The GroomPod

Hosted by Susan Scott

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

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

Listen to episodes

60 recent

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 GroomingJoin 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.

April 13, 2026Episode 47752 min

Episode 477: GroomPod 477 Van Conundrums, Coat Damage, & The Niacinamide Secret

Recorded on April 5, 2026, Susy and Barbara catch up on a week of sunshine and the "violent" labeling required to keep a new grooming van organized. Susy seeks help from the "masses" on how to manage 100 feet of shore power cord without drilling holes in her van. The duo tackles technical grooming questions about Maltese coats, the dangers of heat styling, and why "tensile force" from brushing can be a groomer's worst enemy. Plus, learn about the benefits of Niacinamide for aging pets and why measuring your shampoo is the professional way to protect your bottom line.

April 8, 2026Episode 4761 hr 12 min

Episode 476: GroomPod 476 Groomer to Groomer March 26

In this episode, Susy and Barbara dive deep into the March 2026 issue of Groomer to Groomer magazine. The duo provides a candid "virtual salon" critique of the latest industry articles, covering everything from creative grooming covers to the essential theme of self-care and burnout prevention.Susy shares her latest adventures in her new grooming van, discussing the learning curve of transitioning from shore power to generator use and troubleshooting the "super sudser" system. Meanwhile, Barbara updates us on her experiments with Coat Defense shampoo and the enlightening (if slightly confusing) results of using a blue-light neck dryer to inspect skin health.Highlights include: Magazine Review: Thoughts on the "People's Choice" creative grooming cover and a look at team events in Atlanta. Technical Talk: A debate on cat grooming techniques, recirculating systems vs. hand-washing, and the "cat clock". Professional Wellness: Discussions on compassion fatigue, moral injury, and the power of organization in the shop. Grooming Tips: Breaking down Blake’s "Regally Round Headpiece" and why sculpting isn't for everyone.

April 2, 2026Episode 4751 hr 24 min

Episode 475: GroomPod 475 The Groom'd experience with Melody Coleman

Join Susy and Barbara as they dive into the excitement of the Groom’d 2026 event in Atlanta! This week, we are joined by special guest Melody Coleman, a mobile grooming professional who recently stepped into the competition ring for the very first time with her standard poodle.In this un-edited episode, we recap the highlights of the show, from Barbara’s "adventures" navigating the trade show floor in a motorized chair to her deep dives into the latest product ingredients. We also hear about Susy’s brand-new mobile grooming van and the learning curve that comes with transitioning to a purpose-built setup. Plus, we discuss industry trends, including the importance of ingredient transparency and the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance in pet care.Whether you’re a competition veteran or a mobile pro looking for tips on managing humidity in your van, this episode is packed with stories and insights from the heart of the grooming world.Hashtags:#TheGroomPod, #DogGrooming, #GroomdAtlanta, #MobileGrooming, #GroomingCompetition, #PetIndustry, #GroomerLife, #StandardPoodle, #BarbaraBird, #SusyTheGroomer, #MelodyColeman

March 27, 2026Episode 47458 min

Episode 474: GroomPod 474: The Art of Customer Service (and Generator Woes!)

In this un-edited episode, Susy and Barbara dive deep into the emotional and professional world of customer service in the grooming industry. Susy shares a "comedy of errors" involving three different generators and her transition into a Wag'n Tails grooming van from her trailer.The duo discusses how to handle confrontations without getting defensive, the power of making clients feel heard, and the "Happy Price" for those tricky customers. They also settle the debate between recirculating bathing systems versus frothers and why your hands will eventually thank you for choosing the right equipment. Whether you're dealing with a "toxic client" or a "bleeder" on a white sofa, this episode is packed with veteran advice for keeping your sanity and your business thriving.

March 8, 2026Episode 47356 min

Episode 473: GroomPod 473 Marlene Romani and Groomer to Groomer Feb 2026

The GroomPod Episode 473: Legacy, Lifelines, and New Beginnings In this episode, Susy the Groomer and Barbara Bird honor the incredible life and legacy of Marlene Romani, the trailblazing inventor of the Clippervac and a mentor who shaped the grooming industry. Susy shares personal stories from her time at Marlene’s school and factory, reflecting on how that technology transformed her own career.The duo also dives deep into the February 2026 issue of Groomer to Groomer magazine. They tackle a range of topics including: Disease Prevention: A discussion on the groomer's role in vaccines and shop safety. Face Trimming Secrets: Reviewing Daryl Conner’s "face tricks" and the struggles of grooming our own difficult pets. Safety & Crisis Planning: Essential advice on carbon monoxide alarms, emergency exit plans, and shop security. Product Reviews: A first look at new scissoring sprays and the quest for ingredient transparency. Plus, big personal news! Barbara is heading to the Atlanta Pet Fair (now known as "Groomd") to join the Hanvey team, and Susy announces a major upcoming change to her mobile grooming setup.