What do you call a group of rattlesnakes? A rhumba.
And what do you call a podcast episode that blends snake encounters, medieval language, legendary women, and the soulful beat of an Afro-Cuban dance? This one.
In this immersive episode of A Gather of Gatherings, host Kellie Raines waltzes past fear (and a few fangs) with expert Amy Brumbaugh from Save the Snakes, who introduces her to her very first live rattlesnake. Along the way, you’ll learn how to safely coexist with these often-misunderstood creatures — and why they’re more percussionist than predator.
But this isn’t just about wildlife conservation. It’s about language, legend, and transformation. Discover the bizarre and brilliant history of collective nouns, hear from the legendary Dame Juliana Berners (kinda) in a time-traveling, totally fictional interview, and more.
Woven throughout: poetic reflections on what it means to shed your skin — literally, metaphorically, and maybe even musically.
Rattlesnakes. Resistance. Renaissance. Ready to dance?
💬 What’s your favorite collective noun?
Tag us or message @gatherofgatherings on Instagram and TikTok and use the hashtag #AGatherOfGatherings — we want to hear your favorites!
🎶 Music, sound design, and full credits in the show notes.
🎙️ To learn more, visit gatherofgatherings.com
⭐ If you enjoyed the episode, please rate and review it — help us dance more!
Show Notes
Host, Producer, Writer: Kellie Raines
Interviewees
- Amy Brumbaugh, Venomous Snake Coordinator of Save the Snakes
- Dame Juliana Berners, portrayed by Kelley Ogden (fictional interview)
- Shawn B O'Neal
When I Shed My Skin… (in order of appearance)
- Margaret Morneau
- Elaine Brooks
- Tory Scroggins
- Andrew Fowler*
- Gay Cooper
- Johnathan Sexton
- Damon Alums
- Marilyn Raines
- Kellie Raines
- Rose Froling
*Wrote their own “When I Shed My Skin…” vignette
Special Thanks
Amy Brumbaugh, Save the Snakes, Shawn O’Neal, Margaret Morneau
Music
Music courtesy of Melodie Music.
Melodie Music Subscription: Pro Plan, Lifetime
Title: Acoustic Minor Swing Artist — Bill Palmer; Composer: Palmer William John
https://melod.ie/track-details/1647-acoustic-minor-swing
Title: Of Lads and Lasses — Alex Cap; Composer: Cap Alexander Stephen
https://melod.ie/track-details/450-of-lads-and-lasses
Title: Who Will Pay the Piper — Vincent Russo; Composer: Russo John
https://melod.ie/track-details/2297-who-will-pay-the-piper
Title: Especial — Jared Chance Taylor; Composer: Taylor Jared Chance
https://melod.ie/track-details/3507-especial
Title: Dead Broke — Chris Raggatt; Composer: Raggatt Chris
https://melod.ie/track-details/2423-dead-broke
Sound Effects
SoundSnap (pro subscription)
Referenced Resources or Links
Save the Snakes
The Rattlesnake Conservancy
https://www.savethebuzztails.org/
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