The GroomPod

Susan Scott
  • 4.9 (76)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Barbara Bird and Susy the Groomer chat about grooming.

  1. APR 18

    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.

    56 min

  2. APR 13

    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.

    53 min

  3. APR 8

    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.

    1h 13m

  4. APR 2

    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

    1h 25m

  5. MAR 27

    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.

    58 min

  6. MAR 8

    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.

    56 min

  7. FEB 24

    GroomPod 472 Longevity by Design: the Ergonomic Salon and Ceramides

    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

    1h 1m

  8. FEB 16

    GroomPod 471 Groomer to Groomer January 2026 plus Science Bombs, and Spare Tires

    Welcome back to the virtual salon! After a short hiatus for vacations and new "body parts," Susy and Barbara are back to catch up on all things grooming. In this episode, Susy recounts her "badass" moment changing a trailer tire in a rainstorm and shares a tip for getting the most out of searchable podcast transcripts. The duo also dives into the latest issue of Groomer to Groomer magazine, discussing the evolution of creative grooming, the importance of business-focused tax guides, and a touching history of the industry's forebearers. Finally, Barbara drops a major Science Bomb regarding a recent study on canine pH and the real risks of shampoo contamination. If you've ever worried about "acid mantles" or wondered about the safety of diluted products, you won't want to miss this classroom session. Hashtags: #grooming, #dogtrimming, #petindustry, #groomertogroomer, #caninephysics, #mobilegrooming, #sciencebomb, #groompod, #professionalgroomer, #skincut

    1h 1m
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4.9
out of 5
76 Ratings

About

Barbara Bird and Susy the Groomer chat about grooming.

Information

  • Creator
    Susan Scott
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Susan Scott
  • Show Website
    The GroomPod

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