PODCAST · business
The Wag Pod
by Wag Works
Welcome to The Wag Pod hosted by Richmond Griner. Our mission is to bring on awesome people who work in and/or have passion projects relating to the pet industry, and provide a medium to share their stories.
Episodes
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Episode 50: Cornerstone K9 (feat. Jeff Allen)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works sits down with Jeff Allen, founder of Cornerstone K9, for part two of their conversation. Jeff shares his journey into professional dog training, his decision to leave his career at Caterpillar to pursue training full time, and the work that went into developing...
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Episode 49: Murphy the Bat Dog (feat. Jeff Allen)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Jeff Allen, founder of Cornerstone K9, in Part One of this two-part series, exploring the story of Murphy, the official Bat Dog for the Winston-Salem Dash. Jeff shares how his lifelong passion for dogs and experience in Protection Sports Association (PSA)...
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Episode 48: Crappily Drawn Pets (feat. Alan Wieder)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Alan Wieder in Part Two of this series, exploring the evolution of Crappily Drawn Pets and how a simple idea turned into a growing, highly personal art business. Building on the shift explored in Part One, Alan shares how offering to poorly draw pets on...
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Episode 47: Alan Wieder Bad Drawer (feat. Alan Wieder)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Alan Wieder about a career that spans cable news, reality television, and an unexpected turn toward art. After studying comparative literature with plans of entering academia, Alan moved into mass media, working in a fast-paced cable news newsroom during...
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Episode 46: Royal Dog Chains (feat. Sam Khera)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Sam Khera, founder of Royal Dog Chains, about building a brand that blends durability, personality, and true “royalty” for dogs of every size. Sam shares how the idea was inspired by his beloved soul dog, Rajah, whose presence and demeanor felt larger than...
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Episode 45: Tucker's Tap Yard (feat. Cole Parsons)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Cole Parsons, co-founder of Tucker’s Tap Yard, about how life with pets and RV travel helped shape Winston-Salem’s first off-leash indoor and outdoor dog yard and bar. After losing their orange tabby cat, Lego, Cole and his wife Kim found themselves…
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Episode 44: Corgi Town USA (feat. Candie Kemp & Catherine Napoli-Bruce)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Candie Kemp and Catherine Napoli-Bruce of Corgi Town USA, a corgi-focused podcast and community-centered brand built around education, connection, and better outcomes for dogs and the people who love them. Corgi Town USA exists to support pet parents with...
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Episode 43: PartyAnimal (feat. Alejandra Avila & Aaron Irmas)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Alejandra Avila and Aaron Irmas, the co-founders of PartyAnimal, a California-based company created to make celebrating dogs simpler and more personal. It began with Alejandra wanting to do something special for her dog Maya’s birthday and realizing there…
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Episode 42: B & Let Liv Project (feat. Jennifer Estelle)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Jennifer Estelle, founder of the B & Let Liv Project and creator of Endless Mountains Vineyards, about advocacy, adoption, and the connection between human and animal wellness. Jennifer shares how adopting Buster, an American Staffordshire terrier, became…
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Episode 41: CBD Dog Health (feat. Carter Easler)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Carter Easler, Director of Research and Education at CBD Dog Health and MycoDog, about the background, science, and education behind CBD Dog Health. Carter shares the story of the company’s founder, Angela Ardolino, and how her work in rescue, senior dog...
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Episode 40: Dooker (feat. Emily Slayton)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Emily Slayton, creator of Dooker and mom of Guilty Reese, the internet-famous chocolate lab known for her signature mischievous grin. The conversation opens with how Reese’s expressions took off on TikTok and Instagram during the early days of social media,...
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Episode 39: Scarlett Faith (feat. Michelle Smith)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Michelle Smith, Vice President of Fundraising and lifelong animal advocate whose work blends nonprofit strategy, creativity, and heart to drive real impact in animal welfare. Michelle shares her journey from growing up deeply connected to animals to earning...
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Episode 38: Daring Dexter (feat. Erin Murphy)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works returns with Part Two of the conversation with Erin Murphy, aviator, author, and rescue dog advocate. If you missed Part One in Episode 37, that conversation covered Erin’s aviation journey, how she discovered rescue flying, and the story behind her first book. It…
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Episode 37: Halfway Home (feat. Erin Murphy)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works introduces the first part of a two part series with Erin Mariah Murphy, a United Airlines pilot, dog advocate, and the award winning author behind Halfway Home. This opening chapter follows the early rise of her journey, beginning with childhood days in Scranton where...
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Episode 36: Champ the Retriever (feat. Michael & Melissa O'Donnell)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Michael and Melissa O’Donnell of All-Star Dog Training, the family behind two of North Carolina’s most beloved sports dogs, Ripken and Champ. This story began with Ripken the Bat Dog, whose remarkable career made him a national figure. Ripken first fetched...
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Episode 35: The Dabba Company (feat. Willie Blue)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Willie Blue of The Dabba Company in this week’s episode. Willie founded The Dabba Company in 2018 after spending many years working within veterinary settings, where he recognized a real need for accessible canine fitness and injury-recovery support. After...
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Episode 34: The Healthy Mutt (feat. Melissa Cohan)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Melissa Cohan, founder of The Healthy Mutt, a holistic pet health practice dedicated to helping dogs thrive through nutrition, enrichment, and overall wellness. Melissa’s love for animals began in childhood, but her path into pet health deepened through...
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Episode 33: Adventure Hounds NC (feat. Sam Ewashko)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Sam Ewashko, founder of Adventure Hounds, currently based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Sam’s lifelong love for animals started early, volunteering at vet hospitals and running Sam’s Sitting Service as a kid, long before she became a professional…
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Episode 32: Paws & Pints (feat. Kyle & Megan Casey)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Kyle and Megan Casey, co-founders of Paws & Pints in Des Moines — a groundbreaking destination where dogs and their humans can eat, drink, play, and unwind together. Paws & Pints blends a full restaurant, bar, and coffeehouse with expansive indoor and…
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Episode 31: Project Kena (feat. Dave Zimmerman)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Dave Zimmerman, founder of Project Kena, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit dedicated to giving senior and special needs dogs a second chance. While many incredible rescues rely on foster networks, Project Kena takes a different approach — raising funds to cover...
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Episode 30: Rigatoni the Fluffy Corgi (feat. Marisa McGovern)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Marisa McGovern, a California native, fellow Tar Heel, and proud dog mom to Rigatoni the Fluffy Corgi. Marisa is currently earning her master’s in Nutrition, Healthspan, and Longevity at USC’s Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, building on her background…
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Episode 29: Jennuine Pet Services (feat. Jennifer Michalak)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Jennifer Michalak of Jennuine Pet Services, a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist (CPCN) through the Feed Real Institute, an organization recognized for advancing science-based nutrition education in the pet industry. With nearly a decade of hands-on...
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Episode 28: Pilots To The Rescue (feat. Michael Schneider)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Michael Schneider, founder and executive director of Pilots To The Rescue, an organization that combines a love for aviation with a mission to save animals’ lives. Michael’s journey into aviation began at 35 with a spontaneous skydive that sparked a passion...
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Episode 27: Five Freedoms Photography (feat. Joanne Wetzel)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Joanne Wetzel, founder of Five Freedoms Photography, whose path to pet photography was anything but ordinary. A serial entrepreneur, Joanne first built a career freelancing in hair and makeup, photographing weddings, headshots, and events. In 2017, she…
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Episode 26: Dyce de Rottweiler (feat. Anouk Lodder & Ingmar Donker)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Anouk Lodder and Ingmar Donker, the Dutch couple behind Dyce de Rottweiler, a social media sensation who has captured hearts across the world. In just one year, Dyce grew to over 370,000 TikTok followers and built thriving communities on Facebook and…
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Episode 25: Posh Paws LI (feat. Shelby Grillo)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Shelby Grillo, owner of Posh Paws Pet Spa & Boutique in Wantagh, NY. During college, Shelby worked at the zoo — an experience that highlighted her lifelong love for animals and gave her valuable hands-on perspective. But it was her dog, Capone, who inspired...
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Episode 24: The Pet Parenting Reset (feat. Jessica Fisher)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Jessica Fisher, a Certified Holistic Pet Health Coach, Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist, and host of The Pet Parenting Reset. Jessica works with “2.0 pet parents” — those who want to go beyond the basics and invest in their pets’ long-term health...
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Episode 23: MycoDog (feat. Carter Easler)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Carter Easler, Director of Education at MycoDog and its sister company, CBD Dog Health, two leaders in natural wellness for pets. With professionalism, passion, and deep knowledge of the products, Carter explains how MycoDog crafts mushroom tinctures that…
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Episode 22: Freedom Ride Rescue (feat. Mollie Doll)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Mollie Doll, co-founder of Freedom Ride Rescue, a foster-based nonprofit that has saved over 3,600 dogs in just six years. Based in the Raleigh/Clayton area, Freedom Ride Rescue has built a tight-knit network of fosters, volunteers, and donors who work…
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Episode 21: Canine Community Outreach of NC (feat. Kate Runy)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Kate Runy, co-founder of Canine Community Outreach of North Carolina, about her mission to make spay and neuter more accessible for dog owners who might not be able to afford it otherwise. After the loss of the traveling SNAP van, demand for affordable...
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Episode 20: Give A Sh!t (feat. Curtis Hacon)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works sits down with Curtis Hacon, co-founder of Give A Sh!t, a mission-driven pet brand focused on reducing environmental waste through TÜV Austria HOME Compost Certified poop bags and high-quality plant-based dog wipes. Curtis shares how he and his wife Katie built the...
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Episode 19: Doglogics (feat. Mike Calinoff)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Mike Calinoff, founder of Doglogics, and two-time Normy Award winner, whose transition from championship NASCAR spotter to elite dog trainer has earned him a reputation as one of the most trusted names in dog behavior work. As the longtime spotter for Matt...
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Episode 18: Pup Pastry (feat. Chanel Flannagan)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Chanel Flannagan, founder of Pup Pastry, a Raleigh-based pet wellness company rooted in a personal journey to heal her dog Suki’s chronic skin and coat issues. After vet-prescribed treatments failed to offer lasting relief, Chanel uncovered that Suki had a...
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Episode 17: Bird-Doggin' (Feat. Terry Chastain)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Terry Chastain, a third-generation dog trainer and land manager in southern Georgia, about the art and tradition of bird-dogging. Raised around hunting dogs, Terry followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather—though not before training and flying...
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Episode 16: Grooms By Yesica (feat. Yesica Leon)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Yesica Leon, a passionate groomer based in Long Island, about her journey in the dog grooming world. After starting as a bather and spending several years grooming at PetSmart, Yesica recently made the switch to a local salon, Posh Paws LI. Her bubbly...
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Episode 15: Binky and Bell (feat. Rick Gardner)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Rick Gardner, co-founder of Binky and Bell, a North Carolina-based art brand with a mission to help homeless dogs through creativity and community. About 11 years ago, during a period of unemployment, Rick began doodling as a creative outlet. That spark…
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Episode 14: Lasso (feat. Austin Castorena)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Austin Castorena, founder of Lasso, about his recent pivot into entrepreneurship in the pet industry while continuing to apply his electrical engineering background. Austin shares the story behind developing Lasso’s first product, Link — a…
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Episode 13: CPR Canine Training (feat. Ian Klingshirn)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Ian Klingshirn of CPR Canine Training to discuss his journey handling/training dogs in the military police and building his private training business. Ian shares his experience with highly specialized canine work and how he now helps everyday dog owners...
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Episode 12: Rides 4 Paws Transport & Rescue (feat. Jill Hanson)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Jill Hanson, founder of Rides 4 Paws Transport & Rescue, about her incredible work rescuing dogs from Los Angeles and utilizing her growing network to successfully relocate these animals. As of last summer, her passion for rescuing dogs has turned into a…
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Episode 11: Good Boys Social Club (feat Drew Tilk and Brian Bauman)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works talks to Drew Tilk and Brian Bauman, founders of Good Boy Social Club, about their community focused startup in California. Through meetups, merchandise, and a social media presence, these two are providing pet owners with activities where bringing your dog is not…
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Episode 10: Hause of Dogs (feat. Ashton Edens)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Ashton Edens, the co-founder of Hause of Dogs, in the Raleigh studio. Best known for their pup ice cream, this dog boutique opened in 2023, and is a popular spot for pet owners in Smoky Hollow. Ashton shares the path to starting her own business with her…
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Episode 9: IB Pet (feat. Lori Smith, Ashley Smith, & Victoria Osorio)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works talks to Lori Smith about how starting a raw feeding diet for her dog Tanner when dealing with health issues led to opening the first IB Pet store in Imperial Beach. Her friends and co-workers, Ashley Smith and Victorio Osorio, also joined the episode to share their...
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Episode 8: Keep The Tail Wagging (feat. Kimberly Gauthier)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Kimberly Gauthier, founder of Keep The Tail Wagging, about how she began feeding her dogs a raw food diet and sharing this journey on social media. What started as a blog page has turned into a path of education, and also led to her starting her own podcast...
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Episode 7: The Downtown Hound (ft. Amanda Tallerday & Paige Gagner)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Amanda Tallerday and Paige Gagner of The Downtown Hound, located in Oregon. Starting off in mobile grooming, they share the stories of owning their own business and the journey to making the switch to a brick and mortar location.
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Episode 6: Blue Ridge Bernedoodles (feat. Anna Coleman & Maria Wooldridge)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Anna Coleman and Maria Wooldridge of Blue Ridge Bernedoodles based in South Carolina about their journey through breeding dogs. Maria taught Anna’s son in kindergarten, and soon they started working together. Lots of learning and lots of laughs happened...
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Episode 5: Fortney Farm XXL Bullies (feat. Mary Fortney)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works hops on a Zoom call with Mary Fortney of Fortney Farms in Ohio where they breed American Bullies! After getting their first Bully, Odin, this family fell in love and decided to take the leap to start their own business. Mary was an absolute pleasure to have on, and…
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Episode 4: Lobato Dog Training (ft. Michael Lobato & his dog - Gucci Mane)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works hops on a zoom call with Michael Lobato of Lobato Dog Training who has been serving the Utah area since 2006. In addition to staying busy with board training, private sessions, and group sessions, Michael’s Instagram account has taken off as he spends free time making...
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Episode 3: Working With Friends (feat. Nathan Gross)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works sits down with longtime friend and business generalist for Wag Works, Nathan Gross, to chat about several ongoing projects within the company. Nathan will be serving as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors for Wag Works Cares, our innovative solutions fund. A…
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Episode 2: Pup Park Shuttle (feat. Baden Jaxen)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works sits down with Park Pup Shuttle founder and UNC Basketball Alumnus Baden Jaxen (formerly Dexter Strickland) to discuss the lessons learned throughout his basketball career and highlighting his recent shift from playing overseas to creating his own business in the...
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Episode 1: Pawtism (feat. Donny Wilson)
Richmond Griner of Wag Works sits down with Donny Wilson of Pawtism to discuss the process of building a pet oriented business and non-profit. Donny Wilson provides experienced insight regarding the creation and sustainability of such a business by highlighting his experience heading the…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to The Wag Pod hosted by Richmond Griner. Our mission is to bring on awesome people who work in and/or have passion projects relating to the pet industry, and provide a medium to share their stories.
HOSTED BY
Wag Works
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Wag Pod have?
The Wag Pod currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Wag Pod about?
Welcome to The Wag Pod hosted by Richmond Griner. Our mission is to bring on awesome people who work in and/or have passion projects relating to the pet industry, and provide a medium to share their stories.
How often does The Wag Pod release new episodes?
The Wag Pod has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Wag Pod?
You can listen to The Wag Pod on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Wag Pod?
The Wag Pod is created and hosted by Wag Works.
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