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 alw ...
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Hey friends! Before we share this week's episode, a quick note: Every week, The Clopen Effect is full of jokes, absurd retail stories, and general chaos. You know, our usual nonsense. Today, since it’s spooky season, we’re taking a small detour. We’re covering two very serious events: the disappearances of Adam Walsh from a Sears in 1981 and Ann Go…
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We had a great time with the Rockstar of Retail - our friend Tim! We were listening to the Cubbies win, so the recording fades in and out a bit, but oh well (they won!). In this episode, we chat about Tim’s bands and run through the top scary movie quotes. Stick around until the end to hear a song titled Deviant! All The Clopen Links: https://linkt…
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We kick things off with a hilarious story from our co-worker who carried 100 balloons for 1.5 miles from the store to an office party (yes, people stared). Then it’s all about GERMS — the gross, sneaky, everyday kind that hide where you least expect them. Fun, funny, and a little bit ewww - this episode has it all! All The Clopen Links: https://lin…
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From hot dogs at Coney Island to lamingtons in Australia, competitive eating contests are one of the strangest - and most fascinating - traditions around the world. Today, we’re talking about the wild history, the training secrets, and even the dangers of this stomach-stretching sport. All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect $2/mont…
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Wowee, we do love to laugh at ourselves! This episode is no different! We talk about road trips and rest stops, snacks and car ride games. Thanks for being here! We are really having a great time with all of you! All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect $2/month keeps us recording and bringing you all the laughs! https://the-clopen-e…
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This week, we talk about classic wives' tales, we read some great ones from our listeners, and get a little depressed about zoos. Oops. Anyway - enjoy this week's episode! All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect $2/month keeps us recording and bringing you all the laughs! https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy Our Cool M…
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Food festivals are so fun! We love them and talk about the most popular, iconic, largest, quirkiest, weirdest, and longest-running. We talk about our local ribfest and the Bristol Renaissance Faire (Kenosha, WI). All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect $2/month keeps us recording and bringing you all the laughs! https://the-clopen-e…
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ROY G. BIV Colors don’t just look good in a store, they actually do something to our bodies. When our eyes see a color, the signal travels to our brain, and that can change how we feel, even how fast our heart beats. Red makes your heart beat faster. That’s why stores use it for clearance tags and sales—it screams buy me now! Yellow is like sunshin…
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In this episode, we chat the world of bread and the math behind it (sort of), with our special guest, Jason! Jason 'drives' us through his bread delivery route, explaining how the numbers, store stops, and fresh bread logistics all come together. Meredith tries her best to follow along, but admits… she still doesn’t really understand how it works. …
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Guests: Mama Brianna & Baby Daisy 🌼 This week, we welcome the sweetest guests, Mama Brianna and her 9-month-old daughter, Daisy! We explore the origin of the name Daisy, its meaning (“day’s eye”), and why it's the perfect fit for such a bright little soul. We also give a shoutout to Dented Gate Flower Garden in Woodstock, IL, a local gem filled wit…
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We ket AI write this recap, Lol: In this laugh-out-loud episode of The Clopen Effect: A Funny Retail Podcast, Cass shares a wild story about a customer who stood directly in her way — and refused to budge. We break down the awkwardness, the tension, and the hilarity that happens when retail workers are just trying to do their job… and shoppers are …
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She’s back! In Part 3 of our Secret Squirrel series, our favorite AP expert returns to talk about the people who take a chance at stealing and how often they get caught. We explore the quick decisions, bold moves, and bizarre attempts that happen every day in retail. We also play the '"Have You Ever?" game for some fast and fun AP confessions. Be s…
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Cancer is not funny. Let’s be clear about that. But sometimes the situations we find ourselves in as retail workers leave us so stunned, all we can do is laugh or cry. In this episode, Cassandra shares one of those moments. A customer casually dropped a very personal and medically graphic detail mid-conversation, leaving her wondering, “What do I e…
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Cassandra survives a sizzling Vegas heatwave and finally sees her first Elvis impersonator. Meanwhile, Meredith has a moment: she thought she saw a woman with no arms… but it was just a cold-shoulder shirt. Laugh with us this week! It's a good one! All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect $2/month keeps us recording and bringing you …
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We chat about how much time we actually spend in our cars, from sitting at red lights and waiting to turn left, to crawling through construction traffic and waiting in drive-thru lines. We also talk about how those minutes add up to days each year. We discuss coffee creamers and how we plan to make millions real soon. $2/month keeps us recording an…
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One of us now knows the danger of Dry Ice in a closed vehicle. Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide (CO₂). When it “melts,” it doesn’t become a liquid; it sublimates directly into a gas. That means it turns into carbon dioxide gas, which displaces oxygen in the air. All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect $2/month keeps us recording and …
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What the heck is a WigglyBush!? We dug into America’s $176B landscaping obsession, wild HOA rules (no red mulch?!), and Cass’s yard glow-up thanks to Johnny. From mulch math to HOA drama, we laughed, learned, and maybe judged a lawn or two. Cass even aced the landscaping quiz, and Meredith learned about helicopter seeds. 🌱🎙️ All The Clopen Links: h…
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Can Cassandra guess all the grocery words before time runs out? PLUS, we dish on Costco culture and share some real talk about surgery recovery (yes, even the parts no one warns you about). All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect $2/month keeps us recording and bringing you all the laughs! https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/supp…
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Happy 200th Episode to The Clopen Effect! Let's talk about mattresses. Helpful Links: All The Clopen Links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support the Show & Keep Us Recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy Our Cool Merch: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shirt-256038010043042814 💩 Check Out Our Other Podcast – Anx…
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In this episode, Meredith and Julia talk pizza, pasta, and the Pope while traveling in Italy. Cassandra brings the sunny (and sometimes chaotic) energy of Florida. No deep dives here, just funny moments, quirky details, and the little differences we noticed between these two worlds. It’s all about enjoying the stories, sharing some smiles, and mayb…
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Kristen, owner of Aeon Gallery in Richmond, IL. joined us for laughs and a sneak peek into her Absinthe Lounge’s incredible upcoming vendor event, Spring Awakening, on April 27th! We chatted about her haunted photo book and the mysterious forces that knocked Moscow Mule mugs off the hooks. Good vibes, great art, and maybe a ghost or two - just how …
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Many choose Retail as a fast-paced, people-driven career for the energy, flexibility, and growth opportunities (sort of). It’s not always easy, but it builds strong skills, opens doors, and can even lead to big money at the top. We’ve also got some hilarious retail-themed movie quotes and titles to share because if you’ve worked retail, you know it…
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Americard VS. Mastercharge (and somehow we talk about diseases, too)
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40:11Ever wonder how credit cards went from old-school charge plates (cha-ching!) to the tap-to-pay magic we use today? In this episode, we take a fun look at the history of credit cards, their quirks, and how they’ve been hilariously portrayed in cartoons. From the first Diners Club card to Marge Simpson maxing out her limit, we cover the good, the bad…
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Let’s be honest: We’ve all been on some questionable virtual calls. From camera etiquette to knowing when (and when not) to unmute, we’re breaking down the dos and don’ts that make meetings smoother, more productive, and way less awkward. Whether you’re guilty of talking on mute, multitasking a little too hard, or enduring never-ending silences, th…
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In this episode, we explore the history of cheese, including how it's been around for 7,000 years and how the largest cheese wheel ever made weighed 57,000 pounds! We also touched on fun cheese facts like the cheese cave in Missouri and the (gross) world of maggot cheese. Plus, we celebrated 10 and 25-year wedding anniversaries! All the Clopen link…
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Here's a quick recap of the history of chocolate. And correct, Meredith never knows how to pronounce anything. It's all good: Ancient Origins Chocolate’s history dates back over 3,000 years to Mesoamerica (modern-day Mexico and Central America). The Olmecs (1500-400 BCE) were likely the first to cultivate cacao and use it for ceremonial drinks. Lat…
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The five stages of grief... we mean, a retail work day. Also, pork shoulder butts, bad drivers and winter weather. Building Resilience at Work - the certified course! All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy merch here because it's cool: https://…
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Let's talk third shift! We’re talking about the realities of overnight work with Hannah - she knows the ins and outs of the night shift grind. Download this episode for insights, a fun chat, and a quiz about living the late-night schedule! #ThirdShift #NightShiftLife #AClopenEffect #podcast Building Resilience in the workplace - new course from Mer…
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This week's episode is so fun! Here's a recap: Funny Billboards – We've seen some of the wildest and cheesiest billboards, including lawyer ads and the infamous Brian Urlacher hair restoration billboards. Hulk Hogan & Bret Michaels’ Bandana Hair Mystery – Why these guys love their headwear and how Bret Michaels keeps his rockstar look intact. Every…
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Cassandra's sister is here! "Win for Life" and what we dream of having forever, like free coffee, concert tickets, or no more bills. We also laugh about funny TikToks, with Meredith admitting she'll miss the jewelry reveal videos that brought her so much entertainment. Along the way, we poke fun at ourselves for aging into phrases like “reels” and …
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This is, without a doubt, the FUNNIEST episode we’ve ever recorded! Meredith got a Roomba for Christmas and finally settled on the perfect name: Obi-Wan Cleanobi. But that’s not all - download the episode to hear the hilarious list of other name options. From clever puns to pop culture gold to Star Wars-themed, this episode will have you laughing o…
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Meredith quizzes Cassandra on streaming services' taglines, and we uncover a couple of modern trends that people may regret in the next decade. All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy merch here because it's cool: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clop…
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Surviving retail during the holidays can feel like navigating a battlefield of long lines, stressed-out customers, and the relentless demand for cheer. And a cheesy list of funny retail sayings to bring 'humor' to the holiday madness. All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-ef…
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"Captain Obvious" moments are when someone points out the glaringly obvious, hilariously unnecessary, or overly stated facts of a situation. They’re funny because they take something so basic and spell it out, making everyone stop and think, “Well, duh!” In this episode, we chat about painfully clear observations, including Meredith’s classic momen…
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The besties are here! We talk about the history of Santa and take a quiz. The Origins Santa's story starts with St. Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian bishop from Myra (modern-day Turkey). Known for his generosity to children and the poor, St. Nicholas inspired legends that were passed down through generations. From St. Nicholas to Sinterklaas to Sa…
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Jen from Jenuine Coffee joined Meredith and Cassandra for this episode, adding her unique perspective to this funny discussion! In this episode of Chewing the Fat, we take listeners on a journey into the origins of (mostly) food-related phrases, exploring their history, meanings, and cultural significance. The episode is filled with fascinating tid…
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It's DEER week! One of our husbands hit a deer last week, and a couple of our friends have too! We talk deer statistics, top road kill, and driving stories. All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy merch here because it's cool: https://www.zazzle…
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Get ready for some pie talk! Top selling pies, what we think about everyone’s choice in pies, and Cass has a fantastic conversation with a customer! All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy merch here because it's cool: https://www.zazzle.com/the…
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Why is it dark out already? We are already listening to Christmas music and watching Christmas movies on Hallmark. Also, from A&W to McDonald's, we explore the oldest franchises, clever branding, and secrets to staying relevant for generations. All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the…
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It's meat reset time! Also - the most popular sandwiches and balancing fun and professionalism are important when choosing a costume for a work event. We talk about some costumes that might be considered inappropriate and some that might be perfect. Happy Halloween! All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us …
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Cassandra bought a new coffee pot, and Meredith thought she’d enjoy the Smoked Butterscotch coffee. We also discussed the most popular days for call-offs and the top Halloween costumes for 2024, as reported by USA Today and Time online, Cassandra's yearly tradition, we share videos we love and laugh at, including pinky toes getting painted, ASMR cl…
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Is there a National Retail Day? Yes, the third Wednesday of October is National Retail Day. How do we celebrate a National Day of Retail? We discuss a few ideas: employee appreciation, an appreciation event, a team-building activity, recognition programs, rewards, or PIZZA. Donating your time and money, school fundraisers, Petit Fours taste like ha…
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Some of the most saturated businesses and what makes some more popular than others. Also, The 23 Most Profitable Businesses in 2024 from Nerd Wallet All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy merch here because it's cool: https://www.zazzle.com/the…
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Let’s talk pumpkins and recipes! Also, Meredith's Halloween children's book is here: https://a.co/d/eImQWXg Did you know pumpkins are more than just a Halloween decoration? Pumpkins are packed with nutrients, and over 1.5 billion pounds are produced each year in the U.S. alone! From soups to pies, pumpkins add a delicious twist to fall recipes. Tha…
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Spooky season music is back! Kaitlyn attended the CIA in New York and tried to learn as much as possible every semester. We all seem to love sweets. Meredith often visits Stan's, and Kaitlyn answers all our questions, including wine pairing with desserts. The dream? Getting her cupcakes in the hands of a Bears player! All the Clopen links: https://…
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A quick 21 minutes of fun because we lost power! Say no to flannel sheets, the hottest day of the year is here, the lights kept flickering, Meredith had the wrong info about Liquid Death water, some facts about Halloween candy from World Metrics, 'six pack single serve chocolates', lights out and we didn't quite make it full circle All the Clopen l…
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Drew and his mom, Judy, are here! Judy has lost over 200 pounds, and she shares her day-to-day life now after surgery. Drew visited the Philippines and talks about his adventures there. All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy merch here because …
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Uniforms worn in retail, music in stores and why they play them, Meredith ages herself a couple of times, songs that make you think of retail, we were today years old when we learned that OJ was not driving the Bronco, what happened to the baby!? Music by By Paul Simon ©Paul Simon Music, You Can Call Me Al All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/th…
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Cass was in an accident, Meredith was in an accident when she was 16, demand-driven retail products in 2024 influenced by various factors, technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and global trends. We talk through some of the notable demand-driven products for this year; everything pumpkin, Stanley Cups, meat alternatives, sparkl…
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Reviews and ratings have become one of the biggest trends due to several key factors, and we discuss them! Also, Julia is here! All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy merch here because it's cool: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shir…
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