Welcome to another gripping episode of Women Petpreneurs! In this special book club edition, Mary Oquendo, Sacheen Mobley, and  Denise Heroux dive deep into stories of survival, darkness, and the mysteries surrounding some of history’s most notorious criminals. This time, our hosts take on true crime with a twist—choosing books that focus on infamous serial killers, with each selection offering a new perspective. Mary Oquendo discusses "The Son of Sam and Me," a firsthand account from a survivor of the Son of Sam killings, shedding light on the harrowing events and challenging the notion that David Berkowitz acted alone. Sacheen brings us the chilling tale of Madame LaLaurie, the infamous New Orleans socialite and serial killer, exploring both historical fact and the folklore that lingers in the French Quarter. Meanwhile, Denise Heroux shares "Hope: A Memoir of Survival in Cleveland," the courageous story of Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus, two women held captive for a decade, surviving unthinkable abuse and eventually reclaiming their freedom. Together, the trio explores themes of obsession, cruelty, resilience, and justice—reflecting on how these stories of survival connect us, and why, as women business owners and pet lovers, these tales both haunt and inspire. Whether you’re a fan of true crime or just looking for heartfelt, honest conversation, this episode is sure to keep you listening. So grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and join us for a discussion that’s as thought-provoking as it is intense.

Welcome to Women Petpreneurs! In this book club episode, hosts Mary Oquendo, Denise Heroux, and Sacheen dive into "Disrupt Everything" by James Patterson and Patrick Ledden. Together, they explore the book’s central idea of challenging the status quo and making meaningful changes—whether in business, career, or personal life. The hosts share their impressions, discuss how the book’s simple structure and real-world stories make the concept of disruption accessible, and talk about the value of accompanying workbooks for deeper reflection. They highlight the importance of finding happiness, taking actionable steps towards your goals, and how sometimes a book finds you just when you need it most. If you’re ready to shake things up or are just looking for inspiration to start your own journey, this episode is one you won’t want to miss!

Welcome to another episode of Women Petpreneurs! In today’s book club edition, join hosts Mary Oquendo, SacheenMobley, and Denise Heroux for a lively year-end roundtable on their favorite humorous books. Rather than tackling something heavy, the trio shares uplifting reads that sparked laughter and brought a smile to their faces.Mary Oquendo kicks things off with a recap of “Fever Beach” by Carl Hiason, celebrating the author’s knack for turning absurd situations into wild, satisfying stories where everyone gets what they deserve. Denise Heroux dives into the empowering self-help classic “You’re a Badass” by Jen Sincero, highlighting the relatable humor and real-life lessons that invite readers to embrace life’s messiness. Then, Sacheen Mobley reviews “A Spirited Life,” Mary Oquendo’s own heartwarming tale of Spirit the Husky—drawing parallels to “Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul” and reflecting on the powerful connection between pets and their humans.With anecdotes, laughter, and genuine recommendations, this episode is a warm reminder to seek out stories that lift your spirits and connect us—whether through the pages of a book or the wag of a tail. Don’t miss out on their picks, personal stories, and a look ahead to the next book club read!

Welcome to the Women Petprenuers Podcast Book Club episode, your hosts Mary Oquendo and Denise Heroux dive into the classic dystopian novel "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley. Together, they reflect on what it’s like to read this nearly 100-year-old book as adults, comparing their current insights with memories of high school English class. The discussion touches on the book's heavy themes, its portrayal of society, and how some of Huxley’s imagined future eerily parallels our own world today. Both Mary Oquendo and Denise Heroux share their honest struggles with finishing the book, critique the characters and the narrative, and consider its relevance for modern readers. They also chat about the challenges of revisiting old classics and hint at lighter, more humorous reads for upcoming book club sessions. If you’ve ever battled your way through a dense classic or wondered how dystopian fiction holds up over time, you won’t want to miss this thoughtful and relatable conversation!

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!