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.
Watch MONSTERS OF GOD August 6, 2026 on HBO and HBO Max.
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