Alright, welcome back to The World of Geckos! I'm James Walker, and as always, I'm joined by the ever-knowledgeable Charlotte Davies. Today, we're diving into the world of one of the most talked-about breeders on the scene—Gecko Overlord. Charlotte, I know you've got a story about your first encounter, but before we get there, maybe we should set the stage a bit. Gecko Overlord's kind of a legend at this point, right?Oh, absolutely, James. I mean, in the reptile breeding world, Gecko Overlord's name comes up again and again. They've been around for, what, over a decade now? I always lose track of the exact year, but it's been long enough that their table at Repticon is almost a landmark. And it's not just longevity—it's the impact. I remember reading about some of their standout sales, like that one year when they sold out of their rarest morphs before lunch. And they've picked up a few awards along the way, though I can't recall all the details. It's a bit of a blur, those expo days.Yeah, and you know, it's funny—every time I walk into a Repticon, you can just feel the buzz around their booth. People are always crowding around, snapping photos, asking questions. It's like a mini-event within the event. But Charlotte, you actually met Gecko Overlord at one of those shows, didn't you?I did, yes! It was one of those absolutely packed Repticon weekends—people everywhere, the hum of conversations, the occasional snake escaping its handler, you know how it goes. I was weaving through the crowd, and suddenly there was this cluster of people, all craning their necks to see something. And right in the middle was Gecko Overlord, chatting away, answering questions, and just radiating this calm confidence. I remember thinking, "That's someone who really knows their stuff." I managed to squeeze in and introduce myself, and they were just so generous with their time, even with a queue of people waiting. It left quite an impression.That sounds about right. It's not every day you meet someone who can handle that kind of attention and still be so approachable. I think that's part of what makes Gecko Overlord stand out—not just the geckos, but the way they connect with people.So, let's talk about the geckos themselves. I mean, we've seen a lot of breeders focus on the classics—crested geckos, gargoyle geckos, maybe a leopard gecko or two. But Gecko Overlord, they really run the gamut, don't they?They do, yes. You'll find the popular species at their table, of course, but what really sets them apart is the rarities. I remember seeing some species I'd only ever read about—like, not just the usual suspects, but genuinely hard-to-find geckos. And the morphs! Some of the color patterns are just extraordinary. It's clear there's a lot of careful selection and, well, a bit of artistry involved in their breeding.Yeah, and you know, building on what we talked about in our episode on morphs, it's not just about chasing the latest trend. Gecko Overlord seems to have this knack for working with both established lines and experimenting with new pairings. I remember one show—gosh, maybe three years ago?—they had this absolutely stunning gecko, I think it was a chahoua, with this wild marbling. People were lining up just to get a look. It was like the gecko version of a celebrity appearance.Oh, I remember that! And it's not just the genetics, either. Their care practices are really meticulous. You can tell the animals are healthy, alert, and well-socialized. I think that's something that sometimes gets overlooked—it's not just about producing rare geckos, but making sure they're thriving. And, well, that's something we've touched on before, especially when we discussed responsible breeding in our Gecko Junkie episode. It's good to see those high standards in action.Absolutely. And I think that's why people trust Gecko Overlord. It's not just about the sale—it's about the long-term health of the animals and the reputation of the community. You can see it in the way they talk to new keepers, making sure folks know what they're getting into. It's, uh, it's refreshing, honestly.Speaking of community, I think we should talk a bit about Repticon itself. These shows are more than just a marketplace—they're a hub for breeders, enthusiasts, and, well, anyone who's a bit gecko-mad. Wouldn't you say, James?Oh, for sure. Repticon's kind of the heartbeat of the reptile world, at least here in the States. It's where you see trends start, where people swap stories, and where you get to meet folks like Gecko Overlord in person. I mean, you can buy a gecko online, but there's nothing like seeing them up close, talking to the breeder, and, you know, just soaking up the atmosphere.And Gecko Overlord's role at these events is really significant. They're not just there to sell—they're part of the fabric of the community. People look to them for advice, for inspiration, and sometimes just for a friendly chat. It helps set the tone for the whole event, I think.Yeah, and you know, these expos really shape the direction of the hobby. When a breeder like Gecko Overlord brings out a new morph or a rare species, it gets people talking. Suddenly, you see more interest, more people trying to learn about care, genetics, all of it. It's like a ripple effect. And, uh, sometimes it even raises the bar for everyone else—better husbandry, more transparency, that sort of thing.Exactly. It's a bit like what we discussed in our earlier episodes—how the community can drive positive change, whether it's in breeding standards or conservation awareness. Events like Repticon, and breeders like Gecko Overlord, really do have an outsized influence.Well, I think that's a good place to wrap up for today. There's always more to explore in the world of geckos, and I have a feeling we'll be back with more stories from the expo floor soon enough. Charlotte, always a pleasure chatting with you.Likewise, James. And thanks to everyone for listening. We'll see you next time on The World of Geckos. Take care!Bye everyone!

Episodes

Inside Gecko Overlord