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 public struggles, including the infamous Oscars incident, reveal deeper truths about agency, beauty standards, and the impact of patriarchy on women’s stories.Together, Mary and Sacheen spark a powerful conversation about how biographies—whether historical or unfolding in real time—reveal the challenges and triumphs of women breaking barriers. Plus, they tease their next book pick, Brave New World, inviting listeners to read along and join in next time.Tune in for an inspiring chat that’s equal parts literary love, woman-to-woman wisdom, and an honest look at how stories shape our understanding of worthiness, recognition, and what it means to blaze your own trail.

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 a light read to start your morning. Denise, a newcomer to the genre, reflects on the joy of rediscovering fiction that’s easy to dive into, while Sacheen and Mary offer up recommendations tailored for animal lovers, supernatural fans, and anyone who enjoys vibrant, interconnected series. Plus, get a sneak peek at next week’s book club picks—including inspiring memoirs and powerful stories about women who’ve made a difference. Tune in for a heartfelt, relatable conversation, plenty of book recommendations, and a reminder that sometimes the best escape can be found in the pages of a good cozy mystery! Cozy mysteries gets 3 Open Books!

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:
📗 Mary Oquendo
📗 Denise Heroux
📘 Dr. Sacheen Mobley

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’re a book lover, a business owner, or just want an honest take before spending your next Audible credit, this episode promises equal parts insight, humor, and a dose of reality.

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 understand yourself and those around you, you won’t want to miss this down-to-earth conversation about what it really means to be “surrounded by idiots”—and why that just might be your superpower.

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 sure your business and personal information stays protected, this episode is packed with actionable advice and a few fun stories along the way. So grab your notebook—this is one you’ll want to take notes on!  

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 heartfelt conversations, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to ensure their pet care business—and their mental health—is ready for whatever comes next. Grab your snacks (or, if you’re the hosts’ pets, try to snag a few extra treats), and settle in for a conversation full of insight, support, and that signature friendly banter.

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 episode is packed with practical tips, product recommendations, and plenty of laughs. Grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and join the conversation!

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 and sound on the go.

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.

In this episode of Women Petpreneurs Presents Family Readiness  hosts Mary Oquendo and  Kate Klasen dive into an essential topic for pet business owners and anyone passionate about safety – flood preparedness and prevention. While it's challenging to prevent floods entirely, understanding the immense power of water is crucial. Mary and Kate share insights into assessing flood risks in your area, practical strategies like landscaping for flood diversion, and the importance of knowing your local emergency management resources. They also discuss the significance of having a well-prepared emergency plan, including essentials like go-bags and proper insurance coverage, to ensure both human and pet safety. Join the conversation as they emphasize the importance of awareness and preparedness in the face of natural disasters.

 Welcome to another insightful episode of Women Petpreneurs Presents Family Readiness.! In this episode, our hosts, Mary Oquendo and Kate Klasen delve into two critical topics for pet owners: pet identification and planning for our pets' futures. As pet identification becomes increasingly important, they discuss recent issues with microchip companies, like Save This Life, and the importance of regularly checking your pet's microchip functionality and information. They also explore alternative methods of identification, such as GPS collars and traditional collars, emphasizing the significance of keeping information up to date. Transitioning into the latter part of the episode, they tackle the tough yet necessary conversation about what happens to our beloved pets if something unfortunate happens to us. From legal considerations to having conversations with potential pet guardians, they provide valuable insights and suggestions to ensure our pets' welfare. Whether it's emergency planning or discussing long-term care, this episode is packed with practical tips and heartfelt discussions that every pet owner needs to hear. Tune in and be prepared to take actionable steps for your pet's safety and your peace of mind.

In this episode of Women Petpreneurs, Mary Oquendo and Kate Klasen delve into the sensitive and often heart-wrenching topic of knowing when it's time to say goodbye to a beloved pet. As experienced pet professionals, they explore the challenges of recognizing the signs of a pet's declining health and the emotional complexities involved in making end-of-life decisions. Mary shares personal anecdotes about her own pets, including the emotional rollercoaster of determining the right moment for their pets to cross over. The hosts discuss the different ways pet owners and professionals process grief and emphasize the importance of supporting one another through this difficult time. They also touch upon resources like grief counselors and the significance of acknowledging the deep bond between humans and their pets. Join Mary and Kate in this heartfelt conversation that offers support and understanding to anyone facing the inevitable decision of letting go of a cherished animal companion. 

Welcome to another episode of Women PetpreneursPresents Family readiness. In today's episode, hosts Mary Oquendo and Kate Klasen dive into a crucial topic for pet owners: toxicity and how to ensure the safety of our beloved pets. Mary shares her recent experience with her dog, Cecil, at the vet, highlighting the importance of proactive care and dealing with suspicious lumps. They delve into the rising concerns over marijuana toxicity, particularly with THC gummies, and the dangers of common household items like rat poison, medications, and certain foods. With insights from a veterinary professional, we'll learn about identifying signs of toxicity and how to properly prepare a first aid kit for pets. Get ready for an informative discussion that every pet owner needs to hear.

Welcome to "Women Petpreneurs Presents Family Readiness," where we explore the essential topics impacting our lives and businesses. I'm your host, Mary Oquendo, joined by my co-host, Kate Klasen. In today's episode, we'll dive into the crucial subject of emergency preparedness. We'll discuss the importance of having accessible identification and documents, especially during times of crisis. With recent events highlighting vulnerabilities, we'll stress why keeping IDs like passports, military IDs, and even student IDs ready is more vital than ever. We'll also explore digital solutions for storing important documents and personal anecdotes emphasizing the need for communication within families about digital access. Additionally, we'll address mental health's role in disaster recovery, offering insights and resources to help you navigate these challenging times. Stay tuned for practical tips, inspiring stories, and more on how to safeguard yourself, your business, and your furry friends.

Welcome to another insightful episode of Women Petpreneurs Presents Family Readiness, hosted by Kate Klasen and Mary Oquendo. In this episode, we delve into the essential topic of winter safety and preparedness, especially for those of us in regions that don't typically experience snow but recognize its impact elsewhere. We'll explore crucial advice for keeping your homes safe during the colder months, including tips on space heater usage and carbon monoxide precautions. Kate and Mary share personal anecdotes about their experiences with snow, offering practical preparedness tips for driving in winter conditions, such as keeping emergency supplies in your car. We also touch on the significant role of portable oxygen masks for pets, discussing their importance in emergency situations and exploring the legal gray areas non-veterinarians face when administering aid.Whether you're a pet professional or just looking for valuable safety insights, this episode has something for everyone.

Welcome to Episode 5 of Women Petpreneurs Podcast Presents Family Readiness, where your hosts Kate Klasen and Mary Oquendo delve into the essential topic of first aid preparedness, specifically tailored for pet owners. We'll guide you through key aspects of building a comprehensive and personalized first aid kit that caters to both human and animal emergency needs. Kate shares her meticulous approach to organizing supplies, ensuring her household is always prepared, while Mary reveals her expert insights into creating effective first aid solutions for pet care. From discussing the importance of avoiding scattered supplies to the advantages of custom-tailored kits, we'll explore the must-haves for anyone. We'll also touch upon innovative tools like the "quick litters" for emergencies, as well as the versatile items Mary includes in her advanced first aid kits. So grab a cup of tea, sit back, and get ready to elevate your first aid preparedness with Kate And Mary.

Welcome to episode 4 of Women Petpreneurs Presents Family Readiness! Join hosts Mary Oquendo and Kate Klasen as they dive into a rich discussion on safety, preparedness, and support for our first responders and furry friends. This week, we highlight the potential hazards of frying a turkey and the significance of having a fire extinguisher handy. Mary shares her curiosity about fried turkey, yet cautiousness about safety, which extends into the wider conversation about personal preparedness and essential emergency supplies. We also spotlight Bishop's Mission, a nonprofit aiding first responders and veterans with service dogs. In this episode, discover practical tips for maintaining a well-stocked emergency kit for both humans and pets, the importance of document safety, and creative storage solutions. Plus, get a sneak peek into the contents of Mary’s expertly prepared pet evacuation kit. Stay tuned for next week's episode, where we'll explore the must-haves for a top-notch first aid kit!