Groomer Tales: A Podcast by Groomer's Choice

In this episode of Groomer Tales, Natasha is joined by Missy John of Nerdy K9 Academy to talk all things dog behavior, training and second chances. From her start in animal control to running a behavior-focused training business, Missy shares how understanding dogs, and teaching their humans, can transform lives. We also dive into the return of the prison dog training program, Parole Pups, where inmates help rehabilitate shelter dogs for adoption. Plus, we bust common training myths and talk grooming challenges, as well as a few incredible stories along the way. Please enjoy this episode with Missy John.

On today’s episode, Natasha has a chat with Mackensie Murphy. She’s a Groom Team USA member, an award-winning competitor and a second-generation groomer. She shares her unexpected path into the grooming world, from dropping out of art school to competing on the international stage. Mackensie discusses the pressures of growing up in a well-known grooming family, discovering her passion for competition and education, and the numerous career paths the grooming industry offers. She also shares honest insights on burnout, social media, creative grooming and life beyond the competition ring. Please enjoy this episode with Mackensie Murphy.

In this episode of Groomer Tales, Natasha sits down with emergency veterinarian Dr. Azalia Boyd to talk about the powerful connection between grooming and animal health. From spotting lumps and infections to preventing dental disease and ear issues, Dr. Boyd shares why groomers are often the first line of defense in a pet’s well-being. They also discuss how groomers and vets can collaborate more effectively to serve pets and their people. Plus, Dr. Boyd opens up about her passion for cultural intelligence in animal care and how understanding pet owners’ backgrounds can lead to better outcomes for everyone. Insightful, practical and refreshingly honest. A must-listen for anyone in the pet care world.

In this episode, we sit down with Blake Hernandez. Blake opens up about his path from competitive gymnastics and personal trauma to finding purpose through dogs, grooming and creative expression. He also shares behind-the-scenes stories from Pooch Perfect and Netflix’s documentary, Dogs. We talk about the realities of competitive grooming, building a personal brand, navigating online hate, and why showing up authentically with loud suits, hair flips and all, has always been non-negotiable. Please enjoy this conversation with Blake Hernandez.

In this episode, we sit down with Denise Heroux. She is a groomer, salon owner, educator and co-founder of the Pet Stylist Relief Fund. Denise shares her path from early career uncertainty to owning three grooming salons, including a cat-only facility and becoming a strong advocate for groomer support and education. We talk about burnout, employee retention, financial stability and what it really takes to build a sustainable grooming business. She also explains the mission behind the Pet Stylist Relief Fund, how it supports groomers facing unexpected hardship and why bringing this resource back to the industry was so important to her. This episode is a powerful reminder that groomers don’t have to do it alone. Enjoy this conversation with Denise Heroux.

Welcome back to Groomer Tales, a podcast by Groomer’s Choice. Today’s guest is Sandy Gyorgyi, the founder of Showseason and one of the most influential voices in professional grooming. In this episode, Sandy shares with Natasha how she transitioned from a career in journalism to building a dog shampoo brand from scratch. They also chat about what groomers actually need from the products they use, and why scent, transparency, and listening to feedback have always mattered to her. They discuss the lessons learned from failures, the power of community, and what it takes to leave a lasting mark in the pet grooming industry. Please enjoy this episode with Sandy Gyorgyi.

In this episode Natasha sits down with Macie Pisa! She is a Groom Team USA member, 'Pooch Perfect' champion, educator, judge and mobile grooming business owner. Macie talks competition grooming, teaching around the world, life behind reality TV, and the actual realities of building a career beyond the grooming table. Honest, funny and packed with insight for groomers at every stage. Please, enjoy this conversation with Macie Pisa.

In this episode, Natasha chats with Ryan Alvarez of Loyalty Pet Products about his path from teaching to entrepreneurship. They discuss how one trip to a grooming trade show opened his eyes to a huge industry and an even bigger opportunity. Ryan shares the early wins (and expensive lessons), how customer feedback shaped everything from apparel to tools, and why he’s built Loyalty around innovation, authenticity, and real support for groomers. Now, let’s jump into this conversation with Ryan Alvarez! Audio note: Portions of this episode may sound a bit rough due to technical difficulties during recording. Also, let us know what you think of the new sound effect.

In this episode, Natasha chats with award-winning Canadian groomer Marcia Strong about her journey from struggling beginner to international competitor and industry influencer. She shares hilarious stories, honest insights, and the reality behind competing, running a salon, and staying sane in a fast-paced grooming world. You’ll hear stories of exploding poop, popping eyeballs (yes, really), community over competition, the pressure of social media, and the mentors who helped her along the way. Please enjoy this conversation with Marcia Strong.

In this episode, Natasha sits down with Jess Rona. She’s a groomer, an educator, a creative powerhouse and a reality TV judge! You may know her from her hilarious viral videos or from the HBO Max show “Haute Dog.” They discuss everything, from how she found her creative voice to building a business from her garage and learning to balance it all with a good dose of self-care and laughter. It’s real, it’s inspiring and it’s a reminder that passion can take you anywhere. Enjoy the conversation with Jess Rona.

In today's episode, we’re heading up to North Dakota to talk with Jacque Opp. She is a Certified Feline Master Groomer, educator, and mobile grooming business owner. Jacque started her grooming career nearly 20 years ago, moved into mobile grooming, and eventually found her true passion in helping cats, and their humans, live cleaner, happier lives. We’ll chat about her journey from dogs to cats, what it really takes to go mobile in the Midwest, and how she balances business, family, and a growing social media presence. Let’s get started. Enjoy this chat with Jacque Opp.

In this episode, Natasha chats with Johanna Ogreen. At just 16, Johanna already manages a salon, competes in grooming shows, and inspires other young groomers. They talk about growing up in her mom’s shop, balancing school and clients, and finding confidence in a career she truly loves. Johanna proves age is no barrier when passion leads the way, from doodles to competitions to hilarious salon stories. Please enjoy this discussion with Johanna OGgeen.

In this episode, Natasha talks with Britney Mack, owner of Fetching Friends LLC in North Carolina. From aspiring makeup artist to groomer, business owner, and social media educator, Britney shares her late start in the industry, the challenge of being allergic to dogs, and the joy of building a one-on-one salon focused on “humanity over vanity.” We cover her viral videos, role as a Wahl ambassador, and how she balances grooming with life on a busy family farm. Honest, funny, and inspiring. This conversation is packed with grooming insights and a few surprises from farm life. Please enjoy this chat with Britney Mack.

Welcome back to Groomer Tales a podcast by Groomer’s Choice. In this episode, you will meet Heidi MacRunnels, owner of The Colorful K9 in Sioux Falls! We chat about it all. From her first dog at 18 to building a salon known for bold, creative grooms, Heidi shares her journey, the challenges of starting a business, and why she believes dogs love the extra attention that comes with a splash of color. Tune in to hear how she turned passion into a thriving business! Enjoy this conversation with Heidi MacRunnels.

Welcome back to Groomer Tales a podcast by Groomer’s Choice. In this special episode, Natasha sits down with Joe Zuccarello, who is the new VP of Groomer Services and Innovation at Groomer’s Choice. We will learn about his career journey from his start as a teenage dog bather to becoming a leader and educator in the pet industry. Joe shares lessons on leadership, pricing, and the future of the grooming industry. Please enjoy this conversation with Joe Zuccarello.

Welcome back to Groomer Tales, the podcast by Groomer’s Choice. Today we’ve got a first for the show, a listener turned guest! Amanda Gattis is a Texas groomer who’s truly done it all, from salons and mobile grooming to her current role in a busy veterinary clinic. She’s Fear Free certified, passionate about helping even the most challenging pets, and she’s full of stories you’re going to love.

Today’s guest is Lydia Best. Lydia is the VP of Operations at Woofie’s. Before she landed at Woofie’s, she climbed the corporate ladder, but then gave it all up to start her own business. She built a pet care empire and now helps others do the same. We talk about growing a franchise and creating community in a competitive industry. It’s heartfelt, hilarious, and full of wisdom for anyone in the pet care world.