Welcome aboard another episode of the Traveling Groomers Podcast! This week, hosts Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo are joined by special guest Lisa Menze—a longtime groomer turned pet care staffing expert. In this jam-packed discussion, we explore everything from the benefits of hiring virtual assistants in the grooming industry to practical tips on working smarter, not harder. Lisa shares her insider knowledge on how groomers can reclaim precious hours in their workweek with the help of trained virtual support, and dives into the crucial difference between personal and business credit. We also get an early look at her upcoming educational programs designed to help pet professionals build business credit and plan for a sustainable, less stressful future. Whether you’re a solopreneur drowning in to-dos or # seasoned business owner looking to level up, there’s something in this episode for you—plus a few fun digressions, of course. So grab your travel mug and get ready for another enlightening ride with the Traveling Groomers!

Welcome back to the Traveling Groomers Podcast! In this special episode, hosts Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo are joined by the wonderful Kirstine Reynolds for an honest, insightful, and often hilarious conversation that covers everything from grooming giant floofy cats to surviving breast cancer and breaking down barriers in the grooming industry. Recorded just before the Rocky Mountain Groom Expo, this episode dives deep into personal journeys—sharing the joys (and challenges) of caring for Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats, the uniquely open camaraderie among breast cancer survivors, and the importance of normalizing tough topics in a female-dominated industry. The trio also explores the latest science in canine cognition with the introduction of the Cognitive Grooming Method, highlighting how modern research can help us better connect with and care for our four-legged clients. Whether you’re a groomer, a pet lover, or someone looking for some laughter and encouragement, join us for a heartfelt and educational ride filled with stories, expert advice, and a celebration of community in the world of mobile and housecall grooming. Buckle up and enjoy the journey—let’s roll!

Welcome aboard the Traveling Groomers Podcast! In this milestone 300th episode, hosts Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo are joined by their long-time friend (and not-so-special-guest-anymore), Angie, for a lively conversation that digs deep into the world of cat grooming. As always, expect a blend of practical wisdom, hilarious asides, industry insights, and plenty of real talk from groomers who've learned their lessons—the hard way and otherwise. This week, the trio opens up about lessons learned from years of mobile and house call grooming, with a special focus on the unique challenges and approaches in cat grooming. They share personal stories—sometimes hair-raising, sometimes heartwarming—about reading feline body language, understanding stress signals, setting boundaries for both pets and clients, and the importance of prioritizing safety over simply "getting the job done." The episode also tackles outdated handling techniques, misconceptions about cats, and the differences between being a “cat groomer” versus a “dog groomer who grooms cats.” Of course, it wouldn't be the Traveling Groomers without fun detours—think peach trees, homemade cyanide jokes, and enthusiastic celebrations of their 300th episode. Along the way, they offer both new and seasoned groomers invaluable advice on recognizing when to stop a groom, handling aggressive or fragile cats, and the all-important reminder to always wear masks when blow drying. Plus: learn why conditioning cats is just as crucial as conditioning dogs, and get tips on setting up your grooming space for a more positive feline experience. If you’re looking for honest advice, a few laughs, and a deep dive into the art (and science) of compassionate, effective pet grooming, you’re in for a treat. Grab your travel mug and tune in—the Traveling Groomers are taking you on another unforgettable ride!

Welcome back to the Traveling Groomers Podcast! In this thought-provoking episode, hosts Mary Oquendo and Chris Anthony welcome the lovely and talented Ashley Hanvey for a deep dive into the evolving world of grooming behavior and handling. Together, they peel back the layers on some of the industry’s hottest—and most controversial—topics, including consent grooming, cooperative care, and what these concepts really mean both for groomers and the pets in their care. Get ready for an open, honest discussion where no topic is off limits. The trio debates the language around "consent," challenges old-school grooming practices, and explores how scientific understanding of animal emotions is reshaping the way we think about our four-legged clients. They don’t shy away from industry truths, share personal stories of growth (and cringe-worthy mistakes), and stress the need for continual education in an unregulated industry. Whether you're a seasoned groomer, an industry educator, or just passionate about animal care, this episode is packed with valuable insights and some strong opinions—all delivered with the humor and camaraderie you've come to expect from the Traveling Groomers Podcast. Buckle up—it’s going to be an enlightening ride!

Welcome back to the Traveling Groomers Podcast! In this thought-provoking episode, hosts Mary Oquendo and Chris Anthony welcome the lovely and talented Ashley Hanvey for a deep dive into the evolving world of grooming behavior and handling. Together, they peel back the layers on some of the industry’s hottest—and most controversial—topics, including consent grooming, cooperative care, and what these concepts really mean both for groomers and the pets in their care. Get ready for an open, honest discussion where no topic is off limits. The trio debates the language around "consent," challenges old-school grooming practices, and explores how scientific understanding of animal emotions is reshaping the way we think about our four-legged clients. They don’t shy away from industry truths, share personal stories of growth (and cringe-worthy mistakes), and stress the need for continual education in an unregulated industry. Whether you're a seasoned groomer, an industry educator, or just passionate about animal care, this episode is packed with valuable insights and some strong opinions—all delivered with the humor and camaraderie you've come to expect from the Traveling Groomers Podcast. Buckle up—it’s going to be an enlightening ride!

In this episode of the Traveling Groomers Podcast, join hosts Mary Oquendo and Chris as they dive into the nuances of client communication in the grooming industry. This episode explores when and how to apologize—or not—when interacting with clients, often under complicated circumstances. Mary and Chris share insightful anecdotes, like when a misunderstanding with a client's pet's grooming led to unexpectedly positive outcomes, despite initial hiccups. They also highlight how effective communication can help manage expectations and prevent conflicts, offering listeners actionable strategies to improve their business interactions. Plus, they discuss the importance of detailed check-ins and thorough documentation to mitigate potential issues. Whether you're a mobile groomer, pet stylist, or just interested in the ins and outs of client relations, grab your travel mugs and hop aboard for some enlightening discussions!

Welcome aboard to another insightful episode of the Traveling Groomers Podcast! Join hosts Chris and Mary Oquendo as they welcome their charismatic guest, Jess Adorno, to chat about all things grooming industry-related and the life lessons they've learned along the way. In this episode, they discuss the challenges and triumphs of grooming with an injury, the artistry behind choosing the right equipment, and the importance of being authentic and kind in such a vibrant and connected community. They also dive into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of trade shows, sharing anecdotes that highlight the resilience and camaraderie within the grooming world. This episode is a celebration of genuine connections, incredible journeys, and the inspiring spirit that defines the grooming industry. Grab those travel mugs and climb aboard for a fun and heartfelt journey into the world of pet grooming. This conversation is one you won't want to miss!

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Traveling Groomers Podcast! This week, Chris and Mary take us on a journey to one of the most iconic dog shows in the world, the Westminster Dog Show. Listen in as Mary shares her fond memories of attending the show early in her grooming career and how it shaped her journey in the grooming industry. Chris reveals the unexpected tips and insights gained from mingling with breeders and the surprised highlight of discovering the best kissers at the show. For anyone considering attending Westminster or just curious about the vibrant world of pedigreed canine models, they're offering tips on navigating the event and making the most out of the experience. Bring your travel mugs and join us as we explore the fascinating blend of grooming expertise, beautiful dogs, and the wonderful chaos that is the world of dog shows! Safe travels, and let's dive in.

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Traveling Groomers Podcast! Today, we're diving into the vibrant world of trade shows and the grooming industry. Join us as Chris Bear Anthony and host Mary Oquendo discuss their recent experiences at the Atlanta Pet Fair, now known as Groomed. We'll explore the hustle and bustle of trade shows, the latest innovations in mobile grooming, and the importance of communication and education. Plus, get a sneak peek into Chris and Mary's favorite finds, from grooming tools to trendy sneakers. Whether you're a seasoned groomer or new to the field, this episode is packed with insights and the camaraderie that makes grooming shows an unmissable experience. So, grab your travel mug and come along for the ride—it's going to be a fun and informative journey!