If you think automation is just for tech giants, think again. In this episode, Fern sits down with Irem Metin, Chief Product Officer at Goose, to talk about how smart systems and AI are transforming dog daycare and boarding businesses. From streamlining operations to personalizing customer experiences, they explore how tools that used to be out of reach are now leveling the playing field for smaller pet care businesses—and making life way easier in the process.

You’ll hear real examples of how automation is being used to handle tasks like email marketing, report cards, client communication, and even labor planning—all while freeing up your team to focus on what actually matters: taking care of dogs and people. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the daily grind or worried about keeping up with tech-savvy competitors, this episode might just change the way you think about running your business.

Your staff might be showing up—but are they showing up with energy? In this episode, Fern dives into a powerful but often overlooked force in your pet resort: the energy your team brings into the building every day. It’s not about how many hands you have on deck—it’s about how those hands feel, act, and interact. From emotional labor to burnout red flags, this episode explores why the vibes behind the scenes might be the secret weapon (or hidden saboteur) of your business success.

You’ll get real insight into how to spot low-energy slumps, why timing tasks with staff energy peaks matters, and simple adjustments that can shift the whole tone of your business. Plus, Fern shares tips for creating a culture that fuels your team, boosts morale, and keeps clients coming back—without burning anyone out. If you’re ready to stop managing people like schedules and start leading them like a true Overdog, this one’s for you.

What if your pet resort delivered the kind of service that made people rave about you—and gladly pay more? In this episode, you’ll learn how to take a page from one of the most iconic service brands in the world and apply those same principles to your daycare, boarding, grooming, or training business. It's all about creating intentional, memorable customer experiences that set you apart.

From empowering your staff to go above and beyond, to using small details to build deep client loyalty, Fern breaks down five key strategies you can start using right away. This isn't about fancy buildings or big budgets—it's about mindset, consistency, and making people feel seen and valued. Tune in and discover how to make top-tier service your new secret weapon.

December isn’t just for hot cocoa and ugly sweaters—it’s actually a powerful month to fine-tune your marketing, max out holiday bookings, and position your pet business for a killer start to the new year. In this episode, Fern lays out a full-on holiday game plan packed with clever internal promos, customer engagement strategies, and community connection ideas to help you close out the year strong. Whether it’s sprucing up your email campaigns or turning your lobby into a holiday experience, you’ll walk away with practical ideas that are as fun as they are effective.

But it’s not just about the dogs—your staff and operations need some love too. Fern shares creative ways to boost morale during the busiest season, plus how to make the most of your ad dollars when everyone else is crowding the airwaves. From festive treats to clever PR moves, this episode will help you squeeze every last drop of potential out of the holiday rush while setting yourself up for big wins in January. Don’t sleep on December—it’s time to make it count.

Ever wonder how something as simple as gratitude could actually boost your business? In this episode, Fern breaks down how appreciation isn’t just a feel-good emotion—it’s a strategic tool that can strengthen loyalty, energize your team, and even drive growth. Whether you're looking to improve client retention, boost morale among your staff, or just find more joy in your daily grind, this episode offers a ton of actionable ways to weave gratitude into your business culture.

From easy client surprises to staff rituals that build team spirit, Fern shares how small gestures can have a big impact. You'll hear why this season is the perfect time to reflect, reconnect, and revitalize your mindset as a business owner. If you're ready to make gratitude part of your business DNA—not just a seasonal sentiment—this one’s for you.

What if the secret to finally leveling up your pet business wasn’t some new hack or tool, but something a lot simpler—and often overlooked? In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, Fern dives into the surprising power of consistency and how it can make or break your business. From operations and team dynamics to client experience and marketing, this episode breaks down the crucial ways predictable, repeatable actions can create trust, reduce chaos, and drive growth.

Fern shares why you should be building your business as if you’re about to franchise it—even if you never plan to. You’ll hear eye-opening comparisons between two fictional pet resorts—one that’s winging it and one that runs like clockwork—and you’ll probably recognize which one sounds more like yours. If you’re tired of feeling like you’re always putting out fires and ready to build something that runs smoother and scales easier, this one’s a must-listen.

What if the secret to growing your business isn’t in the metrics—but in your mindset? In this soul-stirring episode, Fern gets real about what it takes to build not just a thriving pet care business, but a fulfilling life along the way. Inspired by personal stories and lessons from his book Getting Paid to Play with Puppies, he explores the surprising traps that can quietly drain your joy—even as your business appears successful on the outside.

From the dangers of staying “comfortably unhappy” to redefining what wealth and success actually mean to you, this episode is a powerful reminder to check in with yourself and your goals. If you've ever felt stuck, burnt out, or just unsure whether you're building the right kind of business for your life, this one’s going to hit home. Tune in and rediscover how to find happiness in the hustle—because the journey should be as rewarding as the destination.

What if your general manager could think and act like a business owner—fully invested, capable, and trusted to lead your team? In this episode, Fern is joined by leadership pro Kelli Dodds, who unveils her brand-new initiative designed to level up managers into true leaders. They dive into the crucial mindset shifts, skill development, and emotional intelligence needed to transform your GM into the MVP of your pet resort. This isn’t about managing schedules and putting out fires—it’s about cultivating ownership mentality and building high-functioning teams.

If you’re tired of being the bottleneck in your business or struggling to delegate confidently, this conversation is your wake-up call. Kelli shares how her decades of experience and hands-on leadership training can help turn potential into performance, freeing you up to actually enjoy running your business. Whether your current GM is green or seasoned, this episode will open your eyes to what’s really possible with the right guidance and support.