The Clopen Effect

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Episodes

262

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Welcome to The Clopen Effect, a Funny Retail Podcast! Join us every week as we share our lives working in retail. Our lineup features fantastic guests, including local business owners, seasoned retail professionals, and the occasional surprise musician and artist. We're Basically Famous®! “By far the most relatable, humbling, and funniest podcast I’ve ever listened to! It keeps me busy at work, laughing, shaking my head in agreement, and remembering my own wild work stories. And it’s not always just about those crazy shifts—these hilarious women bring so much more. Give them a listen; you won’t be wasting your time!”

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 15, 202639 min

What Do You Bring to the Table?

This episode is full of unexpected questions, random comments, and the conversations that happen when Meredith has a lot to ask Cassandra! Cassandra is recovering from a cold, while Meredith suspects she’s on approximately COVID episode number 15. We talk about the careers we might have pursued (Cassandra as a teacher and Meredith in the medical field), what we’d grab if our houses were on fire (spoiler: our answers were surprisingly similar!), and which celebrities we think are our twins. We also talk about giving it our all when training new team members. If you're a member, use the private RSS feed link you received when you signed up for the $2/month membership. Paste it into your favorite podcast app (or use the one-click app links in your welcome email) to access all your members-only episodes. All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect $2/month membership and advertising opportunities: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Our Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/28E9USH21CBC1?ref_=wl_share Buy Our Cool Merch: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814 💩 Check Out Our Other Podcast – Anxiety Makes Me Poop: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop 🟢 30 Days to Building Resilience in the Workplace: https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273 Meredith's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/meredithpoczkalski All material, unless otherwise stated, is written and performed by The Clopen Effect.

October 8, 202639 min

McHenry Murder Mystery 2026

Meredith’s Halloween book is #10, and she has free copies available, but they won’t arrive until 10/22. Meredith traveled for training this week and stayed at a friend’s perfectly organized home. Cassandra shares her thoughts on the McHenry Murder Mystery event. We also talk about the movies we’re looking forward to seeing in theaters. And Meredith’s birthday is coming up, so it’s time to celebrate! McHenry Murder Mystery info here: Mchenry Murder Mystery and Facebook link here Join us next year! If you're a member, use the private RSS feed link you received when you signed up for the $2/month membership. Paste it into your favorite podcast app (or use the one-click app links in your welcome email) to access all your members-only episodes. All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect $2/month membership and advertising opportunities: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Our Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/28E9USH21CBC1?ref_=wl_share Buy Our Cool Merch: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814 💩 Check Out Our Other Podcast – Anxiety Makes Me Poop: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop 🟢 30 Days to Building Resilience in the Workplace: https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273 Meredith's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/meredithpoczkalski All material, unless otherwise stated, is written and performed by The Clopen Effect.

September 28, 202637 min

You Can't Park There

Disclaimer: This episode is for general informational and entertainment purposes and discusses Illinois accessible parking rules as we understand them at the time of recording. Laws and regulations can change, so please check official sources for the most current information. In this episode of The Clopen Effect , we discussed Illinois laws and regulations concerning parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities. We covered who may legally use designated accessible parking spaces, how disability parking placards and license plates must be displayed, and the requirement that the authorized person be present and enter or exit the vehicle when using the parking privileges. We also discussed access aisles, the striped areas next to accessible parking spaces. Illinois law prohibits parking in these access aisles, including for vehicles displaying disability parking placards or license plates. The episode also covers the difference between standard disability parking placards and Illinois' meter-exempt placards. A blue permanent placard does not provide an exemption from parking meter fees or time limits; the yellow-and-gray meter-exempt placard provides those exemptions subject to the applicable restrictions. Finally, we discuss misuse of disability parking placards and license plates, applicable penalties, and how to report alleged abuse of Illinois' disability parking program. The Illinois Secretary of State specifically notes that not all disabilities are apparent and advises people not to confront someone they suspect of misuse. If you're a member, use the private RSS feed link you received when you signed up for the $2/month membership. Paste it into your favorite podcast app (or use the one-click app links in your welcome email) to access all your members-only episodes. All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect $2/month membership and advertising opportunities: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Our Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/28E9USH21CBC1?ref_=wl_share Buy Our Cool Merch: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814 💩 Check Out Our Other Podcast – Anxiety Makes Me Poop: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop 🟢 30 Days to Building Resilience in the Workplace: https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273 Meredith's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/meredithpoczkalski All material, unless otherwise stated, is written and performed by The Clopen Effect.

September 22, 202640 min

Time to Talk Torture

We took a lighter look at some of history’s most bizarre and brutal medieval torture devices. We talked about what these devices were supposedly used for while also questioning how much of the stories surrounding them are actually true. Thankfully, nobody had to test any of them out because retail already has enough ways to torture you. It was a darkly funny trip through history, proving once again that people have been coming up with questionable ideas for a very, very long time. If you're a member, use the private RSS feed link you received when you signed up for the $2/month membership. Paste it into your favorite podcast app (or use the one-click app links in your welcome email) to access all your members-only episodes. All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect $2/month membership and advertising opportunities: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Our Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/28E9USH21CBC1?ref_=wl_share Buy Our Cool Merch: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814 💩 Check Out Our Other Podcast – Anxiety Makes Me Poop: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop 🟢 30 Days to Building Resilience in the Workplace: https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273 Meredith's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/meredithpoczkalski All material, unless otherwise stated, is written and performed by The Clopen Effect.

September 13, 202620 min

Spooky Stories and Murder.. sort of

What items that you use in retail could make you a suspect in a murder? Cass said it's kind of like the game Clue. What everyday retail items could possibly end up connected to a murder investigation? In this funny and slightly dark episode, we look at box cutters, meat slicers, forklifts, ladders, pallet jacks, shopping carts, and other ordinary retail equipment. We take a lighthearted look at how innocent workplace tools can sound completely different outside their normal retail context. If you work in grocery, retail, deli, bakery, or a warehouse, you’ll recognize plenty of these everyday items. It’s another hilarious look at the strange, unexpected, and sometimes ridiculous world of retail. If you're a member, use the private RSS feed link you received when you signed up for the $2/month membership. Simply paste it into your favorite podcast app (or use the one-click app links in your welcome email) to access all of your members-only episodes. All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect $2/month membership and advertising opportunities: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Our Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/28E9USH21CBC1?ref_=wl_share Buy Our Cool Merch: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814 💩 Check Out Our Other Podcast – Anxiety Makes Me Poop: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop 🟢 30 Days to Building Resilience in the Workplace: https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273 Meredith's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/meredithpoczkalski All material, unless otherwise stated, is written and performed by The Clopen Effect.

August 26, 202631 min

Part Two - The Artificial Takeover

We started talking about the HUGE changes coming to retail over the next five years, and now we're continuing the conversation. In Part Two, we tackle the next five: • The online and in-store shopping experience becoming one • Cashiers becoming a much smaller part of the store • The changing definition of the retail employee • Retail becoming even more focused on productivity • And the future of value, where the cheapest option isn't always the winner Technology is changing retail fast. But what does that actually mean for the people working in retail? Will AI and automation make our jobs easier, or will fewer employees simply be expected to accomplish more? The Artificial Takeover isn't just about technology. It's about people. If you're a member, use the private RSS feed link you received when you signed up for the $2/month membership. Simply paste it into your favorite podcast app (or use the one-click app links in your welcome email) to access all of your members-only episodes. All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect $2/month membership and advertising opportunities: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Our Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/28E9USH21CBC1?ref_=wl_share Buy Our Cool Merch: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814 💩 Check Out Our Other Podcast – Anxiety Makes Me Poop: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop 🟢 30 Days to Building Resilience in the Workplace: https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273 Meredith's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/meredithpoczkalski All material, unless otherwise stated, is written and performed by The Clopen Effect.

August 26, 20269 min

RIP Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton's story is a masterclass in turning humble beginnings into a massive brand without losing touch with where you came from. And given today's heartbreaking news, it's worth noting that Dolly Parton died today, August 25, 2026, at age 80, according to her family and major news organizations. A quick remembrance of Dolly. May she RIP. A beautiful tribute from her website here: https://www.dollyparton.com Also mentioned: Jeff Bezos donated $100 million to Dolly Parton in November 2022 through the Bezos Courage and Civility Award . - Forbes and GeekWire If you're a member, use the private RSS feed link you received when you signed up for the $2/month membership. Paste it into your favorite podcast app (or use the one-click app links in your welcome email) to access all your members-only episodes. All the Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect $2/month membership and advertising opportunities: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Our Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/28E9USH21CBC1?ref_=wl_share Buy Our Cool Merch: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814 💩 Check Out Our Other Podcast – Anxiety Makes Me Poop: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop 🟢 30 Days to Building Resilience in the Workplace: https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273 Meredith's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/meredithpoczkalski All material, unless otherwise stated, is written and performed by The Clopen Effect.

August 21, 202640 min

Part one of the Artificial Takeover

In this episode of The Clopen Effect , we tackled the first seven HUGE changes we could see in retail over the next five years. We’re talking AI becoming the personal shopper, stores becoming more experiential, employees working alongside AI, smarter shelves, predictive inventory, the explosion of retail media, and personalization that could get a little too personal. Retail is changing fast, and the question isn't just what technology can do . It's what these changes will mean for the people working in retail. This is only Part One. The Artificial Takeover is coming, and retail is going to look very different. Listen to the episode today and tell us: Which of these changes do you think will impact retail the most? If you're a member, use the private RSS feed link you received when you signed up for the $2/month membership. Simply paste it into your favorite podcast app (or use the one-click app links in your welcome email) to access all of your members-only episodes. All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect $2/month membership and advertising opportunities: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Our Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/28E9USH21CBC1?ref_=wl_share Buy Our Cool Merch: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814 💩 Check Out Our Other Podcast – Anxiety Makes Me Poop: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop 🟢 30 Days to Building Resilience in the Workplace: https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273 Meredith's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/meredithpoczkalski All material, unless otherwise stated, is written and performed by The Clopen Effect.

August 13, 202645 min

Did You Work at McDonald's?

What do Jeff Bezos, Rachel McAdams, Pink, James Franco, and other famous names have in common? Before they became household names, they were just people clocking in and going to work. Some worked in fast food, restaurants, and customer service. Some might forget that the person working the register today might be an entrepreneur tomorrow. The person taking your order might become a movie star. The person stocking shelves, serving customers, or flipping burgers might one day be standing on a stage in front of thousands of people. Those first jobs teach us things that don't always show up on a résumé: how to deal with difficult customers, how to show up when you're tired, how to work with people, how to solve problems, how to handle pressure, and how to keep going when the shift feels like it's never going to end. And somehow we start talking about musicals! LOL If you're a member, use the private RSS feed link you received when you signed up for the $2/month membership. Simply paste it into your favorite podcast app (or use the one-click app links in your welcome email) to access all of your members-only episodes. All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect $2/month membership and advertising opportunities: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Our Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/28E9USH21CBC1?ref_=wl_share Buy Our Cool Merch: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814 💩 Check Out Our Other Podcast – Anxiety Makes Me Poop: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop 🟢 30 Days to Building Resilience in the Workplace: https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273 Meredith's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/meredithpoczkalski All material, unless otherwise stated, is written and performed by The Clopen Effect.

August 6, 202625 min

Driving Lessons with Cassandra and Meredith

Oh, customers... we love you, we hate you, and sometimes you make us question everything. It takes all kinds, but lately it's getting a little ridiculous. Come listen to us complain about retail life! LOL If you're a member, use the private RSS feed link you received when you signed up for the $2/month membership. Simply paste it into your favorite podcast app (or use the one-click app links in your welcome email) to access all of your members-only episodes. All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect $2/month membership and advertising opportunities: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Our Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/28E9USH21CBC1?ref_=wl_share Buy Our Cool Merch: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814 💩 Check Out Our Other Podcast – Anxiety Makes Me Poop: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop 🟢 30 Days to Building Resilience in the Workplace: https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273 Meredith's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/meredithpoczkalski All material, unless otherwise stated, is written and performed by The Clopen Effect.