Welcome back to another episode of Women Petpreneurs! In this special book club edition, hosts Mary Oquendo and Dr. Sacheen Mobley dive into their picks for this week's theme: biographies. With Denise off attending to family duties, it's just the two of them sharing stories that spotlight remarkable women—both historical and contemporary.Mary kicks things off with A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell, the gripping biography of Virginia Hall. Virginia was an American socialite who became a pioneering spy in World War II France, facing down both enemy soldiers and the patriarchy of her day. Mary shares her admiration for Hall's courage and tenacity, while shedding light on the obstacles women faced—and still face—in being recognized for their true contributions.Shifting gears, Sacheen introduces Worthy by Jada Pinkett Smith—a contemporary memoir that explores Pinkett Smith's journey through fame, personal hardship, and her search for self-worth beyond societal expectations. Sacheen unpacks how Jada’s public struggles, including the infamous Oscars incident, reveal deeper truths about agency, beauty standards, and the impact of patriarchy on women’s stories.Together, Mary and Sacheen spark a powerful conversation about how biographies—whether historical or unfolding in real time—reveal the challenges and triumphs of women breaking barriers. Plus, they tease their next book pick, Brave New World, inviting listeners to read along and join in next time.Tune in for an inspiring chat that’s equal parts literary love, woman-to-woman wisdom, and an honest look at how stories shape our understanding of worthiness, recognition, and what it means to blaze your own trail.

Welcome to Book Club. In this episode, hosts Mary Oquendo, Denise Heroux ,and Sacheen Mobley sit down for a lively book club discussion centered around the beloved genre of cozy mysteries. If you’re new to this heartwarming corner of the literary world, you’re in for a treat—cozies are all about amateur sleuths, charming small towns, quirky recurring characters, and a comforting lack of graphic violence or explicit content. Whether you’re a lifelong mystery fan or just looking for a relaxing escape from life’s busyness, cozy mysteries promise gentle suspense and satisfying resolutions.                                                                                         Mary, Denise, and Sacheen share their favorite authors and series, from witchy adventures with Tess Lake’s Torrent Witches to animal-centric capers featuring Rita Mae Brown’s feline sleuths. They discuss how these books have become the perfect antidote to the heavy grind of work and stressful days—ideal for unwinding with a cup of tea, or as a light read to start your morning. Denise, a newcomer to the genre, reflects on the joy of rediscovering fiction that’s easy to dive into, while Sacheen and Mary offer up recommendations tailored for animal lovers, supernatural fans, and anyone who enjoys vibrant, interconnected series. Plus, get a sneak peek at next week’s book club picks—including inspiring memoirs and powerful stories about women who’ve made a difference. Tune in for a heartfelt, relatable conversation, plenty of book recommendations, and a reminder that sometimes the best escape can be found in the pages of a good cozy mystery! Cozy mysteries gets 3 Open Books!

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Women Petpreneurs! In this Book Club edition, hosts Mary Oquendo, Dr. Sacheen Mobley, and Denise Heroux dive into More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth. Together, they explore the memoir’s powerful themes of resilience, identity, and what it means to break barriers as a woman of color.The conversation is as honest as it is heartfelt. You’ll hear personal stories and reflections sparked by Elaine’s journey—from navigating life’s toughest challenges, to the role of supportive parents, to the emotional weight of always having to prove yourself. Some hosts found the book deeply uplifting, others found it emotionally heavy, but all agreed on its importance and relevance.Whether you’re drawn to memoirs, seeking fresh inspiration, or simply enjoy listening to thoughtful women share real stories, this episode delivers. And for a little fun, the hosts unveil their own unique book rating system and tease their upcoming cozy mystery picks.We’ve rated this book:
📗 Mary Oquendo
📗 Denise Heroux
📘 Dr. Sacheen Mobley

Welcome to another episode of Book Club! In this lively and unfiltered discussion, hosts Mary Oquendo and Dr. Sacheen Mobley tackle two popular books on organization and productivity—each with plenty of laughs and strong opinions along the way.Mary kicks things off with her candid review of Swedish Death Cleaning for Beginners by Diana W. Fashed. Despite its intriguing title, she questions its real-world value, suggesting it’s more of a handbook for procrastinators than a genuine path to lasting change.Next, Sacheen breaks down the hype surrounding Tim Ferriss’s The Four Hour Work Week. From dissecting the “deal system” to wrestling with the ethics of outsourcing and automation, she explores why this bestseller—though sprinkled with helpful nuggets—often oversimplifies success and leans on privilege.Together, Mary and Sacheen pull back the curtain on the practicality (or lack thereof) behind these so-called productivity bibles, especially when applied to service-based industries like pet grooming. Whether you’re a book lover, a business owner, or just want an honest take before spending your next Audible credit, this episode promises equal parts insight, humor, and a dose of reality.

Welcome back to another episode of Women Petpreneurs! In today’s Book Club edition, host Mary Oquendo is joined by Denise Heroux as they dive into the colorful world of "Surrounded by Idiots" by Thomas Erikson. Mary and Denise share their candid thoughts on the book’s unique approach to understanding personalities through color-coding—red, yellow, green, and blue—and how these insights can reshape everything from work dynamics and leadership to our relationships at home.Along the way, they laugh about their own personality colors (spoiler: neither of them is a “blue”), swap stories about work and family, and discuss how knowing both strengths and weaknesses can help petpreneurs navigate staff management and difficult clients. With plenty of real-world examples, a few confessions of organizational chaos, and practical advice for leaders and business owners, this episode brings both wisdom and fun to the world of personality assessment.Whether you manage a team, serve clients, or simply want to better understand yourself and those around you, you won’t want to miss this down-to-earth conversation about what it really means to be “surrounded by idiots”—and why that just might be your superpower.

Episode 17: Avoiding Digital Disasters With Anjie CoatesWelcome back to another episode of Women Petpreneurs Presents Family Readiness In today’s show, host Mary  and co-host Kate are joined by special guest Angie, your go-to expert for all things security—especially when it comes to guarding your tech in the modern world. Sparked by a simple conversation that led Mary to drop $500 on new protective gear, the trio dives deep into personal and business security measures that every petpreneur should consider. From the potential risks associated with wireless devices and EMFs (electromagnetic fields), to practical tips for protecting your phone, laptop, and sensitive data, Angie gives us the rundown on staying safe in both our digital and physical environments. They discuss everything from why your everyday passwords might be putting you at risk, to how Faraday pouches can keep your devices secure at trade shows, airports, and beyond. Whether you’re concerned about hackers, EMF exposure, or just want to make sure your business and personal information stays protected, this episode is packed with actionable advice and a few fun stories along the way. So grab your notebook—this is one you’ll want to take notes on!

Welcome to another episode of Women Petprenuers Presents Family Readiness Podcast! In today’s episode, hosts Mary Oquendo and Kate Klasen, dive into two important topics every pet professional should have on their radar: disaster preparedness and peer support in the grooming industry. First, Mary shares actionable steps for preparing your business for the unexpected—from setting up cloud-based folders for vital documents and photos, to building a simple (and, yes, laminated) checklist that can secure your insurance, receipts, and records before disaster ever strikes. If you’ve wondered how to be truly ready when things go sideways, you’ll want to grab a notepad for this one. Then, Kate introduces peer support for the pet professional community, drawing from her work with Bishop’s Mission and her experience as a first responder. They discuss why having a confidential, judgment-free support group matters, how these Zoom calls work, and how anyone struggling can reach out for help. With practical tips and heartfelt conversations, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to ensure their pet care business—and their mental health—is ready for whatever comes next. Grab your snacks (or, if you’re the hosts’ pets, try to snag a few extra treats), and settle in for a conversation full of insight, support, and that signature friendly banter.

Welcome back to Women Petpreneurs Presents Family Readiness! In this episode, hosts Kate Klasen and Mary Oquendo dive into the seasonal challenges that pet owners face as spring transitions to summer. From navigating wildlife encounters in rural areas to dealing with venomous snakes, rising temperatures, and firework anxieties, Kate and Mary share personal stories and practical advice to help you keep your pets safe and comfortable.Listen in as they cover tips on handling heat waves, the do’s and don’ts of keeping water in your car, and how to spot the signs of heat stroke in both pets and people. The duo also discuss solutions for pets who fear fireworks, the truth behind screen doors as pet barriers, pool safety, and the dangers of household chemicals and fertilizers. Plus, they share a few humorous anecdotes about their own clever canines outsmarting childproof locks!If you’re a pet lover gearing up for summer—or just want to be prepared for anything your four-legged companions can throw at you—this episode is packed with practical tips, product recommendations, and plenty of laughs. Grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and join the conversation!

Welcome to another episode of Women Petpreneurs! In this week’s show, host Mary Oquendo and co-host Kate Klasen dive into the crucial topic of handling pet emergencies while traveling—timed perfectly for the busy season of grooming shows and vacations. Drawing from their personal stories and real-life scenarios, Mary and Kate discuss everything from region-specific pet health risks (like ticks on the East Coast or valley fever in Arizona) to navigating emergency veterinary care when you’re far from home. They offer practical tips on travel prep: keeping microchip info updated, carrying medical records and extra meds for pets with chronic conditions, and using handy apps like vet locators. You’ll also hear a wild tale of a runaway dachshund in Australia, and get advice on what to do if your pet gets lost in an unfamiliar place. Whether you’re a competitor on the road or just traveling with your furry companion, this episode is packed with actionable advice and heartfelt moments to help you keep your pets safe and sound on the go.

In the latest episode of Women Petpreneurs, we had quite an exciting discussion about the importance of having safety measures in place at home, particularly when it comes to pet safety. Mary shared her personal experience with a malfunctioning air fryer and highlighted the essential role of testing your home safety systems. We explored the value of having fire blankets and discussed whether pet masks and emergency plans are necessary in case of disasters like wildfires or volcanic eruptions. Kate emphasized the significance of being prepared for unforeseen situations and shared useful tools like fire blankets and the innovative Rescue Retriever device. Safety isn't just about humans; it's about our furry friends too! Don't miss out on this crucial and insightful conversation.