In this exclusive episode of Corbin Maxey’s Animals to the Max Podcast, Corbin sits down with acclaimed filmmaker Eric Goode, the creator behind the record-breaking documentary series Tiger King and Chimp Crazy, and producer Jeremy McBride to discuss their gripping new series, Monsters of God.

Eric and Jeremy take us inside the shadowy, multibillion-dollar world of illegal reptile trafficking, where rare and endangered animals are bought, sold, collected, and smuggled across international borders. They reveal how wildlife officers investigate these crimes, what motivates notorious reptile smugglers and private collectors, and the devastating impact the exotic animal trade has on threatened species.

The conversation also explores the unethical methods some zoos have allegedly used to obtain rare animals, hoping these high-profile species will increase attendance and revenue. From international smuggling networks to conservation challenges and wildlife crime investigations, this episode uncovers a side of the reptile world few people ever see.

Watch Monsters of God and hear the untold stories behind the smugglers, collectors, zoos, conservationists, and law-enforcement officers fighting over some of the rarest reptiles on Earth.

Topics discussed:
Illegal reptile trafficking, exotic animal smuggling, wildlife crime, endangered species conservation, rare reptile collectors, unethical zoos, the exotic pet trade, wildlife law enforcement, Tiger King, Chimp Crazy, and the making of Monsters of God.

Subscribe to Corbin Maxey’s Animals to the Max Podcast for more conversations with wildlife experts, filmmakers, conservationists, animal advocates, and the people working closest with the world’s most fascinating animals.

I spent the last 365 days living and breathing animals! From caring for my 30+ exotic animal rescues including Soni and Chompers the alligators, Shere Khan and Buddy the giant Burmese Pythons, my large Sulcata Tortoise family, snapping turtles, and my pet emu, Napoleon. To traveling the world to exotic places full of wildlife including South Africa for wild lions and leopards, to the deep forests of Uganda searching for the rare Mountain Gorillas. 2025 has been one incredible year! In this end of the year recap, my wife and I sit down in the Alligator House (with the alligators) and go over our highlights, month to month. I share never-before-seen footage AND for the FIRST TIME EVER we share some exciting updates, including a top-secret film project and our goals for the animals in 2026. I hope you enjoy this full year review! Happy New Year!

In this episode, host Corbin Maxey chats with Chanel Hason from the Elakha Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring sea otters to their historic range along the Oregon coast. Learn why these charismatic marine mammals are keystone species, how their absence has led to an explosion of destructive sea urchins, and why the loss of kelp forestsis a growing environmental crisis. Plus, find out how you can help support sea otter reintroduction efforts from home!

Elakha Website: https://www.elakhaalliance.org/

Elakha Donation Page: https://bit.ly/Donate4Otters

Elakha Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/RAFTSignUp

Elakha Merch Store: https://bit.ly/ElakhaMerch

Elakha Scientific Feasibility Study: https://www.elakhaalliance.org/feasibility-study/

Elakha Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ElakhaAlliance

Elakha Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elakhaalliance/

Chanel's Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pschanel/

Go on a Luxury Safari with ME!

Follow Corbin Maxey

Website: https://corbinmaxey.com
YouTube: https://goo.gl/ZbuBnR
TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdr5n2Hh/
Instagram: https://goo.gl/NDYWFF
Facebook: https://goo.gl/ZsE1SP