Tails and Tones

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Business coach Robin Waite (Fearless Business) joins Mariska to break down why "exposure" isn't a payment plan, how raising your prices can mean selling less for the same profit, and why waiting for the perfect moment is quietly costing you customers. Plus: his Guinness World Record, his 4Ocean plastic pledge, and a live "build a 100K month" business plan.

Guest Bio:

Robin Waite is a U...

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Brian Manni, founder of Pup O'Clock, shares how watching his son grow up alongside their family pug, through bullying, family stress, and the ordinary hardships of childhood, inspired him to build a monthly subscription box that turns dog ownership into a hands-on lesson in responsibility, empathy, and discipline for kids. He explains why dogs returned to shelters are usually under-stimulated...

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Dr. Ellie Lederer, an ECVS board-certified small animal orthopedic surgeon at Umm Suqeim Veterinary Centre in Dubai and founder of MOVES, explains why the phrase "they're limping but they're not in pain" is almost never true, dogs and cats are simply wired to hide discomfort. She covers the subtle signs of joint pain most owners miss, why slippery flooring may contribute to hip dysplasia in p...

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Dr. Julie Ashton, an ABTC-certified veterinary behaviourist and founder of Life on Four Legs, explains why behaviour problems in dogs are almost always a sign of pain, fear, or emotional struggle, never spite or control. She breaks down why "reactivity" is a descriptor, not a diagnosis, why any change in behaviour should be treated as medical until proven otherwise, why you cannot socialise a...

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In this solo episode, Mariska Nell reflects on nearly six years with Piper and shares everything she'd set up from day one if she were starting over, from building a consistent daily rhythm to the feeding posture discovery that changed how she thinks about mealtimes entirely. She walks through dental habits, medicine prep (including her go-to cheese ball technique), and why introducing equipm...

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Amanda Smith, a functional canine nutritionist with over 20 years in the veterinary field and founder of Canine Gut Solutions, explains why roughly 70-80% of a dog's immune system lives in the gut, meaning itchy skin, ear infections, and even anxiety often trace back to gut health rather than "allergies" alone. She shares simple, practical ways to start improving gut health (swapping a small ...

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Mena Lopes, founder of Ginger's Way, a Dubai-based dog trainer and behaviourist, conservation biology graduate, and creator of Leash Explorer UAE, explains why reactivity in dogs is never a "bad dog" problem. It's communication rooted in fear, stress, or past trauma, and it's neither the dog's fault nor the owner's. She breaks down why you cannot "reward" a fearful dog by comforting them (it ...

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Adam Greenbaum, founder of Love, Baxter (the world's largest pet end-of-life resource) and previously founder of WhiskerCloud, shares what he learned after losing his dog Baxter suddenly, and how that grief led him to build a platform helping pet parents plan for end-of-life care instead of avoiding it. He explains why tracking "good days vs. bad days" grounds hard decisions, why you never ha...

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Ultrarunning coach Meghan Gould, founder of She Runs Ultras, shares how to safely and joyfully run with your dog, from building distance gradually to reading their cues over chasing mileage targets. She covers breed considerations, gear essentials like harnesses versus collars, heat and hydration rules, and her "daily shakedown" mobility practice, while making the case that flexibility and co...

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In this episode, host Mariska Nell sits down with Dr. Laurie McCauley, a pioneer in veterinary rehabilitation, to explore what's really happening when dogs start slowing down. Together, they unpack why stiffness and changes in movement aren't always "just age," and how fascia, trigger points, posture, nutrition, and everyday habits quietly shape a dog's long-term comfort and mobility. Dr. Lau...

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In this thoughtful and engaging conversation, Phoebe Peppiatt, a Dubai-based dog trainer, shares her journey from corporate life to ethical, relationship-led dog training. Together with Mariska, she explores why reactivity is so common, especially in busy urban environments like the UAE, and how confidence, early socialisation, and environment shape behaviour over time. They discuss practical...

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Feeding posture is something most of us never question, yet it's something our dogs do every single day. In this solo episode, Mariska explores the often-overlooked role of feeding posture in canine health, and why elevated bowls can be supportive for some dogs but harmful for others. Drawing on veterinary literature, canine physiotherapy guidance, and her lived experience with Piper (whose o...

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Toronto-based photographer and certified pet nutrition coach Coeli (Chelly) Fortun joins Mariska for a gentle, deeply honest conversation about caring for her 15-year-old Shih Tzu, Manolo, through canine dementia, degenerative myelopathy, and arthritis, and what it meant to give him his "last best day." Coeli shares the story behind her viral last-day video, why nutrition and community were c...

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This episode dives deep into the essential care and health considerations for French Bulldogs, exploring their rising popularity, common medical issues, and the importance of responsible breeding. Dr. Sarah Ramsey, an Advanced Veterinary Practitioner based in Dubai, shares her expertise on early care, recognizing health problems, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for these beloved pets. Lis...

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In this solo episode, Mariska discusses how to make the holiday season magical for dogs. She shares the Elfie for Dogs tradition, holiday enrichment ideas, safety tips, and ways to create special memories with pets. The episode emphasizes the importance of connection and presence during the festive season, reminding pet parents to prioritize their dogs' needs and joy over Pinterest-perfect se...

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Mariska Nell sits down with science writer and longtime National Geographic contributor Jennifer S. Holland to explore what it really means to be "dog smart." Jennifer shares stories and insights from her latest book, Dog Smart: Life-Changing Lessons in Canine Intelligence, including why an estimated 85% of the world's dogs aren't pets, how street dogs adapt and thrive, and what search-and-re...

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In this solo episode, Mariska brings her art world background and pet-parent journey together to explore DIY art projects you can create with your dog. From safe, non-toxic pawprint masterpieces to hilarious lick-art abstracts, she shares practical tips, safety considerations, and creative ideas for turning your dog's paws and personality into meaningful keepsakes and functional art. Along th...

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Tori Mistick, founder of Wear Wag Repeat and a dog mom, blogger, and podcast host with over a decade of experience creating content for pet lovers, joins Mariska to unpack what it really takes to turn a love of dogs into a real online pet brand or business. Tori is also a Certified Canine Enrichment Technician and recently launched her limited-series podcast, Dog Enrichment with Tori Mistick....

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In this solo episode, Mariska breaks down the honest pros and cons of French Bulldog ownership using her own experience raising Piper. Frenchies have exploded in popularity thanks to celebrity culture and social media, but that same demand has fueled unethical breeding and a long list of serious health issues, including BOAS (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome), IVDD (intervertebral d...