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  • Practical Pet Chat Episode 37 - Are AI-driven robotic pets the future of companionship or just a flashy trend?

    Practical Pet Chat Episode 37 - Are AI-driven robotic pets the future of companionship or just a flashy trend?
    2025/10/06
    On this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob take a closer look at Rob’s recent encounters with robotic, AI-driven pets and ask the big question: are these high-tech companions the future of pet ownership, or are they just another passing trend? The conversation goes beyond the novelty factor to explore what robotic pets could mean for the larger pet world. Lorin and Rob discuss how these lifelike companions might impact the bond between people and their real, breathing pets, how pet parents may respond to this new option, and what role businesses in the pet industry could play if demand for robotic pets grows. From their undeniable entertainment value and convenience to the deeper ethical, emotional, and social questions they raise, robotic pets open the door to a fascinating debate about the nature of companionship itself. Could they ease loneliness, offer comfort to people who can’t care for live pets, or even create new opportunities for learning and therapy? Or will they remain a fun but fleeting curiosity, unable to replicate the irreplaceable connection humans share with living animals? Join Lorin and Rob for a thoughtful, engaging, and sometimes surprising discussion about the possibilities and pitfalls of robotic pets, and what their presence might mean for the future of pet parenting and the industry built around it. It’s all this and more on Practical Pet Chat—the podcast pet parents trust and love.
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    22 分
  • Practical Pet Business - Episode 29 - Tech is everywhere, how to use it to the benefit of your business and pet parents

    Practical Pet Business - Episode 29 - Tech is everywhere, how to use it to the benefit of your business and pet parents
    2025/10/02
    On this edition of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob take on a topic that is impossible to ignore: technology. It’s everywhere—inside and outside the pet world—and it’s transforming the way pet businesses operate and how pet parents experience the products and services they love. From point-of-sale systems and online booking tools to wearable pet tech, smart feeders, and AI-driven customer service, technology has become an integral part of the pet industry. Lorin and Rob break down the advantages of adopting new tech, including efficiency, improved customer experiences, and scalability, while also addressing common concerns such as cost, complexity, and staying true to the human connection that pet parents value. The discussion also looks forward to what’s next: how technology may continue to shape the future of pet care and business, and how savvy entrepreneurs can strike the right balance between innovation and authenticity. If you’re a pet retailer, service provider, or simply curious about where the industry is heading, this episode will give you insights, questions to consider, and practical takeaways for leveraging technology in ways that strengthen both your business and the relationships you have with the pet parents you serve.
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    19 分
  • Practical Pet Chat - Episode 36 - Having Grace For Your Pet Parenting Self

    Practical Pet Chat - Episode 36 - Having Grace For Your Pet Parenting Self
    2025/09/28
    On this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob take on a topic that resonates with nearly every pet parent: the self-judgment we place on ourselves when it comes to caring for our pets. In today’s world, there’s an overwhelming amount of information, advice, and even criticism about how to be the “perfect” pet parent. From social media comparisons to endless product recommendations, it can quickly shift from being inspiring to being discouraging. Lorin and Rob remind us that pet parenting isn’t about competing, keeping up, or doing everything flawlessly — it’s about being present. Our pets don’t measure our worth by the food brand we choose, how many enrichment activities we provide, or whether we never miss a step in training. They value the simple things: our love, attention, and companionship. This conversation explores how to give yourself grace, quiet the noise, and focus on the bond that truly matters. Whether you’re navigating guilt over not doing “enough,” struggling with outside opinions, or just needing a reminder that you and your pet are already doing great, this episode will leave you feeling lighter and more connected to what’s really important. Because at the end of the day, your pet’s greatest joy isn’t in perfection — it’s in you.
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    24 分
  • Practical Pet Chat - Episode 35 - Top things to do for your pet this week

    Practical Pet Chat - Episode 35 - Top things to do for your pet this week
    2025/09/28
    On this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob shine a spotlight on the top things you can do for your pet this week—simple, intentional actions that only take a few minutes but can make a big difference in your pet’s health, happiness, and overall quality of life. In a world where our days are often busy and filled with distractions, it’s easy to overlook how much little moments mean to our pets. Lorin and Rob remind us that showing love and attention doesn’t always require elaborate plans or expensive purchases. Sometimes it’s about the small shifts in our daily routines—pausing to be present, slowing down enough to let your dog fully enjoy a sniff-filled walk, or offering your cat extra playtime or enrichment to engage their natural instincts. They dive into a variety of simple yet powerful practices, from mindful moments of connection, to giving your pets more freedom to explore safely, to trying out small changes that communicate how much you value their presence in your life. Each idea is designed to be realistic, approachable, and impactful—things any pet parent can do right away, without needing special tools, extra money, or lots of time. The beauty of these actions is that they don’t just benefit your pets—they benefit you too. By slowing down and connecting with your furry companions in meaningful ways, you create space for joy, gratitude, and a stronger bond. Lorin and Rob also encourage listeners to experiment with one new idea each week, turning these small gestures into lasting habits that enrich both your lives. Whether you’re looking for easy ways to show your pets how much they mean to you, or you’re searching for inspiration to deepen your relationship, this episode delivers practical tips, heartfelt stories, and gentle reminders of just how powerful a few mindful minutes can be. Take the time, give it a try, and discover how rewarding it can feel—for your pet and for yourself.
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    26 分
  • Practical Pet Business - Episode 28 - Loyalty programs for pet businesses pet parents and much more

    Practical Pet Business - Episode 28 - Loyalty programs for pet businesses pet parents and much more
    2025/09/24
    On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob explore the ins and outs of Pet Business Loyalty and Rewards Programs—a powerful tool when done right, but a potential pitfall when handled poorly. They break down where and when these programs are having the greatest impact in today’s pet marketplace, and the different approaches businesses are using to strengthen customer connections. From punch cards and points systems to subscription perks and digital rewards, Lorin and Rob highlight the upsides and downsides of each approach, always emphasizing one key principle: your loyalty program should serve your business and your customers first—not the collective, not the trend. The conversation also shines a light on the missteps that can cause customers to feel less valued or even alienated when loyalty programs change in ways that don’t benefit them. Lorin and Rob discuss what to avoid, how to recognize when a program isn’t working, and where to refocus your efforts to build lasting relationships. Whether you’re considering launching a loyalty program, reworking an existing one, or just curious about what makes them succeed (or fail), this episode offers practical insights to help you design a program that drives real value, keeps customers engaged, and sets your business apart.
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    24 分
  • Practical Pet Chat - Episode 34 - Fresh food movement is much more than a trend

    Practical Pet Chat - Episode 34 - Fresh food movement is much more than a trend
    2025/09/21
    On this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob dive into the ever-expanding world of commercial Fresh Food offerings for pets. What started as a small niche has now grown into a thriving, permanent category in the pet food marketplace—one that more and more established companies are jumping into. They break down what this growth really means for pet parents: more options, more accessibility, and more ways to approach nutrition. Lorin and Rob discuss the benefits and challenges of commercial fresh food, from improved nutrition and quality ingredients to the very real considerations of cost and convenience. They highlight how this is no longer just a passing trend, but a “forever option” that will continue to shape how we feed our pets. At the same time, they remind listeners that you don’t have to rely solely on packaged commercial products to give your pets the benefits of fresh. With simple, less costly steps—like adding whole, pet-safe fresh ingredients to your pet’s daily meals—you can make a big impact without breaking the bank. From industry insights to practical feeding tips, this episode explores the rise of fresh feeding and how you can bring the best of it into your pet’s bowl. Would you like me to also create a short, social-media-friendly teaser (1–2 sentences) to promote this episode on platforms like Instagram or Facebook? You said: expand ChatGPT said: Here’s a more fully expanded, in-depth version of your podcast description with added detail, context, and listener appeal: Podcast Description: On this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob take a deep look at the rapidly growing world of commercial Fresh Food offerings for pets. Once considered a niche idea for only the most dedicated pet parents, fresh feeding has now exploded into a thriving, mainstream category. What was once thought of as a trend has solidified itself as a permanent option that is reshaping how the industry—and everyday pet families—think about nutrition. Lorin and Rob explore what this surge in fresh food means for you and your pets. They break down the nutrition advantages of feeding fresh, the new level of choice pet parents now have, and the very real considerations of cost, convenience, and accessibility. With more established companies entering the space and expanding their product lines, the conversation also looks at how competition is driving innovation, availability, and in some cases, confusion for pet owners trying to decide what’s best. But this episode isn’t just about commercial brands—it’s also about practical, everyday solutions. Lorin and Rob share how you don’t have to commit to pricey packaged meals to give your pets the benefits of fresh. From adding simple, whole ingredients like lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables to your pet’s bowl, to using fresh food as a topper or supplement, they offer easy, budget-friendly ways to bring more freshness to mealtime without overwhelming your wallet or routine. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize balance, transparency, and doing what truly works for your pet and your family. Listeners will come away with a better understanding of the state of the fresh food movement, how to evaluate the options available, and how to incorporate fresh feeding in a way that makes sense for both pets and their people. Whether you’re already feeding fresh, considering trying it, or simply curious about how the marketplace is evolving, this episode provides insights, strategies, and encouragement to help you make informed, confident choices.
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    27 分
  • Practical Pet Business- Episode 27 - Are you experience the pet industry growth

    Practical Pet Business- Episode 27 - Are you experience the pet industry growth
    2025/09/17
    On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob take a closer look at the state of the pet industry and uncover an important truth: while overall industry numbers show steady and even impressive growth, many individual pet businesses aren’t sharing in that success. The question is, why? They dig into the factors behind the disconnect—more competition than ever before, broader product availability across countless channels, and an expanding array of services that compete for the same customers. From big-box retailers to online marketplaces, direct-to-consumer brands to subscription models, the pet industry is more crowded and more competitive than it has ever been. Lorin and Rob discuss how this level of saturation can leave independent businesses and even established brands struggling to carve out their space. But it’s not all challenges—there are also opportunities, if you know how to find them. Lorin and Rob walk through practical ways to spot the difference between genuine opportunities for growth and the shiny objects that may look attractive but don’t deliver long-term, sustainable results. They highlight common traps pet businesses fall into—like chasing every new product fad or trying to be everything to everyone—and share strategies for evaluating whether an expansion of products, services, or business models truly aligns with your goals. From refining your core offerings, to identifying unmet needs in your community, to understanding customer trends and behavior, they provide tools and perspective that business owners can use to make smarter, more confident decisions. They also touch on the mindset shift required to thrive in a fast-moving industry: learning when to adapt, when to stay the course, and how to balance innovation with focus. If you’ve ever wondered why your business doesn’t feel like it’s riding the same wave of growth you see in industry reports—or how to separate the “noise” from the real opportunities that can take your business forward—this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
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    25 分
  • Practical Pet Chat - Episode 34 - Fresh food movement mp3

    Practical Pet Chat - Episode 34 - Fresh food movement mp3
    2025/09/15
    On this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob dig into the continued rise of Fresh Food offerings for pets. What once seemed like a passing trend has quickly grown into a powerful and lasting force in the pet industry, surprising many companies and professionals who didn’t anticipate how strongly pet parents would embrace it. Fresh food has now become a true category of its own, reshaping how the marketplace looks at pet nutrition. As longtime advocates for fresh feeding, Lorin and Rob share their perspective on why it has taken the market time to shift in this direction and what factors have finally pushed it forward. They look at the evolving role of transparency, sourcing, and consumer demand in fueling this movement, as well as the challenges companies face in scaling fresh food production while maintaining quality and safety. Of course, one of the biggest questions for many pet parents remains: cost. Feeding fresh can be more expensive than traditional kibble or canned food, and larger dogs in particular can make the numbers feel overwhelming. Lorin and Rob discuss these economic realities and offer practical ways to make fresh food accessible no matter your budget or your pet’s size. From using fresh as a topper or supplement, to customizing how you portion and serve it, to combining it strategically with other food types, they share real-world solutions for pet families who want the benefits without breaking the bank. They also touch on the health and wellness benefits that so many pet parents are noticing with fresh feeding, the importance of nutritional balance, and what to watch for when choosing a brand or recipe. It’s a conversation packed with insights, ideas, and actionable tips to help you navigate this fast-growing segment of pet nutrition with confidence. Whether you’re already feeding fresh, considering making the switch, or just curious about where the industry is headed, this episode gives you the information and perspective you need to make informed choices for your pets.
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    27 分