Tom's Big Spiders - Tarantulas and Inverts

By: Tom Moran
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  • Summary

  • A podcast devoted to the proper care and upkeep of tarantulas and other inverts. After keeping a G. porteri for over 16 years, I decided that I wanted to add another tarantula to my collection. Several years later, I now keep over 100 specimens and 90+ different species. It’s safe to say that I am now completely addicted to the hobby. I’m NOT an expert, and I’m currently still learning about keeping these fascinating creatures. In fact, there are so many species, that I suspect that I’ll still be learning years from now. A teacher by trade, I enjoy passing along what I’ve information and techniques I’ve discovered and helping others in their successful pursuit of this hobby. I enjoy hearing from folks, whether through comments on the blog or email. I have done and continue to do a lot of research, and I will only be discussing animals I personally keep, so the information I present should be current and accurate.
    © 2025 Tom's Big Spiders - Tarantulas and Inverts
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Episodes
  • My Favorite Spiders to Feed

    My Favorite Spiders to Feed
    Feb 17 2025

    First off, we'll read an article that discusses the successful reintroduction of a previously endangered spider species in Europe. Next, we'll hear some listener feedback.

    Then...feeding is one of the most entertaining and rewarding aspects of the hobby. In this episode, I'll discuss the 8 spiders that I enjoy feeding the most.

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Confronting My Potential Bias When It Comes to Old World Behaviors

    Confronting My Potential Bias When It Comes to Old World Behaviors
    Feb 9 2025

    So, I recently posted a video on YouTube discussing the tarantula species I've found to be the most defensive. Although I tried to think of an Old World species that gave me a difficult time, I didn't have a single one on the list. I knew that this was going to be shocking for some, but I wasn't expecting to be called "biased" when it came to how I present Old World behaviors. In this episode, I will discuss how and why my opinions on Old Worlds have changed over the years, and do some soul searching as I consider the message I am putting out.

    Check out the video here!

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    56 mins
  • So, You Want a Giant Tarantula: A Species Comparison

    So, You Want a Giant Tarantula: A Species Comparison
    Feb 2 2025

    First, we had our first Arachnid Appreciation Club at my school, and I'll share a bit about my preparation for it.

    Then, I have people message me to ask which "giant" tarantula species they should start with. In this episode, I'll compare the genera with the most massive spiders: Lasiodora, Phormictopus, Pamphobeteus, Xenesthis, and Theraphosa.
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    1 hr and 6 mins

What listeners say about Tom's Big Spiders - Tarantulas and Inverts

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Profile Image for Michael brightsen

I really enjoy his podcasts!

I listened in the beginning and to finally find out its here too. Love it!

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Profile Image for Parker Cherlin

Tom is a wealth of knowledge

If you really want to dive deep into the hobby, listen to this podcast, super informative and relevant to all experience levels

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Profile Image for Dustydoug

Well reasoned discussion of this hot topic



Tom has extensive knowledge of tarantulas as well as a friendly, positive approach to educating others. He draws upon his experiences as well as anecdotes from others ( many use him as a sounding board ) to deliver a balanced well- reasoned commentary.

He provides reasons for why we humans want to handle tarantulas - some of those reasons are reckless. But ultimately his message is about keeping the well being of the animals first and foremost in mind. And that raises the point about whether tarantulas really benefit from handling. Tune in and listen.


This is my second attempt to write a review. Audible on IOS accepted it more than a day ago but it is nowhere to be found. Now trying Android.

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Profile Image for Amazon Customer

my favorite podcast

I got into the hobby at the start of the pandemic as a way to get over my fear of spiders. I now have 9 tarantulas and love them all like I love my dogs. Tom was one of the first T channels I found on YouTube. I stuck around because of his Cradle of Filth band tshirt but I now look forward to his new podcasts every week. It's clear how much he loves his animals and he's not just in this for social media clout. He is quite knowledgeable and his background as a teacher makes for an even better podcast

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Profile Image for LeaAnn

FYI information about fastest spiders Tom has kept

I like that he wasn't trying to tell you what to think, only what he has experienced and was very upfront about it being his personal, subjective opinion.

Personally, I can't think of a way to list the fastest spiders I've kept, but I could lump several into a "fastest" group. I feel like he did something similar.

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