Tails and Tones

About Tails and Tones

Helpful tips, heart-warming tales, and honest reviews for the busy dog parent, with our first product launching in Q1 2026! (Elevated food and water station) Be First to See Our First Product, an elevated bowl - Join the wait list here https://tailsandtoneselevated.carrd.co/ After struggling to find sustainable, well-designed options for her own pup, and digging deep into the pet industry during her Master’s in Sustainable Design, Mariska realized she was searching for products that simply didn’t exist. She realized that if these products didn’t exist yet, maybe it was her turn to help bring them to life. That mission sparked both the upcoming product line and the creation of Tails & Tones. Being a dog mom is the best, but let’s be real, it can also be confusing, messy, and a little lonely sometimes. That’s why the podcast was born: a warm, practical corner of the internet for intentional, busy dog parents. Every second Friday, host Mariska (fellow dog parent, dog-obsessed human, and sustainability-driven designer) delivers short, soulful episodes filled with dog-care tips, honest product reviews, inspiring stories, and real-life advice you can actually use. And now the next chapter begins: Our very first Tails & Tones product launches May 2026! Thoughtfully designed, sustainability-led, and made for modern dog parents like you. Alongside the elevated food & water station, we currently have three additional products in R&D, all created with the same intentional, sustainable approach. Be the first to know when our first product go live, join the waitlist here https://tailsandtoneselevated.carrd.co/ Listen on your favorite podcast app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, or anywhere you tune in. You can also subscribe directly at https://tailsandtones.com/listen If something in the show speaks to you, or you know a fellow dog parent who’d love it, please share it and leave a review on https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/tails-and-tones-6086657 Got questions or just want to say hi? I’m always around on Instagram @tailsandtones Where every tail tells a story, and every tone speaks from the heart. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tailsandtones/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tailsandtones Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TailsandTones Website: https://www.TailsandTones.com

Publisher

Mariska Nell

Category

education · kids & family · leisure

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

6 May 2025

Latest episode

2 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

43 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Oct 2026

   40: Doodle Coat Care Secrets with Elina Panteleyeva

   TL;DR On Episode 40 of Tails and Tones, Dood Woof founder Elina Panteleyeva explains why doodle coats mat faster than other breeds and how her brand, used by 70,000+ doodle owners, fixes it with daily detangling and clean-label ingredients. Guest Bio: Elina Panteleyeva is the founder of Dood Woof, a natural grooming and coat-care brand built exclusively for doodles. After being laid off from her tech job in 2023, she and her Blue-Eyed Tri-Colored Mini Bernedoodle, Oscar, set out to solve his constant matting with clean, human-grade ingredients instead of harsh chemicals. Dood Woof has since been used by more than 70,000 doodle owners and partners with Doodle Dandy Rescue, donating a portion of every purchase to rescue, rehab, and rehome doodles in need. During This Episode: Elina's journey from a tech and AI layoff to founding Dood Woof The exact moment Oscar's matting problem turned into a business idea Why doodles' coats mat so much more easily than other breeds What actually causes tangles: floppy ears, trapped moisture, allergens, and constant movement The unglamorous first steps of formulating a natural grooming product with no chemistry background Ingredient red flags to watch for on any dog shampoo label What "human-grade" ingredients actually means for a doodle's coat The daily grooming routine Elina uses to keep Oscar mat-free How often doodles should actually be bathed, and why more is not better What to do, and never do, with an already-stubborn mat The biggest grooming myth doodle owners still believe about groomer visits How grooming routines should shift between seasons, especially in hot climates like Texas The Doodle Dandy Rescue partnership and how it works day to day Marty's story: from a chained, aggressive rescue to a loving home What Oscar has taught Elina about staying the course while building a business One-sentence advice for brand-new doodle parents Oscar's quirks, and why doodles are "too smart for their own good" Takeaways: Doodles have almost human-like hair that mats and tangles easily, especially with rolling around and floppy ears that trap moisture and allergens. Daily brushing and detangler spray prevent most mats. Once a mat is large, a professional groomer needs to cut it out, spray alone will not fix it. Read the ingredient label like you would your own shampoo: if you cannot pronounce it (like cyclomethicone), it is a red flag. Look for recognizable names like coconut cleanser and quinoa protein. A doodle's grooming routine should shift with the season. Hotter months, like Texas summers, mean more frequent haircuts and grooming visits. Going to the groomer every two months is not enough on its own. Daily brushing at home is the owner's real responsibility. Elina built Dood Woof after being laid off from her tech and AI job in 2023, testing DIY detangling ingredients before finding a manufacturer to formulate the product. A portion of every Dood Woof purchase supports Doodle Dandy Rescue, a Texas-based, all-volunteer rescue exclusively for doodles, funding behavioral training and vet care for dogs like Marty. Oscar, Elina's Blue-Eyed Tri-Colored Mini Bernedoodle, is technically her co-founder, and taught her that building a business is not a straight climb, it is ups and downs you stay the course through. Relevant links mentioned in the episode: Dood Woof: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/doodwoofco/) / Website (https://doodwoof.com) Review the podcast on Podchaser (https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/tails-and-tones-6086657) Sign up to our Tails and Tones newsletter here (https://newsletter.tailsandtones.com/) Sign up to our Tails and Tones waiting list for our first product (Elevated Food System) here (https://tailsandtoneselevated.carrd.co/) Find Tails and Tones on our socials: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tailsandtones/) / Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/tailsandtones/)/ TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@tailsandtones) / LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/tailsandtones/?viewAsMember=true) / Website (https://tailsandtones.com/) Timestamps to relevant points within the episode: [00:00] Intro [03:09] Elina introduces herself and Dood Woof [04:15] The moment Oscar's matting problem sparked the business [06:43] From an AI and tech career to formulating a grooming product [08:46] Why doodle coats mat so much more than other breeds [09:33] Elina's bathing and grooming routine with Oscar [10:40] The most common mistake doodle owners make [12:20] Ingredient red flags to look for on the label [13:52] What to do, and never do, with a stubborn mat [16:10] The biggest grooming myth doodle owners believe [17:24] The Doodle Dandy Rescue partnership [18:15] Marty's story: from chained and aggressive to a loving home [19:16] What Oscar has taught Elina about building a business [20:43] One sentence of advice for every new doodle parent [21:13] Oscar's quirks: the doodle who "understands English" [23:13] Where to find Dood Woof and Elina FAQ Why do doodles' coats mat so easily? Doodles have almost human-like hair that tangles the way ours does if it is not brushed, and their floppy ears trap moisture, which adds to allergy issues and helps mats form faster. How often should you bathe a doodle? Once a month is a reasonable baseline, more only if your dog smells or is itching. Washing daily strips natural oils and is not good for their coat, just like it is not for human hair. What ingredients should doodle owners avoid in grooming products? Watch out for names you cannot pronounce, like cyclomethicone, a silicone. Look instead for recognizable ingredients such as coconut-based cleanser and quinoa protein. What should you do if your doodle already has a big mat? Take them to a professional groomer to have it cut out safely. Detangler spray works to prevent daily tangles, but it will not dissolve an existing large mat. What brush works best for a doodle's coat? Start with a wire or metal comb to work through knots at the skin, then finish with a slicker brush. Elina points to the Chris Christensen brand as a solid, tested option. What's one thing every new doodle owner should do on day one? Start training early and get them comfortable with brushing and grooming right away. Doodles are smart and treat-motivated, and grooming only gets harder if they are scared of the brush or the groomer. About the Author: Mariska Nell Mariska is the founder of Tails and Tones, a design-led, sustainable dog product brand. She's also the host of the Tails and Tones podcast, where she explores dog health, product design, and intentional pet parenting with experts, veterinarians, and fellow dog parents. Background: Mariska holds a Master's degree in Sustainable Design, a Bachelor's in Interior Design, and a Postgraduate qualification in Environmental Science. She's spent over 10 years working as a sustainability designer and strategist across the UAE, Australia, South Africa, the UK, and India. Her previous work includes collaborations with brands like Nespresso, Costa Coffee, and Dubai Airport, and she founded Design By Mariska, known for trash-to-treasure art exhibited at Dubai International Airport. She's also the host and founder of Mama Earth Talk, a sustainability podcast with 200+ episodes on zero waste and climate action, featuring guests including Dr. Sylvia Earle and the late Dr. Jane Goodall. She created the free Living Lighter course for practical sustainable living. Piper: Mariska shares her life and work with Piper, her French Bulldog rescue dog. Piper joined the family in 2021 at 5 months old and has been the Chief Paw-duct Tester for everything Tails and Tones creates. Piper's journey, including cleft palate repair, luxating patella, arthritis risk, and recent mobility challenges, directly shaped the founding mission of Elevé (Tails and Tones' first product: a modular, height-adaptive feeding system). Mission: We are on a mission to help modern dog parents simplify everyday care and elevate life with their pets, without sacrificing style or sustainability. Tails and Tones exists to build products that show up for dog parents, beautiful, sustainable, and robust enough to support you on the worst days. Not just the easy ones. You can find Mariska at @tailsandtones on Instagram, or visit tailsandtones.com to learn more about Elevé and the Tails and Tones mission.

2. 

   4 Sept 2026

   39: Red Light Therapy & Why Dogs Need Light with Jackie Jolie

   TL;DR Jackie Jolie, founder of AnimaSol, explains why modern dogs are deficient in red and near-infrared light wavelengths due to spending 97% of their time indoors. She breaks down the quantum biology behind light therapy, why LED devices are as effective as expensive lasers, and shares how daily red light therapy improved Piper's mobility in two weeks. The episode covers protocols, speed of results, and why light is a foundational nutrient for dog health. During This Episode Jackie's personal health journey: Lyme disease diagnosis, natural healing, discovery of quantum biology Why light deficiency is the missing nutrient for indoor dogs How red and near-infrared light hits mitochondria and changes cellular function The difference between laser and LED red light therapy (same science, different delivery) AnimaSol's 5-wavelength design and 2:1 near-infrared to red ratio Piper's back leg episode and her improvement with daily light therapy + protein Protocols: 15 minutes daily for prevention, up to 2x30 minutes daily for acute issues Speed of results: arthritic dogs improve in 5-10 days, paralyzed dogs walk in 12 days The "sprinkler vs pressure washer" analogy explaining LED vs laser effectiveness Marley's paralysis story: standing in 5 days, walking in 12 days Why light therapy amplifies every other health modality with no contraindications Jackie's vision: launching human blankets in August 2026, teaching quantum biology globally Timestamps [00:00] - Intro: Does red light therapy for dogs actually work? [02:37] - Meet Jackie Jolie and her background in bodywork [05:43] - The turning point: Lyme disease discovery of quantum biology [08:08] - The science: How light hits mitochondria and changes biology [15:07] - LED vs Laser: Why they're the same therapy, different delivery [20:32] - Sprinkler vs Pressure Washer analogy explained [24:43] - Piper's story: Back leg improvement in two weeks [28:38] - Protocols: How often to use red light therapy and dosage guidelines [35:28] - Speed of results: Marley's paralysis story and arthritis improvements [41:50] - Biggest misconceptions about red light therapy [44:37] - Jackie's final message: Light is the foundation of health [46:05] - Where to find AnimaSol and resources Links from the Episode AnimaSol website: https://www.animasol.life/ DogSol jacket (red/infrared light therapy for dogs) (https://www.animasol.life/collections/shop-all/products/dogsol-blanket) The Science on red light therapy (https://www.animasol.life/pages/the-science) Where Can People Find Our Guest? Website: https://www.animasol.life/ Instagram: @animasol (https://www.instagram.com/anima__sol) Facebook: @animasol (https://www.facebook.com/Animasol.life) YouTube: @animasol (https://www.youtube.com/@animasol_life) (education videos launching end July/early August) LinkedIn: @animasol Email: Contact via website Key Takeaways Light is a foundational nutrient. Indoor dogs spending 97% of their time indoors are deficient in red and near-infrared wavelengths. Genes load the gun, environment pulls the trigger. You have 80% control over your dog's health outcomes. Laser and LED red light therapy deliver identical photobiomodulation results. LEDs are safer, cheaper, and practical for home use. AnimaSol's design uses 5 wavelengths in a 2:1 near-infrared to red ratio, optimized for animals with fur. Prevention: 15 minutes daily. Acute issues (paralysis, severe arthritis): up to 2x30 minutes daily, titrate down as healing progresses. Results are fast: Arthritic dogs show improvement in 5-10 days. Paralyzed dogs can walk in 12 days with intensive protocols. Light therapy has zero contraindications and amplifies every other health modality (supplements, physical therapy, medications). Brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs) and senior dogs with mobility issues see the most dramatic improvements. Piper's case study: Two weeks of daily red light therapy + increased protein intake produced noticeable mobility improvements confirmed by her physio. Light deficiency is a foundational problem affecting indoor dogs. Unlike supplements or medications, light therapy addresses the root cause. FAQ Is red light therapy safe for dogs? Yes. LED red light therapy (like AnimaSol's products) is completely safe with zero contraindications. You cannot overdose on light therapy. Dogs cannot be harmed by the wavelengths used. Protective glasses are not required (unlike with lasers). How long before I see results? Results vary by condition. For arthritis and mobility issues: 5-10 days of daily use. For paralysis or severe conditions: 5 days to standing, 12 days to walking with intensive protocols (2x30 min daily). Some dogs show improvement within the first session. Is red light therapy expensive? AnimaSol's DogSol jackets are a fraction of the cost of laser therapy ($20,000-$50,000 per device). They're a one-time purchase with no ongoing vet appointment costs. Much more affordable than chronic supplement or medication management. Can I use it every day? Yes. In fact, you should. For prevention in healthy indoor dogs: once daily (15 minutes). For acute issues: up to twice daily (30 minutes each session) until improvement, then titrate down to daily maintenance. Can I overdo red light therapy? No. Due to biphasic dosing, there's a plateau where cells can only absorb so much light at once before needing time to process. You cannot cause harm or overdose with LED light therapy. What's the difference between laser and LED red light therapy? They're the same therapy (photobiomodulation) at the cellular level. Lasers are more powerful, more expensive ($20k-$50k), create thermal burn risk, and require protective glasses and professional administration. LEDs are wearable, safe to look at, affordable, and can be used at home. Same results, different delivery. How many wavelengths do I need? AnimaSol uses 5 wavelengths (2 red, 3 near-infrared) in a specific 2:1 ratio. Both red and near-infrared matter. Red penetrates superficially (good for wounds, hair growth). Near-infrared penetrates deep (good for joints, spine, bone marrow). Most products only have red, which limits effectiveness for deep issues. Will it help my dog's specific condition? Light therapy supports healing for nearly every condition (arthritis, paralysis, seizures, wound recovery, pain relief, mobility, digestion). That said, for serious diagnoses, Jackie recommends consulting her team for a personalized protocol. It works best as part of a whole-system approach (diet, movement, light, stress reduction). Do I need to consult a vet first? Most vets aren't trained in light therapy or quantum biology, so they may not recommend it. That doesn't mean it won't help. For cancer or extreme cases, Jackie recommends a consultation with her team to create a protocol that works alongside your vet's plan. Will light therapy replace my dog's other treatments? No, but it amplifies them. Light therapy works alongside supplements, physical therapy, medications, and dietary changes with zero contraindications. It makes everything else more effective. How often should I charge the device? A fully charged device gives you 8-10 sessions of 15 minutes each. Larger blankets take 8-10 hours to fully charge from dead battery. Smaller devices charge faster. About the Author: Mariska Nell Mariska is the founder of Tails and Tones, a design-led, sustainable dog product brand. She's also the host of the Tails and Tones podcast, where she explores dog health, product design, and intentional pet parenting with experts, veterinarians, and fellow dog parents. Background: Mariska holds a Master's degree in Sustainable Design, a Bachelor's in Interior Design, and a Postgraduate qualification in Environmental Science. She's spent over 10 years working as a sustainability designer and strategist across the UAE, Australia, South Africa, the UK, and India. Her previous work includes collaborations with brands like Nespresso, Costa Coffee, and Dubai Airport, and she founded Design By Mariska, known for trash-to-treasure art exhibited at Dubai International Airport. She's also the host and founder of Mama Earth Talk, a sustainability podcast with 200+ episodes on zero waste and climate action, featuring guests including Dr. Sylvia Earle and the late Dr. Jane Goodall. She created the free Living Lighter course for practical sustainable living. Piper: Mariska shares her life and work with Piper, her French Bulldog rescue dog. Piper joined the family in 2021 at 5 months old and has been the Chief Paw-duct Tester for everything Tails and Tones creates. Piper's journey, including cleft palate repair, luxating patella, arthritis risk, and recent mobility challenges, directly shaped the founding mission of Elevé (Tails and Tones' first product: a modular, height-adaptive feeding...

3. 

   7 Aug 2026

   38: From Dog Account to Business, with Robin Waite

   TL;DR 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 UK-based business coach and the founder of Fearless Business. After 12 years running a marketing agency, he sold it in 2016 and has spent the last decade coaching entrepreneurs on pricing, positioning, and building profitable, sustainable businesses. He is the bestselling author of Take Your Shot and Fearless Pricing, has guested on over 300 podcasts, and has coached creators including Ali Abdaal and Simon Squibb. He also holds a Guinness World Record for taking part in the largest speed-networking event on record. Takeaways: A hobby becomes a business the moment you decide it is one, and start planning six months, a year, and two years out instead of just three weeks ahead. "Exposure" is not a business model. Real partnerships are a long-term marketing asset built on trust, not a one-off trade. One podcast guest appearance (Robin's on Ali Abdaal's show) generated 3,000 leads and over £300,000 in revenue, three years after the relationship began. Pricing at the average makes you average. Aim for the top 10% of your category instead of matching competitors. Raise your prices by 5% and you can sell 11% fewer units for the same profit. At 10%, it's 22% fewer units. The "build one, sell one" approach (borrowed from Simon Squibb) beats waiting to launch until everything is perfect. There's a real difference between being exhausted and having genuinely exhausted your options, and most founders find out the hard way. Robin's dogs Wilbur and Twiggy are his cue to stop "procrastiworking": when he catches himself stalling, he closes the laptop and takes them for a walk in the Cotswolds instead. Robin donates to 4Ocean with every new client, working toward removing 100kg of ocean plastic, currently at roughly 40kg. Relevant links mentioned in the episode: Robin Waite: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/RobinMWaite) / LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/RobinMWaite) / TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@RobinMWaite) / Website (https://www.robinwaite.com/) Fearless Pricing Scorecard (https://fearlesspricing.co.uk/) — Robin's pricing tool + book, mentioned on the episode Review the podcast on Podchaser (https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/tails-and-tones-6086657) Sign up to our Tails and Tones newsletter here (https://newsletter.tailsandtones.com/) Sign up to our Tails and Tones waiting list for our first product (Elevated Food System) here (https://tailsandtoneselevated.carrd.co/) Find Tails and Tones on our socials: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tailsandtones/) / Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/tailsandtones/)/ TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@tailsandtones) / LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/tailsandtones/?viewAsMember=true) / Website (https://tailsandtones.com/) Timestamps to relevant points within the episode: [00:00] Intro [02:12] Who is Robin Waite [04:16] Robin's Guinness World Record [06:13] When does a hobby become a business [08:28] Why exposure isn't a business model [14:57] Building a pet business from zero [21:27] The biggest mistake creators make [25:32] Why waiting for perfect is costing you [28:59] The 3 Fs: Freedom, Fulfilment, Financial success [34:50] The pricing math that changes everything [39:08] The first 90 days of a crowdfund [42:24] Exhausted vs. out of options [47:52] What Wilbur and Twiggy taught him [49:14] There's never a perfect time to start [52:42] 4Ocean and building a business for good FAQ What is the difference between a hobby and a business, according to Robin Waite? Robin Waite says a hobby becomes a business once you're earning a living from it and can plan for it beyond the next three weeks, the point at which most people's forward planning naturally stops. Why doesn't Robin Waite recommend working for "exposure"? Because exposure alone is short-term and transactional. Robin recommends treating brand partnerships as long-term relationships built on trust, the kind that can eventually generate leads and revenue for years, as his relationship with Ali Abdaal did. What is Robin Waite's "one page business plan"? It's five questions: your dream monthly revenue, your product or service, your average sale price, the number of units needed to hit that revenue, and whether that demand is realistic to stimulate right now. Where can I find Robin Waite's Fearless Pricing Scorecard? At fearlesspricing.co.uk, alongside his book Fearless Pricing. His first book, Take Your Shot, is available through his Fearless Business site. About the Author: Mariska Nell Mariska is the founder of Tails and Tones, a design-led, sustainable dog product brand. She's also the host of the Tails and Tones podcast, where she explores dog health, product design, and intentional pet parenting with experts, veterinarians, and fellow dog parents. Background: Mariska holds a Master's degree in Sustainable Design, a Bachelor's in Interior Design, and a Postgraduate qualification in Environmental Science. She's spent over 10 years working as a sustainability designer and strategist across the UAE, Australia, South Africa, the UK, and India. Her previous work includes collaborations with brands like Nespresso, Costa Coffee, and Dubai Airport, and she founded Design By Mariska, known for trash-to-treasure art exhibited at Dubai International Airport. She's also the host and founder of Mama Earth Talk, a sustainability podcast with 200+ episodes on zero waste and climate action, featuring guests including Dr. Sylvia Earle and the late Dr. Jane Goodall. She created the free Living Lighter course for practical sustainable living. Piper: Mariska shares her life and work with Piper, her French Bulldog rescue dog. Piper joined the family in 2021 at 5 months old and has been the Chief Paw-duct Tester for everything Tails and Tones creates. Piper's journey, including cleft palate repair, luxating patella, arthritis risk, and recent mobility challenges, directly shaped the founding mission of Elevé (Tails and Tones' first product: a modular, height-adaptive feeding system). Mission: We are on a mission to help modern dog parents simplify everyday care and elevate life with their pets, without sacrificing style or sustainability. Tails and Tones exists to build products that show up for dog parents, beautiful, sustainable, and robust enough to support you on the worst days. Not just the easy ones. You can find Mariska at @tailsandtones on Instagram, or visit tailsandtones.com to learn more about Elevé and the Tails and Tones mission.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

59,467

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 43 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

38

Social presence

90

YouTube

76

Engagement

0