two interviews short, forgetting that we had more interviews scheduled for Saturday than Sunday. Unfortunately, this meant missing out on interviews with Matt and Jen from Cigar City Exotics. While I was able to reschedule Matt for Sunday, I missed out on chatting with Jen, which was disappointing as she’s an incredible presence in the reptile community and more importantly, a really great friend.
After the show, I took some time to unwind, snap a few pictures, and chat with folks at the expo. Toccara and I grabbed a quick bite at a nearby restaurant before heading back to the beach house. We had plans to attend the USARK auction and hang out with more people that night, but after attempting a short nap, we ended up sleeping through the evening. By the time we woke up, it was nearly 1 AM. Exhausted from the day’s events, we simply charged our gear and called it a night.
Sunday: A Smoother Ride
Sunday felt like a breeze compared to the intensity of Saturday. With the setup already in place and the experience from the previous day under our belts, everything flowed seamlessly. I had more time to interact with people, and the nerves were completely gone. The interviews were engaging, the conversations flowed naturally, and the day went by smoothly.
Looking Ahead: Exciting Opportunities on the Horizon
As the weekend came to a close, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of accomplishment. The first stop of our live tour was a success, and it set the stage for what’s to come. Can’t forget – on Sunday, Matt and I announced the launch of our Double Clutch Patreon, which I’m incredibly excited about! The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re confident it will become one of the most valuable resources in the reptile community. Also, a BIG SHOUTOUT to Matt for helping us breakdown the setup and load the items we purchased from Freedom Breeder. This was double clutch – pun totally intended!!
This experience also opened up new doors, including adding Redline Shipping as a sponsor for the live tour and the opportunity to host the Redline Report at Animal Con USA in October. Animal Con brings together some of the top animal content creators in the world, and I’m thrilled to be part of it! It’s going to be an incredible opportunity to connect with others across the animal-keeping community. BIG SHOUTOUT to Robyn Markland of Redline Shipping for providing us with this opportunity! My deepest gratitude goes out to Antoine from High Desert Pythons for his unwavering support and leadership over the years. I used to call him coach, but now he's graduated to guardian angel status. A HUGE THANK YOU to both Antoine and Robyn for helping make this all possible.
Gratitude and Moving Forward
None of this would be possible without the incredible support from the community. From those who tuned in to watch the show, to the guests who joined us on set, and everyone who shared their feedback—thank you. Your support means the world to us, and we’re humbled and grateful for the encouragement.
As we look forward to the next stop on our tour, we’re excited for the growth and opportunities ahead. This journey is just beginning, and we’re eager to continue bringing great content to the reptile community. Stay tuned for more updates as we keep this momentum going!
Our next stop is the Southeast Reptile Expo on September 14th and 15th, followed by the All American Plant & Reptile Expo on September 21st and 22nd. We’ve got even more exciting guests lined up, new content to share, and plenty of behind-the-scenes action that you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned for more updates, and make sure to follow along as we continue our live tour, bringing the reptile community closer together one event at a time.
Your thoughts and experiences are what make this community special. Were you at the Daytona National Reptile Breeders Expo? If so, what was your favorite moment? If not, have you attended similar events before, or is there a particular expo you're excited to visit? Drop a comment below and share your experiences or any questions you might have about the event. Join the conversation!
Thanks so much for being part of this journey. Until next time—thank y’all for coming out; be blessed…PEACE!
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