The GroomPod

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.

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.

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.

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.

Susy and Barbara Bird dive into the essentials of career longevity and cutting-edge skin science.First, we’re dreaming big with "Longevity by Design." If money were no object, what would the ultimate ergonomic sanctuary look like?. From double-door safety entries and anti-fatigue flooring to the "one-inch rule" for equipment placement, we discuss how to build a shop that protects your back, wrists, and sanity for the long haul.Then, Barbara takes us to the classroom to explore Ceramides. Learn why these essential lipids are the "glue" that locks in hydration, how they support the skin barrier, and why synthetic versions might be your new best friend for treating itchy, dry, or sensitive skin. We also take a look at a new ceramide-rich shampoo from Davis Manufacturing and discuss whether it belongs in your toolkit.Plus, Susy shares a cautionary tale about a "hygroma" discovery on a client dog and the vital importance of keeping detailed grooming notes to track pet health. #doggrooming, #groomerlife, #ergonomics, #skincareforpets, #ceramides, #pethealth, #thegroompod, #groomingeducation, #barbarabird, #professionalgrooming

Welcome back to the virtual salon! In this heavy yet hopeful episode, Susy and Barbara take a moment to honor the life and legacy of a true industry giant, Chris Christensen. We reflect on how his innovations transformed the way we work at the grooming table and pay our respects to a man who changed the grooming world forever.Shifting gears to something a bit more... pungent, we dive deep into the science behind "Frito Feet". If you’ve ever wondered why your clients' dogs smell like corn chips, we’ve got the answers. We discuss the causes of this common (and smelly) condition and share our favorite professional management strategies, including the use of Zymox products to keep those paws fresh and healthy.Finally, we’re looking ahead with 2026 ways to get your business out there. Barbara and Susy share actionable marketing tips and networking secrets to help you stand out in a crowded market. From "shotgun approach" marketing to the power of a simple cookie, learn how to build deep community roots and keep your books full.In this episode, we discuss: A tribute to the late Chris Christensen and his impact on professional grooming. Understanding and managing the "corn chip" smell on dog paws. The role of Zymox in the salon. Creative and effective marketing strategies to grow your grooming business in 2026. The importance of community networking and standing out from the pack. Don't forget to hit that like button, share with your fellow groomers, and visit us at the website! Happy grooming, everyone!

In this episode of The GroomPod, Susy the Groomer and Barbara Bird welcome back their most frequent guest, Dave Campanella from Best Shot, to discuss the cutting-edge trends shaping the grooming industry in 2026.We dive deep into Dave’s latest insights for Groomer to Groomer magazine, debunking old myths about silicone copolymers and exploring why these modern ingredients are actually "game changers" for coat protection and moisture retention. Barbara and Dave also discuss the influence of Korean Beauty on our industry, emphasizing a shift toward "skin-forward" grooming and multi-step treatments.In this episode, you’ll learn: The Truth About Silicones: Why modern copolymers are light, water-friendly, and essential for finishing dense coats. Microbiome Realities: Why "probiotic" shampoos might be more marketing than science, and why the method of application matters most. The Future of Fragrance: A look at "pet-friendly" scents and technology that actually eliminates odors rather than just masking them. The Power of Recirculating Systems: Why these systems are the "bomb" for superior conditioner deposition. Whether you are a mobile groomer like Susy or a salon owner, this episode will help you stop "working too hard" and start embracing the technology that makes grooming better in the tub.#TheGroomPod #GroomingScience #BestShot #BarbaraBird #DaveCampanella #PetGroomingTrends #DogMicrobiome #GroomerLife #GroomingEducation

Episode 466: Poodle Sauce, Pistachios, and the December IssueWelcome to the virtual salon! In this episode, Suzy and Barbara celebrate the start of their 12th year of The Groom Pod. To kick off the anniversary, the duo dives deep into the December 2025 issue of Groomer to Groomer magazine, sharing their unfiltered takes on everything from business advice to breed tutorials.In This Episode: The "Secret Sauce" Experiment: Suzy shares her latest "mad scientist" moment mixing Funky Poodle’s Hair Oil with water-based detanglers. Barbara weighs in on the science of emulsifiers and how to keep your mixtures from separating. The Pistachio Craze: Barbara falls for the TikTok-famous pistachio scent but has some serious reservations about the ingredient labels on the Pistachio Dream shampoo. Magazine Review: Measuring Success: A look at Amanda McGrath’s article on tracking holiday add-ons and the importance of "doing the math". The Boss vs. Leader Debate: Why small shops often struggle with the "friend vs. boss" boundary. Darryl’s Tips: Practical advice on making gradual grooming adjustments to manage client expectations and your own stress levels. AI in the Salon: The hosts discuss a new intake app that uses AI to generate visual representations of client requests. Is it the future of communication, or just more "fake" images to worry about? Technical Talk: Quick thoughts on the English Setter tutorial and the age-old debate: to whisk or not to whisk?. Sponsor Shoutouts: Best Shot, ShowSeason, Precision Sharp, Groomore, and Stazko.

🐶 GroomPod 464: Stress Buckets, Trigger Stacking, and the Tea Tree Oil TruthWelcome to episode 464 of The Groom Pod! This week, hosts Suzy and Barbara Berg dive into two critical areas that affect every groomer's daily work: canine behavior management and ingredient safety.🌊 Part 1: Trigger Stacking & The Stress BucketEvery dog arrives with a "stress bucket" already partially full. Learn how seemingly small events—from the car ride to the sound of clippers—can stack up, leading to a meltdown on your table. We discuss: The Whispers vs. The Yells: How to recognize and respect a dog's early stress signals (lip licking, yawning, whale eye) before they escalate to growling or biting. Decelerating the Overflow: Five critical steps you can take to reset a stressed dog, including stopping the trigger, creating space, and allowing for decompression. Why stopping a groom is not a failure, but a true mark of professionalism that prioritizes the dog’s emotional and physical safety. 🌿 Part 2: B-Bird's Classroom on Tea Tree OilBarbara, the curator of ingredients, breaks down the science behind Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia). Is it a magical cure or just "fairy dust" in your shampoo? The minimum effective concentration needed for Tea Tree Oil to be truly antimicrobial (it's higher than you think!). Why you need to check the ingredient lineup to determine a product's true efficacy. A critical warning: Tea Tree Oil is toxic to dogs and cats when applied directly or in high concentrations. Learn why it should never be used with cats. Plus, Suzy shares her thoughts on thoughtful holiday appreciation gifts for clients that aren't a "craft chore"!🏷️ Episode Hashtags: #GroomPod #DogGrooming #TriggerStacking #StressBucketTheory #DogBehavior #CanineCommunication #TeaTreeOil #Melaleuca #GroomingSafety #PetWellness

🎙️ Episode 462: Grooming Disasters, AKC/NDGAA Fallout, and Chris Christensen's New FormulasWelcome to Episode 462 of The GroomPod!This week, hosts Susy and Barbara don't hold anything back as they tackle industry controversies, confess their biggest career mistakes, and dive deep into product ingredients.Inside This Episode: ⚠️ Industry Alert: We discuss the shocking news out of Portland regarding the abrupt cancellation of the AKC/NDGAA certification workshop, leaving two dozen groomers disheartened and out thousands of dollars. We share our thoughts on what this means for the future of certification. ✂️ Grooming Disaster Confessions: You are not alone! We open up the confession booth to share our most cringeworthy "oh no" moments, including a trainee's legendary 40-blade reverse mohawk, a terrifying scissor slip that injured a dog's tongue, and the time a client accused a groomer of molestation. 🧪 B-Bird’s Classroom: Barbara breaks down the science behind the products! We analyze the NEW Chris Christensen "Ice on Ice" formula and reveal the surprising ingredient still found in "SmartWash 50." 🐩 Product Review Wrap-Up: We give our final thoughts on the Funky Poodle products, discussing the fantastic shampoo and the infamous hair oil that made Suzy's horse smell exactly like Froot Loops cereal. Whether you're looking for honest product reviews, industry commentary, or just need to laugh at some truly awful grooming mistakes, this episode is a must-listen!

Barbara and Susy interview Dave and Tracy Campanella about the grooming industry and how to age gracefully while continuing to work.

We interview Sandy Gyorgyi from Showseason about her start in the industry and what the future has in store for Showseason. We learn some fun facts about the company, too.