The Traveling Groomers Podcast

To every groomer, pet stylist, and canine cosmetologist who grabbed their travel mug and rolled with us — thank you. From trade show floors to grooming vans, airport mishaps to heartfelt conversations, the Traveling Groomers Podcast has been one incredible journey, and it only happened because of you. Your loyalty, your laughter, and your passion for this industry have meant more to us than words can say. While this chapter is coming to a close, the road we traveled together — and everything we learned along the way — will stay with us always. Keep rolling, keep growing, and never stop loving what you do. With so much gratitude, Chris and Mary. 🐾❤️Buckle up, because we're taking you back to where it all started! Long before we were rolling down highways and navigating grooming trade shows, there was one Women Petpreneurs episode that lit the spark and set everything in motion. Consider this your backstage pass to the very conversation that launched the Traveling Groomers Podcast — the laughs, the lightbulb moments, and the magic that happens when passionate pet professionals get together and just start talking. Enjoy the ride! 🚐✂️🐾

What were groomers taught that seemed like best practice at the time, but looks seriously questionable now? Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo revisit the old habits that shaped grooming, from skipping protective gear and wearing the wrong shoes to pre-bath, dematting, avoiding conditioner, and using harsh ear-cleaning methods.They also unpack the “get ’er done” approach to handling, including forcing dogs into uncomfortable positions and treating grooming as an adversarial relationship instead of a partnership. The conversation moves through better communication with veterinarians, improved product education, and the industry’s slow shift toward safer handling and ergonomics. Above all, this episode asks groomers to recognize that going home in pain, skipping lunch, and expecting early career injuries should never have been considered normal.

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy, And Wise, Michelle Knowles, along with Mary Oquendo, explore the importance of establishing clear, evolving standards in the grooming industry. Michelle discusses the Master Groomer Council Best Practices document, how groomers can use it to guide their salons and support future legislation, and why industry professionals, not outside authorities, should help shape those standards. The conversation also examines the role of continuing education, improved handling techniques, product knowledge, and the responsibility to speak up when a dog’s welfare is at risk. Michelle emphasizes that grooming is a constantly evolving profession in which every groomer and every specialty has value. The episode closes with a reminder that business education is just as essential as grooming technique. From taxes and financial stability to sustainable salon practices, groomers need a strong business foundation to build successful, long-lasting careers.

Welcome aboard the Traveling Groomers Podcast! In this episode, hosts Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo are joined by Dr. Jamie McNally, a PhD veterinary social worker and trauma therapist, to dive into the emerging topic of moral injury in animal care professions. Together, they explore what moral injury is, how it differs from burnout and compassion fatigue, and why it’s especially relevant to groomers, shelter workers, and veterinarians. The conversation unpacks the real-world challenges faced by pet professionals—from confronting public hostility and ethical dilemmas, to the cumulative weight of difficult encounters that can erode trust, agency, and personal wellbeing. Drawing from Jamie McNally’s recent research and lived experiences in both mental health and animal care, this episode offers insight, validation, and practical advice for anyone who has struggled with the heartbreaks and gray areas of working with pets and their people. So grab your travel mugs and join us for an eye-opening discussion about the unseen emotional toll of animal care—and how we can heal together.

Welcome to Healthy, Wealthy, And Wise! In today’s episode, hosts Denise Heroux and Mary Oquendo dive into the vital topic of pet first aid—why it matters, what real-life emergencies have taught them over more than 50 years of combined grooming experience, and why every pet professional needs hands-on training. From freak accidents to common grooming mishaps, our hosts share hard-earned lessons, tips for preparedness, and advice on protecting your business and clients through proper protocols and insurance. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and essential information to help you keep pets safe and your business running smoothly. Let’s get started!

Welcome aboard the Traveling Groomers Podcast! In this episode, Chris Anthony and co-host Mary Oquendo kick things off with personal updates about vacation adventures, enforcing boundaries with clients, and the joy of newfound relaxation, even if it means putting the phone on do not disturb. The conversation takes a reflective turn as they address trending topics in grooming social media, from setting healthy boundaries to the pitfalls of judgment and "mean girl" behavior in online forums.Diving deeper, the hosts tackle the thought-provoking concept of "moral injury" within the animal care industry; exploring how ethical conflicts, such as witnessing poor treatment of animals or being pressured to act against one’s values, can impact mental health. They discuss real-life examples from grooming salons, the importance of continual education, and strategies for standing up for what’s right, even if it means making tough career choices.Sprinkled throughout are lighthearted moments, industry anecdotes, and a passionate discussion about the language we use to describe different levels of grooming experience. So grab your travel mug, settle into your favorite chair, and join the conversation as we roll into lessons learned, personal growth, and the realities of being part of the grooming community.

From the vaults of the Traveling Groomers Podcast, Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo are joined by the dynamic Loren Mesquita for a lively and insightful conversation recorded in 2025. Loren shares her journey from hands-on grooming and competing at shows to building a social media presence and launching a brand alongside industry leader Colin Taylor. Together, they discuss the power of networking, the realities behind social media success, learning new skills, and growing professionally while staying true to yourself. Expect plenty of laughs, travel tips, industry insights, and, of course, a few classic digressions. Grab your travel mugs—it’s time to roll into another episode packed with inspiration for pet professionals everywhere.

In this episode of the Traveling Groomers Podcast, the conversation focuses on sharing lessons and experiences from mobile and house call grooming, with a special spotlight on international grooming education and cultural exchange. Including the influence of Korean grooming techniques and educational structure, as detailed by special guest Stephenie Calhoun from the Meditative Groomer Academy. The discussion explored Stephanie's recent trip to Korea, her observations of their structured approach to grooming education, and her partnership with the Korean Kennel Club to bring new learning opportunities to the U.S. We discussed the value of hands-on seminars, differences and similarities in grooming methods, and the benefits of learning from diverse grooming cultures. Along the way, the episode also delved into personal anecdotes, travel stories, and a shared appreciation for Korean culture-culminating in an invitation for listeners to join upcoming international grooming experiences.

Welcome back to Healthy, Wealthy, And Wise! In today’s thought-provoking episode, we dive into a topic not often discussed within the pet care industry: the moral injury fueling burnout among groomers, veterinary staff, and shelter workers. Michelle Knowles, Mary Oquendo, and Denise Heroux explore the emotional toll that comes from witnessing or participating in practices that conflict with personal ethics, and how this unique strain of burnout impacts animal care professionals everywhere.Together, we unpack the evolution of grooming—from a product-centric, high-turnover corporate model to a more compassionate, fear-free approach centered on each animal’s well-being. Our hosts shed light on the urgent need for better behavioral training, shifting industry standards, and the grassroots movement toward gentle handling as a new norm.Listen in as we discuss practical steps industry leaders can take to create positive change—empowering staff to speak up, integrating mindful animal care into workplace training, and moving beyond “just a trim” to truly prioritize the welfare of both pets and professionals. Whether you’re a groomer, a pet parent, or simply passionate about animal welfare, this episode offers a timely call for connection, empathy, and transformative action within the industry.

Welcome aboard, fellow groomers, pet stylists, and canine cosmetologists! In this episode of the Traveling Groomers Podcast, hosts Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo are joined by special guest Angie Coates for an engaging and candid discussion about the light and dark sides of the grooming industry. The trio delves into the impact of troubling grooming videos circulating on social media, sharing personal stories and strategies for maintaining positivity and professionalism despite public misconceptions. Along the way, you'll hear hilarious behind-the-scenes anecdotes, the importance of transparency, and why being true to yourself matters more than ever. Whether you’re here for industry insights or a good laugh about alligators in grooming tubs and nose-picking cats, settle in for a wild and enlightening ride with the Traveling Groomers!