Episode Host: Morgan Weber
Welcome to Season 2 of the Lucky Pup Podcast! Today I’m delving into the under-discussed topic of burnout in business, particularly in the pet sitting industry. The episode shares my journey with my dog Olive, whose struggles and eventual passing inspired my focus on quality of life and preventing and staying out of burnout. Olive’s journey was the catalyst for my 'Live Full, Live Happy' framework that I apply to both my life and business. 
I am also announcing the launch of my Align Cohort, a seven-month program aimed at helping business owners create aligned and fulfilling businesses through preventing burnout and optimizing operations. I really want to empower business owners to understand the importance of making proactive changes rather than waiting for a catalyst event that forces you to make a change. You deserve to live a great life while also having a business that works well for you.

There is still time to grab your seat in the Aligned Cohort! You still have time to join us in the Cohort, but you have to act fast! I can’t guarantee this program will run again in the future, so if you are interested in joining us I have to recommend that you grab your seat now!
Visit our website to learn more and apply for the Cohort: luckypupliving.com/align
Things I am passionate about:
- A business that works as hard for you as you work for your business
- Business owners understanding they are their business’s greatest resource for long term success
Topic time stamps:
00:00 Welcome to Season Two00:34 Olive's Story: A Journey of Love and Loss05:32 Understanding and Combating Burnout13:52 Introducing the Align Cohort

Align Cohort: luckypupliving.com/align

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About the Lucky Pup Podcast:
Show notes, transcripts, and more are on our website. Review, comment, like, and share these conversations!
Listen and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, etc.
Connecting is more fun than just talking into the internet! Follow the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and send me an email: [email protected].

Episode Guest: Amber Van Denzen and Doug Keeling of the Florida Pet Services Association
The Lucky Pup Podcast is back after a busy spring and summer, just in time to tell you about the upcoming Florida Pet Services Summit! I’m joined by Amber (President) and Doug (Treasurer) from the Florida Pet Services Association. We have seen the benefits and impact of conferences first hand, and we hope more people can also experience the business-changing aspects of in-person conferences. We are diving into our favorite parts of attending conferences and why we think everyone should attend at least one. The reasons why might surprise you! I cannot say enough good things about prioritizing your growth, your business, and really tapping into the community that awaits you at these conferences. 

There is still time to grab your ticket to the FPSA Summit! You still have time to join us in Naples, Florida from Thursday, August 22nd through Saturday, August 24th. There is a really amazing lineup of speakers and sponsors ready to meet you at this conference, and I hope to see you there!
To learn more and get your ticket, visit the FPSA website and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
Things FPSA is passionate about:Networking
Learning
Building Community 
Topic time stamps:
00:00 Welcome to the Lucky Pup Podcast01:34 Upcoming Florida Pet Services Summit06:50 The Value of In-Person Connections15:36 Making Time and Budgeting to Attend Conferences27:33 Unexpected Benefits of Conferences36:42 Closing Remarks

Guest links & Resources Mentioned:


Websites:
flpetassociation.org/Follow FPSA on Instagram and Facebook.Get your tickets to the 2024 FPSA Summit here.

Episode Guest: Dr. Amy Porto of the Eat Better Club
In business you have to balance self-care with the service of your business. Dr. Amy Porto challenges the narratives of Diet Culture and Entrepreneurship with a focus on self-care over self-control. We touch on the importance of tackling misinformation around nutrition and diet culture, and the consequences of neglecting self-care on both personal and professional fronts.
Amy helps us explore the complexities of self-acceptance, feeling deserving in who you are now, and the true definitions of “health and wellness.” She encourages us to pursue authenticity, trust in ourselves, and explore resources for developing better relationships with food and ourselves, ensuring we are empowered to serve our clients and our own wellbeing.
Things Dr. Amy is passionate about:Helping people re-connect with their own inner wisdom about how to nourish themselves
Building better relationships with food 
Topic time stamps:
0:00 Introducing Dr. Amy Porto01:56 From the Classroom to Facebook Live Rants: Misinformation and Diet Culture07:22 The Impact of Social Media18:07 The Importance of Authenticity and Showing Up as Yourself30:17 Navigating Business, Wellness, and Self-Care40:14 The Power of Prioritizing Yourself45:27 Reconnecting with Your Body & Humor in Diet Culture: Cheat Pees53:28 Self-Care vs. Self-Control: Debunking Diet Myths01:14:26 The Dog Walking Challenge: A Community of Support and Fun01:20:48 Final Thoughts and Resources for a Better Relationship with Food

Guest links & Resources Mentioned:


Websites:
amyporto.comFollow Amy on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.Get access to Amy’s Eat Better Club and her free guide on How To Build A Better Relationship with Food on her website.Books mentioned:
Gap and the Gain
The Big Leap___________________

About the Lucky Pup Podcast:
Show notes, transcripts, and more are on our website. Review, comment, like, and share these conversations!
Listen and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, etc.
Connecting is more fun than just talking into the internet! Follow the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and send me an email: [email protected].

Episode Guest: Dr. Donita McCants of Veterinary Concierge Services

There can be a fine line between persevering with resiliency and using toxic positivity to push through damaging deadlines, negative work cultures, and mental health struggles. Dr. Donita shares her personal experiences trying to balance a healthy lifestyle with being an entrepreneur and a veterinarian.
Dr. Donita discusses the stigma surrounding mental health and the tendency of business owners to ignore their own burnout warning signs. She offers candid insights into the struggles and triumphs of starting her mobile veterinary clinic, and advocates for a balance between passion for the job and our personal well-being and satisfaction.
Dr. Donita's story is a powerful example of resilience, the necessity of prioritizing rest, and the potential within making change.

Things Dr. Donita is passionate about:Reducing mental health stigmaBusiness ownership
Topic time stamps:
00:00 Meet Dr. Donita01:55 From Vet School to Mobile Clinic07:33 Addressing Mental Health and Burnout in Veterinary Medicine16:16 Finding Balance and Coping with Stress as a Vet20:28 Opening Up About Mental Health25:29 The Journey of Starting a Mobile Vet Practice32:15 Creating a Positive Work Culture and Clientele41:23 Advice for Those on the Edge of Burnout42:21 Closing Remarks
Guest links & Resources Mentioned:


Websites:
askdrdonita.comFollow Dr. Donita on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and on YouTube.
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About the Lucky Pup Podcast:
Show notes, transcripts, and more are on our website. Review, comment, like, and share these conversations!
Listen and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, etc.
Connecting is more fun than just talking into the internet! Follow the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and send me an email: [email protected].

We are back from a little break! Sometimes life throws something unexpected at us and we have to juggle something new. But, entrepreneurship is a journey and an adventure, and every little side quest gives us new experiences. I’m finishing out Season One and we are talking about burnout, prioritizing rest, boundaries, toxic cultures, and more.
I wanted to share a little Welcome Back episode with you to give you a little update. Business was business-ing and I had to take a temporary hiatus from the podcast due to the demands of my pet sitting business. I thankfully have had a few great weekends to recharge and I’m back in my studio chair and feeling refreshed as I get back into the swing of things. 
These last few episodes of the season are, I hope, impactful for how you think about the relationship between you and your business. If you are heading into a busy season or work like I am, know that NOW is the time to prioritize learning how to rest and recharge. If you can’t practice resting now, you will definitely struggle to find that time when life and business get busy. If you can’t recharge your own batteries, you can’t possibly serve your clients as well as they deserve or to your normal expectations.
I really encourage everyone to go to PetSitterBurnout.com to take our Burnout Assessment. It is only 15 questions, and it will tell you where you are currently at on the Burnout Scale. While there is always room for improvement, if you score in the middle or are in acute, chronic burnout, you need to make changes now. There is no time to waste. Head over to PetSitterBurnout.com right now and get started on your assessment.
Then, I just want to say thank you again for being a part of this podcast. I have so enjoyed getting to share this journey with you. I love getting to cheer you on, so if you have a rest and recharge goal you are working to make a habit, reach out so we can be part of your cheer squad!

Cindy believes that doing business differently is the only way that works for her. She was inspired to start Scout & Zoe’s because her dogs had allergies and struggled to find great treat and chew options. She knew that she could make a better chew, so she did. It wasn’t long before she was using her background in sales - and her experiences of being fired from previous jobs - to launch Scout & Zoe’s. Her passion for high-quality products and better choices in pet nutrition sparked an entrepreneurial journey and her drive to deliver nutritious treats to pets worldwide.
Cindy discusses her business philosophy and how values influence her business, her attitude towards life, business growth, and making sure to turn off your work at the end of the day. She also talks about the importance of being flexible and patient in the face of challenges, and how she remains passionate, innovative, and persistent after fifteen years of business. 

You don’t want to miss her latest project, 'Scouting for the Cure', an initiative to fund research into hemangiosarcoma, which she founded in honor of her dog, Scout.

Episode Guest: Brenna Beumer of BB Virtual Assistance & Bad to the Bone Pet Care

Meet Brenna, the incomparable operations manager for Bad To The Bone Pet Care and owner of BB Virtual Assistance. Not only does Brenna manage the day-to-day running of Bad To The Bone through vital support to her team and ensuring the business functions effectively, but she also helps other businesses do the same. Brenna shares her journey, starting as a pet sitter but gradually taking on additional responsibilities until she became the company's operations manager of a very busy team. Brenna is passionate about teaching and supporting her team, ensuring the business delivers high-quality service. 
In her work at BB Virtual Assistance, she helps business owners streamline their operations and maximize their efficiency. She discusses her role as a VA, the challenges of juggling numerous roles, and why delegating tasks can prevent burnout. She emphasizes the importance of teamwork and how sharing the workload of managing a business is part of a more effective, successful business.

This episode delves into key considerations for effectively managing a pet care business, highlighting the importance of building trusting relationships, and the vital necessity of taking care of oneself.  
Things Brenna is passionate about:All the animals!Teaching a team & building them up for successThe positive impact we have on our client’s lives
Topic time stamps:
0:00 Introducing Brenna Beumer07:12 Brenna's Transition to Operations Manager11:33 The Importance of Trust in Management19:28 The Importance of Putting Your Team First22:59 Working Together: Operations Manager and Business Owner29:18 The Challenges of Being an Operations Manager33:33 The Need for an Assistant37:06 The Launch of BB Virtual Assistance42:15 The Need for a Real Vacation44:22 Conclusion
Guest links & Resources Mentioned:

Website: brennatheva.com/Follow Brenna on Instagram ___________________

About the Lucky Pup Podcast:
Show notes, transcripts, and more are on our website. Review, comment, like, and share these conversations!
Listen and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, etc.
Connecting is more fun than just talking into the internet! Follow the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and send me an email: [email protected].

Episode Guest: Kaila Piepkow of Your Branding Buddy
Kaila Piepkow of Your Branding Buddy wants everyone to understand the power of a cohesive visual brand. Kaila helps her clients understand the power of great branding in a crowded marketplace. She also honed her own power as a business owner and leader by leaving her soul-crushing corporate job and founding the best known and most sought after graphic design firm in the pet space, Dox Design. At Dox, Kaila saw how often many female entrepreneurs were patronized as “just having some fun” or the assumption their thriving business is just a “cute little side hobby.”
As your branding buddy, Kaila stresses the importance of finding your own unique visual brand to support your story. A brand is more than just a logo and some colors, and it should help tell the story of your business and your values. A cohesive brand is a worthwhile investment, and a bold brand that speaks to a particular audience can bring big benefits to a business.  
Things Kaila is passionate about:- Visual branding principles & their importance- Training entrepreneurs to use Canva- Packaging Design

Topic time stamps:
00:00 Introduction to Kaila Piepkow02:19 The Power of Visual Storytelling in Branding08:12 Understanding Your Brand15:07 Kaila's Journey from Corporate to Entrepreneurship21:04 The Impact of Hiring and Scaling a Business28:52 The Power of Confidence in Business32:42 Finding the Right Graphic Designer36:14 The Power of Women in Business40:52 Considering All Aspects of a Brand47:07 The Benefits of Attending Conferences
Guest links & Resources Mentioned:

Website: kailapiepkow.comBook a one hour brand audit with Kaila! Follow Kaila on Instagram ___________________

About the Lucky Pup Podcast:
Show notes, transcripts, and more are on our website. Review, comment, like, and share these conversations!
Listen and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, etc.
Connecting is more fun than just talking into the internet! Follow the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and send me an email: [email protected].

Episode Guest: Kim Tank of Staffstrings & Apronstrings Pet Sitting

Veteran pet care professional Kim Tank is share her experience spanning over three decades in the industry. With a central focus on the importance of not becoming a martyr to your business, Kim discusses what she sees as the key aspects of her sustainable, long term business success. Kim’s businesses have been through multiple variations over the decades. She stressed the need to be prepared for unexpected life events, drawing from her own experiences involving a temporary step back from her business due a significant diagnosis. 

Kim shared valuable insights on managing a team to allow for regular time off and the key roles in preventing burnout. She has experienced both the rewarding and challenging aspects of pet sitting, which greatly influence her emphasis on the importance of maintaining a personal life as a business owner. She also encourages resilience in the pet care world, where we have a limit on how much of our work we can control. 
Things Kim is passionate about:Staff retentionThe power of a great teamProviding peace of mind to her clientsCats
Topic time stamps:
01:33 Meet Kim Tank07:10 Transition from Vet Tech to Pet Sitter14:56 The Impact of Economic Changes on Pet Care Businesses23:48 The Importance of Sharing the Load32:27 Managing Workload and Quality of Service38:17 Dealing with Unexpected Challenges48:36 The Importance of Planning for the Unexpected58:41 Business Should Not Be Martyrdom1:03:59 The Importance of Resilience in Business1:08:58 Conclusion
Guest links & Resources Mentioned:


Website: apronstringsonline.comFollow Kim on: Facebook and Instagram ___________________

About the Lucky Pup Podcast:
Show notes, transcripts, and more are on our website. Review, comment, like, and share these conversations!
Listen and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, etc.
Connecting is more fun than just talking into the internet! Follow the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and send me an email: [email protected].

This year especially I am reflecting as the year comes to a close, and I wanted to share some of that with you, too. I love collecting knowledge and quotes and bits of information to use later. However, those things often end up in a pile of sticky notes on my desk. Without any real structure or organization, these things get left behind and aren’t used to their full potential. 

In these last few weeks I’ve been cleaning my desk and my notes to prepare for the year ahead. I’ve been compiling my notes from the last year with my notes from previous years. I’ve been really humbled by my previous self for how connected many of the things I’ve been thinking about for the last few years are to what I’m currently thinking about and working through. I’ve been marinating on these ideas for a few years now, and they are only getting better.
When we take time to give ourselves room to think and dream and plan and strategize, we can amaze ourselves with what our brains have been working on behind the scenes. It is only by giving ourselves space to do this that we can truly turn them into reality.
I want to really encourage you to both reflect on the year behind you and also look forward to the year ahead in these next few weeks. It can be so helpful to take a purposeful pause and create an intention for your actions in the year ahead. When we are so busy in the doing, we forget to look around at where we are going. I’ve done that plenty of years, and this year feels so much different to me. When we measure backwards we can see how far we have come. When we dream forwards, we can set an intention for where we want to go.
I have some words of encouragement for you in the podcast, but know you are where you need to be. Whether you are thinking about changes you want to make or you are just surviving, you are doing great. Whether you are crushing your goals or are struggling to see a way forward, know that even better things await you in the new year. 
Lastly, thank you for being a part of this podcast and for being here with me. I so appreciate getting to share this journey with you. As you're reflecting and working on your intentions and plans for this next year, I'd love for you to reach out to me so I can cheer you on.


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About the Lucky Pup Podcast:
Show notes, transcripts, and more are on our website. Review, comment, like, and share these conversations!
Listen and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, etc.
Connecting is more fun than just talking into the internet! Follow the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and send me an email: [email protected].