The GroomPod

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.

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.

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

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.

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.