The Wag Pod

Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Kate Runy, co-founder of Canine Community Outreach of North Carolina, about her mission to make spay and neuter more accessible for dog owners who might not be able to afford it otherwise. After the loss of the traveling SNAP van, demand for affordable surgeries in the Raleigh-Durham area skyrocketed. Kate and her team stepped up — fundraising, educating, and guiding clients through SPCA Wake’s voucher program while covering costs to ensure no dog goes unaltered due to finances. Through partnerships, their signature Sasha-Bean Memorial Fund, and creative events like Santa Dog photos, CCONC is reducing overpopulation, improving health, and giving more dogs a chance at forever homes.

Richmond Griner of Wag Works sits down with Curtis Hacon, co-founder of Give A Sh!t, a mission-driven pet brand focused on reducing environmental waste through TÜV Austria HOME Compost Certified poop bags and high-quality plant-based dog wipes. Curtis shares how he and his wife Katie built the company from the ground up, why their products remain a better alternative even when sent to landfill, and what’s next as they explore aluminum-based packaging and continue evolving their product lines. He also discusses their partnership with the Soi Dog Foundation in Thailand and their goal to raise $100,000 to support animal rescue efforts. Passionate, transparent, and full of purpose, Curtis offers a genuine look at what it takes to build a sustainable pet brand that stands apart.

Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Mike Calinoff, founder of Doglogics, and two-time Normy Award winner, whose transition from championship NASCAR spotter to elite dog trainer has earned him a reputation as one of the most trusted names in dog behavior work. As the longtime spotter for Matt Kenseth, Mike helped guide the Hall of Fame driver to a 2003 NASCAR championship, two Daytona 500 wins, and dozens of career victories — all by delivering calm, decisive communication when the stakes were highest. Now, he brings that same clarity and presence to his work with dogs facing reactivity, anxiety, and aggression. Highly recommended by veterinarians and praised by clients across Lake Norman, Mike’s approach is grounded, practical, and results-driven. He teaches owners how to lead with confidence, read their dog’s behavior, and stay consistent when it counts. The results speak for themselves: capable dogs, committed owners, and lasting transformation on both ends of the leash.

Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Chanel Flannagan, founder of Pup Pastry, a Raleigh-based pet wellness company rooted in a personal journey to heal her dog Suki’s chronic skin and coat issues. After vet-prescribed treatments failed to offer lasting relief, Chanel uncovered that Suki had a sensitivity to molasses — a surprisingly common ingredient in many dog treats. Determined to find a better solution, she began crafting her own molasses-free recipes using high-quality, functional ingredients. What started as home baking in Raleigh quickly evolved into Pup Pastry: a growing brand offering everything from clean baked goods to unique dehydrated chews like duck necks and salmon heads, along with targeted products like the Dental Bundle and Overall Wellness Bundle. Through her intentional, ingredient-conscious approach, Chanel is redefining pet treats — and helping dogs everywhere feel as good as they deserve.

Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Terry Chastain, a third-generation dog trainer and land manager in southern Georgia, about the art and tradition of bird-dogging. Raised around hunting dogs, Terry followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather—though not before training and flying as a commercial pilot. He eventually returned home to manage a private recreational estate, where he oversees dog breeding, land stewardship, and seasonal quail hunting for the owners and their guests. In this episode, Terry breaks down what bird-dogging really means, the role of breeds like pointers, and the rhythm of life on the land with his wife and kids. His passion, knowledge, and deep connection to the dogs and the outdoors make this a rich and informative listen for anyone curious about working dogs, upland hunting, or the balance of tradition and purpose.

Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Yesica Leon, a passionate groomer based in Long Island, about her journey in the dog grooming world. After starting as a bather and spending several years grooming at PetSmart, Yesica recently made the switch to a local salon, Posh Paws LI. Her bubbly personality, dedication to client relationships, and commitment to making dogs feel safe and comfortable shine throughout the episode. Yesica shares insights on building grooming skills, the importance of continued learning, and how she tailors her approach based on breed and size. She also talks about offering house call services and what drives her to keep improving every day. Her enthusiasm is contagious — and this episode is full of insight and inspiration for anyone in the grooming world or thinking of joining it.

Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Rick Gardner, co-founder of Binky and Bell, a North Carolina-based art brand with a mission to help homeless dogs through creativity and community. About 11 years ago, during a period of unemployment, Rick began doodling as a creative outlet. That spark grew into a full-fledged passion when he partnered with Mark Bell, combining Rick’s playful illustrations with Mark’s love of woodworking — and Binky and Bell was born. Today, Rick juggles his full-time work in fundraising with building the brand, finding ways for both roles to inform and energize each other. With 10% of all sales donated to local rescues and shelters, Binky and Bell is more than just art — it's a vehicle for compassion, positivity, and impact in the Raleigh dog rescue scene. This episode is an inspiring look at how following your creative instincts can lead to meaningful change.

Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Austin Castorena, founder of Lasso, about his recent pivot into entrepreneurship in the pet industry while continuing to apply his electrical engineering background. Austin shares the story behind developing Lasso’s first product, Link — a voice-recognizing, vibration-based dog collar designed for training. While the initial feedback wasn’t what he had hoped for, Austin emphasizes the importance of connecting with potential customers, learning from diverse perspectives in pet care, and embracing the iterative process of product development. He also highlights how simple conversations at dog parks have proven invaluable in shaping Lasso’s direction. This insightful episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of pet tech. We’re excited to see what’s next for Lasso!

Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Ian Klingshirn of CPR Canine Training to discuss his journey handling/training dogs in the military police and building his private training business. Ian shares his experience with highly specialized canine work and how he now helps everyday dog owners create better structure, communication, and behavior with their pets. Throughout the episode, Ian breaks down his approach to training, balancing work and family, and the lessons he’s learned through building his mobile app.

Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Jill Hanson, founder of Rides 4 Paws Transport & Rescue, about her incredible work rescuing dogs from Los Angeles and utilizing her growing network to successfully relocate these animals. As of last summer, her passion for rescuing dogs has turned into a full time pursuit. Residing in Indiana, Jill drives all the way to LA, working with rescuers and shelters to save dogs from euthanization and finding them permanent homes. Not only does she pick up the dogs, but she also delivers them to their new families all over the United States. The immense love and care that Jill has for all dogs is evident throughout the episode and it is truly inspiring to hear about such an impactful person in the animal world.