Best Clopen Effect Podcasts (2025)

1
Vegas Schmegas 42:29

Play Pause

3d ago42:29

42:29

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 …

1
Do Not Engage 42:56

16d ago42:56

42:56

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…

1
Who Dun Did It!? The Dry Ice Edition 36:47

23d ago36:47

36:47

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 …

1
Gardening Tips and Tricks with The Clopen Gals 42:45

28d ago42:45

42:45

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…

1
Quizzes, Costco and Surgeries 37:06

1M ago37:06

37:06

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…

1
The Mattress Money Madness (Our 200th Episode!) 41:50

1M ago41:50

41:50

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…

1
Pizza, Pasta, Pope (Episode 199!!) 1:35:17

2M ago1:35:17

1:35:17

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…

1
Spring Awakening with Aeon Lounge 58:15

3M ago58:15

58:15

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 …

1
The Depresso Espresso Episode 31:35

3M ago31:35

31:35

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…

1
Americard VS. Mastercharge (and somehow we talk about diseases, too) 40:11

3M ago40:11

40:11

Ever 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…

1
The Do’s and Don’ts of Virtual Meetings 35:03

3M ago35:03

35:03

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…

1
Say Cheese! 47:17

4M ago47:17

47:17

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…

1
Chocolate, Chocolate and More Chocolate 46:22

4M ago46:22

46:22

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…

1
Happy Valentine's Day - Let's Laugh 44:11

4M ago44:11

44:11

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://…

1
Staying Awake with Hannah 51:32

5M ago51:32

51:32

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…

1
Sloth Punch Love - Billboards 36:38

5M ago36:38

36:38

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…

1
Win For Life (With Jenn) 33:11

5M ago33:11

33:11

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 …

1
Name Your Gadget 45:58

6M ago45:58

45:58

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…

1
Taglines and Ten Year Trends 43:25

6M ago43:25

43:25

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…

1
Retail - Where the Spirit of Christmas Goes to Die 43:52

6M ago43:52

43:52

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…

1
Captain Obvious 39:04

7M ago39:04

39:04

"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…

1
Popo Gigio - The Besties 54:58

7M ago54:58

54:58

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…

1
Chewing the Fat with Jenuine Coffee 46:23

7M ago46:23

46:23

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…

1
Oh, Deer! 39:11

7M ago39:11

39:11

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…

1
Haul Out the Pies 34:15

7M ago34:15

34:15

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…

1
Would You Like Fries With That? 38:09

8M ago38:09

38:09

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…

1
Spooky Sandwiches and Inappropriate Work Costumes 43:30

8M ago43:30

43:30

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 …

1
Manic Mondays and Spooky Toes 48:26

8M ago48:26

48:26

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…

1
Celebrating National Retail Day 31:17

9M ago31:17

31:17

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…

1
The Saturation Situation 49:23

9M ago49:23

49:23

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…

1
Spooky Season is Here 42:02

9M ago42:02

42:02

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…

1
CupKaits by Kaitlyn 54:18

10M ago54:18

54:18

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://…

1
Lights Out! 24:09

10M ago24:09

24:09

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…

1
Drew and a half Mom 58:03

10M ago58:03

58:03

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 …

1
Polyester Pants and Pirates 34:02

10M ago34:02

34:02

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…

1
Cass's Cars and Mere's Motors 39:57

11M ago39:57

39:57

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…

1
Five 1 Star Reviews 45:36

11M ago45:36

45:36

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…

1
Fox Hole Pizza and Pub, McHenry IL 40:51

11M ago40:51

40:51

OPEN for business! Let's talk pizza and the secret recipe (which really wasn't a secret)! Fox Hole Pizza and Pub in Mchenry, IL: 3308 W Elm St, McHenry, IL 60050 Phone: (779) 704-2158 Menu: foxholepizzaandpub.com All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/supp…

1
Micromanaging with Fear 40:34

11M ago40:34

40:34

Managing with fear is a leadership style where leaders use fear as a primary tool to motivate employees and achieve organizational goals. This approach often involves threats, intimidation, and a strict, punitive environment. Here are some key points to consider about managing with fear: Characteristics of Fear-Based Management Intimidation and Thr…

1
Ma'am! We Know Where You're At! 40:31

12M ago40:31

40:31

Flat tires, rude tow truck techs, why are people waiting for so long to GO at a green light, pedestrians really need to look, motorcycle safety, the bike that was hit by the lady 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 co…

1
The Pieceful Project at the McHenry River Walk Shoppes 38:50

12M ago38:50

38:50

Jess, Owner at @thepiecefulproject, and Amy, Director of Chamber Outreach & Economic Growth and McHenry Riverwalk Shoppes @mchenryareachamber are here! River Walk Shoppes are located at 1202 Riverside Dr, McHenry, IL 60050 The Pieceful Project in Cary, IL: 27 Jandus Rd, Unit A, Cary, IL, 60013 All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect…

1
Larry to Dairy 34:44

12M ago34:44

34:44

Meredith had an anxiety attack at a store, Cassandra was irritated and maybe a little crabby, questioning life choices when working retail, when did we start working so hard?, we get personal for a moment about shaving, Happy Birthday week to Cassandra, the bad storm in WI, we work at the same place so we can't really call off together, Rockstar of…

1
Drewmany 1:18:43

1y ago1:18:43

1:18:43

Droogle visited Drewmany, and we got to hear all about it! Drew, thank you so much for bringing wine and chocolates and for sharing your incredible experience of Germany with us! 9 Luftballons · Nena, Die Band ℗ 1983 BMG Rights Management GmbH, Released on: 1991-09-09 All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep u…

1
Timed Tasks and Stupid Signs 39:04

1y ago39:04

39:04

C'mon, corporate, add a little more time to the tasks we complete in stores! Also, we had to hang signs this week. Why are we having conversations on the sales floor? Store directors don't have offices for private conversations. Management is always walking the floor. People need to mind their own business and let others do their work! It's cherry-…

1
Hunky Wes on the Beach 59:49

1y ago59:49

59:49

Nikki took a mental health day and joined us for the third time on the podcast! She shares tips on avoiding website scammers and protecting yourself from online fraud. Also, Meredith used the word defrosted when she should have used the word thaw, and Wes has fantastic calves. All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here …

1
Ants in Our Pants 28:22

1y ago28:22

28:22

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, training everyone as if they are your replacement, ants keep crawling on Cassandra (or was it just her microphone cord?), it's OK to stay in the same role, Meredith goes into a 20-minute conversation about one salad dressing, resetting the resets, there are so man…

1
Mandy, You Made Me So Happy 37:36

1y ago37:36

37:36

It's been a long week, Meredith doesn't sleep, Cassandra is a great sleeper, some couples are super loud at the store, loud laughs, SAL-MON, gas prices are high again (gross), how do people do it with RVs, the not-so-great chicken picture, light-hearted and funny ways to close an email from Chatgpt, thank you to Mandy from Old Navy "May your coffee…

1
The Mish Mash and Side Hustles Episode 47:59

1y ago47:59

47:59

Meredith just woke up from a nap two minutes before recording and keeps yawning, air fresheners, we talk about everyone’s side hustle and some random ideas from ChatGPT, we talk about budgeting, you have to think you're craft is the best to sell it at a craft show, Meredith no longer plays scratch-offs, and Cassandra no longer has credit cards, Con…

1
Tattoos and Concerts 40:46

1y ago40:46

40:46

Tuesday was rough, we need a vacation, the lady who spoke too much, Cass and Meredith are getting tattoos from JCDurtArt, https://www.facebook.com/jcdurtart, go to the concert, what the word RETAIL means according to ChatGPT All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.capti…

1
The Anon-Salon 1:02:15

1y ago1:02:15

1:02:15

The anonymous salon owner and talented hair stylist friend share fun stories about the 'whatever' lady who wants only 7 highlights, the lady with the tic on her ear, learning how to do hair on a cadaver, perms are definitely back, and mustaches are fire! Meredith's new book here: https://a.co/d/1TBStVH All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclo…