The GroomPod

Susan Scott

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Barbara Bird and Susy the Groomer chat about grooming.

1 day ago

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 servicesImpact of shop environment and presentationClient communication and trust-buildingMicroplastics in grooming products and environmental concernsBranding, uniforms, and shop aestheticsUse of social media and visual brandingRebooking and customer retention strategiesChapters00:00 Introduction to Perceived Value in Grooming04:52 Impact of Van and Environment on Perceived Value26:29 How Presentation Influences Client Perception30:15 The First 10 Seconds: Visual and Sensory Cues34:13 Using Branding and Decor to Signal Quality43:08 Enhancing Client Experience During Intake47:42 The Power of Communication and Storytelling50:06 Social Media and Client Engagement52:25 Microplastics in Grooming Products and Environmental Impact01:00:03 Understanding Polymers and Ingredients in Grooming Products01:08:03 Biodegradability and Environmental Concerns resourcesBest Shot Pet Products - https://bestshotpet.comPrecision Sharp Shears - https://precisionsharp.comGroomore Software - https://groomore.comShowseason - https://showseasongrooming.com guest linksInstagram - https://instagram.com/susyscottInstagram - https://instagram.com/barbarabird
18 Jun

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!
4 Jun

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.
25 May

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)
21 May

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.
1 May

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.
18 Apr

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.
13 Apr

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.

Barbara Bird and Susy the Groomer chat about grooming.

Creator

Susan Scott
Years Active

2015 - 2026
Episodes

100
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Copyright 2026 Susan Scott
Show Website

The GroomPod

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Updated weekly