The GroomPod

Hosted by Susan Scott

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Sep 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Barbara Bird and Susy the Groomer chat about grooming. ]]>

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 1, 2026Episode 48753 min

Episode 487: The GroomPod 487 A conversation with Michelle Knowles

In this episode of The Groom Pod, hosts Susy and Barbara welcome Michelle Knowles, a well-known figure in the grooming industry. They discuss Michelle's journey into grooming, the concept of holistic grooming, the importance of kindness within the grooming community, and the misuse of antibiotics. The conversation also covers the benefits of ozonated oils and personal experiences with veterinary care, emphasizing the need for effective treatments for skin issues in pets. In this engaging conversation, Michelle Knowles discusses various aspects of the grooming industry, including the use of sulfates and silicones, the impact of marketing on perceptions of grooming products, and the importance of building relationships with veterinarians. She emphasizes the need for education and knowledge sharing within the grooming community, as well as the potential of AI to enhance practices in the industry. The discussion also touches on the future of technology in grooming and the importance of kindness towards dogs. Takeaways Michelle Knowles shares her early experiences in grooming. Holistic grooming encompasses the entire well-being of the dog. Kindness and support among groomers is essential for a healthy community. Antibiotics are often misused in veterinary care. Ozonated oils can be effective treatments for skin issues. Personal experiences with vets highlight the importance of connection. Groomers should be aware of the ingredients in their products. Formulating treatments requires understanding skin and dosage. Sulfur can be a game-changer for skin treatments. Research and education are key in the grooming industry. Sulfates can be effective for cleaning, but gentler options are preferred. Marketing often undermines the intelligence of groomers. Education and knowledge sharing are crucial in the grooming industry. Building relationships with veterinarians can enhance grooming practices. AI is a valuable tool that can improve efficiency in grooming. Natural remedies can be effective and should be explored. Groomers should be respected as knowledgeable professionals. Understanding product ingredients is essential for effective grooming. The future of grooming will involve more technology and AI integration. Kindness towards dogs should be a priority in grooming practices.

August 25, 2026Episode 4861 hr 8 min

Episode 486: GroomPod 486 Difficult nail trims and Ozonated oils

In this episode of The GroomPod, Susy the Groomer and Barbara Bird discuss various challenges faced in dog grooming, particularly focusing on nail trimming anxiety in dogs. They explore the psychological aspects of grooming, the importance of understanding a dog's history and behavior, and share practical tips for making the grooming experience more comfortable for both the dog and the groomer. The conversation also introduces the topic of ozonated oils in grooming practices. In this conversation, Barbara discusses the resurgence of ozonated oils as a natural alternative to antibiotics in veterinary medicine. She explains their historical use, the science behind their healing properties, and their potential to combat antimicrobial resistance. The discussion highlights practical applications for pet care and the importance of revisiting these traditional remedies in light of modern health challenges.

August 20, 2026Episode 4851 hr 2 min

Episode 485: GroomPod 485 LEGS and Grooming, Quats and Polyquats

Unlock the secrets behind canine behavior and grooming chemistry in this enlightening episode of The GroomPod! Co-hosts Susy the Groomer and Barbara Bird dive deep into the fascinating world of dog behavior with expert insights from Kim Brophy's LEGS model, a framework that transforms how you understand your furry clients' actions on the grooming table. Whether you're a seasoned groomer or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable strategies that will revolutionize your approach to handling dogs. Then Bbird's classroom gives us a look into Quats and Polyquats. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the pet grooming industry or dog lovers eager to understand their pets better. Tune in and transform your grooming game today! Perfect for those looking to deepen their knowledge or refine their skills in canine behavior and grooming chemistry.

August 4, 2026Episode 4841 hr 5 min

Episode 484: GroomPod 484 Perceived value of our services, and Microplastics

In this episode, Susy and Barbara explore the crucial role of perceived value in grooming businesses, covering how presentation, environment, and communication influence client perceptions and willingness to pay. They also delve into the environmental impact of microplastics in grooming products, offering insights into ingredients and ecological concerns. Topics: Perceived value in grooming services Impact of shop environment and presentation Client communication and trust-building Microplastics in grooming products and environmental concerns Branding, uniforms, and shop aesthetics Use of social media and visual branding Rebooking and customer retention strategies Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Perceived Value in Grooming 04:52 Impact of Van and Environment on Perceived Value 26:29 How Presentation Influences Client Perception 30:15 The First 10 Seconds: Visual and Sensory Cues 34:13 Using Branding and Decor to Signal Quality 43:08 Enhancing Client Experience During Intake 47:42 The Power of Communication and Storytelling 50:06 Social Media and Client Engagement 52:25 Microplastics in Grooming Products and Environmental Impact 01:00:03 Understanding Polymers and Ingredients in Grooming Products 01:08:03 Biodegradability and Environmental Concerns resources Best Shot Pet Products - https://bestshotpet.com Precision Sharp Shears - https://precisionsharp.com Groomore Software - https://groomore.com Showseason - https://showseasongrooming.com guest links Instagram - https://instagram.com/susyscott Instagram - https://instagram.com/barbarabird

June 18, 2026Episode 48348 min

Episode 483: GroomPod 483 AI for you

Are we living in the future, or is the future already here? In this episode of The GroomPod , hosts Susy Scott and Barbara Bird plow headfirst into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI)! Barbara shares her recent experiences collaborating with AI as a tireless, enthusiastic research and editing partner to help break down complex grooming and skin sciences into digestible, bite-sized education. Susy and Barbara also discuss practical ways you can use AI in your own grooming salon or mobile business—from drafting client handouts and waivers to creating standard operating procedures and fresh social media content. Plus, Susy experiments with a modified multiple-dog bathing technique in her mobile van, sharing tips on managing workflow, equipment limits, and navigating the quirks of stainless steel tubs. Finally, Barbara wraps things up with a fascinating "science moment" looking at a 2025 study on critical micelle concentration (CMC) in surfactants, proving why highly concentrated sulfate shampoos can be diluted much further than you think, and how sulfate-free formulas stack up. A special thanks to our sponsors: Best Shot, Stazko, Show Season, Groomore, and Precision Sharp!

June 4, 2026Episode 48255 min

Episode 482: GroomPod 482 Cleaning with steam and Customer service the power of QTIP

Get ready to scrub down your physical space and your mental space in this episode of The GroomPod! Host Susy the Groomer is joined by Barbara Bird to talk about the magic of horsepower and high temperatures. Susy shares her latest workspace upgrade: a new state-of-the-art vapor steam cleaner. Discover the ultimate guidelines for using steam to blast away dander and grime in the nooks, crannies, and sliding tracks of your mobile van or brick-and-mortar salon without warping your composite wood or ruining your expensive electrical equipment. Then, the duo shifts from deep cleaning the salon to deep cleaning their mental space. Barbara takes the mic for an essential masterclass on QTIP: Quit Taking It Personally . From dealing with critical clients to handling online reviews that sting, Barbara draws from her 10 years as a therapist and decades as a groomer to share golden strategies on building an emotional firewall between your business operations and your self-worth. Plus, the hosts catch up on the latest industry shakeups, including Groomer's Choice acquiring ShowSeason, and share a few laughs about the learning curve of managing multiple dogs in a brand-new grooming van. A special thank you to our corporate sponsors: Best Shot, ShowSeason, Precision Sharp Groomore, Stazko.

May 25, 2026Episode 48154 min

Episode 481: GroomPod 481 Stephenie Calhoun and Korea

n this exciting episode of The GroomPod, Susy and Barbara sit down with the incredible Stephenie Calhoun, owner of The Meditative Groomer Academy in Wisconsin! Stephenie recently packed her bags and headed straight to the source—Korea—to immerse herself in the hyper-precise, physics-defying world of high-end Korean grooming and advanced model dog sculpting. As a member of the North American Model Dog team, Stephenie shares what it's really like to train in the ultra-structured Korean academy system, how they utilize drafting and drawing to master canine structure, and how she is bringing these game-changing educational systems back home. Plus, we dive deep into her unique, mindful approach to teaching neurodivergent learners, the practicality of synthetic model dogs, and how the grooming industry inherently embraces creative minds. Whether you are a seasoned stylist drooling over Asian fusion trims on Instagram or looking for a more structured, supportive way to learn, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! Where to find Stephenie: Website: themeditativegroomeracademy.com Facebook: Stephenie Calhoun Instagram/TikTok: @chaosmanagercalhoun Model Dog Info: North American Model Dog Club (Facebook Group)

May 21, 2026Episode 4801 hr 16 min

Episode 480: GroomPod 480 Recirculating bathing system marketplace

Are you looking to save your back, slash your grooming times, and get more out of your products? This week, Susy and Barbara are diving deep into the tub to explore a tool that completely transforms your workflow: recirculating bathing systems. Whether you are operating out of a mobile van or a brick-and-mortar shop, changing how you bathe can feel like giving yourself an immediate raise. We break down the marketplace and review six different bathing systems from powerful, high-flow contenders to budget-friendly models. We put them head-to-head against the "gold standard"—the Hanvey Bathing Beauty—comparing everything from pump pressure and hose ergonomics to air switches, filtration, and crucial built-in GFCI safety features. Discover why too much foam can xchoke your system, why nozzle spray patterns make all the difference, and how to spot a high-quality unit versus a rebranded pump. Plus, Susy gives a quick update on adapting to the new video show format, the sweet luxury of proper mobile van air conditioning during a Pacific Northwest heat wave, and her latest "skin detective" case dealing with a mysterious yeasty skin issue. What’s New Segment Sponsored by Best Shot Pet: Learn how The Maxx ultra-concentrated conditioner and Ultra Max Anti-Stat & Scissor Spray can tackle tough mats and turn your recirculator into a high-performance deshedding machine! Sponsor Highlight: Check out the balanced power and sliding thumb precision of the Lynx and Bobcat shear series at Precision Sharp.

May 1, 2026Episode 47950 min

Episode 479: GroomPod 479 Groomer to Groomer April 2026

The GroomPod Episode 479: Structure, Shop Vacs, and Global Grooming Join Susy and Barbara for a review of the April 2026 Groomer to Groomer magazine. We discuss the importance of canine structure in education, share tips on handling difficult client conversations, and catch up on Susy’s mobile van setup—bruises and all! Plus, Barbara shares her honest experience learning to use a grooming hammock.

April 18, 2026Episode 47856 min

Episode 478: GroomPod 478 Vince Polentes from Coat Defense

In this episode, Susy and Barbara go beyond the barn to explore the science of skin health with Vince Polentes , co-founder of Coat Defense . Originally born from a need for clean, human-grade skincare, Coat Defense has become a staple in the equine world and is now making massive waves in professional grooming salons. What’s inside this episode: The Origin Story: How a family health journey led to a "clean-ingredient" revolution in the human, horse, and hound markets. The Maltese Case Study: Barbara shares her "overnight" success using the Coat Defense powder on her own yeasty Maltese. The Great EWG Debate: A spirited discussion on the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and how to navigate ingredient safety data as a professional. Shampoo Chemistry: We look at saponified, aloe-based formulas and their surprising effects on pH and hair cuticles. Pro-to-Pro Solutions: Addressing interdigital cysts, hot spots, and the "itch cycle" without over-reliance on antibiotics. Listener Special: Vince has offered a generous 15% discount for our listeners! Visit https://www.google.com/search?q=coat-defense.com and use the code The GROOMPOD at checkout. Support our sponsors: Best Shot, Showseason, Precision Sharp, Groomore and Stazko .