Women Petpreneurs

Welcome to another episode of "Women Petpreneurs Presents Book Club"! In this episode, hosts Mary Oquendo, Sacheen Mobley, and Denise Heroux dive into Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. The conversation takes you from the Midwest to Appalachia, as the group explores what it means to eat local, understand where food comes from, and face the environmental impacts of our food choices. Expect lively discussion on farmers markets, growing your own produce, the challenges of food preservation, and the ongoing issues of water scarcity and sustainable agriculture. Whether you're a seasoned gardener, a farmers market enthusiast, or just curious about your next meal, today's episode will get you thinking differently about the food on your plate.

Episode 266: Exploring Let Them TheoryWelcome to another episode of Women Petpreneurs! Presents Book Club. This week, our book club—hosted by Mary Oquendo, Denise Heroux, and Sacheen Mobley, dives into the much-talked-about self-help book, "Let Them Theory." Listen in as the group shares their unique journeys with the book: from spontaneous airport book buys to deep personal connections with the viral "Let Them" poem, and the challenges of navigating family turmoil, work relationships, and boundaries. In this conversation, you’ll hear candid reviews ranging from personal praise for Mel Robbins’ practical advice to a thoughtful critique about creative ownership and the importance of crediting original ideas. Together, the hosts explore the book’s core message, learning when to let others be and how to honor your own needs, while debating the nuances between inspiration and appropriation in popular psychology. Whether you're a fan of self-help literature or just curious about the buzz surrounding "Let Them Theo

Welcome to the Women Petpreneurs presents Book Club!  Join Mary Oquendo and Sacheen Mobley as they dive into their free-choice book club selections for the week. Mary reviews The Grooming Witch of the Iron Ledge by Angie Coates—a cozy mystery adjacent novel starring a dog groomer witch who can talk to ghosts and solves a murder in her Massachusetts grooming shop, drawing on real-life grooming and police experience for authenticity. Sacheen shares her thoughts on Dean Koontz’s reimagined Frankenstein series, discussing suspense, world-building, and the appeal of classic characters with a fresh twist. Along the way, the hosts explore what makes good storytelling, the challenges of writing fiction versus nonfiction, and their mutual appreciation for large-print editions and non-gory mysteries. Get ready for lively conversation, industry insights, and a sneak peek at next week’s Mel Robbins-themed discussion!

Welcome back to Women Petprenuers presents Book Club! In this episode, hosts Mary Oquendo, Sacheen Mobley, and  Denise Heroux for a lively book club discussion. This week, the trio dives into Marie Forleo’s bestseller, Everything Is Figureoutable. Listen in as Denise Heroux shares why she chose this book during a difficult period in her life, and why its empowering message resonated with her. Mary Oquendo and Sacheen Mobley weigh in with their own takes—critiquing the self-help genre, discussing the practicality (and limitations) of Forleo’s approach, and reflecting on the pivotal opening chapter about Forleo’s mother that left a lasting impression. From self-help skepticism to the enduring power of mantras and how timing in life shapes our connection to certain books, this candid conversation is full of heartfelt stories, honest disagreements, and a shared appreciation for the journeys we all navigate as women entrepreneurs. Grab your coffee, settle in, and get ready for honest reflections, differing viewpoi

Welcome back to Women Petprenuers presents Book Club! In this special book club episode, hosts Mary Oquendo,  Sacheen Mobley, and  Denise Heroux for a lively, pre-recorded conversation about books that have truly resonated with them and are well worth a second (or third!) read. Each participant brings their own unique favorite to the table: from stories of hospitality in the restaurant world, to eye-opening explorations of dinosaurs and scientific discovery, to a deep dive into how our relationship with food shapes our health and culture. Along the way, the trio shares personal anecdotes—from favorite restaurants and food philosophies to family tales of dinosaur obsessions. They also discuss continuous learning through tools like MasterClass and Great Courses, and reflect on the importance of customer experience, both in business and everyday life. Whether you're here for book recommendations, insight into small business mindsets, or just to enjoy some good conversation between friends, this episode will leav

 Welcome to another episode of Women Petpreneurs Podcast’s Book Club! In this special book club edition, hosts Mary Oquendo, Sacheen Mobley, and Denise Herouxre  for an honest, insightful chat on self-help reads that have made a real impact on their lives. While the world gears up for Super Bowl Sunday, the conversation here is all about managing anxiety, understanding emotions, and finding practical tools to improve both our personal and professional lives. This episode dives into three standout books: "The Anxiety Solution" by Sacheen Mobley, a practical guide for anyone looking to face their anxiety head-on; "Life Unlocked" by Dr. Pillai, a deeper, science-backed look at fear, dread, and the psychology behind what holds us back; and Brené Brown’s "Atlas of the Heart," which takes listeners on a journey through 88 different emotions, helping us all to better define and process what we feel. Whether you’re a fellow groomer or just someone looking for inspiration and real-world strategies for self-growth, you

Welcome to another gripping episode of Women Petpreneurs! In this special book club edition, Mary Oquendo, Sacheen Mobley, and  Denise Heroux dive deep into stories of survival, darkness, and the mysteries surrounding some of history’s most notorious criminals. This time, our hosts take on true crime with a twist—choosing books that focus on infamous serial killers, with each selection offering a new perspective. Mary Oquendo discusses "The Son of Sam and Me," a firsthand account from a survivor of the Son of Sam killings, shedding light on the harrowing events and challenging the notion that David Berkowitz acted alone. Sacheen brings us the chilling tale of Madame LaLaurie, the infamous New Orleans socialite and serial killer, exploring both historical fact and the folklore that lingers in the French Quarter. Meanwhile, Denise Heroux shares "Hope: A Memoir of Survival in Cleveland," the courageous story of Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus, two women held captive for a decade, surviving unthinkable abuse and ev

Welcome to Women Petpreneurs! In this book club episode, hosts Mary Oquendo, Denise Heroux, and Sacheen dive into "Disrupt Everything" by James Patterson and Patrick Ledden. Together, they explore the book’s central idea of challenging the status quo and making meaningful changes—whether in business, career, or personal life. The hosts share their impressions, discuss how the book’s simple structure and real-world stories make the concept of disruption accessible, and talk about the value of accompanying workbooks for deeper reflection. They highlight the importance of finding happiness, taking actionable steps towards your goals, and how sometimes a book finds you just when you need it most. If you’re ready to shake things up or are just looking for inspiration to start your own journey, this episode is one you won’t want to miss!

Welcome to another episode of Women Petpreneurs! In today’s book club edition, join hosts Mary Oquendo, SacheenMobley, and Denise Heroux for a lively year-end roundtable on their favorite humorous books. Rather than tackling something heavy, the trio shares uplifting reads that sparked laughter and brought a smile to their faces.Mary Oquendo kicks things off with a recap of “Fever Beach” by Carl Hiason, celebrating the author’s knack for turning absurd situations into wild, satisfying stories where everyone gets what they deserve. Denise Heroux dives into the empowering self-help classic “You’re a Badass” by Jen Sincero, highlighting the relatable humor and real-life lessons that invite readers to embrace life’s messiness. Then, Sacheen Mobley reviews “A Spirited Life,” Mary Oquendo’s own heartwarming tale of Spirit the Husky—drawing parallels to “Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul” and reflecting on the powerful connection between pets and their humans.With anecdotes, laughter, and genuine recommendations

Welcome to the Women Petprenuers Podcast Book Club episode, your hosts Mary Oquendo and Denise Heroux dive into the classic dystopian novel "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley. Together, they reflect on what it’s like to read this nearly 100-year-old book as adults, comparing their current insights with memories of high school English class. The discussion touches on the book's heavy themes, its portrayal of society, and how some of Huxley’s imagined future eerily parallels our own world today. Both Mary Oquendo and Denise Heroux share their honest struggles with finishing the book, critique the characters and the narrative, and consider its relevance for modern readers. They also chat about the challenges of revisiting old classics and hint at lighter, more humorous reads for upcoming book club sessions. If you’ve ever battled your way through a dense classic or wondered how dystopian fiction holds up over time, you won’t want to miss this thoughtful and relatable conversation!

Welcome back to another episode of Women Petpreneurs! In this special book club edition, hosts Mary Oquendo and Dr. Sacheen Mobley dive into their picks for this week's theme: biographies. With Denise off attending to family duties, it's just the two of them sharing stories that spotlight remarkable women—both historical and contemporary.Mary kicks things off with A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell, the gripping biography of Virginia Hall. Virginia was an American socialite who became a pioneering spy in World War II France, facing down both enemy soldiers and the patriarchy of her day. Mary shares her admiration for Hall's courage and tenacity, while shedding light on the obstacles women faced—and still face—in being recognized for their true contributions.Shifting gears, Sacheen introduces Worthy by Jada Pinkett Smith—a contemporary memoir that explores Pinkett Smith's journey through fame, personal hardship, and her search for self-worth beyond societal expectations. Sacheen unpacks how Jada’s publi

Welcome to Book Club. In this episode, hosts Mary Oquendo, Denise Heroux ,and Sacheen Mobley sit down for a lively book club discussion centered around the beloved genre of cozy mysteries. If you’re new to this heartwarming corner of the literary world, you’re in for a treat—cozies are all about amateur sleuths, charming small towns, quirky recurring characters, and a comforting lack of graphic violence or explicit content. Whether you’re a lifelong mystery fan or just looking for a relaxing escape from life’s busyness, cozy mysteries promise gentle suspense and satisfying resolutions.                                                                                         Mary, Denise, and Sacheen share their favorite authors and series, from witchy adventures with Tess Lake’s Torrent Witches to animal-centric capers featuring Rita Mae Brown’s feline sleuths. They discuss how these books have become the perfect antidote to the heavy grind of work and stressful days—ideal for unwinding with a cup of tea, or as

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Women Petpreneurs! In this Book Club edition, hosts Mary Oquendo, Dr. Sacheen Mobley, and Denise Heroux dive into More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth. Together, they explore the memoir’s powerful themes of resilience, identity, and what it means to break barriers as a woman of color.The conversation is as honest as it is heartfelt. You’ll hear personal stories and reflections sparked by Elaine’s journey—from navigating life’s toughest challenges, to the role of supportive parents, to the emotional weight of always having to prove yourself. Some hosts found the book deeply uplifting, others found it emotionally heavy, but all agreed on its importance and relevance.Whether you’re drawn to memoirs, seeking fresh inspiration, or simply enjoy listening to thoughtful women share real stories, this episode delivers. And for a little fun, the hosts unveil their own unique book rating system and tease their upcoming cozy mystery picks.We’ve rated this book:

Welcome to another episode of Book Club! In this lively and unfiltered discussion, hosts Mary Oquendo and Dr. Sacheen Mobley tackle two popular books on organization and productivity—each with plenty of laughs and strong opinions along the way.Mary kicks things off with her candid review of Swedish Death Cleaning for Beginners by Diana W. Fashed. Despite its intriguing title, she questions its real-world value, suggesting it’s more of a handbook for procrastinators than a genuine path to lasting change.Next, Sacheen breaks down the hype surrounding Tim Ferriss’s The Four Hour Work Week. From dissecting the “deal system” to wrestling with the ethics of outsourcing and automation, she explores why this bestseller—though sprinkled with helpful nuggets—often oversimplifies success and leans on privilege.Together, Mary and Sacheen pull back the curtain on the practicality (or lack thereof) behind these so-called productivity bibles, especially when applied to service-based industries like pet grooming. Whether you

Welcome back to another episode of Women Petpreneurs! In today’s Book Club edition, host Mary Oquendo is joined by Denise Heroux as they dive into the colorful world of "Surrounded by Idiots" by Thomas Erikson. Mary and Denise share their candid thoughts on the book’s unique approach to understanding personalities through color-coding—red, yellow, green, and blue—and how these insights can reshape everything from work dynamics and leadership to our relationships at home.Along the way, they laugh about their own personality colors (spoiler: neither of them is a “blue”), swap stories about work and family, and discuss how knowing both strengths and weaknesses can help petpreneurs navigate staff management and difficult clients. With plenty of real-world examples, a few confessions of organizational chaos, and practical advice for leaders and business owners, this episode brings both wisdom and fun to the world of personality assessment.Whether you manage a team, serve clients, or simply want to better understan

Episode 17: Avoiding Digital Disasters With Anjie CoatesWelcome back to another episode of Women Petpreneurs Presents Family Readiness In today’s show, host Mary  and co-host Kate are joined by special guest Angie, your go-to expert for all things security—especially when it comes to guarding your tech in the modern world. Sparked by a simple conversation that led Mary to drop $500 on new protective gear, the trio dives deep into personal and business security measures that every petpreneur should consider. From the potential risks associated with wireless devices and EMFs (electromagnetic fields), to practical tips for protecting your phone, laptop, and sensitive data, Angie gives us the rundown on staying safe in both our digital and physical environments. They discuss everything from why your everyday passwords might be putting you at risk, to how Faraday pouches can keep your devices secure at trade shows, airports, and beyond. Whether you’re concerned about hackers, EMF exposure, or just want to make sur

Welcome to another episode of Women Petprenuers Presents Family Readiness Podcast! In today’s episode, hosts Mary Oquendo and Kate Klasen, dive into two important topics every pet professional should have on their radar: disaster preparedness and peer support in the grooming industry. First, Mary shares actionable steps for preparing your business for the unexpected—from setting up cloud-based folders for vital documents and photos, to building a simple (and, yes, laminated) checklist that can secure your insurance, receipts, and records before disaster ever strikes. If you’ve wondered how to be truly ready when things go sideways, you’ll want to grab a notepad for this one. Then, Kate introduces peer support for the pet professional community, drawing from her work with Bishop’s Mission and her experience as a first responder. They discuss why having a confidential, judgment-free support group matters, how these Zoom calls work, and how anyone struggling can reach out for help. With practical tips and heartf

Welcome back to Women Petpreneurs Presents Family Readiness! In this episode, hosts Kate Klasen and Mary Oquendo dive into the seasonal challenges that pet owners face as spring transitions to summer. From navigating wildlife encounters in rural areas to dealing with venomous snakes, rising temperatures, and firework anxieties, Kate and Mary share personal stories and practical advice to help you keep your pets safe and comfortable.Listen in as they cover tips on handling heat waves, the do’s and don’ts of keeping water in your car, and how to spot the signs of heat stroke in both pets and people. The duo also discuss solutions for pets who fear fireworks, the truth behind screen doors as pet barriers, pool safety, and the dangers of household chemicals and fertilizers. Plus, they share a few humorous anecdotes about their own clever canines outsmarting childproof locks!If you’re a pet lover gearing up for summer—or just want to be prepared for anything your four-legged companions can throw at you—this episod

Welcome to another episode of Women Petpreneurs! In this week’s show, host Mary Oquendo and co-host Kate Klasen dive into the crucial topic of handling pet emergencies while traveling—timed perfectly for the busy season of grooming shows and vacations. Drawing from their personal stories and real-life scenarios, Mary and Kate discuss everything from region-specific pet health risks (like ticks on the East Coast or valley fever in Arizona) to navigating emergency veterinary care when you’re far from home. They offer practical tips on travel prep: keeping microchip info updated, carrying medical records and extra meds for pets with chronic conditions, and using handy apps like vet locators. You’ll also hear a wild tale of a runaway dachshund in Australia, and get advice on what to do if your pet gets lost in an unfamiliar place. Whether you’re a competitor on the road or just traveling with your furry companion, this episode is packed with actionable advice and heartfelt moments to help you keep your pets safe

In the latest episode of Women Petpreneurs, we had quite an exciting discussion about the importance of having safety measures in place at home, particularly when it comes to pet safety. Mary shared her personal experience with a malfunctioning air fryer and highlighted the essential role of testing your home safety systems. We explored the value of having fire blankets and discussed whether pet masks and emergency plans are necessary in case of disasters like wildfires or volcanic eruptions. Kate emphasized the significance of being prepared for unforeseen situations and shared useful tools like fire blankets and the innovative Rescue Retriever device. Safety isn't just about humans; it's about our furry friends too! Don't miss out on this crucial and insightful conversation.